What tools do you take away caravanning?

[Dustydog]

Colin got me thinking.
For years half my boot was full of tools now a lot of them have migrated to the caravan.
Whilst I have the usual array of hammers wrenches screwdrivers etc I see I have spares for the Thetford cassette toilet, assorted 12v bulbs, 3 way water tank tap, terminal blocks, assorted jubilee clips, multimeter and loads more.
I thought caravans had improved over the years? Should I ditch my tools and spares :huh:

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

I think I carry too many in the car boot, so with the smaller car I've had a clear out as the boot is much smaller.

 

[Parksy]

I usually carry a small plastic toolbox with screwdrivers, pliers, gaffa tape,spare electrical bits such as terminal blocks etc but I've stopped lugging socket sets and combi spanners sets around.
As we saw at Stowford when I had car trouble, I didn't fancy risking crawling about under the truck and possibly leaking more oil onto the grass so I let the RAC deal with it because that's what we pay them for.
I'm in Weymouth this week enjoying fantastic weather until tomorrow when we go home, with no need for tools (touch wood )
I can't wait for Sprocket to reply :cheer:

 

[BedfordGeorge]

I purchased a set of tools in a plastic box from LIDL, that had everything in it from a hammer to a small hacksaw and all for £20-00. The only item missing was a wire stripper, which I managed to fit in under one of the tools. I also carry a set of ring spanners to supplement the adjustable in the box. I also have a range of spares for the toilet cassette & waste container, along with various fuses and digital connectors for the TV. We have balls of elastic bands & strong string, gaffer tape, AA & AAA batteries for general use, and also a spare battery for the Motor Mover handset. More specialised items are an Electronic Satellite finder, an Inclinomitor to set the dish angle, and a Kojack Scissor Jack to lift the van, with jacking points on the AL-LO Chassis.
Regards,
George

 

[LizziePope]

What a well-timed chat! We looked at just this matter a few issues ago in Practical Caravan, when in the April 2014 magazine we tested multi-tools, and some of the product reviews are on the website, too – just click here!

 

[FrintonMike]

I know that I carry too many tools in the car and caravan but if I ditch one I know that it will be the one I need next time out so they are all staying where they are

 

[Sproket]

I can't wait for Sprocket to reply :cheer:

Just done a stock check hmy:

Torque wrench & special socket for the WSL wheel bolts,
Nose weight gauge,
Drill & charger for doing the steadies,
New spare 13pin plug & wiring diagram,
Spare aquaroll pump,
Spare 8mm quick release gas pipe fitting & 'O' clips for BBQ pipe,
Two new one shot nuts,
Two ton 12v electric scissor jack,

Multimeter with temperature probe ( handy for checking the fridge temp )
Car current tester ( see what using or draining the battery )
Selection of spade terminals & connectors and a small battery powered soldering iron,
Damp meter,
Tin of silicon lube spray,
Selection of pliers & screwdrivers,
Wire strip & terminal crimp tool,
A few cable ties,
Part roll of duct tape,
Part roll of clear duct tape,
length of self amalgamating tape,
Hammer,
Adjustable spanner x 2,
Inspection mirror,
Right angled 1/4" Hex screwdriver bit holder / driver,
Head torch,

Oh !
And my telescopic ladder that stays in the truck unless I need to get on the caravan roof :woohoo:

 

[PaulT]

Good heavens Sprocket!! You've got more kit than the average caravan dealer! Do you frequently have a use for the damp meter when you're away?

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Daren't do a full stock check -- but I know mine would make Sprokets look 'limited'!

 

[Dustydog]

Sir Sproket
What happened to the large crowbar and welding kit?

 

[Sproket]

Do you frequently have a use for the damp meter when you're away?

No ...
But at least I know were to find it
Most of those items will never get used, but just in case of a mishap it's easily sorted....

 

[Sproket]

Sir Sproket
What happened to the large crowbar and welding get kit?

Argh !
Those come under essentials hmy: hmy:
At the weekend I was glad of the crowbar to help retrieve the rock pegs from the hard standing a lump hammer was required to help insert them :evil:

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Ps, --- I do know I don't carry a ladder though!

 

[colin-yorkshire]

well well what a lot of tools boys, once upon a time, I used to carry enough to do a complete car and caravan strip down and rebuild (wise in those days) when the car broke down every 100miles or so but now I carry.

a jack and wheel brace plus portable air pump a hammer for the pegs and a pair of pliers to get them out a screwdriver in case a cupboard door comes loose, OH, and a credit card, to pay someone else to put things right. because. ""I'M ON HOLIDAY"" :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

 

[ProfJohnL]

..................... OH, and a credit card, to pay someone else to put things right. because. ""I'M ON HOLIDAY"" :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Oh Colin,
Where's your spirit of adventure?, I thought you couldn't bear asking a local professional to sort out problems, You like getting your hands dirty fixing all the things that go wrong on your caravan. hmy: Dual Standards ? :dry:

 

[SteveW77]

I can't wait for Sprocket to reply :cheer:

Just done a stock check hmy:

Torque wrench & special socket for the WSL wheel bolts,
Nose weight gauge,
Drill & charger for doing the steadies,
New spare 13pin plug & wiring diagram,
Spare aquaroll pump,
Spare 8mm quick release gas pipe fitting & 'O' clips for BBQ pipe,
Two new one shot nuts,
Two ton 12v electric scissor jack,

Multimeter with temperature probe ( handy for checking the fridge temp )
Car current tester ( see what using or draining the battery )
Selection of spade terminals & connectors and a small battery powered soldering iron,
Damp meter,
Tin of silicon lube spray,
Selection of pliers & screwdrivers,
Wire strip & terminal crimp tool,
A few cable ties,
Part roll of duct tape,
Part roll of clear duct tape,
length of self amalgamating tape,
Hammer,
Adjustable spanner x 2,
Inspection mirror,
Right angled 1/4" Hex screwdriver bit holder / driver,
Head torch,

Oh !
And my telescopic ladder that stays in the truck unless I need to get on the caravan roof :woohoo:

That's not a caravan, it's a mobile workshop

 

[colin-yorkshire]

..................... OH, and a credit card, to pay someone else to put things right. because. ""I'M ON HOLIDAY"" :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Oh Colin,
Where's your spirit of adventure?, I thought you couldn't bear asking a local professional to sort out problems, You like getting your hands dirty fixing all the things that go wrong on your caravan. hmy: Dual Standards ? :dry:

Double Standards "NO John" practicalities "Yes John" A grass field is not the place to do a engine rebulid or caravan rewiring job, modern stuff is so reliable it does not break down , so why carry a workshop in the boot, if there is an issue it is usually a major, and the reason we all have breakdown cover and recovery.
for everything else I use the card, water pump fails I buy a new one, bulb blows Halfords fit them for free, get a puncture there's allways a Kwik fit, anything else!!!!!! :woohoo: :woohoo: "Hello is that Green Flag" get the picture!!! B)

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Get the picture alright Colin, but I tend to find they are generally used on someone elses outfit!

 

[Dustydog]

Once bitten twice shy.
Some 30 years ago as an impoverished dad I took the kids to North Wales in a Castleton Rovanna tugged by a puke green Austin Princess 2.2 six cylinder.
The head gasket blew.
Sourced a new gasket set and was back up and running 5 hours later.
I still carry a torque wrench but cannot compete with Sproket's Alladins tool cave

 

[Highlander09]

Cork screw and can opener, you can always take the top off a bottle on the A frame.

 

[Raywood]

Very little kit these days. A screwdriver and a few spanners usually and a spare towing mirror. Had a clamp on mirror screw go when I was putting it on when on site and glad I had another as we would have been seriously delayed otherwise.