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Old 10-15-2024, 11:09 AM   #1
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 78
Compact Toolkit

Airstream Interstate – Tool Kit

I gathered a bunch of info from this forum to build my own toolkit and wanted to share it to help others in the process. I wanted the basics, nothing more that a kit that would help out in emergencies. I can solder, do electrical, plumbing, have built houses and wrenched cars so I could have thrown the kitchen sink at the toolkit BUT due to the size of the van, I decided to keep it simple and cheap. I wanted cheap (but still functional) because I literally have 5 sets of every tool known to man here on my ranch - the last thing I needed to do was spend more money on "high quality" tools for emergency only. These are not high quality, but they are not pure junk either. If something comes up that is beyond my kits (or my ability) scope to repair, we will get a tow or drive to a repair facility. Open to all and any comments about what I might have missed!

Biggest win for me was finding the Ryker bag. Having the tools in a bag is a MAJOR space saver vs their original boxes or even a tool box. I’ve already used the kit as a test to see if I could mount the new horn I bought – it had all I needed which was a screwdriver and a T25 Torx bit, along with the socket set. Links below, then images of how it all fits into the Ryker bag. I’m also storing some spare parts in the cubby behind the passenger side wheel well (under the large seat in the right rear (see pic). Thats where I keep: Gorilla tape, multimeter, spare door latches, spare drawer guides, spare toilet vavle. Also am using a voltage tester at hookups before I plug in – they are cheap insurance!

BTW - there is no link to the Husky socket set, I took it out of the Jeep I sold last year and it was sitting in the garage unused. You can pick these up on Amazon or at HD.

Ryker Bag
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092C9DFCB
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Irwin Plier set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CFMCTK
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T handle 1/4” drive
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTYHGZCL
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Screwdriver set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7JYNBQF
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Klien stubby
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFNDBRW
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Razor Knife
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RILCLY
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Mesh Socket Bags
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MCW1GM2
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1” Socket for Freshwater Drain
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KL207A
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Torx Set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZJ56Z9W
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Inspection mirror
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TO7NHBY
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Stanley tape
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OYGH
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Multimeter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ISAMUA6
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Toilet Valve
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084HN12PS
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Gorilla Tape
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E5ZWT4
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Voltage tester for pedastals
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 10-15-2024, 11:14 AM   #2
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 78
Now pictures of the entire kit (minus the MM, tape and spare parts) within the Ryker bag. Note that even "using" the bag vs a toolbox is easier. Once unrolled, it's easy to get to each tool set via the zipper section it's in. Also no rattling while underway!
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Old 10-15-2024, 11:30 AM   #3
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RE: Compact Tool Kit

Greetings MT45!

Your tool kit is fantastic! While I do not own an Interstate, I do fight the battle of limited storage and carrying space as I tow my Vintage travel trailer with a car and have absolutely no intention of ever towing with a pickup again. The idea of a useful, easy to store toolkit answers a need that I have been pondering since my 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible tow vehicle was stolen a few years ago. My 1992 Buick Roadmaster sedan has even less usable floorspace than the 1975 Eldorado and the Buick has a full-size spare while the Cadillac had a space saver spare.

I am going to follow your lead with a few changes to reflect the differences a few decades of age make in the tools needed for these vehicles. That bag is the crowning glory as I can think of several places that it will fit in the Buick's trunk.

Thank you for posting your great idea!!
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Old 10-15-2024, 12:12 PM   #4
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2024
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander64 View Post
Greetings MT45!

Your tool kit is fantastic! While I do not own an Interstate, I do fight the battle of limited storage and carrying space as I tow my Vintage travel trailer with a car and have absolutely no intention of ever towing with a pickup again. The idea of a useful, easy to store toolkit answers a need that I have been pondering since my 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible tow vehicle was stolen a few years ago. My 1992 Buick Roadmaster sedan has even less usable floorspace than the 1975 Eldorado and the Buick has a full-size spare while the Cadillac had a space saver spare.

I am going to follow your lead with a few changes to reflect the differences a few decades of age make in the tools needed for these vehicles. That bag is the crowning glory as I can think of several places that it will fit in the Buick's trunk.

Thank you for posting your great idea!!
Too kind and I'm so pleased that this will help!
The bag IS the secret for sure ...
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Old 10-15-2024, 02:49 PM   #5
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MT45, thanks so much for the list and link to the tools you have in your tool kit. That took a lot of time and effort and will be a benefit to others. Much appreciated!

All the best!
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Old 10-15-2024, 03:44 PM   #6
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Very nice tool kit indeed. Like they say “ better to have it and not need it than need and not have it.” I’m in the camp of having it. Don’t forget to add a tube of either SikaFlex 221 or Dicor, a Sprinter diagnostic tool for the chassis side and spare fuses for the electrical components while you’re at it. Torx screwdrivers and sockets are a must with these Sprinters. I just added one of these Klein Thermal Imaging cameras for troubleshooting. Yeah, I know that we can go a bit overboard with the tools and extra parts.

Actually, something else that is strongly recommended with these Sprinters and after being caught with the limited DEF 10 motor restart countdown on a trip last year, I decided to buy one of the Mercedes Def Ad Blue motor start block reset devices. (Thanks Brian - ITSN060 for the recommendation) It will allow you to restart the van after the 10 starts if you’re on a long trip or very far from a Sprinter shop for service.


DEF Reset Device:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/25276246368...246c7b26f2ea1f

Sprinter Diagnostic Tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

Klein thermal Imaging Camera:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-To...5f5abd5a7591fe
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Old 10-15-2024, 07:30 PM   #7
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2024
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Thanks for those heads up items Stogie man. Almost forgot about the Sikaflex. Do you bring along a caulking gun as well?

Also love the idea of the DEF bypass item. Heard horror stories of these things failing during COVID and then folks stranded due to parts shortages

I do have the fuses, I bought this set but still need a recommendation on the larger fuses
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Old 10-15-2024, 07:37 PM   #8
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627 View Post
MT45, thanks so much for the list and link to the tools you have in your tool kit. That took a lot of time and effort and will be a benefit to others. Much appreciated!

All the best!
Happy to give back. I've been helped immensely here on this site by others. BTW, I've used that inspection mirror more times already than any other tool. When you're working on vans like ours, every square inch is packed with something ... This little mirror lets you see behind things, around things and under things. Love it.
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Old 10-16-2024, 05:55 AM   #9
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Ah, the struggle is painfully real. Where tools are concerned, my husband and I have found that the battle plan never survives first contact with the enemy, which is entropy on the road during conditions of urgency. We tried at least four different tool selection and organization methods and every one of them failed in some way, so we threw up our hands, admitted defeat, and bought Joel Sell’s (Million Mile Sprinter) kit, even though we otherwise already own tools in triplicate because my husband inherited two sets from family members.

I can’t link to the kit shown below because apparently he doesn’t have it in stock right now, but he promotes it as everything needed to work on a Sprinter in its entirety. It’s the tool kit that he takes with him when his customers fly him to other states to work on their rigs.

I tried a roll-up bag but there was too much fumbling and rummaging because I could not SEE the tools that I had. If I am reaching for a tool kept in the Interstate, it’s usually because we are broke down somewhere and have limited mental bandwidth. I need to put my hands on stuff immediately.

I tried a professional lineman’s tool bag and although the quality was exceptional (it will outlast me by decades) and the ergonomics were somewhat improved, there was still no way to control the inventory, and one tool or another always ended up missing like socks in the laundry. And then we would find ourselves broke down and the ONE TOOL that we needed to fix our rig would mysteriously not be in the bag, which defeated the entire purpose of carrying tools.

Therefore, this. My husband and I have an agreement that if anything ever goes missing from any of these slots, ***HEADS WILL ROLL***. No more fumbling, no more not being able to see, no more delays at the side of the road as we scrounge.

This is a nice slim case and it fits neatly behind our driver’s seat along with our Telesteps ladder. No space penalty.

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Old 10-16-2024, 08:13 AM   #10
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Thanks all for the posting and tool ideas. We created similar bags with a similar collection of tools. Loved the roll up bag idea but darn the ability to look in a grab a tool from open bags also useful. Love that Sprinter tool kit so easy to find what you need. We have two open zip up bags repurposed from dewalt and porter cable It was a way for me to not buy new shiny things

The dewalt bag still carries drill, 3 batteries, dewalt led light, dewalt charger and fluke meter. Rather have it all and not need it ( within reason due to space!)
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Old 10-16-2024, 06:33 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT45 View Post
Do you bring along a caulking gun as well?
Yes, unfortunately I do have to carry a caulking gun. I found the smallest one that I could find at HD and it happens to be the cheapest ones. However, we do have an advantage over your build year in that Airstream use to put in a so-called metal cooler in the back that many of us use as a storage bin. It’s the one pictured below. This is where I house all the tools and extra parts to include a spare water pump, macerator and one electric dump valve.

Lastly, if you want to get rid of carying the fresh water drain socket - you can install a water shut-off valve if you don’t want to constantly screw on/off that plug to mess up the threads. Some on the forum don’t like it in fear that it may get ripped off but I’ve had one on for about 6 years with no issues. It’s actually not lower than anything one thing on the rig. I’ve only replaced twice to avoid any problems with aging.

Shut-off Valve:
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...13250109702187
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Old 10-17-2024, 07:10 AM   #12
James 1:22
 
2022 Interstate 24GT
Lenoir City , Tennessee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StogieMan View Post
Yes, unfortunately I do have to carry a caulking gun. I found the smallest one that I could find at HD and it happens to be the cheapest ones. However, we do have an advantage over your build year in that Airstream use to put in a so-called metal cooler in the back that many of us use as a storage bin. It’s the one pictured below. This is where I house all the tools and extra parts to include a spare water pump, macerator and one electric dump valve.

Lastly, if you want to get rid of carying the fresh water drain socket - you can install a water shut-off valve if you don’t want to constantly screw on/off that plug to mess up the threads. Some on the forum don’t like it in fear that it may get ripped off but I’ve had one on for about 6 years with no issues. It’s actually not lower than anything one thing on the rig. I’ve only replaced twice to avoid any problems with aging.

Shut-off Valve:
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...13250109702187
Love that idea! I also see a spare water pump, macerator and dump valves. Have had to replace any/all while on the road over the years?

PEX tools needed for the water pump or do you carry hose clamps and barbed connectors?
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Old 10-17-2024, 09:35 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT45 View Post
Love that idea! I also see a spare water pump, macerator and dump valves. Have had to replace any/all while on the road over the years?

PEX tools needed for the water pump or do you carry hose clamps and barbed connectors?
Great question and nope! In the nine years that we’ve owned it - I’ve never had to replace the water, macerator or electric dump valve on the road. This is the reason that they are coming out of the rig for more room when I start my four season project. The only thing that I’ve had to replace twice on the road is the actual drip valve at the end one the macerator hose. Both times, there were cracks on it.
I do carry a bunch of pex crimps, connector and valves in a small bag along with an Apollo crimp hand tool like the one linked. These will continue to have a spot in the van.

Prior, I modified our drains to include a back up gravity fed dump just in case so I’m really not sure why the heck I carry the spare macerator pump. I guess I’m just a creature of habit.


Pex Crimp Clamp Tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Poly-Pipe-Pin...%2C152&sr=8-51
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Old 10-17-2024, 10:16 AM   #14
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I really love that roll up tool kit.

Anything that only takes up the space of what’s inside is a good thing.

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Old 10-17-2024, 10:21 AM   #15
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WOW what a lot of GREAT info thanks to everyone for sharing!
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Old 10-17-2024, 01:24 PM   #16
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Our camper tool kit isn't SUPER compact, but it fits in our front end compartment behind the gas tanks just fine. We purchased an amazon tool bag https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1 and then I added a socket set, ratcheting wrench set, pliars, flat screw driver, phillips screw driver, 21mm deep lug socket, rivet gun, electrical tape, teflon wrap, and a few other items. I also have a 1/2 inch torque wrench in the bag, but my 3/4" torque wrench doesn't fit in the bag. It's pretty giant, but makes torquing the lugs to 110 ft lb and the hitch nuts pretty simple.
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Old 10-21-2024, 10:31 AM   #17
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I just moved my tools from boxes to a roll-up bag this past weekend. I looked at the Ryker Bag, but ultimately went with this one, as it's a bit larger and a bit cheaper, but the main reason was that all of the tool pouches are removable, so I don't have to drag the entire kit around if I just need specific tools.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ71B52Y...sin_title&th=1

I organized my sockets on these socket holders from Harbor Freight:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-ei...ail-39722.html
They're very compact, work perfectly in a roll-up bag and they're dirt cheap. I bought all three sizes, attached my sockets, then cut them down to fit.

Speaking of sockets, if you have a Sprinter-based RV, you need E-Torx sockets, like these: https://www.amazon.com/14pcs-Female-...5&sr=8-13&th=1
There are a few sizes that you probably don't need to carry.

Although I don't typically bring it on the road, one of the handiest tools for RV work is a borescope. Whether finding fasteners dropped in impossible to see spaces, tracing where wiring goes under cabinets, tracking down a hidden water leak, or similar tasks, it makes many jobs much easier. Here's the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Teslong-Inspe...09&sr=8-2&th=1
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Old 10-21-2024, 02:10 PM   #18
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Thanks for starting this great thread MT45. I have a 16' Airstream and space is at a premium. I'm ordering the roll up tool bag today and adding some of the tools you suggested that I don't already have. I've been wanting to consolidate my tools, currently spread around the trailer, and this is the perfect solution. Thanks for the work and recommendations.
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Old 10-22-2024, 12:03 PM   #19
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Thanks!
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