Tools for a van dweller

[Unca_T]

Wow, everyone has there own ideas on what's needed. That's super cool. Thanks totally what I was interested in.
Thanks tons.

 

[Queen]

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!

When mom and dad retired to FL, he put up one small shed in the yard for his excess tools (no garage), but the time he was done their yard looked like a mini warehouse facility, five sheds with all sorts of decking going beteww them.  Mom hated it so he put up fencing.  He cracked me up!

 

[MikeRuth]

I'm not sure I have enough with me. 

Your missing the Radial arm saw, table saw, drill press and lathe LOL

Mike

 

[Queen]

Your missing the Radial arm saw, table saw, drill press and lathe LOL

Mike

Exactly, my god man, what if you need a table leg!!!!

 

[MikeRuth]

I wanna say thanks as well to all of you that posted your list, and to say that for each person consider what is it that your capable of doing on the road>?

I used to take the shop with me camping in my younger years(kidding but a lot of tools) because I knew I could fix dang near anything on the road.
Today at 59 Years old and a lot less physically capable I consider again what can I do> So my list is shorter than in years past. I tend to keep what I need for basics now and that has trimmed the list substantially.
And the other consideration is of course storage for them. I'm in a E-150 standard top van, so every square inch of space needs to be considered. NO point in taking up space with tools I wouldn't likely use.

Some food for thought.

Mike R

 

[Queen]

I wanna say thanks as well to all of you that posted your list, and to say that for each person consider what is it that your capable of doing on the road>?

I used to take the shop with me camping in my younger years(kidding but a lot of tools) because I knew I could fix dang near anything on the road.
Today at 59 Years old and a lot less physically capable I consider again what can I do> So my list is shorter than in years past. I tend to keep what I need for basics now and that has trimmed the list substantially.
And the other consideration is of course storage for them. I'm in a E-150 standard top van, so every square inch of space needs to be considered. NO point in taking up space with tools I wouldn't likely use.

Some food for thought.

Mike R

Maybe it's a woman thing, but I keep some tools around that I have no ability to use, just in case someone who is helping me could use them.

 

[Queen]

A good reason for everyone to have a good (hopefully factory) repair manual on board even if they have no mechanical abilities.

Guy

Yup.  My dad taught me that, he was a truly amazing carpenter but couldn't fix a car to save his life, but he knew guys in the trades and they all bartered their skills, so I learned to be prepared... for the other guy.

 

[masterplumber]

Your missing the Radial arm saw, table saw, drill press and lathe LOL

Mike

Well I don't have the lathe, but the table saw, multiple miter saws, multiple compressors, shoot - even a jackhammer, are in the second cargo trailer. In my defense I still work as a contractor, licensed in plumbing, heating, and general contracting. Both residential and commercial. And on smaller jobs I do most of the work myself. I am working on a list of the minimum amount of tools I can take on the road and still handle most jobs. Much of what I have are specialty tools to make the jobs go faster, or tools I'll rarely use when semi retired so I can rent them - but they make sense to have now. And I also didn't pay nearly full price for most of it. I've bought a lot from a couple contractors I know who retired, and hopefully I can pass on that blessing to another young person starting out when I retire.

 

[steamjam1]

Wood work and general construction.. Its the one "Skills blind spot" I have. I can't even cut plywood straight.. EVEN WITH A TABLE SAW. But get me in front of anything that runs on gas/diesel/steam... I can fix it...

 

[mudbunny]

What self respecting red neck doesn't have tie wire (Ford wire) and duct tape in the tool box. It might not be a permanent fix but it can get you to where it can be fixed right. And don't forget a beer can for exhaust repairs. ?

 

[highdesertranger]

if it moves and it is not supposed to, use bailing wire and or duct tape. if it doesn't move and it is supposed to, use WD-40. highdesertranger