Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-09-2019, 02:45 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
John&Vicki's Avatar
 
1990 25' Excella
Sisters , Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,195
Images: 4
Minimalist Tool Box

Before you scold me I have searched on what to stock in a trailer tool box. Most of what I found recommended emptying out the shop. My shop is well equipped, but unfortunately most of it is metric (Porsches for 30+ years). Even the pliers are metric. So I actually may have to buy some SAE tools for the trailer tool box.

I’ve had my trailer for 7 years now and other than rivets and Phillips head screws I’m not all that familiar with the most commonly used fasteners, clamps, plugs, etc. What would you stock in a minimalist trailer tool box? Enough so you could MacGyver if need be.

Thanks,
John
__________________
John Audette
Air Cooled Porsche Specialist -

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled. ~ Robert Frost
John&Vicki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 03:02 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Caffeinated's Avatar
 
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Newberg , Oregon
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,052
Minimalism is overrated, especially when you don’t have the tool you need.

Mike
__________________
2015 27ft FC FB
WBCCI #3960
2019 F150 ecoboost
Caffeinated is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 04:16 PM   #3
Wheels Itch)(Must Travel
 
az-streamer's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
- east coastal area - , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 683
Images: 20
[QUOTE
What would you stock in a minimalist trailer tool box? Enough so you could MacGyver if need be.

Thanks,
John[/QUOTE]

At least:

folding pocket knife
Folding saw
Multi-tool
Various size bungee cords
Various size zip ties
Strong duct tape
az-streamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 04:19 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
AldeanFan's Avatar
 
1977 23' Safari
Niagara on the Lake , Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 984
Images: 3
Think through and maybe even act out whatever common repairs you may do on the road. Whatever tools you would need keep them on the trailer.
__________________
1977 Safari Land Yacht
2005 Toyota Tundra SR5
2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5
AldeanFan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 04:22 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
John&Vicki's Avatar
 
1990 25' Excella
Sisters , Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,195
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caffeinated View Post
Minimalism is overrated, especially when you don’t have the tool you need.

Mike
Raining there in Portland Mike?
__________________
John Audette
Air Cooled Porsche Specialist -

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled. ~ Robert Frost
John&Vicki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 05:03 PM   #6
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Minimal - get one of the plastic boxed socket sets that includes Allen wrenches, multiple screw driver tips and a universal handle. Add a Crescent, water pump pliers, a multimeter, a wiring kit with a lug tool, dikes, small hatchet, torque wrench, 24 inch 1/2" breaker bar, strap wrench, bottle jack, a tire pressure gage and a flashlight. . Pat
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 05:04 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
John&Vicki's Avatar
 
1990 25' Excella
Sisters , Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,195
Images: 4
Thanks Pat.
__________________
John Audette
Air Cooled Porsche Specialist -

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled. ~ Robert Frost
John&Vicki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 05:14 PM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Little rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 68
I learned at the international rally that Airstream uses size 8 wood screws in almost all applications. I carry assorted lengths
Dtrentr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 05:43 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
2012 Avenue Coach
Corpus Christi , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,719
WD-40 and Duct tape.

If it won't move and it should, use the WD-40.

If it moves and it shouldn't, use the Duct tape.
rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 07:19 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Caffeinated's Avatar
 
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Newberg , Oregon
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,052
Quote:
Originally Posted by John&Vicki View Post
Raining there in Portland Mike?


I’m not sure as we are have been on the road for two weeks and are currently in Hannibal MO on our way to the Bourbon and Beyond caravan in Kentucky. It’s hotter than heck here by the way.

I probably over carry tools, but as you never know what is going to break, a set of 1/2 inch sockets and a breaker bar, a 3/4 inch socket set, and a 1/4 inch set.(The latter I quite like for effecting small repairs on the inside of the trailer.)

Vise grips, channel locks, a couple of different size adjustable wrenches, zip ties, a torq wrench, Viair portable air compressor, a dewalt battery drill/driver, assorted manual screw drivers, needle nose pliers, wire strippers, spray silicon, spray white lithium grease, mini grease gun for the Blu Ox....most of the time one won’t need this, but when you do...

Mike
__________________
2015 27ft FC FB
WBCCI #3960
2019 F150 ecoboost
Caffeinated is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 07:26 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
1969 18' Caravel
Greenville , whereEverIroam
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,409
Images: 20
After scouring the interpipes, I believe I have found what is, in fact, the smallest, lightest, most versatile emergency tool box available for Airstreams:



Funny, yes, but true!

Somehow, I sense this is not the answer you're looking for. Yes you could go for one of those multi-tool gadgets that will (almost, but not quite) work in any situation, but will defiantly drive you insane using it like:


or


But I would not recommend it. Everyone will be able to share stories of a situation where having (or not having) just the right simple but obscure thing at hand saved (or would have) the day.

I can easily see how this thread could quickly devolve into survivalists' contest about who can relax the most because they are totally prepared to stave off the zombie apocolypse bound to occur at midnight in the depths of nuclear winter.

Sufice to say, you'll need a bigger TV to haul the tool box you'll end up with.

P.S. I thought the whole point of getting an Airstream was to have an excuse to buy more tools!
skyguyscott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2019, 09:28 PM   #12
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
Pop rivet gun and assorted rivets

PEX clamp tool and clamps plus a few metal PEX fittings

Duct and electrical tape

Grease gun

Multimeter

Crimp lug tool

Fuses and crimp lugs

Socket wrenches in 3/8 drive and selected 1/2 sizes

Torque wrench that can handle up to the max torque you might need. For me, 250 ft-pounds for the ProPride hitch parts.

Assorted pliers

If all else fails, a widely accepted credit card with a high limit.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2019, 07:36 PM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Boise , Idaho
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 78
You might add a tire plug kit and small air compressor.
mtbmitch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2019, 09:39 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot , Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
In addition to the above, the ability to find an Ace Hardware to get the wrenches you have at home but need to buy again for the fix.

All okay - any good project needs a new tool.
bweybright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2019, 09:45 PM   #15
3 Rivet Member
 
2019 27' Flying Cloud
Box Elder , South Dakota
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 178
What I have used in the last week: pliers, Phillips screwdriver, wrenches, measuring tape, drill and bits, hack saw. And scissors.
You'd want more than this, but not less.
__________________
2019 Flying Cloud 27fb twin
Full-timing with one husband, one cat.
SnooMc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2019, 07:36 PM   #16
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
On the road, I used the cell phone, a 24" level, a Philips head screw driver, a set of bent needle nose pliers, the 24" breaker bar and 1" socket, the torque wrench and lug socket, the grease gun, the x-chock ratchet wrench, the laser temperature measurement gun, the tire pressure gage, the jumper battery pack air compressor, two flashlights, some disposable gloves and rags/paper towels.

What I carried was three tool bags (hitch parts/tools, large wrenches/hack saw, small screw drivers/pliers/file ... ), a boxed socket set, a hatchet, four small tool boxes (wrenches, hardware, electrical tools/parts, and rivet tools/parts), a bag of misc lubricants and a shovel.

We all cope with fixing stuff by using what we have or can get from a local source. Each time I come up short, that missing part gets added to a small hardware box.

Good luck with your trip. . Pat

Edit - after every trip, I make a plan to reduce the tool load on the next trip. Experience to date is utter failure. Convinced that the best tool is a completed todo list that includes all the preventive maintenance projects the coach needed to successfully make the trip.
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2019, 10:21 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Caffeinated's Avatar
 
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Newberg , Oregon
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,052
Having been on the road for almost two months, and traveling from Portland OR to Kentucky and back to currently Indio CA, (I borrowed the rivet gun And rivets from another well prepared club member on the carravan) And had to use some Locktite blue on the little screw that holds the hook on the curbside awning As it was coming off. I didn’t even know that could happen until another member was fixing his, then I checked mine and found out it was close to going walk about. I also found one of the wood screws on the floor of the trailer, but have not found where it came from. Hopefully when I get home next week and take all the stuff out of the trailer I’ll be able to replace it. So a pop rivet gun is on the list for next summer, along with all the other stuff.

Mike
__________________
2015 27ft FC FB
WBCCI #3960
2019 F150 ecoboost
Caffeinated is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2019, 11:35 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Wabbiteer's Avatar
 
1973 27' Overlander
Currently Looking...
Jupiter , Florida
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,060
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
WISS 10-1/2" Compound Action Long Cut Aviation Snips... $22

https://www.amazon.com/M300-MultiMas.../dp/B00002N5LD

A no-argument tool for cutting anything... sheet metal (low carbon rolled steel up to 20 gauge), plastics, vinyl, carpet, gutters, cardboard, paper, screen, wire mesh, hose, wallpaper, cloth, rope, cable... blown out tire shreds, shredded bellywrap & segments, snack package wrappers...

Hold out for the WISS brand name, no clones. I was given a pair in 1976 first day on the job and they cut like new.

The linked pair is the W300N, there is a W300 that is parkerized black finish instead of bright shear pieces... It is the 'Long Nose' style that makes them exceptionally good at EVERYTHING.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	wiss-w300.jpg
Views:	46
Size:	15.7 KB
ID:	354820  
__________________
The days are short and the night is long and the stars go tumbling by.. . ~Airstream~
Wabbiteer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2019, 01:00 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
A W Warn's Avatar
 
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County , NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
Not many tools live in the trailer. I keep:
bottle jack, lug wrench, awning wrench, wood blocks, screwdriver with changeable tips, torpedo level, pliers, vice grips, needle nose, wire cutter, multi-meter, 120v receptacle plug tester. (I carry an extensive quantity of replacement parts, but I do not consider these tools/part of my tool box)

The tools that live in my tow vehicle are quite extensive. (weighs close to 100 lbs)
Every tool that I think I could need to repair plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. And: lug for tire repair. Air compressor. Battery powered tools & Lights. Torque wrench & socket for wheel lugs.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
A W Warn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2019, 01:04 PM   #20
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyguyscott View Post
Yes you could go for one of those multi-tool gadgets that will (almost, but not quite) work in any situation, but will defiantly drive you insane
A multi-tool is never the BEST tool for any job, but it certainly beats having NO tool at all!
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Off Grid Electricity - A Minimalist Approach NWGetaways Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 49 08-05-2019 04:29 PM
Minimalist vent fan upgrade for 68 Overlander fitzjo1 Roof Vents, Skylights & Fans 0 07-05-2015 01:33 PM
I have 3 boxes of assorted parts from my airstream 59 Tradewind, I would like to sell by the box for 300.00 per box or best offer per box 59as Airstream Classifieds 0 09-19-2014 11:01 AM
Minimalist restoration of Caravel hodol88 Interior Restoration Forum 6 09-02-2014 08:02 AM
Need to bring tool box closer to West Coast. fabofabo Our Community 0 09-16-2004 04:23 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.