Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

As a full-time RVer, it is extremely important to have a well-stocked RV toolkit. Whether traveling down the interstates in the United States or down the Yellowhead in Northern Canada, one can never be too prepared in any emergency situation.

Having your own RV Tool kit checklist next to your camping list checklist should be like two peas in a pod, and at the ready at all times.

The purpose of today’s article is to give you a few different scenarios and options for those just in case moments, those long-term stay moments, and those “can I borrow a screwdriver” moments from your neighbor at any RV park near a golf course.

Let’s dive in and see what makes the cut!

Essential Tools for RV Maintenance and Repair

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To get straight into it, everyone should have at least one of each of these essential tools whether its in the back of your pick-up truck or in the pass-thru storage in your 5th wheel or travel trailer.

• – Screwdrivers – A #2 Robertson, Phillips, and Flat head screwdrivers are your main 3 screwdrivers to have on hand. Small and large handled ones can be another topic and discussion, but personally, the standard length is just fine. I have an assortment of screwdrivers and bits that fit a cordless drill. Both are exceptional and come in handy when needed.

• – Wrenches – A number of different wrenches could be utilized, but here’s what you need to know for wrenches and RVs. A 9/16″, 15mm, 3/4″, and adjustable wrenches (at least 2) should be all you need. You may choose to get the standard and metric wrench sets to have more on hand, which can be ideal to store in your tool kit, but sometimes it can get too bulky. I find the adjustable wrenches work rather than lugging around 90 lbs of extra wrenches you may never need.
• – Pliers and wire cutters – Having 1 of each of these tools is more than sufficient. You could even contemplate adding in a pair of channel lock pliers and a vice grip. One specialty pliers option is that for electrical wires, for the off chance you need to crimp connections together. For visual reference, this pair from Amazon is rather impressive, and rather practical for those occasions.

• – Tape measure and level – As odd as it may seem to need a tape measure, 2 reasons why these are good to have in your tool kit. 1 is to measure the height of your trailer to make sure you clear those low hanging over-passes. And 2, to level off your RV when you arrive to one of your campgrounds in the Kootenays. Those bubble levels are good up until a point, so its good to carry an extra level, at least a 4′ one just in case.

• – Multimeter – This tool should be included in your RV tool kit checklist because you will have electrical problems over time – It’s inevitable. The most common usage would be in setting up a solar panel or checking your voltage on the house battery.

• – Duct tape, zip ties and WD40 – Red Green would approve that every tool kit should have duct tape. Next to electrical tape, duct tape has a use for everything. If it can’t be held together with duct tape, add zip ties to the list. And for those hard to remove items, WD40. It even removes duct tape residue so they work in unison.

• – Silicone sealant – In some instances, you may need to do a quick repair on your RV awning or roof. This is where this tool comes into play so you can do just that.

• – Spare fuses and bulbs – It’s most definitely essential to carry the right size of bulbs and fuses needed when towing your trailers. This is for those times when a signal light isn’t working where its best to change a bulb than get a ticket.

• – Jumper cables – The last essential item on your RV tool kit checklist are jumper cables. These should be stored in your vehicle for the most part, but are 100% designed to give your battery a boost in case of emergency.

Speaking of emergencies…

RV Emergency Kit

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Another item for your checklist should be that of its own tool kit, in the form of an emergency kit. This is different from your essential tool kit, but should come with the basics as well.

These items include:

A. Flashlights and extra batteries

B. First aid kit

C. Fire extinguisher

D. Emergency road kit

E. Weather radio

For a really good read on First aid Kits, have a read on this article: What is the Best First Aid Kit for Camping? – 2 Options!

RV Exterior Checklist

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Now what about a checklist in general and categorizing your tools needed for each section of your RV? This is where starting at the exterior of your RV is the best place.

Here you’ll want to start with the Caulking gun and sealant listed in your tool kit. The concept of having this aboard for the purpose is to seal leaks and omit dust from entering the RV.

Another useful tool to add to the exterior checklist is the spare tire and tire changing tools. Most RVs come with spare tires already, but go through your wrenches to make sure you have the right sizes to remove the lug nuts. Another great recommendation is that of your Black Jack Repair kit which you can read about in this article:

BlackJack Tire Repair Kit: KT330 Review – The Best in the World!

Let’s not forget about tools that are needed to install an RV cover. This exterior tool in itself is used to keep your RVs stored from snowfall and protect from fading in the sun.

How about an awning repair kit? You’ll need the tools necessary to replace any Solera Power Awning Parts you may come across.

Lastly on your exterior checklist should be tools to complete any roof repair. Although Liquid Rubber is possibly my favorite leaky roof repair product, there are many kits available as good alternatives, as such, this entire kit from Amazon that covers up to 40′ of RV roof shown here:

RV Interior Checklist

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Moving from outside your RV to the interior, this checklist should have the following:

1. Tool kit for furniture repair – This is tricky as the furniture included is mostly made out of 2×2’s and brad nails. I found a bunch of wood screws and a circular saw to be my tools to keep on hand.

2. Spare light bulbs and fixtures – Although some RVs are starting to come with more LED styled lights, It’s not a bad idea to stock up on 1 or 2 fixtures. Merely a suggestion however.

3. Cleaning supplies – If you’re going to be using your unit for long term, or a short weekend getaway, DO NOT FORGET these essential tools.

4. Carbon monoxide detector – Already factory installed in most models, this item can be over-looked. If you’re uncertain if you have one, or are in need of one, have a read on the article below that explains why these units are important.

Safe-T-Alert RV Carbon Monoxide Propane Gas Alarm – A Review of Model 25-742

RV Plumbing and Electrical Checklist

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Just as important and categorized even further we move into the plumbing and electrical department. Just like your common household you may feel the toolbox getting bigger and bigger, and you’re not quite sure where to store everything. Don’t worry, I have a solution for you at the end of this article.

The most common tools needed for this department include:

• – Water pressure regulator and hose
• – Sewer hose and fittings
• – Surge protector
• – Electrical adapters
• – Water filter

There are a few well-known brands that can help you get situated in this department, Camco being the top name that comes to mind.

RV Kitchen Checklist

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As you may have thought I was going to keep it basic, in case of an emergency, you need tools, and when it comes to kitchens in an RV, the most basic tools needed are cookware and utensils.

Let’s not forget these other essential kitchen tools to add to your checklist:

• – Cooler or refrigerator
• – Dish soap and sponges
• – Trash bags
• – Portable Grill or Stove

Conclusion

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Let’s recap the importance of having a well-stocked RV toolkit. First we introduced the essential tools needed for RV maintenance and repair. Items included your basics to a couple of specially noted items like wire crimping pliers and a multimeter.

Then I led you to the Emergency tools needed which included a fire extinguisher and first aid kits among other items. Lastly, leading you to other scenarios and options to give you a checklist of tools based on sections of your RV.

In categorizing the exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical and kitchen departments, you should now have a fully stocked tool kit ready to hit the road.

Having these tools will help you in preparation for maintaining and repairing your RV, should those occasions arise. This will ensure that your travels are safe and enjoyable for many days to come.

Needing a place to store these tools? As promised, my solution:

What are your thoughts on these tools for your RV? Were there any missed? Leave a comment below, and let’s add some more!

Happy Camping!

Cheers!