When you’re traveling, unexpected things are bound to happen, and it’s much easier to cope with these challenges when you have a proper RV tool kit. Whether it’s a mechanical, electrical, or other issue that needs to be addressed, the best tool kit for RVs will make the job much easier.
If you hit the road without the essential tools, you may find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere without access to water or power, which can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Check out the following tool kits that are a must-have for every RVer.
Best RV Tool Kit
This tool kit comes with a 12-volt cordless drill/driver and 59 hand tools and accessories that are commonly used on big and small projects. The drill is 35 percent smaller than a previous model, which makes it more compact and easier to store. The tool kit has a carrying case and includes a claw hammer, tape measure, adjustable wrench, utility knife, and a ratcheting screwdriver, among other items.
The drill’s lithium-ion battery holds a charge for up to 18 months, and it has an LED light for illumination. The kit is robust and perfect for simple and light-duty tasks around your RV. The tools are good quality with nice grips, and the kit itself is relatively inexpensive for what you get. It is lightweight and is perfect for assembling furniture, hanging pictures, and other basic chores.
- 60 pieces, including a 12V cordless drill
- Convenient carrying case
- Lithium-ion battery on the dril
- Brand Black & Decker
- Model BDCDD12PK
- Weight 4 pounds
Drill holds a charge for a long time
Good price for what you get
Tools are good quality
Not intended for heavy-duty tasks
Drill could be a little stronger
Carrying case easily gets disorganized
This Craftsman tool kit includes 57 hand tools, including a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, and a socket wrench. The tools are DIY-focused for measuring, cutting, and fastening. The fiberglass hammer is designed for comfort and to reduce fatigue. The case is molded and easy to store, and the kit is backed by a lifetime warranty.
The tools feature ergonomic handles for comfort and a polished finish to resist corrosion. The quarter-inch 72-tooth ratchet is great for small spaces. The slip joint, groove joint, and long nose pliers are designed for use in a variety of situations. Overall, the kit is very good quality and a great value for the price.
- 57 pieces
- DIY-focused hand tools
- Molded case
- Lifetime warranty
- Brand Craftsman
- Model CMMT99446
- Weight 7.4 pounds
Tools have ergonomic handles
Tools are corrosion-resistant
Great value
No drill included
Some tools don’t stay in place in the case
Some pieces are of lower quality than others
This 170-piece tool kit meets ANSI and ASME specifications and is designed for most consumer, industrial, and mechanical applications. It includes both SAE and metric tools in a sturdy plastic case that is easy to store and transport. The hand tools have a chrome finish and include wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers.
This kit features a variety of tools that work well in most applications. Whether you’re using this on the road, at home, or in the garage, it’s a good compact kit that will go a long way. Crescent’s tools are heat-treated and made from high-strength chrome vanadium steel alloy. They are also corrosion- and abrasion-resistant.
- 170 pieces
- SAE and metric tools included
- Meets ANSI, ASME specs
- Sturdy plastic case
- Brand Crescent
- Model CTK170CMP2
- Weight 20 pounds
Kit is very versatile
Tools are corrosion- and abrasion-resistant
Tools are made of high-strength steel
Case is stiff and clasps may break
Not all tools are the same quality
Pricey
This 125-piece tool kit is designed for work at home, office, on the road, or in the garage. It features all the tools you need for hammering, measuring, cutting, and screwing, including a 3.6-volt lithium-ion screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, claw hammer, and precision screwdriver. The tools come in a nylon tool bag.
This is a good general toolkit for everyday needs. The tools are made of carbon steel, and the handles are ergonomically designed with non-slip grips for comfort. All tools meet ANSI standards. The tools are durable, and the kit is great for small projects and simple jobs. The carrying case is nice, holds all the tools in place, and is small enough to fit in a drawer.
- 125 pieces
- Includes 3.6V screwdriver
- Non-slip grips
- Nylon tool bag
- Brand Workpro
- Model W009068A
- Weight 6.65 pounds
Tools are made of carbon steel
Handles are ergonomically designed
Kit is durable and easy to store
Not meant for heavy-duty use
Tools may get jumbled during shipping
Tools can be challenging to organize in the nylon bag
Stanley’s mixed tool set comes with 210 pieces, including wrenches, ratchets, pliers, sockets, a tape measure, and utility knife. The tools are made of chrome vanadium for greater durability, strength, and torque. They feature a chrome finish to resist corrosion and meet or exceed ANSI standards. The kit includes a molded case for storage.
One of the best things about this kit is the case locks using a center locking twist mechanism that is very strong and prevents the tools from falling out. It features nearly everything you need in the way of tools for both home and on the road. The tools come in both metric and imperial, and overall it’s very handy to keep in your RV.
- 210 pieces
- Tools are chrome vanadium
- Tools meet ANSI standards
- Molded carrying case
- Brand Stanley
- Model STMT73795
- Weight 19.65 pounds
Strong case prevents tools from falling out
Variety of tools for home and the road
Tools are both metric and imperial
Some tools are hard to remove from case
Tools are prone to rusting
Pricey
This 161-piece tool kit features heat-treated and chrome-plated tools to resist corrosion. It also features a 4.8-volt cordless screwdriver. The tools meet ANSI standards and come in a heavy-duty molded case. Some of the tools it includes are screwdrivers, a claw hammer, pliers, electric voltage tester, wrenches, and spring clamps.
Apollo’s tool kit is designed to be a DIY set for everyday maintenance tasks. The cordless screwdriver has an LED light for illumination. The compact storage case keeps tools organized, and the hand tools have non-slip grips designed for comfort and extra torque. All tools except the cordless screwdriver come with a lifetime guarantee.
- 161 pieces
- 4.8V cordless screwdriver included
- Tools meet ANSI standards
- Heavy-duty molded case
- Brand Apollo Tools
- Model DT0738
- Weight 5.23 pounds
Great DIY set
Tools are non-slip and comfortable
Lifetime guarantee
Not for heavy-duty use
Case may break during shipping
Tools have tendency to fall out of case
This heavy-duty tire repair kit is designed for RVs, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. It comes with 56 pieces: all the tools you need to fix a flat tire, including pliers, hex keys, valve caps, repair cords, a T-handle insert tool, knife, T-handle spiral probe, and lubricant. The kit is covered by a one-year warranty.
This kit has everything you need to repair most tire issues. It even repairs tractor/loader tires with thick, heavy lugs. The T-handle tools are ergonomically designed to repair punctures quickly and easily, and the kit comes with easy-to-understand color directions. Overall, it’s a high-quality kit, the tools are sturdy, and it comes with lots of extra plugs.
- 56-piece tire repair tool kit
- All tools included for the task
- Lifetime warranty
- Brand Boulder Tools
- Model BT4001
- Weight 2.6 pounds
Tools are ergonomically designed
Tools are sturdy and many extra plugs included
Great instructions
Case may break during shipping
Case is a little large
Tools may break over time
Best RV Tool Kit Buying Guide & FAQ
As we already mentioned, repairs are part of an RVer’s life. At some point in your adventures, you will need to stop what you’re doing and fix a leaky faucet, tighten a cabinet screw, or replace something in your camper. You can do all of these things and more if you have a proper RV tool kit.
But it’s important that you do your research first. In the buying guide below, we lay out the details and everything you should know before making a purchase. We also include some tips and some frequently asked questions you may have about RV tool kits.
Why You Need a RV Tool Kit
Appliances and other systems naturally wear out and fail over time, whether you’re at home or on the road. Eventually, something in your RV will break, crack, leak, or come apart. The odds are these types of inconveniences will occur when you’re in the wilderness and many miles from civilization.
To avoid a major meltdown, all you have to do is prepare in advance by purchasing a good-quality tool kit. If you have the tools at hand, you are protected in case something unexpected happens. Avoid the stress by planning for emergencies ahead of time.
Most kits for motorhomes, RVs, and campers contain the basic tools you need for any adventure. While you can purchase many of the necessary items separately, that can drive up the cost. That’s why we recommend buying an all-in-one tool kit that can take care of basic problems.
Tool kits are important because no matter what the condition of your RV, you will eventually have to tighten, loosen, or cut something. Nothing stays in good shape forever.
- Appliances and other items naturally break over time.
- Fix items on the spot instead of waiting to buy the necessary supplies.
- Peace of mind.
- Save time and money.
Types of RV Tool Kits
Most tool kits are marketed as “home repair” or “household” tool kits, but they are geared to RVers as well. Many of the issues you have at home are also common when you’re traveling in a camper, so they serve the same purpose. The biggest difference between the kits is what they include in them. Some are also geared toward specific tasks, such as tire repair.
- General Toolkit
These basic tool kits contain nearly everything you need to make repairs around your RV. Generally, the tools are heat-treated and designed to resist rust and corrosion. The tools are organized either in bags or heavy-duty molded carrying cases. General tool kits can contain as few as 40 tools to more than 200 pieces.
The more money you spend, the more variety the kit will contain. Quality can vary from kit to kit, depending on the brand. Some kits contain drills or cordless screwdrivers, which are an added bonus. These kits usually feature pliers, wrenches, a hammer, and other common items.
- Tire Repair Tool Kit
Every RVer should have a tire repair tool kit at their disposal. Nothing’s worse than getting a flat tire when you’re on the road and help is nowhere to be found. These kits are designed to repair punctures quickly and easily and are often versatile enough to repair tubeless tires on motorcycles, ATVs, bikes, and vehicles as well.
The best tire repair kits for RVs are heavy-duty and designed with strong and sturdy materials. They contain a variety of tools, so you can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Look for products with several tire plugs so the kit can be used for more than one repair.
- Custom-Made Tool Kit
If you aren’t interested in an all-in-one tool kit, you can assemble your own. The benefit is that you only have to purchase the tools that you know you will need. Plus, you can ensure that all tools are of the highest quality. The disadvantage is that this type of tool kit will be more expensive.
When designing your own RV tool kit, make sure to include the following: a socket wrench set, pliers, screwdrivers, a cordless drill and spare battery, a hammer, a knife, wire cutters, a tape measure, a level, and some sort of hacksaw or tree saw. Also add a flashlight, adhesive, zip ties, etc. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what you will need for most repairs.
What to Consider When Buying RV Tool Kit
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest tool kit you can find, but that’s the worst thing you can do. While you should take price into consideration, particularly if you’re on a budget, you really need to see what’s included in the tool kit before making a purchase. Factors such as tool count and quality, as well as the kit’s carrying case, are very important.
- Types of Tools
By now, you know that not all tool kits are the same. Some contain the bare minimum amount of tools, while others feature more than 200 pieces. Most contain the basic necessities, such as pliers, wrenches, hammers, and socket sets. While many people believe that more is better, this is not necessarily the case.
You don’t want to waste your money on an expensive tool kit that includes a variety of tools that you won’t use. Pay attention to the specs before making a purchase to make sure that the kit provides what you need. Also, if the kit doesn’t include a drill, purchase one separately because you will need it at some point.
- Carrying Case
Most tool kits include some sort of carrying case. Some cases are made of molded plastic that hold each individual tool in place, while others are made of nylon and provide less organization. These cases range in size and weight, depending on how many tools are included.
One of the biggest complaints about tool cases is that the tools fall out or are difficult to remove. That means they are either too loose or too tight when it comes to tool retention. Some cases are prone to cracking. The case is almost as important as the tools themselves. If it fails, you have to find another way to organize the tools.
- Quality
This is critical. Try to avoid buying tools from unknown brands because they likely won’t last very long. High-quality tools are made of strong materials, such as chrome vanadium, for torque and durability. Many are heat-treated and specially finished to resist corrosion and abrasion.
The higher quality the tool, the better it will perform. Cheaper tools are more likely to break, and it’s not uncommon for this to happen the first time you use them. While you may pay more for more robust tools, you will save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as often. Some companies are so confident in their products that they back them with lifetime warranties.
Tips for Buying and Using RV Tool Kits
In a perfect world, you would have tons of space to store every single tool you need for RV repairs. However, space is precious in a camper. Plus, some tools can be cost prohibitive. If you’re unable to buy a robust tool box that includes every possible tool combination, you can always borrow what you need.
For example, maybe your power drill stops working. Instead of buying a new one, turn to one of your neighbors. One of the great things about RVing is that people are usually very helpful. Most RV owners will be glad to lend you what you need, and it’s a great way to meet someone new.
There are also many essentials that the typical tool kit does not include that you should keep in your RV, such as an LED flashlight, tire inflation gauge, a digital voltmeter, funnels, safety glasses, and gloves.
- Borrow tools from a neighbor if you are missing something specific.
- Most RV tool kits don’t come with cordless drills, but they’re very useful, particularly if they come with a variety of bits and nut drives.
- Even the best RV tool kits don’t include some must-have items that you may need to purchase separately.
Best RV Tool Kit FAQ:
We’ve established that an essential RV accessory is a proper tool kit. Still, you may have some questions about them, such as how much they typically cost and what specific tools they should feature. Read the frequently asked questions below that cover certain things about RV tool kits that you may not know.
There are certain tools that every RV tool kit should include, such as a screwdriver, hammer, knife, pliers, adjustable wrench, socket and ratchet set, Allen wrenches, wire cutters, a level, tape measure, and a power drill. We also recommend a multimeter, duct tape, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, and zip ties.
Some RV tool kits cost more than others based on the quality of the tools, the number of tools, and the type of tools included. Some decent kits cost less than $50, while you can get a really good basic kit for around $100 or so. Either way, it’s a good investment because some repairs require immediate attention, which can save you money in the long run.
Yes. Many tool kits are geared towards home and garage use and are perfectly suited for RV use as well.
Our Top Pick
Our pick for the best RV tool kit is the 60-piece Black and Decker home tool kit with a 12-volt MAX drill. The highlight is the drill itself, which is compact yet mighty enough for a variety of projects. The kit comes with a good assortment of tools that are perfect for light-duty jobs around your RV.