Tech Talk
Aubrey was our technical support specialist and service technician trainer. He worked at Foretravel for 34 years and spent the past 26 years in engineering designing the various electrical systems that are required to make the coach operate. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help diagnose and repair motorhome. In this article we will talk about the hand tools you need to carry in your motorhome so you can do some maintenance and repairs without going to a RV Service Center.
We’ve compiled a list of the handy accessories so you’ll be ready no matter where you are, even if you are three hours away from a service center. The price of tools greatly vary from foreign lower lines, like Harbor Freight and Kobalt tools, to the top-of-the-line Snapon, Mac, and Matco tools, etc. For example, a 3 ⁄8" to 11 ⁄4" SAE combination wrench set from Harbor Freight costs about $40 and the same set from Snap-on is about $500. Do not buy the lower line of tools if you will be using them often. Buy the best and they will last several lifetimes. Always use the correct tools for the job. Do not use an adjustable wrench for a hammer or use a screwdriver for a pry bar. Don’t let your safety glasses sit in a toolbox, always use them!
BASIC HAND TOOLS • Combination wrench set: SAE 1 ⁄4" – 1" and metric 10mm – 24mm • Socket set: 1 ⁄4" Drive SAE 1 ⁄4" – 9 ⁄16" and extension metric 4mm – 14mm • Socket set: 3 ⁄8" drive in SAE and metric plus extension • Heater hose clamp pliers: $15–$25; at least 2 pair, use to clamp a burst or leaking rubber hose, one pair on each side of the leak • Hammer: 3 or 4 pounds; ball-peen, and a good quality claw hammer • Adjustable wrench (Crescent): 4", 6", 12"; use adjustable wrench only when necessary, otherwise use a combination wrench or socket • Locking pliers (Vise Grips): small and large; assortment of pliers: regular, needle nose, diagonal wire cutting • Screwdrivers: Phillips, flat blade; both regular and stubby • Nut driver set: both SAE and metric; Sears Craftsman is a good brand • Robertson (square drive): #1 and #2; motorhomes use a lot of square screw drivers • Tongue and groove pliers (Channellock): medium and large • Utility knife: Stanley brand; stores extra blades in handle and has quick change blade • Inspection mirror: to see back side
ELECTRICAL TERMINALS AND SPLICES (NO SCOTCH SPLICES) One of the tools I would buy in the middle or upper price range is a Digital Voltmeter with RMS and AC Frequency meter. Flake is a rugged top-of-the-line meter, also the AstroAI Digital Multimeter is a good and inexpensive option - WH5000A; goes for $36 on Amazon. • 3M Scotch Brand - 33T electrical tape; comes in plastic case at Lowes • Small roll of 14 ga and 16 ga stranded automotive wire; not solid like 120v Romex. You can use 2 runs of 14 ga to make 12 or 10 ga wire. • Good quality terminal crimper; not the type with wire strippers, flat terminal crimpers and machine screw cutters. Buy T&B or Klein which are around $30; with a tab that puts an indentation in the bottom of terminal. • Wire Strippers: that only strips wire 18 ga to 10 ga; Ideal or Klein • LED light or flashlight: with a built-in magnet, so you can work with both hands • 12 volt test light (not LED): buy a quality light not an inferior foreign product. • GFCI receptacle tester: check for reverse polarity and a noncontact voltage tester for 120V AC
OTHER HANDY ACCESSORIES • Gorilla brand duct tape - seals and attaches everything; use for things that move and are not suppose to • Gorilla brand sealant and a compound lever caulk gun • Assorted sizes of nylon zip ties: include some XL sizes, located in air conditioner section, to hold an awning that has a broken spring • WD40: maintain hinges and other metal pieces that move; use for things that should move, but do not • 12 volt to 20 volt cordless drill: lithium batteries (do not self-discharge like NiCads); Cordless battery chargers do not like modified sine wave inverters. Charge battery pack on generator or shore power unless you have a pure sine wave inverter. Most late model coaches have a sine wave inverter. And of course you’ll need a sturdy tool box to keep the tools in. I recommend Lowes or Home Depot where they have several different boxes that work great and fit any need. There are several additions and substitutions that might be specific to your make, model or budget, but these tools will provide a means to the general maintenance and DIY emergency repair that will save you time and money! If you have any questions about preparing your motorcoach with the necessary tools to get the job done right, please call me at (800) 651-1112, ext. 306. I’d be glad to hear from you.