41 Essential Items That Should Be Must Have in Every RVer’s Tool Kit

When you buy your new RV, the temptation is to believe that it will last forever and never suffer any maintenance problems.

Though the truth is, most RVs live a hard life. Especially if you like to boondock off the grid or camp in primitive locales. 

All this wear and tear can add up with time. When something does go wrong, and it will, you will want to have the right tools close at hand. 

Of course, there is no one be-all-end-all complete master tool kit for RVs.

With that in mind, we decided it was a good idea to put together a comprehensive list of some of the best tool kits, roadside assistance packs, and specialty tools so you are properly armed with trouble rears its ugly head. 

General Purpose Tool Kits

Even the simplest teardrop camper or popup camper can still have a fair number of moving parts and fasteners that need attention.

As you step up inside to travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and motorhomes the number of tools you need to keep everything in good working order can be staggering.

As you can imagine, the better and more complex your RV is, the more extensive you need your tool kit to be. 

1: Craftsman 981080001 Stainless Steel Mechanic’s Tool Set

This is an extensive kit, which is perfect for larger or more complicated RVs.

It has tons of hand tools for just about every occasion, which will make it easy to tighten and loosen fasteners, work with plumbing fixtures and get at problematic electrical components.

Best of all Craftsman has a reputation for backing their tools with a lifetime warranty.

Though to redeem that warranty, you do need to go through one of their licensed retail distributors or work with their online customer service portal. 

This RV tool kit includes:

2: Arcwares ZJX001 Aluminum Trolley Case Tool Set

There is a lot of conveniences built into the Arcwares 799pcs RV tool set. It comes with a trolley kit, which is handy for loading and unloading.

The compact case then fits snugly in just about any RV storage compartment.

It even includes a tool belt, which lets you bring select tools for a specific job with you, as well as a pair of work gloves, which you need on hand. Best of all, the price tag won’t take a big bite out of your budget. 

This RV tool kit includes:

3: WORKPRO W009037A Hand Tool Set + Drill

For a relatively compact tool kit, at a very friendly price, you get an awful lot of hand tools that are great for fixing and maintaining an RV.

You also get a heavy-duty DeWalt cordless drill, which will come in handy more times than not.

The RV hand tool set comes with a heavy-duty canvas carrying bag, which makes it easy for you to bring with you. The DeWalt cordless drill comes in its own separate hard case. 

This RV tool kit includes:

4: DEWALT DWMT73803 168-Piece Tools Kit and Socket Set

In recent years, a lot of the best RV manufacturers have started phasing out nails and screws as primary fasteners in favor of nuts and bolts.

This makes a high-quality RV socket and ratchet set like this one from DeWalt, worth its weight in gold. 

The RV tool kit includes:

5: REXBETI Premium REX041 Tool Kit with 16 inch Tool Bag

This Rexbeti 169-piece RV took kit is great for a modest-sized RV like a popup camper, teardrop camper, or a small travel trailer.

It has most of the common, simple hand tools you will need to repair and maintain your RV.

It also comes with a convenient tool bag made from heavy-duty canvas to store it all. Yet still small enough to fit into most RV storage compartments. 

This RV tool kit includes:

6: CRAFTSMAN CMMT99446 57-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit

This is a more modest RV tool kit offered by Craftsman. It has most of the hand tools you will need to maintain most travel trailers, popup, and teardrop campers.

Best of all, it is still backed by Craftsman’s lifetime warranty, which comes standard with all the hand tools they sell.

All at a price that won’t take a bite out of your RV adventure budget. 

This RV tool set includes:

7. BUSSTAN BSTT198TT 198 Piece Hand Tool Kit with Plastic Toolbox

This is a budget tool kit with a case that comes with a lot of convenient hand tools.

It is jam-packed with 198 of the most common hand tools that you will need to repair and maintain your RV. All in one compact, lightweight carrying case.

Though if there is a complaint here, it’s that the tools are so tightly packed that they can sometimes be challenging to pull out and put back in place quickly. 

This RV tool kit includes:

Roadside Safety Kit

Just like your car, your RV will also benefit greatly from including a roadside safety kit. This is critical for any type of motorhome.

Though even if you are towing a fifth-wheel or a long travel trailer, you might want to also bring along an RV road safety kit in addition to one in the one you keep in the tow vehicle.

This will spare you having to go back and forth to get what you need on a long rig, while also helping to maximize your trailer’s visibility while doing things like changing a tire on the hard shoulder in the dark of the night. 

1: Performance Tool W1555 Roadside Emergency Kit

This roadside assistance kit includes some simple hand tools, which will come in handy. It also has a reflective triangle, hex keys, and jumper cables.

Though the tow rope that comes with it suggests that it is meant more for lightweight teardrop campers, small travel trailers, and popup campers, rather than big rigs. The inclusion of a basic first-aid kit is also a nice touch. 

This RV tool kit includes:

2: HAIPHAIK B07PPD6ZKV Safety Road Side Assistance Kits

The HAIPHAIK Emergency Roadside RV Tool Kit is very thoughtfully laid out with a lot of the tools and items that you might need to get a trailer or Class B RV out of a jam when boondocking or camping off-road.

This includes things like a heavy-duty tow strap and a portable shovel. It also comes with a lot of common fuses and hand tools. 

This RV tool kit includes:

3: Beloskida Basic NKCAR016 RV Safety Road Travel Kit

This is another very thoughtful and comprehensive RV roadside emergency kit. It is decked out with a lot of little things that you might not realize you need until you need them.

This includes things like a portable shovel for digging your RV out of sand, mud, or snow.

A glass breaker tool, heavy-duty jumper cables, and tow strap. There’s even a high visibility jacket and reflective triangle to make sure you are seen by oncoming traffic when changing a flat tire on the hard shoulder.

You even get a first aid kit and emergency rain poncho. Though it is curiously missing common replacement fuses, even though it comes with a handy fuse puller!

This RV emergency tool kit includes:

4: Kolo Sports KS-0106 Multipurpose Emergency Pack Tool

This roadside emergency RV tool kit has all the essential items you need when you are stuck on the hard shoulder, like a high visibility jacket, reflective triangle, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, and tow strap.

Then it also includes some other things that you might not realize you need until you absolutely need them.

This includes things like zip ties, tire repair kits, glow sticks, and bungee cords. There’s also a small hand tool kit with small screwdrivers, nut drivers, and bits. 

This RV took kit includes:

Electrical RV Tool Kits

RVs and stubborn electrical gremlins go together like peanut butter and jelly.

While a comprehensive hand tool kit will take care of a lot of mechanical issues, and help you deal with all manner of fasteners, you will still likely find yourself wishing that you had an RV electrical tool kit like one of these onboard. 

1: WiderCable 0721248989277 Soldering Iron Kit

This is an extensive electrical RV tool kit and soldering set. You might not use it a lot, but you’ll appreciate having it when you need it.

It has tons of wiring and soldering components as well as essential electrical tools. It even includes a digital multi-meter.

Though there are two minor, yet unfortunate omissions, in that it doesn’t include common replacement fuses or wire nuts. 

It also includes a downloadable e-book to help you understand how to make the most out of this RV electrical kit. It’s also backed by a 30-day guarantee. 

This RV electrical tool kit includes:

2: InstallerParts 22811 15 In 1 – Professional Network Tool Kit

This is a collection of critical, professional-grade electrical tools. It includes everything you need to strip wire, run a new wire, crimp, and perform other critical electrical repairs or installations.

Though it doesn’t include a multi-meter or fuses. Though it does come with other critical electrical testing tools.

This RV electrical tool kit comes with:

3: WORKPRO 582 Electrical Repair Kit with Wire Cutter

This is a kit full of connectors and wiring components that likely won’t get a lot of use in any one given RV adventure.

Though it will be worth its weight in gold to have it on hand when you need to complete a complicated wiring repair. 

This RV wiring kit comes with:

4: VKALTUL BT260 Automotive Circuit Tester Probe Kit

This is a convenient, and simple power tester kit that can help you diagnose a wide range of RV electrical problems.

It offers up what you would generally use a multi-meter for in an RV, but without all the other unnecessary features of a multimeter that drives up the price.

It’s affordable and gives you the ability to do things like test AC and DC voltages, test resistance, test diodes, and diagnose the kind of overload issues that are usually associated with short-circuiting wires. 

This RV electrical kit comes with:

5: Power Probe PPROKIT01 Measure Test Kit

This is the comprehensive “Cadillac” of electrical test kits. It’s probably overkill for a smaller travel trailer, pop-up camper, or teardrop camper.

Though it could really come in handy on a larger rig. Especially if you are planning to upgrade the electrical system or add in things like solar panels or a wind generator. 

This RV electrical kit comes with:

6: CrocSee 250 Pieces Fuses Assortment Kit

It’s often the smallest things that cause the biggest problems. Especially if something like a minor short or a split second overload from a generator starting causes a fuse to blow in your RV.

In times like this, having an inexpensive little automotive fuse kit like this one on board can truly save the day.

It includes a staggering array of blade fuses for automotive, boat, and RV use. 

Vice Grips For An RV Tool Kit

One of the things you might notice missing from a lot of automotive and RV tool kits is vice grips.

They are often considered to be a specialty tool, which means you need to buy them separately.

Though they certainly come in handy in an RV where you may need a wrench to hold one component, while you step away to manipulate another.

When you consider how relatively inexpensive they are, you should definitely have one of the following vice grips sets stowed permanently on your RV. 

1: FASTPRO 43398-37971 4-piece Locking Pliers Set

While they don’t carry the proprietary “Vice Grips” brand name, this set also doesn’t carry the overly inflated brand name price.

It comes with a 5-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch Curved Jaw Locking Pliers, as well as a 6-1/2″ Long Nose Locking Pliers.

2: KOTTO UP_Lock-PL 5 Pack Set Locking Pliers Set

This is another great set of locking pliers. Each one has coated handles, which can come in handy if you are working on a project where you have to do a lot of frequent hard clamping.

This set includes a 5 Inch, 7 Inch and 10 Inch Curved Jaw Locking Pliers, as well as a 7 Inch & 9 Inch Long Nose Locking Pliers with Storage Bag.

RV Tire Pressure Gauge

It is a sad, and unfortunate fact that a lot of blowouts that leave motorhomes travel trailers, and campers stranded on the hard shoulder are a result of low tire pressure.

Before leaving home, leaving camp, pulling your RV out of storage, or putting it in storage for the winter, you should check the air pressure in each tire.

While you might be able to get by with a cheap manual pressure gauge, they can be inaccurate and frustrating. 

1: AstroAI ATG150 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

While you might be able to get by with a cheap manual pressure gauge, they can be inaccurate and frustrating.

This RV tire pressure gauge by Astro AI is battery-powered. It has four different settings and includes an easy-to-read backlit digital display, which will come in handy if you need to change or checka tire in the dark of night.

2: TIRETEK TT-GS06-QBR2 Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge

This is an upgraded version of the old-fashioned tire pressure gauge that your dad used to teach you how to check tire pressure.

It has a round clock face that is easy to read, and a price tag you won’t lament. 

Portable Air Compressors

RV tires can be just as prone to developing a slow leak as a car or truck tire.

It can be especially vexing if you find out one of your tires has run low in the middle of a long drive, or you are testing your tire pressure before leaving camp only to find one or more tires is desperately low.

Not to mention all those times when you need to change an RV tire on the hard shoulder, only to find that your spare is woefully low after months of storage.

Adding to this frustration is the fact that most service stations put their air compressors in places that are nearly impossible to back an RV up to. 

With so many ways for a low RV tire to frustrate you, it only makes sense to keep some type of portable air compressor on board.

However, the tiny ones that plug into your pickup truck’s cigarette lighter don’t have a lot of compressor power.

They might manage to add one pound of pressure to the tire in a minute while being just as likely to blow a fuse.

In times like this, you will thank yourself for having a quality air compressor like one of these on your RV. 

1: Amazon Basics AC010178C Portable Air Compressor

This is a great portable air compressor for the price. Best of all it comes with alligator clips that let you connect it directly to a 12 Volt DC battery.

It’s just as capable of inflating an RV tire or truck tire as it is a pool floaty or an air mattress. 

This Amazon Basics portable air compressor is capable of producing up to 120 PSI, which is great for filling up a low tire in a reasonable amount of time.

It comes with a 16.4-foot coiled hose, as well as an easy-to-read digital gauge and LED light.

2: GSPSCN B077N9PXV3 Heavy Duty 150PSI Tire Inflator

This portable air compressor is robust. It has dual pressure cylinders and a direct drive inflation pump.

It can run directly off DC power and is capable of producing up to 150 PSI, for rapid inflation.

It comes with a variety of tips and an extension to let you fill up all kinds of things with air. 

Flashlights & Head Lamps

Even if you have the right tool for the job, you will still end up stranded if you can’t see what you are doing.

Especially if your RV has a problem at night, or you need to change a tire after the sun has gone down.

In a time like this, you’ll be thankful you had some of the following lighting options onboard your RV. 

1: FANT.LUX FTHL2121 Headlamp with All Perspectives

When it comes to something as seemingly simple as a headlamp, the price tag on this FANT Lux LED headlamp might seem exorbitant.

Though it truly is a high-quality lighting solution that the competitors just can’t hold a candle to. 

The FANT lux is rechargeable, which spares you the cost of constant battery replacement. Its energy-efficient LED light offers a 230-degree field of illumination.

It is also waterproof, rated to produce up to 350 lumens, and the headband was designed with comfort in mind.

It’s such a great headlamp, that you might want to consider buying a multi-pack so everyone in the family has one. 

2: LE Rechargeable B00Y8AHZYC LED Camping Lantern

One of the great things about this LE Rechargeable LED camping lantern is that it will happily live in your RV as a functional camping light.

Then it can pull double duty to keep your hands free while you need to do things like change a flat tire on the side of the road at night.

It is rechargeable, waterproof, and energy-efficient. Not to mention rated to produce up to 1000 lumens for times when you need to see into the back of a storage bin or spot that lug nut you accidentally dropped.

3: Coquimbo 2-8107 COB Rechargeable Work Lights

There are times when a straight-forward unidirectional light just isn’t enough. This might be checking a dually tire’s pressure, working on an RV plumbing fixture, or running wires through the bowels of your RV’s underbelly.

In times like this, a magnet adjustable light like this Coquimbo Rechargeable Work Light comes in handy.

It is rechargeable, durable, and adjustable up to 360 degrees. Best of all it comes with a magnetic base, which lets you put it where you need it to be, while still leaving your hands free. 

RV Plumbing Tool Kits

Besides chasing electrical gremlins and dealing with tire problems, plumbing issues tend to be one of the most common RV problems that need to be dealt with.

Unfortunately, a lot of the hand tools you find in standard tool kits and vice grip/locking pliers don’t open wide enough to fit most RV drain pipes.

In times like this, you need a good pipe wrench kit and specific plumbing tools. 

1: KOTTO B091JSYQNN Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench Set

At first glance, these might look like pretty typical pipe wrenches. Though they are taken to the next level with special heat treating to improve durability, as well as reduce the risk of rusting in the long term.

They also have soft grips and come with a storage bag to keep them all together. You get 8, 10, 12, and 14-inch pipe wrenches for just about any RV plumbing problem. 

2: DURATECH DTOMPW10 Cast Iron Offset Pipe Wrench

While it’s not technically part of an RV plumbing tool kit, this offset plumbing wrench will come in handy when you need to loosen drain pipes and water lines in hard-to-reach places.

Especially when you consider that most RV plumbing is crammed into hard-to-reach places to save on space. 

3: EGSTAOR B094J34K69 Bathroom Adjustable Wrench

This is another plumbing wrench that was engineered to let you work in tight spaces.

It has a variety of settings to let you work on hard-to-reach water lines as well as drain pipes in cramped spots like in an RV bathroom. 

4: FlexiSnake DWPSK5A Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner

Hair clogs and slow drains can happen in RV plumbing just as easily as they can in a home.

Though a lot of the plumbing fixtures and drain pipes in an RV are not as robust as those used in a residential plumbing system.

Not to mention gray and black water storage tanks don’t take well to caustic chemical drain cleaners.

That’s where a durable, yet flexible drain snaking system like this one comes in handy.

It has various extensions to let you adjust it to the unique dynamics of your RV’s plumbing system. It includes five replacement wands. 

Tape & Adhesives

There are times when you need to hold something in place and trust that it will stay there.

This might be a loose piece of trim that you don’t want to lose on the drive home or a simple laminate corner on a counter that you want to stick back in place before it breaks off.

Keeping some of these tapes and adhesives in your RV’s tool kit lets you stay prepared for these sticky situations. 

1: Gorilla ‎6009002 All Weather Waterproof Duct Tape

Gorilla Tape is a progressive step up from traditional gray duct tape. It uses a superior adhesive bonding agent that has much better water resistance.

The exterior layer of the tape is also waterproof. This makes it a far superior option for outdoor temporary repairs.

The fact that it is available in basic black instead of stark shiny gray also helps it blend in a little bit easier. 

2: Gorilla ‎6060002 Crystal Clear Repair Duct Tape

Here again, Gorilla takes a step up from old-fashioned clear packaging tape to create a type of clear duct tape with superior adhesive.

It also holds up better for outdoor use. Special care was put into engineering it to not yellow due to prolonged light exposure, which is handy for outdoor repairs that have to last longer than being a “Short Term Fix.”

3: Gorilla ‎6036002 Double Sided XL Mounting Tape

There are times when you want to perform a short-term fix like holding down a loose section of RV carpet or sticking down a loose piece of veneer, but you don’t want to risk the trouble that can come from trying to superglue it in place.

These are perfect scenarios, where double-sided mounting tape like this comes in handy.

It is formulated with Gorilla’s brand of strong adhesive to keep things in place, yet can still be reasonably peeled away later when it’s time to make a more permanent repair. 

4: TR Industrial TR88503 Heavy Duty UV Cable Ties

In times when you can’t glue or tape something, you can always turn to adjustable zip ties to help hold things in place.

Great for managing your appliance power cords, wires, and cables, as well as improvised short-term fixes. 

5: Lermity B-7000 Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive

Superglue might have had its hay day, but advances in polymer adhesives have come a long way since the 1980s.

You see that represented in the durability and versatility of this three-pack multi-purpose adhesive. 

Ratchet Straps, Bungee Cords, and RV Tie Downs

There are times when you need to secure something in place and trust that it isn’t going to come loose at highway speeds.

Especially if you are using exterior cargo racks, a golf cart carrier, hauling an ATV, or bringing construction supplies with you to camp.

Unfortunately, some of the best tie jobs will still come loose at the most inopportune time.

Keeping spare bungee cords, ratchet straps and replacement tie-downs in your RV can really save the day!

1: RHINO RATCHET-4PACK-P Tie Down Straps

This is a great value pack of ratchet straps from Rhino, an industry leader in tie-downs. It includes four 1-inch wide by 15-foot long ratchet straps.

Each strap has a weight rating of just over 1,800-pounds. It also comes with a carrying case to keep them organized, which is handy as ratchet straps love to get tangled into a frustrating snarl, right when you need them most. 

2: STANLEY S1007 Heavy Cargo Hauling Ratchet Tie Down Straps

This is a pair of heavy-duty ratchet straps that are better suited for things like securing a golf cart or an ATV.

They can also come in handy if you have a toy hauler and you don’t want your UTV or snow machines bouncing around in the cargo bay.

Each Stanley ratchet strap is 1.5 inches wide and 16-feet long. They are rated for up to 3,300-pounds each. They are also available in four and eight packs.

Tow Straps & Chains

No one sets out on a fun RV adventure expecting to get stuck in the mud or have their beloved travel trailer slide into a ditch.

In these times, having a few heavy-duty, highly rated tow straps or chains can save you hundreds of dollars in tow truck costs or industrial equipment rental.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that short, weak little straps like you might use for an ATV will be ill-suited for the job of pulling a heavy RV out of a tough spot. Not to mention potentially dangerous. 

1: ALL-TOP AT11000-9CBS Nylon Heavy Duty Tow Strap

This is a heavy-duty micro-braided nylon tow strap that is rated for up to 35,000-pounds.

It is 3-inches wide and 35-feet long, which comes in handy if you need to pull your RV out of a steep situation, or a large patch of mud. The nylon strap is also rated for up to 22% elongation. 

RV Jacks & Jack Stands

Most new RVs come with the necessary jacks to support them for a basic tire change on the hard shoulder.

Though they have a limited lifespan, not to mention a knack for disappearing when the RV is traded in or sold to a third-party private buyer.

If you don’t have a jack rated for your motor home, trailer, or camper, and you suffer a catastrophic flat tire, it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars to have the professionals take care of it.

At the same time, not all RVs come with Jack stands to help support the rear suspension system of the RV.

Keeping a pair on board to add stability when parked up at camp, when working on the RVs underbelly, or putting it away for seasonal storage can take a lot of strain off your RV’s tires and suspension system.

1: Powerbuilt 640912 Bottle Jack and Jack Stands

This aluminum jack is lightweight and compact. It measures in at 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″High for easy storage in your RV.

Its patented design means that it can serve as both a jack stand and a bottle jack.

It has a safety bar that locks the unit at the desired height and has a maximum weight capacity of up to 3 tons, which will handle tire changes on most travel trailers and smaller. 

2: Kohree HY1700-HM 5600lbs RV Stabilizer

These Scissor jacks are rated to hold up to 5,600-pounds when used in tandem.

Like most scissor jacks they are meant more for changing tires and making careful height adjustments for doing things like working on the underbelly of your RV.

They aren’t really intended to pull double duty as jack stands. Still, you do get two very functional jacks at a reasonable price. 

3: BIG RED T43202 Torin Steel 3 Ton Jack Stands

The Big Red is a robust jack that can also pull double duty as a jack stand. It has a weight rating of 3 tons and with this set, you get a pair of them.

While the jack isn’t as compact or as light as an aluminum counterpart, you can trust its heavy-duty nature to hold firm, which makes it a great companion jack for a larger travel trailer than a fifth-wheel trailer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Just Bring My Home Tool Kit When I Use My RV?

Bringing your home tool kit on your RV adventure might seem like a simple money-saving move.

Though a lot of times what ends up happening is that it gets forgotten, and you don’t realize it long until you’ve left your driveway in the rearview mirror.

Before you know it, you’ve got a leaky faucet, or a loose wire in your RV, and the family blame game starts turning your RV vacation upside down like the Poseidon Adventure. 

Where Is The Best Place To Keep My RV Tool Kit?

If you are lucky, your RV tool kit won’t get a lot of use. This can make it tempting to shove it away in some deep dark storage compartment in the back of your rig.

Unfortunately, this will compound the problem if something goes wrong while you are underway, your RV is packed to the gills with camping equipment and the slide-out sections are collapsed. 

Ideally, you want to keep all of your RV tools either right near the primary door or near the hatch of an exterior storage compartment.

Then make sure that the compartment has some type of lock. More than one RV tool kit has been stolen while the owners were away, as tools are easy for would-be thieves to sell and rarely ever tracked. 

Conclusion

There is an obvious temptation to load your RV to the gills with enough tools to make a professional mechanic green with envy.

Ultimately, it’s best to start small with some of the basic essentials, and then gradually purchase more RV tools over time as your needs grow. This will also reduce the initial impact on your budget. 

Right off the bat, you should stock your rig with a dedicated RV tool kit like the Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanic’s Tool Set or the WORKPRO W009037A 322-Piece RV Tool Kit With DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill.

Then add in an absolutely essential tire pressure gauge like the AstroAI Digital RV Tire Pressure Gauge. 

If your RV doesn’t come with one, you should seriously invest in a roadside emergency kit like the HAIPHAIK Emergency Roadside RV Tool Kit, and a quality headlamp like the FANT LUX LED Headlamp.

This will give you what you need to change a tire on the hard shoulder in the dark of night.