Tools and Spares

tonysuvla

tonysuvla

Joined
Aug 30, 2018
Posts
33
Likes collected
26
Location
South coast
Funster No
55,929
MH
Trigano Tribute 665
Exp
2 years
Taking delivery of our first motor home on Monday, a Tribute 665 panel van conversion, after nearly 20 years of boat ownership and wondering what tools and spares most of you carry. Always had lots of tools and spares for all eventualities on the boat but plenty of space and no weight restrictions.

The van has no spare wheel although tyres look good and passed the MOT last week. Only done 17,000 miles but they are probably original equipment and thus 8 years old - any thoughts?

Look forward to hearing from you

Tony
 
tonysuvla said:
Taking delivery of our first motor home on Monday, a Tribute 665 panel van conversion, after nearly 20 years of boat ownership and wondering what tools and spares most of you carry. Always had lots of tools and spares for all eventualities on the boat but plenty of space and no weight restrictions.

The van has no spare wheel although tyres look good and passed the MOT last week. Only done 17,000 miles but they are probably original equipment and thus 8 years old - any thoughts?

Look forward to hearing from you

Tony
Click to expand...

Hello Tony

Good luck with the new(to you) MH.

Last year I relinquished my Westerly 33(1978) last year after 30 years to switch my attention to my N&B Arto 69(2003) as I did not have time for both, so I may be in a good position to advise.

I had my boat in Greece for those 30 years and even in my home port of Poros not everything was available tool wise, or of the right quality, and certainly one had to be prepared for most eventualities in the remoter islands.

I will start by generalising.

I think the first decision is between what you might need on the road for repairs and what sort of work is more likely to be done at home at the end of trips - I am presuming you are unlikely to be doing much to internal woodwork on the road, except with odd screw or glue, so no need for woodworking tools. In 10 years I have not found use for a drill.

Also being a panel van you won't need fibreglassing materials and tools.

Well that has dealt with what you do not need.

Tools for servicing the engine will be common to both boat and MH. As will anything needed to do 12v electrical work, which I assume you are well versed in. Multimeter might be more use if you have long leads.


I carry the following.

4 sets of screwdrivers - flat-head, cross-head, torx and precision

2 sets of ring spanners - one always needs 2x13mm for some jobs

Large and small socket sets

Not a tool, but I would not be without self-amalgamating tape

As you have not got a spare wheel you will not need tools for that, which avoids bottle jack etc. On the subject of tyres, you say you think they are 8 years old - check the manufacturing dates on the casing. If they are 8 years I would think of changing them because you do not know how much they have been exposed to the sun or left standing too long or at the wrong pressure - all of which can be damaging to the sidewalls.

As for spares, you have the link to that thread so I will not attempt to cover that.

I think I have covered most things, but get back to me if you have any specific questions.

Geoff
 
I'd like to add a few more. A pair of mole grips (aka vise-grip or self-locking wrench), a junior hacksaw and a half-round file. For when you have to cut down a bolt because you can't get the correct size.

A flat paint scraper for prising off plastic trims and opening those plastic items without marking them.
 
The Green Flag recovery guys. Excellent back up! FOr the occasional job that cannot be done with a spanner!

Kev

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I carry a can of WD40 for when it won't move and it should, a roll of Duct Tape for when it moves and it shouldn't; a hammer for when it's really tight and a mole grip for tightening it! Seriously, try to keep the weight down as, unless you have and carry a full mechanics workshop, you will never have what you need when you need it.
 
Fuses. As for tools you will never have the one you need, borrow.
 
2 items not usually listed but very helpful and little outlay

1. A multimeter, to test voltages, trace faults - cables etc.
2. OBD2 reader. Less than £10 off ebay and some free apps for the phone / tablet. Handy as an indication when that engine spanner light comes on and your not sure to carry on driving (y)
 
I always carry a small can of compressed air which will blow dust etc from the fridge gas jets. This has got my fridge lighting on more than one occasion.

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tonysuvla said:
after nearly 20 years of boat ownership and wondering what tools and spares most of you carry. Always had lots of tools and spares for all eventualities on the boat but plenty of space and no weight restrictions.
Click to expand...

Another ex boat owner here. Unless crossing deserts, or something, you don't need the same attitude with a van - If the worst comes to the worst, you can just get out and walk! :D
 
phil1946 said:
a hammer for when it's really tight and a mole grip for tightening it! Seriously, try to keep the weight down
Click to expand...
You can use a mole grip as a hammer, but you can't use a hammer as a mole grip:)
 
xsparks said:
I always carry a small can of compressed air which will blow dust etc from the fridge gas jets. This has got my fridge lighting on more than one occasion.
Click to expand...


I have found that a can of wd40 will blow out most things that don't mind a trace of moisture----- very good for gas jets!!!!

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These days I always carry a couple of aerosol cans to fix/ blow up tyres------- much easier/safer than changing wheels at roadside (we do carry a spare and everything needed to change it)
Gaffer tape/insulation tape, a couple of bits of electrical wire, multimeter and a small box with a mix of screwdrivers, spanners, mole grips etc. And I can't go without a good set of jump leads and a good tow strap------- more likely to help others with them though, with a pvc you must choose carefully what you can justify keeping with you!!! ----- oh and a can of silicon spray to go with the wd40
 
Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, never thought of wiper blades and a reminder to read the instructions with my multimeter!
Special thanks to Geoff (Moody Eclipse 33, 1989 for the record) and Misterg for reminding me of the differences between boat and MH.
One item I also found useful in the boat was a garden kneeler to protect more than knees - very light and may help to absorb some rattles in a MH.
Thanks again
Tony
 

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