Tools and Fixit Stuff

[Pete Masterson]

On May 20, 2007, at 1:16 PM, runnerful wrote:

> I don't have much of a tool collestion: a hammer, screw driver, vice
> grips. If I need anything fancier, I want it to come with its own
> operator.
>
> I realise that as a BB owner, I should develop some "fixit" skills
> and an appropriate arsenal of tools. I also notice that some birds
> come with a HUGE tool chest in one of the roll out trays.
>
> 1. Is this tool chest a standard item?

Not sure if standard or an option... but many 'birds I looked at had
a tool box. The one I bought had the pull-out metal rack to hold "a
certain model of Craftsman tool box." But the box, itself, was no
longer present

As it happened, I own a Craftsman too box that fit the rack ... but
it was too tall. No problem, as the space above was dedicated to a
(also) no longer present electric BBQ grill. I removed the pull out
tray for the grill and repositioned the shelf to make room for my
tool box. I built a wooden box to ride on the rack that fits the
space behind the tool box.

Inside the tool box, I carry a selection of tools that I might use
while on the road. Behind the box, I carry extra oil and radiator
coolant along with the cables used with my toad (when not in use). On
the shelf above (where the bbq was removed) I carry a tool box with
electrical-related tools (more portable) and a tool box with
accessories that go with the compressor I carry on board.

> 2. Is it useful?

Well, it's a convenience to have a selection of screw drivers,
sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc. handy for most any need.

> 3. What is the "must have" list of tools for a low to average skill
> owner?

Well, the most common issues that need attention while on the road
are typically electrical in nature. I carry various test devices, a
multi-meter, polarity tester, continuity tester, fuses, spare wire
(in several sizes and colors) crimping tool, and various ends and
connectors that can be crimped onto wires.

I also carry a set of general "mechanics" tools, metric and English
measure sockets and open end wrenches in the most common sizes (I
also cover the needs of my tow vehicle) as well as a 1/2" drive set
of some larger English size sockets. Several different sizes of
adjustable wrenches, channel lock, and vise-grips. A variety of
pliers (electrical, slip joint, needle nose, etc.); hammer, rubber
mallet (especially helpful when the pins in the tow bar are reluctant
to release). WD-40 and powdered graphite (for locks). Box cutter,
some files, and a variety of tools that you'd have in any house (for
plumbing, electrical, and mechanical needs). The collection tends not
to be "deep" but rather "broad" to cover contingencies that are most
likely --- and within my skill set to repair.

I do not carry jacks or tire changing tools. While this may seem a
wise contingency, I can't picture myself actually changing a tire on
the coach -- for those contingencies, I carry, and Emergency Road
Service card, MasterCard, checkbook, and cash.

I also have an electric drill (one plug-in 3/8 model for serious
drilling and one 13.8 v battery powered model most suitable as a
screwdriver) with a selection of bits. I also have a Dremel tool with
a variety of grinding bits and misc. other attachments. (I had to cut
off the head of a bolt, once, for something I now forget.) These
items are on board mostly because I didn't remove them at the
beginning of the trip -- I've used the battery powered drill to drive
a couple of screws, but I haven't used the other power tools while on
the road.

> 4. Are brand name tools like Dewalt worth their extra cost over
> store brand tools?

Depends on the store. Craftsman brand (Sears), while once a superior
brand has faded somewhat -- but I have several of those tools that
have proven satisfactory. Most tools come in several quality lines:
casual user, hobbiest, and professional grade. In general, I'd avoid
the casual user quality (these are the $29.95 electric saw, etc.) and
stick with the "hobby" level tools. (That would be tools that are
priced between the cheapest and the more expensive lines.) The pro-
level tools aren't usually necessary for most 'bird owners -- unless
they're professionals and have requirements beyond their needs for
their coach. My sockets are Kmart brand -- purchased 40 years ago
when Kmart was trying to compete with Craftsman (they're pretty good,
but I doubt the current Kmart tools are anywhere near the same
quality). The open end wrenches I have were also purchased 40 years
ago and are a mid-quality brand.

> 5. What are some of the relatively simple, common jobs I should be
> prepared to do?

The most common issue I've had to deal with are electrical gremlins.
The wiring is complex -- the 12 v system suffers from rather long
runs (causing voltage drops) and a history of multiple ownership and
modification may mean some shortcuts were made.

I've had to trace out and fix several minor wiring glitches. For
example, the electrical wires serving the passenger seat adjustments
have gone dead. I cannot find a blown fuse or other obvious reason.
Since I prefer to not fiddle extensively with the wiring (beyond
immediate trouble shooting) when I'm on the road, I've rigged up a
temporary fix by making up a plug for the cigarette lighter to power
the seat. I'll either find the wiring fault or wire up a bypass
circuit when I return home (where an error on my part won't
jeopardize our travel). The trouble shooting and temporary fix
required use of the multi-meter, circuit tester, some spare wire, a
couple of connectors, electrical pliers (wire cutter) and the
crimping tool -- plus a plug from an auto-parts store for the lighter
socket.

Other common on-road fixes include changing out fuel filters (I carry
a couple fuel and oil filters for the engine and generator), tire-
related issues (I prefer road service for that, simply due to the
heavy lifting and danger involved), and (as I mentioned) electrical
glitches.

I also carry spare coolant (premixed 50/50) as my coach tends to lose
about a half-quart or so for every 300 to 400 miles. (I've searched
for a minor leak, but none has been found.)

Each coach will probably exhibit some "personality" where certain
issues arise (repeatedly) that you'll need to attend to... these are
likely to be different for each vehicle, but you'll learn to carry
appropriate tools or supplies to accommodate those needs.

I carry a compressor since I don't have a full aux. compressor and I
need to "air up" to operate the dump valves. It beats running the
engine for air to use the compressor instead. (I plan some revisions
to the dump valve air supply when I'm able to work on those systems.)
The compressor also allows me to check and adjust the tire inflation
conveniently (again, without the engine compressor).

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas