Tool Kit

ecyfoto

Hi, all

Is there a list available of tools needed for a 400? I'm good with the obvious but I know there are several items that I'm not aware of that I'd like to add to my truck's kit. Your help/advice is appreciated.

ScottG

Make sure you have a lug wrench that fits the trailer's wheel bolts. I also like to bring a multimeter in the event I need to diagnose an electrical issue. Otherwise, I just carry the usual compliment of basic tools.

Ratkity

Two hitch ball wrenches. I've found them to be invaluable. I had a ball loosen up on me once. I've always carried them since. I've helped others with them in campgrounds in and outside of my camping group. They are heavy and may not be necessary for all to carry.

Verna

On your lug wrench, be sure to make sure it fits the spare, too. It might be good to make sure
you know whether a deep well socket would be better (as in not scratching your wheel) than a “normal” socket. 

Electrical tape, electrical splice kit, extra fuses. 

I just discovered I only had 3 spare fuses for the truck, and of course they do not use the same fuses as the T@B 400. Auto Zone to the rescue—I have them now. 

#1, #2 square drive bits or screw drivers. Once a year gently tighten your exterior screws...everywhere you see one. 

9V batteries for smoke detector....I’m not sure what the CO detector takes. 

targ

+1 on checking the lug nuts.  Our BD Lite has different sizes on the spare vs the axle.
+1 on checking if you need a deep well too.  Our spare does, the axle doesn't.

Doh!

ChanW

Good idea about 9v battery.
The CO/propane detector in the '320' Maxx has no battery backup... oddly.

@Verna said:

....
9V batteries for smoke detector....I’m not sure what the CO detector takes. 

Awca12a

For what it's worth, we distribute our tools & equipment into easily manageable bags which get color coded so they are easy to identify and grab.  Since we travel with two or more people, it allows for a sharing of set-up and take-down responsibilities and keeps everything tidy.  There is some duplication such as for head-lamps and adjustable wrenches but this way when you go to do a task, what you need is there every time you need it making nighttime set-up a snap.

The truck has it's own bag allowing us to travel without the trailer and have the truck self reliant.   We've gone through the bag many times thinning it out and adding those few things which let us make repairs and improvise along the way.

   
   

Travelin3D

Well organized and very comprehensive! Just to satisfy my own sense of order, are the bags the same make/model just different colors?

Awca12a

Water & Electric are 15" red/black Husky tote tool bags from HD with colored duct tape on the handle and labeled in marker.
Red & Orange are 12" red/black Husky tote tool bags from HD with colored duct tape on the handle & labeled in marker.
Tool is a large mouth canvas rectangular one from HD that zips closed and is unmarked because it's not sharing space in the storage compartment of the 400 but is in the rear of the truck.
What's really neat is they just fit in the outside door opening and you just grab it and go.

ecyfoto

Awca12a said:

For what it's worth, we distribute our tools & equipment into easily manageable bags which get color coded so they are easy to identify and grab.  Since we travel with two or more people, it allows for a sharing of set-up and take-down responsibilities and keeps everything tidy.  There is some duplication such as for head-lamps and adjustable wrenches but this way when you go to do a task, what you need is there every time you need it making nighttime set-up a snap.

The truck has it's own bag allowing us to travel without the trailer and have the truck self reliant.   We've gone through the bag many times thinning it out and adding those few things which let us make repairs and improvise along the way.

   
   

Well ask and I shall recieve. Thanks!

Awca12a

I forgot to mention that you should have a torque wrench.   Since you only need 95# for the lugnuts you can use the smaller Home Depot 3/8” unit which has a 100# maximum.  

ecyfoto

Awca12a said:

I forgot to mention that you should have a torque wrench.   Since you only need 95# for the lugnuts you can use the smaller Home Depot 3/8” unit which has a 100# maximum.  

Torque wrench numbers confuse me. Am I looking for foot pounds or inch pounds?

Awca12a

Foot pounds

ScottG

Or one that goes up to 1140 inch pounds.  ;-)

BrianZ

And that big ball nut on the hitch needs 250 ft-lbs for a 1-inch shaft.

Ratkity

The torque wrench I have goes from 40-250 ft-lbs. You dial the number from the handle. You know when you've hit your proper torque when you hear a click or feel the pressure let go. These work fine for the average person. Don't drop them!!! They break easily. I like the old-style that my Dad has. Those have a dial you watch. You can still buy them.

Just FYI, there are electronic torque devices that'll work in a pinch.

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Digital-Adapter-Audible-ARM602-4A/dp/B07DV33XJ5/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1547410869&sr=8-5&keywords=electronic+torque

Careful which size you order (1/2" vs 3/8")

MuttonChops

Awca12a said:

   
   

Gosh - - - Do I ever feel under equipped - - -

I've got a plastic grocery store bag with a couple of square drives, tape, multimeter & such in the T@B.  With a few useful size wrenches (for T@B) added to a tiny road breakdown tools stash in the pick-up truck.

ScottG

I think ya' left "belt and suspenders" off that list!  ;-)

mh028957

What does everyone carry as far as tools and spare parts for their T@B 320S when traveling and camping? We are New to the Tab 320 world. We downsized from a bigger TT. So different make means some different parts and pieces. 

(@mh028957 - your thread was merged.  See above content.  Moderator)

xdr

@MuttonChops your post had me literally laughing out loud and I still am chuckling. Nice to know there are kindred spirits for every type among us! 

We do try to get organized and it sounds so smart and efficient but….life happens.
😂😂 I enjoyed the laugh! 

mary 

[Deleted User]

Comforting to see there are others out there with OCD like me!!!!!!  

Denny16

I got a small plastic screw/bolt organizer box, put the spare fuses, a couple of quick splice connectors, AV outlet tester, multi-meter, and some electrical tape in it.  I addeda multi-tool screwdriver kit in the galley top drawer, along with some gaffer’s tape.
The truck has the tire lug sockets and Torque wrench in addition to a socket set.  

Calling it good to go…
cheers

Parlando

High quality duct tape.  I had a side window loose 6 of 7 screws.  I also had a side panel of my Toyota Highlander get bunged up and was sticking out 3-4".  Duct tape saved the trip both times.

dragonsdofly

What @Parlando said X2! We always have a roll of gorilla tape with us. While we haven't needed it yet, the roll we carry saved a vacation for a family of 4 we met in Dunedin, FL. They damaged the slideout on their brand new trailer. That gorilla tape held the torn siding and patched their damaged roof long enough to make it back to their home state of South Carolina. Afterwards they contacted us to let us know their trip was successful and completed.

Hooray for tough tape. Like the "Force", it has a light side and a dark side, and holds the universe together!

DukeHewett

Is the ZeroG collapsable hose the best one on the market?  If so, why?   Thinking of getting one simply because of the ease of storage.  We're not concerned with drinking water through it, we grew up as kids drinking from the garden hose and drinking fountains.