Soon-to-be RV Full Timers Seeking Must-Have Tools List Advice

[JoeHannaford]

My wife and I have camped for 40 years (tenting and pop-ups). Ordered a 2021 Solitude 310GK and will take delivery early Spring. Expect to be on the road for full-time RVing by Labor Day 2021. Planning now for what essentials are needed for our new lifestyle. Have seen a lot of videos about the obvious like surge protector, water pressure regulator, air compressor, etc. but what do you need in your "traveling tool box" since there are no longer the home workshop or garage to run to? Thank you all in advance.

 

[FT4NOW]

Welcome to the forum. I feel like there was a topic like this not too long ago, try using the search function and see what you come up with. If not here is a good start.

Multimeter
Electric tape
Duct tape
Gorilla glue w clamps
Drill with various bits
#2 Robertson bit (most common in RV)
Basic handtools (screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, wire cutters,etc)
PEX crimp tool with fittings and extra PEX
Torque wrench (in truck)
1/2" impact w/ impact sockets (in truck)
Socket set (in truck)
Grease gun(in truck)
Teflon tape
Tire plug kit
Pyrometer
Powerbuilt jack/jackstand combo
Multi-tool
Zip ties


I think those are the major things off the top of my head. I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[falconhunter]

A roll of eternabond tape for emergency roof repairs, a tube of Dicor and a caulk gun.

 

[Richter]

As a precaution, Dicor is not good on all roofs. You need to know your roof type and if Dicor can be used with it.

 

[JoeHannaford]

Welcome to the forum. I feel like there was a topic like this not too long ago, try using the search function and see what you come up with. If not here is a good start.

Multimeter
Electric tape
Duct tape
Gorilla glue w clamps
Drill with various bits
#2 Robertson bit (most common in RV)
Basic handtools (screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, wire cutters,etc)
PEX crimp tool with fittings and extra PEX
Torque wrench (in truck)
1/2" impact w/ impact sockets (in truck)
Socket set (in truck)
Grease gun(in truck)
Teflon tape
Tire plug kit
Pyrometer
Powerbuilt jack/jackstand combo
Multi-tool
Zip ties


I think those are the major things off the top of my head. I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Thank you. I will also try that topic in a search.

 

[DarthMuffin]

The answer to this also largely depends on what type of camping you intend to do. If you're mostly boondocking far from civilization that needs different tools than glamping in town with full hookups.

 

[JoeHannaford]

The answer to this also largely depends on what type of camping you intend to do. If you're mostly boondocking far from civilization that needs different tools than glamping in town with full hookups.

Probably very little boondocking. Mostly full hookups. As I mentioned in my post we'll be full-time as well.

 

[JoeHannaford]

As a precaution, Dicor is not good on all roofs. You need to know your roof type and if Dicor can be used with it.

I guess we'll ask the dealer when it arrives next year. Thanks!

 

[notlostatall]

As a precaution, Dicor is not good on all roofs. You need to know your roof type and if Dicor can be used with it.

Can you explain more? What types of roofs is Dicor good for and what types are not? How do you tell what type of roof you have (if it's not obvious from the first question). Thanks!

 

[Richter]

Can you explain more? What types of roofs is Dicor good for and what types are not? How do you tell what type of roof you have (if it's not obvious from the first question). Thanks!

All I can tell you is that our roof is TPO, made by Alpha. The emphatically state that Dicor is not to be used. This was also confirmed by GD Emily.

 

[D2Reid]

How do you tell what type of roof you have (if it's not obvious from the first question). Thanks!

Whoa everybody, lets take a trip down memory lane to get some background info because there is a lot of confusing information out there. BITD EPDM roofs were the norm, they are a rubber based roof. As such they were highly susceptible to deterioration from petroleum based products. Thus comes the adage that you must use Dicor Lap Sealant on roofs. Around 2015-2017 Alpha company (and others) introduced the TPO roof, I don't know the science, but I think more vinyl and less rubber... hopefully one of the engineers on the forum will shoot me down and clarify. But, with the introduction of the TPO rood the Dicor Lap Sealant isn't the best. I have read stuff where it still works, but not the absolute correct application. I have not read anywhere where it causes problems, just not the right stuff.

Because GD has gone to using Alpha systems TPO roof I have gone to the Alpha system Product Care web site for good information on what needs to be used to care for our TPO roofs. I will only use their recommended products on my roof.

How do you tell the difference between EPDM and TPO. If you have seen both it's easy, but if you haven't it get's trickier. EPDM is kind of soft, duh, like rubber. It's smooth, if you press your thumb into it and try to rub it may bunch up a little or leave a thumb print, it's soft and smooth. TPO is harder and somewhat pebbled, little bumps. If you press your thumb onto it and rub it will just slip, no bunching.

EPDM used to have some maintenance, cleaning and sealing, every year. TPO requires no maintenance, unless it get compromised, like say a tree branch...

If you don't know for sure and can't believe or understand the test above you can call GD customer support with your VIN number and they will tell you which kind of roof you have.

So to seal an Alpha TPO roof the manufacturer recommends you use Alpha Systems 1010 Sealant. I would tend to run with that and apply it liberally.

 

[artdeb330]

Have a look at the video on this subject at changinglanesrv.com They have great tech, travel, and motorcycle ride videos. They are also Grand Design Ambassadors.