RV Tech
Can You Fix It?
By Alan Lidstone
We strongly recommend that all RVers travel with an air pressure gauge and an air compressor (that can reach all tires) to keep all tires properly inflated, along with a jack capable of lifting the RV, triangular reflective safety markers (in case of breakdown), and wheel chocks. Keeping the last set of windshield wipers and engine belts when you replace them may help you or another RVer should the need arise.
An RV tool box should include a flashlights and spare batteries, 3/8–inch and 1/4–inch socket set, including a 3/8– to–1/2–inch adapter and extensions, an open–end hex wrench set, heavy–duty adjustable wrench, pliers, work gloves, safety glasses, slotted and Phillips screw drivers, rubber mallet, and hammer. You may also want to consider a battery–powered 3/8–inch electric drill and drill set.
RVers should also carry silicone spray lubricant, silicone adhesive (tube), electrical tape, WD–40 lubricant, Kwik–Lube lubricant (for steps and slides), and heavy–duty duct tape (handy for leaks and temporary repairs). RVs with slideouts or leveling systems may require special tools to retract the slides or leveling system in the event of malfunction.
Having battery jumper cables, battery filler container, and specific–gravity tester will enable you to check (and jump) batteries when necessary. RVers should also carry spare engine oil, hydraulic fluid for the transmission, slideout, and jacks, brake fluid, and windshield cleaner.
Also helpful is a one–gallon water bottle (can be filled from RV fresh water tank) and funnel for adding water to your radiator.
You can easily buy just about all you need at dollar stores, automotive stores, discount stores such as K–Mart, Wal–Mart, and Big Lots, and home supply stores, such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Because most tools are inexpensive, we recommend that you leave a set in the RV.
RVs have lots of lights. We recommend you carry spare light bulbs for all interior and exterior RV lighting needs, including light fixtures, as well as all exterior marker, tail, directional, and backup light fixtures. Carry spare batteries for the smoke detectors, cameras, emergency radio, and all entertainment system remotes to get the most from your entertainment and personal electronics gadgets and ensure personal safety.
Don't forget silicon spray and operating manuals for crank–up and electric–powered TV antennas and manual satellite dish antennas, along with the operating and maintenance information for the entertainment system equipment (automatic satellite dish antennas, TVs, DVD, VCR, radios, video switch, etc.).
We had a poor video switch connection temporally disable our TV antenna and satellite dish, losing any ability to get TV weather information during a hurricane evacuation. Fortunately we were able to rely on our NOAA emergency radio as our only source for real–time information. The video switch maintenance instructions provided the information we needed to restore video switch operation.
Consider purchasing and setting up a universal remote for use with all installed entertainment system equipment as a backup in case of loss or malfunction of an existing remote.
Most entertainment system equipment operates on 120–volt AC power. We recommend you carry an inexpensive backup inverter (at least 600 watts) to power up equipment for situations where there is no shore power or you do not want to power up a generator.
You'll find that "Be Prepared," the motto of the Boy Scouts of America, often means a good outcome for most RV problems.
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