Whether you decide to go camping or you’re just about that RV lifestyle – you’re going to need some tools at your disposal. Considering that every camper has limited storage and carrying capacity, you can just add any tool you have and call it a day. Instead, you have to think things through and decide on some essentials to always have around.
If you can’t be bothered to think about it too much, don’t worry, we’ll help you. On that note, we’ve decided to put together a list of all the necessary tools everyone should have in their camper or an RV. So, without further ado, let’s check them out!
1. Folding Ladder
A folding ladder is one of the most important tools or pieces of equipment you should have in your camper. Not only is it compact enough to fit in basically every RV on the planet, but it is also incredibly useful. Let’s say you’ve set up camp somewhere in the woods and you want to hang your light off of a branch that you just can’t grab. Instead of climbing on a chair and risking falling and injuring yourself – grab ladders instead.
Not only that but a ladder could more than useful for camper roof maintenance. Since these vehicles spend all of their time under the sky, the wear and tear from the weather can be pretty significant and it’s mostly going to show on the roof. With ladders, you’ll be able to easily reach even the toughest spots that need to be serviced and your camper is going to last you a long time.
2. Axe
Anyone that spends enough time outdoors understands just how essential it is to have an axe or a hatchet by your side at all time. It is truly one of the most versatile, yet simple tools known to man. An axe can turn out to be useful in way more instances than we could possibly imagine. From cutting wood for a bonfire to potentially even self-defence, although we hope you never have to use it in that matter.
3. Hammer
Another classic, but very versatile tools you should always keep in your camper is the hammer. There are many types of hammer, but if you can, choose the one with a rip claw. That should allow for a much greater range of application that you can get out of this tool. A solid hammer with a rip claw can be used to, well, hammer things, as well as rip out nails, bend things, pry something apart or something completely different.
4. Utility Knife
You can, and probably should keep as many knives in your camper as you can. Each and every one of them serves a purpose and it is best to have a dedicated knife for each of those things. A utility knife is often overlooked when we’re talking about tools but it really shouldn’t be that way. A basic utility knife will come in handy in various situations and while it is true that you can use your pocket or Swiss knife to do most of the things you’d use a utility knife for – it’s best to keep your pocket knife sharp for some other time.
5. Adjustable Wrenches
According to Craftsmanprotools.com, there’re more than 20 types of wrenches you can use for your projects, but if you don’t want to buy all of them, you can just get an adjustable wrench. No one should be able to call themselves a handyman if they don’t have at least a few of these bad boys. Adjustable wrenches are one of the best and most versatile tools and only a handful of those can replace a whole set of regular wrenches. Since storage could be an issue in an RV, as we’ve said in the beginning, these puppies should be a part of your toolbox.
6. Socket And Ratchet Set
Even though adjustable wrenches can come in really handy in most situations, even they can come up short from time to time. Fortunately for you, if you have a socket and ratchet straps lying around – you’re in the clear. Most of these sets come with more than 40 or 50 pieces, so you shouldn’t have to worry about having the right accessory.
7. Toolbox
Now, we can’t talk about tools and equipment without talking about toolboxes. Although technically, these aren’t tools – they do contain tools, so, we’ll give it a pass. All in all, if you’re someone that likes to have plenty of tools around, it would be wise for you to keep them organised and in one place and to do so – you need a toolbox. Naturally, there are plenty of toolboxes to choose from, therefore, if you want to begin your search for the right toolbox right away, check these out!
8. Fix-A-Flat & Tire Repair Kit
A Fix-A-Flat kit should by no chance be your alternative to having a spare tire in your camper. However, since accidents happen more often than we’d like them to, it might be wise to have one of these just lying around. Also, keep a tire repair kit on hand, as well. These should come in handy until you can visit the auto repair shop and get your tire problem sorted out.
9. Flashlight
Somehow, people have forgotten just how useful a flashlight can be. Most of us have a mobile phone that can double as a flashlight, but that’s simply incomparable to the power of an actual flashlight. If you have to get out during the night, a quality LED flashlight could make your surrounding as bright as day, which is not something you’d be able to do with just a regular, smartphone flash. If you don’t want to carry a flashlight, you could always grab a headlamp. That should also come in handy, especially if you need your hands for some manual work.
10. Multi-Bit Screwdriver
We’ve saved the best for last. A multi-bit screwdriver is probably going to be your best friend in an RV. Try and find one that’s both compact and it comes with several different heads. You don’t need to go too crazy with the head versatility as most screws in the camper are pretty much standard, so a few flat and Phillips heads should do the trick.
Conclusion:
There you go. Those were our top 10 picks for the most essential tools to keep in your camper. Naturally, if you’re someone that lives in an RV full-time, you might need a few extra tools, but we’ll save that for another time.
