Tools for a van dweller

[Unca_T]

Hey Gang-

I was wondering what tools van dwellers bring with them in their vans.
I think this would be a great new video series.
What do y'all think?
What tools did or would you bring with on your journey?

Thanks.
Trevor

 

[Wabbit]

I brought my confused roommate if that helps any...(kidding!). She was awesome thru these past 3 days.

For tools I have a decent craftsmen's tool set and way to many Ryobi cordless tools. The salesman was very convincing...

 

[SoulRaven]

Hey Gang-

I was wondering what tools van dwellers bring with them in their vans.
I think this would be a great new video series.
What do y'all think?
What tools did or would you bring with on your journey?

Thanks.
Trevor

I personally would go nowhere without a grinder. Seriously. Cordless drill. Rubber hammer, small sledge.  This is the VERY short list.

 

[TrainChaser]

Screwdrivers (both kinds), pliers, crescent wrench, channel locks, wire cutters, hammer, tape measure, utility knife, a set of Allen wrenches, set of 4" C-clamps, heavy-duty extension cord (25 or 50 ft), saw (whichever type you think would be most useful), Dremel and accoutrements, decent straight edge/ruler, right-angle, safety goggles, gloves.

Decide what you can do, and take the tools to do it. If you gain more abilities, you can gradually add to your tool collection.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I'd take a bit more if I was traveling full time, but at the absolute very least in my truck I always have my tool bag which is an assortment of hand tools (pliers, channel locks, cresent wrench, screw drivers, hammer, vise grips, utility knife, electrical tape, duct tape, zip ties, asst or hose clamps, spare fuses) I have a small set of craftsman sockets and a full set of open ended wrenches. A 4 way lug wrench and bottle jack. A tow strap, a flash light, 12v compressor, tire repair kit and a 2' length of pipe/cheater bar.

When full timing or traveling any distance i'll add some cordless tools, larger socket set, come a long, farm jack and possibly jack stands and floor jack depending on space. Used to have a great little one I loaned out and it never came back.

I also always have a small duffel bag in my truck and it contains a spare change of clothes, windbreaker, poncho, down vest, down sleeping bag and basic toiletries. This is more for the times I find myself staying over a friends/relatives house unplanned or head out on random adventure that turns into an overnight rather than emergency use, but good to have a change of clothes just the same should what i'm wearing get soaking wet during a road side repair or what not.

 

[RVTravel]

Several other threads on this topic.

 

[djkeev]

Home Depot waterproof storage boxes, 2 large, 2 small.
Plus a tool roll.
Fits in a carry case. With these tools I can repair almost anything that I encounter




Dave

 

[masterplumber]

I'm not sure I have enough with me. 

 

[Ballenxj]

I would take a small basic set that would include a 3/8" drive socket set, a couple pair of pliers, a couple screwdrivers, (1 ea. blade & slot) don't forget a roll of electrical tape,  a good jack with 4 way lug wrench, jumper cables, and you will be fairly well set.  I'm also considering a good 12v compressor.
Now for the smallest and most important tool, a Triple A card in your wallet.
PS, a Swiss Army Knife could also be handy. Keep that in your pocket.

 

[bullfrog]

In my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 I carry a tire plug kit, 12 volt air compressor, Ryobi 18 volt impact gun with impact socket for tent pegs and lug nuts, wench, sand anchor, tow strap and accessories, large pry bar, and shovel. In the three years I've had it I have only had to use the tire plug kit, air compressor and impact gun on my truck. I carry everything else to get other people out of my way!

 

[GotSmart]

I'm not sure I have enough with me. 

That will teach you not to clean it out!

 

[DrJean]

Not only basic tools, but a jig saw and electric drill.... but also wire cutters, glass break, fire extinguisher, road flares/cones, first aid in case I come upon a car accident.... PS I really like the flex fix plumber's tape..."metal" tape that flexes around joints cold or hot.

 

[Queen]

I'm not sure I have enough with me. 

Pile that a little higher and it would look like the back of my dads truck, even after he retired. 

 

[Ballenxj]

In my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 I carry a tire plug kit, 12 volt air compressor, 

Dang, thanks for the reminder! I used to carry a tire plug kit at least several vehicles ago. It got lost somewhere in the shuffle, and I have since forgotten to replace it.

 

[bullfrog]

Lots of sharp rocks go through my street tires on dirt back roads looking for out of the way places. Never had flats back east, so if your coming west on street tires a 12 air compressor and tire plug kit will pay for themselves in saved tow bills. Glad to be of help!

 

[MrNoodly]

You can get by with only a few tools if you hang around other nomads who brought a pile of them.

I've been able to borrow a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, an angle grinder, a pop riveter, a breaker bar, wrench sizes I don't have, a hack saw...

Look for a guy with a cargo trailer that's not converted to living space.

 

[MrNoodly]

a 12 air compressor and tire plug kit will pay for themselves in saved tow bills.  Glad to be of help!

Because spare tires take up too much room. 

 

[steamjam1]

In my van, I always carry a full set of shallow, and deep sockets, cordless 3/8 impact, Alen keys, Torx bits, large set of channel locks, stubby and long screw drivers, a new un-open tube of RTV, one large pry bar, needle nose pliers, vice grips, and a full set of combination wrenches up to 5/16". A tub of grease, WD40, starter fluid, candle wax, a pencil torch, A BBQ lighter, A multi meter and 12v light circuit tester, the one special tools I need for FI Ford (The fuel line disconnect "bagels".) A small selection of bolts and nuts of various common sizes, A tire plug kit, 12v compressor that can go up to 200PSI, a box of tampons, A 110V DC capable on board mig welder, aluminum weld rod, and no less then a 12 pack of emergency IPA beer. With that I can fix 99% of my Ford RV.

More important then that, I carry a Factory Service Manual.

 

[masterplumber]

Pile that a little higher and it would look like the back of my dads truck, even after he retired. 

The sad part is John's reply isn't far from the truth - that picture is the cleaned out version. And besides my cargo trailer camper conversion, I also have another larger cargo trailer full of tools. One day I'll retire and hit the road long term, but I'l have to have one heck of a sale first!

 

[SoulRaven]

The sad part is John's reply isn't far from the truth - that picture is the cleaned out version. And besides my cargo trailer camper conversion, I also have another larger cargo trailer full of tools. One day I'll retire and hit the road long term, but I'l have to have one heck of a sale first!

Let us know when you do! I've seen that trailer!