Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Hello all. We have about 2 years until I retire from the AF and start our full timing adventure and I have a few questions for all the seasoned full timers out there.
First of all, I was wondering what kind of tools and spare parts everyone carries (if any)? I am very handy and do most of my own auto and home repairs and plan to continue that on the road.
Also, what are some common malfunctions/breakdowns that I can plan for?
Finally, I am also thinking about attending the RVSA (Recreational Vehicle Service Academy) or something similar so I can fully understand and operate/maintain my coach as well as help others (and maybe make a little money) while on the road? Is RVSA worth the time & money, or are there better alternatives?
I consider myself a "jack of all trades, master of none". I find repairs to the RV are just like repairs at home for the living space and just like repairs on a vehicle for the drivetrain. I carry enough tools to fix most things that come up. From time to time I will have to go out and buy a tool (or tools) to do a repair when travelling. I add those tools to the tools I carry in the RV.
Here's some of what I have accumulated over the years: >A set from Craftsman (sears) in a plastic carrying case that contains sockets from 1/4 to 1 inch, wrenches in both metric and SAE in sizes up to 1 inch/20mm plus the various types of screw driver bits including Torx bits. >A set in a nylon bag from Black and Decker with cordless drill, sabre saw, circular saw, recipricating saw and hand vacuum plus charger for the battery. >A heavy duty cordless drill >I bought a 10 piece plier set which included channel lock type pliers and needle nose. >Also a 30 piece screwdriver set > 4 different sizes of crescent (adjustable) wrenches >And miscellaneous other tools for drivetrain repair, plumbing and electrical. >I have the following sets- screw/bolt/nut/washer, electrical connections, nails and rivet set >Various parts > Glues, sealant, cleaners and paint.
> I carry a 2 ton and a 4 ton bottle jack plus two jackstands.
If you have an older RV and or tow vehicle you can expect just about anything to go wrong. I used to tow with a 1986 truck that had around 90,000 miles on it... Major problems radiator leak, bad fan clutch (twice), altenator (twice), starter (3), U-joint and most frequently front brake pads.
Unless you due a good job of tire maintenance (especially proper pressure) and have newer quality tires you can expect tire problems.
For the RV the most frequent issue is batteries followed by electrical and then plumbing. Roof leaks begin at about year 10.
Once I bought a brand new tow vehicle, no more vehicle issues for 8 years so far.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 08:24:16 AM
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"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
I have and was planning on bringing most of the tools you have mentioned. What "Various Parts" do you carry along? I'm just wondering if there are common items (like parts of the furnace, A/C, fuses) that tend to fail more often than others that it would be worth having spares for, or does it depend on your coach?
