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Creating a caravan tool kit doesn’t necessitate much effort. However, to put together an exceptional one, ensure to incorporate these vital 10 tools.
Picture this: you find yourself stranded on the roadside, feeling helpless. Your spouse is seated under a shady tree, ignoring you (as expected). The kids are dirty and wasteful, constantly using up water, parched from running around in the midst of escalating tensions. The reason? You forgot the one crucial tool that could have salvaged the situation and gotten you back on the road with your caravan – it’s back on the workbench in the garage.
Remember to pack these essential tools next time!
1. Spanners (prefer having one over being one)
Many individuals have a bunch of spanners lying at the base of their tool kit, but do they match the sizes of nuts and bolts on your caravan and vehicle? Why lug around imperial sizes when you only need metric? I carry a set of ratchet spanners as they are convenient in confined spaces, and a 24mm spanner to fit my differential plugs. Bundling your spanner set keeps them organized and reduces the risk of misplacing any.
2. Screwdrivers (not the beverage kind)
A collection of screwdrivers are invaluable companions to your caravan tool kit. Ergonomic handles and sturdy blades are essential. Nothing is more frustrating than stripping a screw or ruining a screwdriver. A screwdriver with changeable heads is practical; it saves space, and the heads can also be used with your drill. An excellent tip is to magnetize your screwdrivers for a secure connection between the screw and the driver.
3. Sockets (no, not for your eyes)
A high-quality socket set will endure for a lifetime, and beyond. Confirm that the sockets match your vehicle and caravan (similar to the spanners) to avoid wasting space in your caravan tool kit. Opt for metric or imperial, not both, unless you are towing something contemporary with a Series Land Rover (in which case you likely have a support truck as well).
Holding extension bits and a reliable crank handle (and resisting the urge to start the Landy) is advantageous. Invest in extended sockets to access lengthy bolts and store them in a container for easy retrieval.
4. Cordless drill (usable for medical operations as well)
An 18V cordless drill is the “must-have” power tool in your caravan tool kit. It is also beneficial to have a couple of spare batteries! A drill proves valuable for tightening screws, fastening bolts, drilling holes, and adjusting your stabilizer legs. It simplifies many small tasks. Ensure your batteries are fully charged when needed. Keep the batteries charging when at a powered site (or with an inverter, plug in the charger while on the move).
5. Tyre repair kit (not for inflatable mattress repairs)
As we journey beyond the paved roads in search of the perfect camping spot, the likelihood of a tire puncture rises. A tyre repair kit is a cost-effective safeguard in such instances. In most cases, you can patch the puncture without removing the wheel.
Make sure to carry a reliable tyre repair kit in your caravan tool kit and acquaint yourself with its usage. A portable air compressor is handy in these circumstances. The value of having one will become apparent the first time you forget it at home when it’s necessary.
6. Cable fasteners
Can you believe that something as minute as a cable fastener can be a lifesaver time and time again? Cable fasteners deliver beyond their size and are indispensable for any caravan tool kit. They can secure a camping permit to your awning, hoist a flag, neaten wiring, or maintain your suspension under extreme conditions. Carrying various sizes is prudent, but steer clear of low-quality multipacks. Investing more in quality cable fasteners yields superior performance. They are lightweight, and you can never have too many. Who hasn’t encountered a need for impromptu handcuffs?
7. Lubricants (not for that purpose!)
Grease for wheel bearings, WD-40, and silicon spray are all essential for your caravan and haulage vehicle, hence they belong in your caravan tool kit. It’s crucial to have a container of High-Temperature Bearing Grease (HTB) handy in case you need to repack your wheel bearings. WD-40 can help release rusted bolts, fix squeaky cupboards or doors, drain water from electrical connections, and prevent your mirror from fogging up in the bathroom. Silicon spray can be quite handy for stubborn zippers on your annex or rooftop tent.
8. Multi-grips/shifter (useful in emergencies)
In times of emergency, multi-grips can be utilized to secure your fuel line or brake line. Shifters prove to be helpful when encountering a nut or bolt that doesn’t fit your regular sockets or spanners or to stabilize a nut while tightening a bolt. Make sure the nut is securely held as shifters are notorious for rounding nuts and bolt heads. It’s highly recommended to have a large shifter that can be used on your towball in your caravan tool kit as a loose towball can be extremely unsafe.
9. Tape (adhesive variety)
Gaffer tape, electrical tape, and plumber’s tape all come in handy and don’t occupy much space in your caravan tool kit. Gaffer tape can serve as a quick fix for tears or to keep your front fender intact after hitting an animal. Electrical tape can tidy up any cable work or shield soldered cables. Plumber’s tape is effective in sealing leaky water connections at caravan sites.
10. Electrical tester
I always ensure I have my multimeter with me. Countless times I’ve had to inspect battery connections, test the pins on caravan plugs, or verify that the alternator was supplying a proper charge to the Anderson plug. Mine even includes a temperature probe – ideal for testing the internal temperature of a camp oven roast. It’s wise to also carry spare batteries. An indicator lamp is also practical for identifying the presence or absence of an electric current when activating or deactivating a power source.
Additionally, make sure to include these items in your caravan tool kit – you never know when they might come in handy!
ODDS AND SODS (eventually useful)
It’s usually the miscellaneous items that take up most space in your caravan tool kit, but it’s better to have them included than left behind. You never know when you might need:
Whether for self-use or aiding others, ensure you have these crucial tools in your caravan tool kit.
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