What to Keep in Your RV Tool Kit: A Technician’s Guide
- Jordan Concannon
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Whether you're a weekend camper or living full-time on the road, having the right tools on hand can mean the difference between a quick fix and a costly repair. As certified RV technicians (and full-time RVers), we know which tools actually come in handy—and which ones just take up space.
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In this guide, we're breaking down 10 essential tools every RV owner should keep in their toolkit, plus a few bonus recommendations based on real repair jobs we've done.
🛠️ 1. Digital Multimeter
This is the single most-used tool in our RV repair arsenal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled this out to check why a light wasn’t working or whether power was flowing to a fridge, outlet, or battery. Once, our fridge suddenly shut off—and it turned out a fuse had blown. The multimeter helped us confirm voltage flow and track down the exact problem quickly.
Why you need it: Diagnoses common 12V and 120V issues and ensures you're working with live power safely.
Pro Tip: Look for one with auto-ranging and a backlit display for dark corners.
🔗 This is the one we keep in our RV tool kit: [Insert Amazon link]
🔪 2. Utility Knife (with Extra Blades)
You’d be surprised how many times a simple utility knife comes in handy. I’ve used ours to trim excess sealant from a repair, cut away packaging on new parts, and even to slice through layers of old tape in hard-to-reach compartments. It’s compact but super useful in both planned repairs and emergencies.
Why you need it: Handy for both emergency and everyday repairs. Always keep extra blades on hand.
🔗 We love this one for its grip and replaceable blades: [Insert Amazon link]
🔧 3. Adjustable Wrench
This tool is a champ. I’ve tightened a leaky outdoor shower connection with it, adjusted propane fittings, and used it for everything in between. It’s compact, fits various bolt sizes, and doesn’t weigh down your kit like a full wrench set.
Why you need it: Compact, versatile, and essential for plumbing, propane, and frame adjustments.
🔗 Here’s the adjustable wrench we use on the road: [Insert Amazon link]
🔋 4. Cordless Power Drill & Bit Set
I remember the first time I needed to remove a whole panel to access wiring behind our converter. A hand screwdriver just wasn’t cutting it. The cordless drill sped up the job, and I’ve used it countless times since—for repairs, installs, and even quick DIY upgrades like hanging a spice rack.
Why you need it: Faster than hand tools and necessary for dozens of RV repairs. Keep an extra battery charged.
🔗 We use this drill and bit set—compact and powerful: [Insert Amazon link]
🚙 5. Tire Pressure Gauge (Digital)
We keep a digital tire gauge in our center console. It’s quick to use and makes checking our pressure before drive days easy. One cold morning, I noticed our back left tire was running low. A quick check with the gauge confirmed it dropped to 47 PSI—way too low for towing. We filled it and were back on the road safely.
Why you need it: Essential for safety, especially before long drives or when temperatures fluctuate.
🔗 This is the gauge we trust for accurate readings: [Insert Amazon link]
🔦 6. Flashlight or Headlamp
I always keep one flashlight in the kitchen drawer and a headlamp in the tool bin. The headlamp has saved me more than once when crawling underneath the camper at night—like when a stabilizer leg jammed and I needed both hands free to crank it up manually.
Why you need it: See what you’re doing, stay safe, and work faster.
🔗 This one has great battery life and brightness: [Insert Amazon link]
🔩 7. Screwdriver Set (Flathead & Phillips)
From opening battery compartments to replacing latches or adjusting cabinet doors, we use screwdrivers all the time. I recommend a compact kit with multiple heads that you can keep in a drawer or carry bag. Ours came in handy when our vent fan stopped working—I was able to open the cover and reconnect a loose wire in minutes.
Why you need it: From panel access to battery compartments, you’ll use these daily.
🔗 This set covers everything without taking up much space: [Insert Amazon link]
🎯 8. Duct Tape & Electrical Tape
Two absolute lifesavers in a pinch. I’ve used duct tape to temporarily patch and hold in place a broken AC unit cover during a windy day driving (I honestly thought that tree branch was higher than it was!) and electrical tape to wrap frayed wiring connections until we could do a full repair. These aren’t permanent fixes, but when you’re hours from the nearest store, they’re a solid plan B.
Why you need it: Great for emergency sealing, wire wrapping, and general patch jobs.
🔗 We always carry this brand in our repair bin: [Insert Amazon link]
🏕️ 9. Caulking Gun with RV Sealant
I’ve resealed our roof edges, window seams, and even around the shower pan—all thanks to our trusty caulking gun and a tube of Dicor sealant. Preventing water damage is a top priority for RVers, and touching up seals can make a huge difference.
Why you need it: Routine seal maintenance prevents water damage.
🔗 This caulking gun + RV-safe sealant combo is our go-to: [Insert Amazon link]
🔗 10. Zip Ties & Velcro Straps
These little things have held up more dangling wires than I can count. I’ve bundled cords, secured a loose propane line cover, and even temporarily kept our screen door in place with a zip tie when the latch broke. Velcro straps are great for wrapping up long cords and hoses without tangles.
Why you need it: Tiny, lightweight, and endlessly useful in tight camper spaces.
🔗 This variety pack lasts forever and covers all sizes: [Insert Amazon link]
✨ Bonus Items (If You Have Room):
Hose wrench for tight freshwater connections
Small level for fridge & trailer adjustments
Butyl tape for weather-resistant sealing
Allen wrench set for furniture or frame parts
Work gloves & kneeling pad for comfort
🏡 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a whole garage of tools to keep your RV running smoothly—just the right ones. Start with this list, add to it as needed, and store everything in a compact bin that’s easy to access. A little preparation can save you from big headaches on the road.
Need help with a tricky repair or not sure what tool you need? Reach out to us @RollingRabbitRVRepair or check out our other blog posts for DIY tips and tutorials.
Until next time,
Jordan @ Rolling Rabbit RV Repair"
Keeping you rolling, wherever the road takes you."
📍 Omaha, Nebraska
📞 (Text/call 402 - 699 - 4053 to schedule a service!)
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