25 Valuable RV Tool Kit Items You’ll Actually Use

The more you RV, the more you’ll learn the value of having an RV tool kit readily available. While you’ll see and do many incredible things, there will be times for maintenance or repairs.

Emergency repairs won’t wait until the most convenient time either, so having an RV tool kit and maybe some MacGyver skills can be just the right solution! 

What Is an RV Tool Kit and Why Do You Need One?

An RV tool kit is a collection of standard tools and items to assist with RV repairs and maintenance. Different situations call for various tools, so having an array of commonly used items can be handy.

Every RVer should have an RV tool kit easily accessible. There are so many tasks needing attention, and having the right tool can make them more manageable. Sometimes these tasks happen at inconvenient times, and you’ll need to make repairs from the side of the road or a parking lot. The Boy Scout motto is, “Always be prepared,” and we think it’s an appropriate motto for RVers too.

Where Can I Buy the Best RV Tool Kit for My RV? 

Amazon and many big-box retailers will have pre-made tool kits. These kits will include general items you’ll find helpful in repairs and maintenance. These kits are a great place to start, but building your own kit means you have a customized set of tools you know you’ll use.

23 Tools That Should Be in Your RV Tool Kit 

Unnecessary tools in your kit waste space and add weight to your RV. You don’t want to carry around tools you’ll never use–and you certainly don’t want to be without the right tools when you need them most! Let’s look at some tools we think anyone should have in their RV tool kit.

1. Hammer/Rubber Mallet Combo

A hammer/rubber mallet combo combines two tools into one. This combination helps save space and weight. Both a hammer and rubber mallet serve many functions in and around an RV.

A hammer or mallet has a seemingly endless number of uses, but one of the most obvious is driving stakes into the ground to secure tents or tarps.

2. Pliers

Every tool kit needs a quality set of pliers. Needle nose pliers are a great choice because they have a sharp tip to assist with grabbing items.

RVs are full of small parts that are often hard to reach, and needle-nose pliers can be just the tool to get the job done.

3. Duct Tape 

Whether it’s a permanent or temporary solution, it’s no secret that Duct Tape can be an excellent solution for many jobs. Duct Tape is a go-to tool for many, especially when in a crunch. It can hold broken storage bay doors closed while traveling, patch holes, seal packing boxes, and so much more.

It sticks to multiple types of surfaces as well. Sometimes, you just need something to hold together long enough until you can properly repair it, and Duct Tape will be your saving grace! 

4. Wire Cutters

When adding or modifying anything connected to your RV’s electrical system, you’ll need a solid set of wire cutters. You’ll need to cut and splice electrical wire when you’re doing simple tasks like changing lighting or fixtures or connecting a repeater to your RV battery. A good set of wire cutters will quickly do the trick!

5. Utility Knife

A quality utility knife is a must for any RVer. You’ll need a good utility knife to easily open all of your Amazon deliveries, right? 

Seriously though, a utility knife is super handy! It can cut rope, tape, and other materials around the campsite. Many RVers use utility knives for various RV modification jobs too.

6. Screwdriver (Multi-Bit)

Your RV has hundreds of screws in it. Screws hold together everything from the exterior construction to your kitchen cabinets. Having a screwdriver, especially a multi-bit set, makes it incredibly easy to tighten any loose screws around the RV.

Many RVers find themselves using a screwdriver so often that they store their multi-bit set in a utility drawer in the living space.

7. Tire Pressure Gauge 

Traveling with your RV tires over or under the correct tire pressure can be incredibly dangerous and may cause considerable damage to your RV over time.

Using a simple tire pressure gauge to monitor tire pressure is an excellent start to both maximize your tire’s life and get better fuel economy. 

8. Heavy-Duty Work Gloves

Your hands can take a beating while RVing. A pair of heavy-duty work gloves can protect your hands and fingers when carrying firewood or doing repairs. They can also add grip when needed. 

It only takes pinching the skin on a finger or your hand once before you order a set of heavy-duty work gloves, so save yourself from learning a painful lesson and add these to your RV tool kit today!

9. Zip Ties 

Zip Ties are an RVer’s best friend. Did you know there are even reusable zip ties? These cheap pieces of plastic are the new Duct Tape.

Zip ties have a seemingly unlimited amount of uses and are easy to replace. They’re great for temporary or permanent jobs, and even if they break, they’re cheap and easy to replace. You’ll be surprised how many ways you can use zip ties around your RV.

10. Flashlight 

Flashlights aren’t just great for taking on night hikes but also for peering into your RV’s dark spaces. This tool can provide light when working in cabinets or under your rig. 

Any flashlight will do, but some of our favorites have magnets on the end, so you can connect the flashlight to a metal piece on the RV and position it for optimal visibility. Then, you’ll have two free hands to get the job done instead of one.

11. Multimeter 

A multimeter measures the voltage, continuity, and resistance in electrical components. These are essential tools for checking faulty connections and diagnosing the health of electronics.

RV electronics may perform inconsistently and can fail at a moment’s notice. Having a multimeter can help you pinpoint the component that’s not sending an electrical signal.

12. Tire Inflator

A tire inflator can help you air up tires on your vehicle, trailer, or bike. You might think you can just use the air compressor at your local gas station to air up your tires, but it’s not that easy with an RV. Many gas stations aren’t set up for RVs to pull through and are often difficult to navigate. 

A tire inflator can fix any pressure issues before you hit the road. Plus, it’s so much more convenient to have an air compressor with you at your campground or on the side of the road when you get a flat! 

13. Set of Allen Wrenches

Allen wrenches, or hex keys, have a hexagon (six-sided) shape. A set of Allen wrenches is inexpensive and has so many uses! You might use it to put together furniture or tinker with bicycles and other large toys. 

Their L-shape means you can inert a generous amount of force when tightening or loosening things. This increased torque helps create a tighter connection and increases stability for furniture and other items. Some RV furniture will require Allen wrenches to put together or repair pieces.

14. Socket Set

A socket set is a fundamental piece of any tool kit, regardless if it’s RV-specific or not. Socket wrenches help tighten the nuts and bolts around your RV. You’ll also frequently use sockets when doing repairs on mechanical items like generators and other equipment. 

RV manufacturers use a handful of sockets during construction. Items like the anode rod in your water heater or lug nuts on your tires may require a specific size or depth socket. So, you’ll want a socket that fits every nut or bolt on your RV. 

15. Cordless Drill with Bits

A cordless drill gives you the freedom to move around without worrying about a power cable. Technologies have advanced in recent years, and cordless drills last much longer and provide more power than earlier models.

Combining a cordless drill with a set of bits can help you with many repairs or DIY projects. A drill makes screwing and unscrewing screws much easier than a screwdriver. 

16. Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool

A Swiss army knife or multi-tool comes with many different tools built into it. Carrying one will give you pliers, a knife, a screwdriver, and sometimes even a bottle opener.  Many RVers choose to carry these on their belts as they use them daily. 

17. Lubricant

Many of the crucial mechanisms in your RV will benefit from staying lubricated. Slide components, your hitch, and even the seals on your slide perform better and last longer when you oil them regularly.

Keeping a supply of lubricants for the parts available is the best way to keep up with this. Below is one of our favorite lubricants to have on hand.

18. Caulk Gun and Caulk

A caulk gun and caulk will help protect your RV from water damage. Having these two essential tools in your RV tool kit makes it easy to regularly inspect your RV’s roof and address issues. Water damage is nothing to take lightly. It can be an expensive repair, and preventative maintenance helps prevent even the slightest bit of water from entering your RV.

Pro tip: Check with your RV manufacturer to confirm which type of roof you have and verify if you need a specific type of lap sealant.

19. Telescoping Ladder 

While your RV may come with a ladder to give you access to the roof, a telescoping ladder is still beneficial. These ladders are incredibly light and easy to move around your RV while doing essential maintenance checks on seals or fixing windows. Checking your window seals can be incredibly difficult if your only access is from the roof. 

20. Jump Starter Box for Batteries

So many components depend on the battery system for power, but they don’t last forever. And without a jump starter box for your batteries, you could be waiting on the side of the road until a good samaritan comes along with a fully-loaded RV tool kit. 

21. Folded-Blade Saw

A folded-blade saw is handy around the campsite. Whether you’re cutting smaller pieces of wood for a campfire or sawing a limb away from your RV, these tools are ideal. You’ll get a bit of a workout when sawing, but their compact design and ease of use make them an obvious choice for RVers. 

22. Tire-Changing Kit 

Unless you’re part of a racecar’s pit crew, chances are you don’t enjoy changing tires. A tire-changing kit can make this job easier with the correct tools for the job.

You don’t want a tire flying off as you travel down the interstate with your RV. Having the appropriate supplies can take the stress away from the task and get you back on the road sooner and safer. 

23. Water Bandit 

A Water Bandit can quickly and easily connect to most standard hoses. This unique piece of aquatic equipment is perfect for damaged or stripped threads on water connections.

It’s excellent for quickly connecting your RV’s water hose to any water spigot. You’ll fill your water tank in no time! 

24. Thread Tape

This is a small but mighty addition to your RV tool kit. Every campground has different water spigots. Some leak more than others. Having this thread tape on hand quickly prevents leaks when connecting your water hose.

25. EternaBond Tape

EternaBond tape is great to have in your toolkit. It can be used as an alternative to lap sealant. Additionally, it’s helpful for small (or large) tears in your roof membrane. It’s waterproof and can be used in all weather conditions. Not only that but it can be used on all types of roofs.

What’s in Your RV Tool Kit? 

As you can see, there are many tools that you’ll find helpful in your RV tool kit. Most don’t take up much room, and you’ll be glad you have them! Having the appropriate tools can help reduce anxiety and stress, especially in emergencies. 

What tools do you recommend that we didn’t include?

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API