Paul and my best friend would be quick friends, for sure! He never visits anyone without his '30 pound' tool box. He has saved me more times than I can count. I admit, I'm envious of his knowledge and level of expertise - it's humbling for us 'mere mortals'. :-). Liz, you have a keeper! :-)
Pretty comprehensive. I also carry spools of wire in different gauges, some looming and different barrel connectors and lug connectors. I also keep a caulk gun for any re-sealing I need to do. I'm also going to add my dremmel tool, cordless vibrating tool, cordless Sawzall and circular saw. Come to think of it, I might need 2 trailers.
Another great tool if you have a repair that needs doing and you don't know how to do it; RU-vid. I have a very handy husband who will tackle almost any repair; a few times he needed extra information on how to do a repair and RU-vid came to the rescue. Over our life time; my handy man husband has saved us thousands of dollars. You have a gem, Liz in more ways than one. I know you are a blessing to Paul, as well. Great video for people that want to DIY.
Hi Lyn! Yes, RU-vid will show you how to do just about anything. In fact, I use it to learn new software and find sound effects. Thanks so much for watching and commenting- hugs from Liz & Paul
Paul - like you, I'm an avid cyclist, handyman, and RVer. The videos you and Liz produce are a picture of what my ideal retirement looks like in the years to come. Thanks for sharing your life with us and letting us vicariously enjoy your travels. Terrific and very useful video!
Yep. We actually had to buy a bigger fifth wheel when Paul moved in. He brought with him 2000 pounds of tools and tee shirts. I know-- I weighed before and after, lol!
Wow Paul you are prepared for anything. I carry a tool bag when we venture out on long trips but I have had to stop at a store for parts or tools on occasion. I had to buy a miter saw and some clamps after traveling on I10 through Louisiana to repair our closet rod that ripped out of the walls. I’m surprised you have had such bad luck with those shark bites. I’ve never had one leak, but never tried them in the rolling earthquake. I stick with the Ryobi cordless tools simply because they have so many things that you can put that battery into. My wife’s favorites are the fan and leaf blower. I like the 1/2” drive impact gun and tire inflator. Go, go Ryobi 😂 Happy Trails!
Thanks Warren! One of our viewers said the Sharkbites are not approved for mobile applications. I haven't verified that but that might be why Paul had bad luck with them. Sorry about your closet- these roads!!! Big hugs to you Warren and we'll see you next week!
My go-to tool? Probably my Visa card. Aside from that, the most useful is a wire tracer. It puts a tone on the wire that you can find with the matching probe. And remember, if your wife doesn't find you handsome, she should at least find you handy.
I carry basic tools in my van (tow vehicle) but the one thing I do carry for spare parts in the trailer is PEX tubing, clamps, etc. Water is the most important thing while camping. I don't carry a drill or impact anymore. I replaced both of them with a 3/8" battery ratchet.
just getting into this last September i had a problem with my heater and when i turned around there was 4 guys with tools without asking - i now know this is rv life
Yes! RV life is all about that. When I told Paul the guy next to us had his water heater cover off, Paul sprang out of his chair and rushed to help. That's how great camping life is!
"I have too many tools" said no man ever! This is actually very helpful information Paul! Not sure I followed quite all of it but pretty interesting. When I first bought my sticks and bricks house 25 years ago and knew nothing about anything the best tool I ever got was a cordless drill. Between that and my Shop-Vac I pretty much felt I was invincible but I don't do too much around the house anymore cuz I'm disabled now but it's all very interesting and I'm sure people don't realize what types of repairs you may run into on the road. If you are in a remote area where you either can't get an RV tech out or are really stuck in a bad way you may have to fix something yourself and sadly there won't always be a Paul camped right next to you. Unless you follow Paul and Liz around and then they might just decide your stalkers so maybe that's not a good idea. Sounds like Harbor Freight's are pretty good places to get to know! I've heard good things about them from many people and there's actually one about a mile from my house so maybe if I decide I need a tool one day I'll pop in there. Thanks again Paul and Liz!
Thanks so much Rosemary! It's true that if you are camped remotely you'll need to have enough skills to at least get it road-worthy. Duct tape can come in handy!!! Do check out Harbor Freight!
@@LizAmazing what is the saying .. if it moves and you don't want it to duct tape it if it doesn't move and you want it to use WD-40. Paul could teach RV repair school! Actually seriously it would be awesome if each time something even minor went awry that you film it and post it because I'm sure people would learn a lot. Paul is a natural teacher. He is very good at explaining things and demonstrating how he does things. How could maybe have a little sub channel here. Just thinking!
Paul was really in his element in this one. Thanks, Paul, for telling me what I really need! Other videos tell me, "You need this!" and it's some specialty item and they don't tell me anything else I also need. You really gave a useful rundown! Much appreciated!
Wow, after one year of full time RV life, I would say my most valuable tool has been my local mobile mechanic! But I do have some various tools that have come in handy. Thanks for such a great video.
Not just tools but replacement parts. A mechanics creeper can really be nice to have. Electricial parts, fuses, butt splices, extra wire or cables, plumbing repair, fittings for pex, extra heating elements for water heater. The most important can be instruction manuals for everything.
A tool I've carried in my tool bag for many years is a paint scraper. Not the razor blade type which I do carry, but one with a handle and a metal blade with a half round hole in the side and the working end is a beveled blade and on one side is a point for corners. I'll try to send you a picture of it. It's great for removing sealant and thick crud. And a rubber mallet! Oh how that has been used in my trucking career from beating the sides of a bottom hopper to removing ice from doors and yes windows! Just be gentle on glass! And real important is a flexible extention fir your torque drivers that can bend around the things that don't move! Oh it's a life saver instead of standing on your head to get to that one engineering nightmare screw! But most important is a creeper! I hate doing laundry! But if on a parking lot where men can and do like to whip "it" out and relieve themselves it's a life saver. And the one I had would fold into a rollaround seat where the bottom becomes a tool tray. It disappeared with my tool bag after my truck wreck and the tow company swears they never saw it or my tool bag which I'm rebuilding slowly as SSI pays less than minimum wage so is a slow process! Thanks for the tips and.. Blue skies and safe journeys!
Oh my gosh. So sorry you lost your tools and that cool creeper. We are camped on dirt/gravel the majority of the time or Paul would get one for sure. Glad you survived your wreck and thanks for the tip about the scraper.
There are a lot of comments so I don't know if someone has mentioned but we carry a large heavy duty flat piece of cardboard to lay on or kneel on in all the crazy weather that you run into. If you destroy it in mud or water no big deal just grab another at the store. Most places give it away like grocery stores. We have a motor home so need things like antifreeze and oil, etc. Great video! Love you two.
That's a great tip, Deb, and you are the first to mention it. We have tarps but I think cardboard is better. It's more comfortable and you don't have to worry about cleaning it afterwards. Thanks!
I am happy to say husband, Steve, is a Harbor Freight fan and has everything Paul has! Steve and Paul would have a lot to talk about with both loving classic cars and having automotive and repair skills.
One of my dad's best advise he ever gave me was, 'if it's not broke Tommy, don't try to fix it'. I often rued the day I ignored that coaching working on my old Mopar cars, the older the more treacherous with rust etc..
Hello happy to see you both looking well and happy. Yes I am married to a mechanic and he is prepared for most things. Also carries a supply of stuff!!!!!We could not afford to travel with two vehicles two trailer 3 boat motors and two boats, please don’t ask lol, without hubby saving the day. Take care of yourselves. Love from your Aussie nomad friends🤗
Awww, thanks so much, friends, we love you! Being married to a mechanic is so great. I bet you feel your hubby can fix most anything! Sending love to you!
Great video! My husband is a mechanic/welder/fabricator. So Liz, if you thought Paul has a lot of tools....we travel with a full shop! Only thing we didnt bring is the tourches. We have a welder, 2 generators (one for camper and one hard wired in truck), all hand and power tools, electrical tools, pretty much everything you have. Its great to be prepared!
Liz, did this make your eyes want to roll to the back of your head editing, filming, everything?! HA! You gotta love that man. Thank you Paul for teaching me what all of those tools do and are for. That was a very informative video and I will remember the crimper tool.. My go to tool - would be the steak knives I use everyday for packages and mail. Tools are cool. I have no idea if we have tools in the motorhome. We wouldn't be the ones working on it anyway.
Hi Shara! Actually, I was getting sleepy during the filming of this, LOL! When I can't fall asleep at night, I ask Paul to tell me a story. I'll ask him how the automatic transmission came about. That will do it! Thanks for watching and commenting, love you!
It m8ght seem boring, but all parties traveling in an RV (or even the family car) need to know what they ate and how to use them. RV Odd Squad recently had a very scary incident at the campground they are building. They realized that although they had an extensive first aid kit they didn't know how to use most of it. Lucky the man injured only broke some bones in his hand. (The human hand is not designed to hold up a 7,000 pound 5th wheel.)
At 12:24 it looks like you have a Torque wrench but didn't mention it. I find a Cross Torque Wrench invaluable for tire repair & keeping lug nuts correctly torqued. Also I noticed you don't have to have the most expensive tools for occasional use. Keep up the good work 😊
Thanks Richard. Yes, that was a torque wrench and we didn't talk about it. We need ours for our Andersen hitch, and the wheels of course. Glad to have you here, appreciate your comment!
Great video, I have the same air compressor and a digital pressure gauge inflator. The other item I carry is a battery charger. I camphost and am parked in my space for weeks or months forgetting to shut off chassis batteries at times, so the battery charger has saved me several times.
Wait, what?! … More tools than I could want! Not possible lol. I love it. Paul can do anything! Oh, Robinsons… Welcome to Canada! It’s all Robinsons. Phillips are for suckers! I actually bought a in-bed SS tool chest that houses all my tools. Of course, 260RD has a bit less storage space. But, I guess if my truck breaks down without the 5th wheel The tools are still with me :) Great video. Great to see you Liz and Paul. Safe travels! Sending (cold) love from Canada!
Hi Maarten! Yes, it was the tools that made us give up our 260RD. We loved that floorplan so much. I bet you can hardly wait for camping season to get there. I guess mud season comes first? And I didn't know it was Robinsons all the way in Canada. Wow.
@@LizAmazing Camping in 30 days with the 260RD 😀 There will be snow and ice but no worries, it’s Canada; all normal. I am renovating a 1970s truck camper to be a ‘winter camper’. Completely off gird with a wood stove heating system. Completely inboard water, grey, and black water tanks. It will be adaptive. I’ll email you and Paul photos. Keep safe Liz and Paul! 🤗
Hello Liz and Paul, Fred has so many tools and always seems to be getting more. Thank goodness that you don't have a Harbor Freight Link.🤣 Great Video. Thank you for sharing. Mary 💕Fred
I don't know if it's been mentioned but I personally prefer 6-point sockets and wrenches over 12-point. They grab the bolt or nut better and I have never had one strip out. Great video by the way. I had to call my wife in when the footage of the underbelly being held up by Liz came on. My wife and I just went through that a couple of weeks ago.
Great info. I follow Joe's RV Tech Diy on youtube . He has started using PexLock (installs with channel locks) fittings more and more, especially in tight areas. In one of the comments he mentions sharkbite fitting "are not recommended for use in mobile use environments".
Awesome supply of tools you have Paul!! Definitely ready for any repairs! Great tips and suggestions, you both look great , be safe and thank you!! 🇺🇸🇨🇦
I don't think you are missing anything 😁 I keep my tools in a Tackle Box and Craft Boxes they are lighter but sturdy and multiple separation areas and you can adjust sizes 😁🥰Just a thought to lighten weight! Safe Travels guy's 💙
So helpful. We starting our 2nd year as weekend campers. I am always wondering what to bring and what not to bring. I really appreciate you breaking down what you carry. Thank you!
Another great video. Next time we are camping and have a problem, we want to park right next to Liz and Paul. Although we carry a large tool box with nuts, bolts, fuses, and an assortment of tools, we are nearly as prepared with all the gadgets. I just love your videos; so helpful and practical. AND, the fire at the end. Hahaha
I have many of those same tools but you are “over the top” in tool selection. Thanks for the video. Very instructive. I have used my drill motor and impact wrench the most. Followed by a wonder (pry) bar, and of course hammer, screwdriver and sockets. I carry solder and iron but it is still in the package, unopened from a few years ago. Hey, if you see me in a campground and need something soldered, I’m your guy! Thanks again!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ One missing tool you may want and don't weigh much , baby Wonder bar , or as we roofers call it - flat bar , baby flat bar about 3-1/2" Long shape the same way as your Wonder bar , that little one sure comes in handy for some tiny things leaving last marks and you can also grind it to make it even flatter if you wanted.
Thanks for this video. This is very helpful. I need an impact and torque wrench. I also have safety goggles and gloves in my boxes along with small hack saws, box cutters and tape measures.
Nice video thanks for sharing. I had everything except PEX pliers on the list even the power probe but you still kept my interest. Great to see some Snap On throughout. Sign of a true technician.
Great video! The blessing of being in the auto repair business and how you become a plumber, electrician, carpenter and so on. After 41 years of wrenching you pick up a few things and a few tools! Would love to sit and talk car sometime!
Excellent video! I have most of what you outlined. I don’t have a clamp meter but do have a multimeter. I can see the advantage of having both. Thanks for the tips!
Great video guys! I carry a lot tools as well since we have a 3 axle toy hauler. Most of mine are kept in tool in my dually under a lockable cover. My friends often ask why I carry so much? Once I have something to bail them out of trouble, that question is never asked again. I operate on the mantra I was raised on a kid, "its better to have and don't need it, than to need it and don't have it!" Keep up the good work.
Thank you. We're getting ready to hit the road (in two years LoL) and have just recently started discussing must haves. Have some of the items, but this list provided some excellent suggestions we hadn't thought of.
One thing I’ve learned about buying Harbor Freight mechanic tools is to always buy two. Then when you break, or strip, or bend one, you know to go a little easier with the second.
Thanks Paul and Liz! You have inspired Dave to add a couple things to his "Tools to Get" list!! Of course, he loves any reason to buy another tool. 😉 His newest tool is a 4 1/2 inch circular saw. It has come in handy!! Great meeting you two at the Winery!! See ya on the road!!
Paul has a 6 1/2 circular saw, they are good to have. I sent you an email the other day, it may have ended up in your spam folder. Or I typoed! And it was great meeting you both as well.
Three comments to add based upon my experience. First, buy 3M electrical tape. It is the best. Do not go cheap as you will be sorry. Second, if you have a bumper pull trailer, a cordless drill and socket greatly speed up lowering ( and raising ) your stabilizers and setting your x-chocks if you have them. Item 3 is to carry a length or roll of the tape used to seal the underside of your rig. It is not cheap but it really works.
Great tips Paul, thanks so much! When I was solo I hand-cranked those stabilizer jacks, that got old quick. When Paul came aboard he showed me how easy it was to do with a drill. Yay!
Hi guys from down under, good to see you both looking well, and tools, we'll iam a retired builder and a radio ham, so no rv but a shed full of everything I need. Just preparing for winter here filling the woodshed. Take care best wishes from new zealand , brian @ barbs x
@@LizAmazing Should have come off the production line this week. 2 to 3 months for full body paint. I hope it is a little quicker, we have a big trip planned mid-May. Thanks for asking. and Louise says hi.
About 7 years ago I was staying at an RV park in southern AZ. I went for an early morning drive one Saturday and stopped at a garage sale and lucked into a sale of tools. There were all sorts of power tools, sets of wrenches, hammers, levels, screwdrivers, screws, nails and such. The homeowner was downsizing and just wanted to get rid of stuff she'd had in her house for years and didn't use. Combined everything was about $250, I offered $200 for the lot. She accepted. I also bought some cookware. I don't RV full time but I carry most of the tools when I do RV. I use them not only at home but also on my RV. Never know when you'll need to repair something on your RV or help out someone.
Good deal on the tools-YAY! And yeah, you don't want to get stuck while camping so I'm sure it gives you peace of mind knowing you have what you need. Wishing you much happy camping this year!
I would clarify that you need to get a clamp meter that does DC Amps. They are a step up from the AC only.I made the mistake of misreading a package on one that I bought on the road. Thought it said both, but I found out I was mistaken. Great video. I carry tools, but it is great see where the "holes" are in my kit.
Great video. But each RV will determine what tools are needed. My rig is considerably smaller than your’s. Carrying all of your tool would exceed my weight limits. But tour advice is very helpful. Thanks!
Well, I don't remember you coming to my place and checking out all my gear Paul🤣, well there were a few things you've got that I don't have. Those clamps that you have for stopping leaks are awesome. I use the ones that have 2 ears to crimp, and , as you say, once they are on they simply don't leak. 1/4 in sockets are my go to tools too, where suitable. I have a range of cordless tools as well. You can't be without them. We haven't been able to get away in the van for a while here in Brisbane. Everything is flooded with all the constant rain over the last week or so. Enjoyed you video very much, as always. Cheers from Australia.
Awww, thanks so much for your comment, Steiny. Glad to know you are prepared as well as Paul! You two would be fast friends I am sure. I hope by now the rains have stopped and you can get out in the van. What a beautiful country you have to explore! Enjoy!
We've been full time since the summer of 2016. You are so right that you need the right tools for the job. I've had a few repairs to make and I took the home study course from NRVTA. Thank you for the great information!
Well, I have the socket and 1/16 stuff, for the water heater. Pliers, a small ratchet set. Air compressor. Hammers. I don’t have a drill. I haven’t really needed one. So holding off on that purchase. Other small hand tools like you mentioned. Thanks for the video. Happy Trails
Hi Michelle! I didn't carry a drill either when I was solo. They are handy when raising and lowering the stabilizer jacks (if you don't have auto levelers) as that saves you from cranking. I think a good strategy is just buy tools only on an as needed basis. But definitely have some duct tape and Eternabond on board now, if you don't already. Thanks for watching!
Love this video, my husband has as much if not more tools as Paul that he takes with us. When our son goes camping with us, he will come over and ask his dad if he has this or that and he is the one that makes the most fun of his dad. Lol My husband can about fix anything, he was a machinist mate in the Navy for 30 years.
Hi Paula! Yes, it's a good feeling knowing that things that would be a crisis for many would not be for our men! I bet Paul and your husband would be fast friends!!
Probably the biggest thing you need in your tool kit are patience and diagnostic skills. I don't know how many times I've heard people say, I've replaced 14 parts and I still have the problem. The real problem is their lack of diagnostic skills and the patience to find the problem. As for tools, much like Paul, my biggest issue is what tools do I have to get rid of or leave somewhere else. I have everything from 3/13 sockets to I think 3 1/2 inch sockets. In my case I have a motorhome so I need some bigger tools. Other than that the only thing I don't have are some of the PEX tools and the power probe.
Yes, that's the biggest dilemma for sure! It's hard to leave those tools at home or if fulltime to part with them totally. Sounds like you are well prepared though. And excellent point about diagnostic skills-- and patience. That can't be overstated!
Paul, I have a 1" torque multiplier socket set. Bought it on Amazon. $90.00. I use it if I have a tire go bad on our HDT. Also works great for busting those frame, shackle, and spring bolts. Safe travels and roads. Brian and Cindy. "Xtreambydesign with passion"
@@LizAmazing We have 1" wheel studs on our HDT. And you need a 1" anvil air hammer to break them loose. Since we can't carry the size of air compressor or tank to drive one I decided to carry one as a backup. When your boondocking it's hard to get a heavy tire company to come out and service you for a flat. I decided I can always single out one of our duals, or I can move it to the front to get us back in. Got to have backups for backups😃☺️.
Paul, thanks for sharing your toolbox with us. You have some professional items as well as budget. I saw Thomas Betts and Snap-on. About the time that your e-bikes were stolen we had our fifth wheel broken into while it was at the storage lot. Despite being told it was monitored, thieves broke in and had a field day. Catalytic converters cut off of the motorized units and everyone's cabinets broken into. I had a toolbox stolen that wasn't very large and it was over $1000 to replace the tools. Fortunately the storage site reimbursed me. Due to this I have changed insurance companies so we have personal property coverage with a reasonable deductible. My point is that it adds up quick when one has to replace tools. Hope to see you on the road someday. We are kinda kindred spirits when it comes to wrenching and fixing.
Hi Timothy. Thanks for your comment and so sorry you had that misfortune of having your camper broken into. Yes the price of those tools quickly add up. We'd love to meet you on the road, I am sure you and Paul would have lots to talk about!
Great list of tools. I don't carry that many but do have a valve stem tool after a problem while checking the air in my tires and the valve started to leak!
Great video! Very informative. We carry most of those tools already, never thought to bring a heat gun or air compressor (and accessories) We will be updating our tool selection. Thanks for sharing.
Good job Paul, a man never has to many tools. You have a great selection, the only thing I seen missing where 12 volt fuses, but I'm sure you have them. Great video again thanks. 🤩🤩🥇🥇🥂🥂
Hi Larry! That's so funny about the fuses. I cut them from the video to try to keep the length manageable. So we do indeed have fuses on board! Thanks for watching!
