The RV life toolkit you might not know you needed

Having lived this RV life for five years now and having camped for fun and on those government-sponsored camping trips in the infantry, I’ve learned a few things here and there that not only help with comfort but also can help you make repairs in a pinch. Some of these things are for general maintenance, while others are magical temporary fixes for your RV breakages and other things. But a good RV toolkit is essential.

RVing, whether full-time or part-time, requires a unique set of skills and tools to handle the challenges of life on the road. RVs are compact living spaces with complex systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), which need regular maintenance. Tools and items like HVAC tape, which offers a cleaner and more durable sealing option compared to traditional duct tape, are crucial for ensuring efficiency and comfort. So, let’s dive in with the RV life toolkit and see what may very well help you when you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The RV life toolkit

Is everything on this list essential? Well, it depends on who you ask. This list includes things that you will likely need at some point, whether you are a full-timer or someone running off for the weekends.

What is true is that anything – anything – can happen. So, as the scouts used to say (maybe they still do) — be prepared! You never know when a breakdown may occur, or maybe a sudden pesky air noise comes overnight.

HVAC tape

This little jewel isn’t just for ductwork. HVAC tape offers a great alternative to duct tape. While duct tape is used for ducts, it doesn’t come as clean as HVAC tape — that shiny aluminum foil tape.

The main advantage (when you don’t really need it for strength) is that it leaves a more durable seal than duct tape. When you remove it, it doesn’t leave behind as much residue. Also, you could possibly do a layer of HVAC tape and then put duct tape over it for strength — it depends on the needs.

I’ve used it to seal windows in the winter, or actually just recently, when the back window seal became loose and was causing a horribly loud wind noise. The nice thing about it is that it will last — even in the desert sun and through the rain and snow. You also never know when you may have to run an extension cord through the wind or something. It allows you to seal the window without leaving the horrible residue that duct tape may leave behind.

Duct tape

We all know this is the miracle tape. I’ve had to use it many times. One such time was for a leaking fuel neck. On big rigs, the fuel neck is often in two or more pieces (mine is three sections).

The fuel hose connected to the fuel tank ripped while taking it off to do a fuel line repair, leading to the tank. The properly sized hose was not available, so I used duct tape. Importantly, this wasn’t really a problem because it isn’t actually holding fuel, so it was a quick and easy temporary fix.

Electrical tape

This Beast is from 1987. So, electrical tape is a must. However, no matter the age or type of RV, carry electrical tape. Anything can happen, from accidental snags to mice, rats, or squirrels chewing your wires.

Cordless drill and impact driver

The drills can have various uses. Most notably, the impact driver often makes changing tires a lot easier — especially if you have big truck lugs and nuts like my Beast.

Wrenches and socket sets

The uses here are unlimited. Just be sure to get an appropriate set for your setup, from small to large. Also, be sure to have sockets big enough for your lugs (mine are 1.5 inches). You won’t just need the set but also all the appropriate adapters (1/4″ to 3/8″, 3/8″ to 1/2″, and 3/8″ to 1/4, etc).

These are essential for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts on various RV parts, such as plumbing fixtures, propane tanks, or suspension components. I highly recommend a basic metric and SAE socket set for versatility. Remember, you should be checking important nuts, especially after a bumpy road such as highway 89 in Northern Arizona near the border.

Screwdrivers and bits

Here you want to have both bits and physically screwdrivers, both short and long. You never know what screw you’ll have to tightened or unloosen. Be prepared.

Pliers

Again, this is something you’ll likely need at some point. You’ll need these for gripping, grabbing, cutting wires, plumbing tasks, and more. Be sure to include needle-nose, lineman, channel locks, locking pliers, and possibly crimping pliers for electrical.

Hammers

These are useful for driving tent stakes, adjusting leveling blocks, or performing minor repairs. An axe can also double as a heavy hammer for cutting firewood and is beneficial for camping scenarios. Consider getting both a framing hammer and a mini-sledge.

Extra electrical wire, fuses, and connectors

Also, a little extra electrical wire is a good idea. Four years ago, I was in the middle of nowhere and cutting a hole in my cargo trailer conversion for the solar wires. As luck would have it, I drilled right through the trailer wires. This killed my running lights, so I had to fix it.

I keep 12 AWG, which is good for most car applications, but also extra wiring for batteries and solar. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, expect a power failure in the form of a short or cut wire. It has all happened to me.

You’ll also want to keep extra connectors and fuses from the solar to the vehicle. Obviously, the types of fuses will depend on the application and type used. You’ll want to figure all of that out before hitting the road. The Beast has both AC and DC fuses. The backup solar charges I have have AC fuses, whereas I also have HRC fuses guarding my solar system.

Knife or box cutter

From electrical to general cutting, you’ll want a knife for a box cutter.

Multimeter

You’ll need this for testing electrical systems (12V and 120V) and ensuring safe power connections. I can’t count the number of times I have used mine.

Tire pressure gauge

Don’t trust electronic gauges on vehicles. These are prone to failure. You’ll always need an analog gauge to check your tires, whether on a car or an RV.

Flashlights or similar lighting

This is pretty self-explanatory. However, I like to have enough light that I can see outside very well. I have a rechargeable high-lumen flashlight as well as a rechargeable work light. I’m always in the wilderness, and that comes with crawly creatures to wild dogs (coyotes or wolves) to bears.

Chock blocks

Don’t trust your brakes alone. You need to chock blocks on your wheels and preferably chock them in both directions. I typically chock at least two wheels, but if I am working on a vehicle or changing a tire, I chock all three wheels.

This beast is over 15,000 pounds. If it rolls over you or someone else, you will likely die or have a runaway vehicle that can destroy property or other lives. Safety first. On a side note, when having work done or tires replaced, be sure that the staff chock the wheels. I have been to a tire center where the staff did not chock the wheels. I went in and diplomatically warned them and chocked them for them.

Levelers

This is something else that people neglect. Surfaces are not always level. In addition, I prefer to have my RV lean a little to one side because of acid reflux. But, even if you have levelers (even the Beast has hydraulic levelers, they just don’t work), you need to consider the surface. You may need leveling blocks under the levelers.

If you’re on gravel or pavement, you may not need something to level your ride, however, leveling isn’t the only consideration here. If you are boondocking or on bare ground, remember, your vehicle and levelers could sink if it rains or if the ground is soft. So, it’s not a bad idea to have blocks or cut 2″ x 6″ boards for the tires or purchase some leveling blocks.

Bottle jack and stands

A good bottle jack (8-12 ton) is also essential for changing tires or other things. For a class A RV, I’d recommend no less than 10-12 tons on the jack stands, while a class C would be 6-10 tons, and a class B would be 3-6 tons. It all depends on the weight of the vehicle. When in doubt, contact a reputable mechanic.

Zip ties

There are unlimited uses for zip ties. From wires to bundling almost anything. You’ll want to get assorted sizes. I recently had a tire de-tread and the rubber ripped down some wires that were tied up. You’ll never know when they’ll come in use.

Tarps and tie-downs

These have multiple usages as well. I recommend multiple sizes as well.

One of the biggest reasons that I have tarps is in case the roof or windows spring a leak. I’ve had both window and roof leaks. Don’t forget the tie-downs.

Conclusion

After five years of living the RV life, complemented by my experiences camping both recreationally and during military service, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. The RV life toolkit outlined here—from versatile HVAC and duct tapes to essential tools like cordless drills, socket sets, and multimeters—equips you to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend adventurer, these tools and supplies ensure comfort, safety, and self-reliance on the road. By staying proactive with maintenance and being ready for quick fixes, you can embrace the freedom of RV living with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for whatever challenges come your way.

Do you have questions? Ask in the comment section below or hit the forums. I’d love to hear from you.