Our Purchases: RV Living
In preparation for living, working and staying healthy on the road, I spent countless hours researching, comparing, ordering, troubleshooting, testing and returning products. It was literally my part time job for almost half a year. And to this day our arsenal of "stuff" continues to evolve as we spend more and more time on the move.
If you'd like to benefit from all of my sweat, blood and due-diligent tears, here's your chance.
On this page you'll find almost every single item we've ever purchased that relates to RV Living.
If it's here, that means we were satisfied with it and it ended up being useful in some way.
If it didn't really work for us, or it downright sucked, you won't see it here.
From one-off cool little knick knacks (like these embroidered Abarth seat-belt cushions) to full blown project master part lists (like the ones here) everything on this page has our stamp of approval.
Plus, any time you actually click a link and make a purchase, you're helping to support ATSWG by earning us a sweet commission!
Win. Win. Win. - Michael Gary Scott
(NOTE: This list is a constant WORK IN PROGRESS so if you don't see what you're looking for, have specific questions, or even find a link that's no longer working, feel free to shoot us an email at atswego@gmail.com or submit a message HERE and we'll get back with you as soon as we can.)
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Tools
22-Piece Combination Wrench Set
Pittsburgh Raised Panel SAE & Metric Combination Wrench Set – 22-Piece
We use this kit for a majority of our standard US & metric wrench needs.
64-Piece Socket & Ratchet Set
Pittsburgh 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ Drive SAE & Metric Socket Set – 64-Piece
We use this kit for a majority of our 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ socket and ratchet wrench needs.
Socket Extension Bar Set
9-Piece Socket Extension Bar Set – 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ Drive
These are great to have in many situations but we use the 1/2″ extension everytime we torque our lug nuts.
Universal Joint Set
3-Piece Universal Joint Set – 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ Drive
We keep these on hand for any tight spots we may need to access.
3/8-Inch Drive Torque Wrench
3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench – 15-80 ft. lbs.
We use this for any smaller jobs that might require specific torque specs.
1/2-Inch Drive Torque Wrench
1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench – 20-150 ft. lbs.
We primarily use this for torquing our RV lugnuts to 120ft lbs before every trip and for periodically torquing our pin box bolts to 110ft lbs.
3/4-Inch Drive Torque Wrench
3/4-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench – 50-300 ft. lbs.
We primarily used this for torquing the height adjustment bolts on our Reese 27.5k 5th wheel hitch, which required A LOT of torque. Haven’t used this since, but we’ll have it if we need it for anything else.
1/2-Inch Drive Socket Set
1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set – 18-Piece – 3/8″ thru 1-1/4″
These impact grade deep sockets and extensions are great to keep on hand but we routinely use the 1 1/16″ socket on the anode rod and the 15/16″ socket on the pin box bolts.
1/2-Inch Driver Breaker Bar
1/2-Inch Drive Breaker Bar – 17″
We use this for gently removing the anode rod from our water heater as well as for breaking loose any stubborn nuts or bolts.
Rubber Mallet / Hammer
Rubber Mallet / Hammer – 16oz
We use this for hammering things without damaging them.
Home Tool Kit with Storage Case
144PC Home Tool Kit with Storage Case
We keep this convenient tool set under the sink for all of those random jobs that pop up indoors. That way we don’t have to go outside at night or in the cold to access the rest of our tools.
Cordless Drill & Impact Combo Kit
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver / Impact Combo Kit
We’ve had this kit for 8 years now and both drivers are still going as strong as ever. By far the most used tool we have ever purchased.
Screwdriving Bit Set
DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set – 45-Piece
We use this set for pretty much any job requiring flathead or philips and the included magnetic adapter holds any 1/4″ bit for even more variety.
Impact Socket Adapter Set
DEWALT Impact Driver Ready 3-Piece Socket Adapter Set
We use these for attaching 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ sockets, extensions or any other socket-drive accessories to our DeWalt cordless impact driver.
Drill & Screwdriver Bit Set
BLACK+DECKER Drill Bit & Screwdriver Bit Set – 109-Piece
We use this kit for a majority of our drill bit & torx bit needs along with plenty of flat head, philips, hex and other extra bits.
Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
5PC Titanium Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch
We originally purchased these for drilling a hole through the roof to install our external cellular antenna. Since then they’ve been useful for drilling holes through many different surfaces and materials.
Digital Multimeter
Innova 3300 Hands-Free Digital Multimeter
We primarily use this for our batteries and various DC systems across the RV, truck and car.
DC Circuit Tester Light
DC Circuit Tester Light
We use this on all of our DC systems to quickly check for power. If the fuse, wire or connector we touch with this probe is live, the light will illuminate.
Replacement Fuses Kit
250pc Assorted Replacement Fuses Kit – Standard & Mini Sizes 2A thru 40A
We keep these on hand in case we ever have a fuse blow in the RV, truck or car. Without a spare fuse, we could be left without any way to safely power an item, even if it’s in working order.
Electrical Repair Kit with Case
Electrical Repair Kit with Case – 582PC Assortment of Terminals, Connectors, Ties, Tools & Electrical Tape
We received this as a gift many years ago and we still use it to this day for random electrical repairs and projects and for storage of many of our newer electrical accessories.
Wire Stripper & Crimper
IRWIN Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter / Crimper – 8-Inch
We use this for stripping & cutting wire as well as for crimping connectors.
Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers
IRWIN Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers – 8-Inch
This was sort of a splurge item for us but it vastly speeds up any project requiring lots of wire stripping. This tools automatically strips every wire perfectly, regardless of wire size.
Battery Cable Crimper
16 Ton Hydraulic Battery Cable Crimping Tool w/ 11 Dies
We use this for crimping battery cable ends onto large, heavy gauge battery cables, like the ones used for our Battle Born battery bank and Victron Multiplus inverter upgrade.
Heat Gun
1500/750W Dual-Temperature Heat Gun
This isn’t the brand we have but it has the same specs and good reviews. We primarily use this for heating electrical shrink tubing and for periodically defrosting our freezer.
Voltage Detector Pen
Southwire Tools Pen Style Voltage Detector
We use this to check, double-check and triple-check for live power before working on anything. It’s also great for quickly troubleshooting electrical issues, helping to determine where power is and isn’t flowing.
Linemans Pliers
Southwire High-Leverage Side Cutting Linemans Pliers – 9-Inch
We used these for the installation of many of our AC electrical mods, including our EMS, Inverter/Charger, Smart Phase Selector, etc. These are a must have for working with thick AC wiring.
Needle Nose Pliers
IRWIN Needle Nose Pliers – 6-Inch
We use these for grabbing, pulling, twisting, bending, cutting, etc.
Diagonal Cutting Pliers
IRWIN Diagonal Cutting Pliers – 8-Inch
We use these for quickly cutting through wire, plastic, tiestraps, very thin metal, etc.
Heavy Duty Multipurpose Scissors
Pittsburgh 8″ Multipurpose Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Scissors
We use these heavy duty stainless steel scissors for cutting a variety of things, including wires, plastics, small to medium twigs from trees, etc.
Retractable Blade Utility Knife
IRWIN Utility Knife – Retractable Blade
We use this anytime we need to cut, slice or score.
Channellock Groove Joint Pliers
Channellock Straight Jaw Groove Joint Plier – 10″ with 2″ Jaw Capacity
We primarily use this for very gently breaking loose large fittings that were hand tightened but are hard to remove because of change in temps, etc. like plumbing & hose connections or our plastic propane connectors.
10-Inch Locking Pliers
IRWIN Original Locking Pliers – Curved Jaw – 10-Inch
We like to keep this mid-sized locking plier on hand for any situations where we may need to lock onto something really tightly for whatever purpose.
Mini Pick & Hook Set
Pittsburgh 4 Piece Mini Pick and Hook Set
We use these for all kinds of odd jobs. Removing tiny fuses. Removing tiny gaskets. Releasing locking electrical connectors. Pressing tiny reset buttons. Etc, etc, etc.
Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tools
Telescoping Magnet Pick-Up Tools – 20lb and 3lb Rating
Ever dropped a socket into the dark abyss of an engine bay? We use these for retrieving dropped nuts, bolts, washers, screws, tools, etc. from small spaces where we can’t reach with our hands.
Folding Hex Key Set
CRAFTSMAN Folding Hex Key Set – 25-Key 3-Pack
We use these when we need a quick and convenient hex key hand tool.
Butane Torch Head
Butane Torch Head Blow Lighter
We can easily pop this torch head on any standard can of butane and use it to quickly light our campfires. When the can is empty, we simply toss it and replace without having to worry about refilling bottles.
LED Headlamp Flashlight
ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Flashlight
We keep this by the door so we can quickly grab it when we have to head out at night to do something that requires free hands. Also great for making repairs or mods in the dark depths of the RV, car or truck.
Rechargeable Flashlight with Magnetic Base
NEBO Slyde+ Rechargeable Flashlight & Work-Light with Magnetic Base
Lazydays gave us a free store credit when we picked up our RV and since we’d already purchased everything we needed before showing up, we bought this. It’s actually been the best flashlight we’ve ever had.
Infrared Thermometer Gun
Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Gun
We use this for periodically checking the temp of our AC vents, fridge and freezer, wheel hubs after a long trip, etc. Pretty sure this cheap version isn’t 100% accurate but should help to indicate any major temp issues.
Caulk Gun
Drip Free Smooth Rod 10oz Caulk Gun
We use this for applying any sort of caulks or sealants.
Gorilla Duct Tape - Black
Gorilla Repair Duct Tape – 1.88″ x 25 yd – Black
This is an extremely strong and durable tape that we’ve kept on hand for years.
Gorilla Duct Tape - Clear
Gorilla Repair Duct Tape – 1.88″ x 18 yd – Clear
This is an extremely strong and durable tape that we’ve kept on hand for years.
Lightweight Multi-Position Ladder
Multi-Position Portable Folding Telescoping 13ft Aluminum Ladder with Non-Slip Rubber
We use this ladder outdoors for accessing and maintaining the entire exterior of the RV and truck. We’ve also used it to trim low hanging branches that were blocking our path.
2-Step Lightweight Folding Steel Step Stool
Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool, 225-pound Capacity, White
We primarily use this indoors to access storage or perform maintenance of anything out of reach, such as our loft storage area, garage cabinets, a/c units, lights, etc.
Heavy Duty Grease Gun with Flex Hose
Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Grease Gun – 6000 PSI with 18 inch Flex Hose
We use this for greasing all zerk fittings on our suspension, on our hitch and also when repacking our wheel bearings or adding a little grease to the hubs.
Dual Tip Grease Seal Puller Tool
Lisle Grease Seal Puller Tool
We use this tool for removing the grease seals when repacking our wheel bearings.
Wheel Bearing Seal & Race Driver Set
Aluminum Wheel Bearing Race and Seal Bushing Driver Set with Carrying Case
We use this set for pressing in new grease seals and/or races (if needed) when servicing our wheel bearings.
Wheel Bearing Grease Packer Tool
Lisle Handy Wheel Bearing Grease Packer Tool
We use this for easily packing new grease into our wheel bearings, avoiding the time and mess of having to pack them by hand.
Trickle Charger / Battery Maintainer
NOCO GENIUS2D 2-Amp Direct-Mount Onboard 12V Battery Trickle Charger / Maintainer / Desulfator with Temperature Compensation
We installed this in the Fiat so we can plug it into any outlet and keep the battery healthy if the car were ever to go unused for extended periods of time.
Trickle Charger / Battery Maintainer
NOCO GENIUS10 10-Amp Direct-Mount Onboard 12V Battery Trickle Charger / Maintainer / Desulfator with Temperature Compensation
We installed this in the F-450 so we can plug it into any outlet and keep the dual batteries healthy if the truck were ever to go unused for extended periods of time.
Battery Charger Terminal Accessory
NOCO GC002 X-Connect M6 Eyelet Terminal Accessory For NOCO Genius Smart Battery Chargers
We added this on to the NOCO GENIUS10 so we could permanently connect the charger to the F-450’s battery system.
Booster Jumper Cables
Booster Jumper Cables – 4 Gauge x 20Ft with Carry Bag
We keep a set of jumper cables in both the truck and the car.
Portable 600 Amp Jump Starters
EverStart 600 Peak Amp Lithium-Ion Jump Starters
We keep two of these in the truck (just because we had extras from old vehicles). If our dual truck batteries are a bit too weak, one of these attached to each gives us a slight chance to start without needing a jumper vehicle. If the truck batteries get super low though, these are useless.
Portable 1000 Amp Jump Starter
Schumacher 1000 Peak Amp Lithium Ion Jump Starter
We keep this in the Fiat. If the car battery gets too low, this allows us to start without needing a jumper vehicle. We’ve used it many times in colder weather and it works great.
12V/120V Portable Air Compressor
KOBALT 12 Volt/120 Volt Dual Power Air Compressor / Inflator
We received this as a gift many years ago and we still use it to this day. We keep this in the Fiat and also use it to inflate our bicycle tires.
RV-Safe Tire Inflator with 60ft hose
VIAIR 450P-RVS Automatic 12-volt Portable Tire Inflator – 130 PSI – 100% Duty Cycle
Used to keep our RV and truck tires topped off (can handle the 110 PSI needed on our rig). Also includes 60ft of air hoses so we can reach every tire with ease.
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge with Backlit LCD and Flashlight
We use this primarily on travel days for quickly confirming the pressure of all 12 of our tires (6 on the rig & 6 on the truck) before hitting the road.
Extended Reach Dual Head Air Chuck
Milton 1/4″ FNPT Extended Reach Dual Head Air Chuck
This allows us to better reach the tire stems on both the inner and outer tires on the rear of the dually. We’re able to add air without this, but it takes a bit longer and we get a lot dirtier.
Roadside Emergency Tire Repair Kit
Universal Heavy Duty Roadside Emergency Tire Repair Kit
We keep this in the truck as another “just-in-case” item. It can be used for an emergency tire repair if we were unable to use a spare for some reason.
Hand Pump with Water Hose Fitting
Valterra P23507VP Plastic Hand Pump Kit
This was designed for winterizing an RV with antifreeze, but we simply use it to prime our water pump so it can pull water from our water bladder to refill our water tanks when boondocking.
Water Heater Tank Rinser Attachment
Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser Hose Attachment
We use this attachment for periodically rinsing sediment and buildup out of the bottom of our water heater tank. We do this every time we replace the anode rod.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Brush
Dryer Vent Cleaning Brush – Flexible – 28.5″ Long
We use this for cleaning out accumulated lint from our clothes dryer vent. The length and flexibility allows us to reach most of the tube. Built up lint slows drying times and can also be a fire hazard.
Heavy Duty Elbow Length Gloves
26-inch Nitrile X-Large Elbow Length Chemical Resistant Yellow Gloves
We use these for any exceptionally messy or harsh jobs that we may come across. They have a textured grip and are also nice and thick for protection from cuts and punctures.
Nitrile Disposable Gloves
NitriPride Nitrile Exam Gloves – Large – 100 Count
We use these for fueling the truck (diesel pump handles are notoriously oily) and for handling sewer components. We prefer powder free and easy on/off. These are the best we’ve found.
Cordless 40V Power Cleaner
Lippert Flow Max 40V Battery Powered Portable Power Cleaner
This power cleaner is the main staple of our rig cleaning kit. This has nowhere near the pressure of a gas powered pressure washer but it’s the best alternative we’ve found thus far.
Waterless Wash Deluxe Pole Kit
Waterless WashWaxAll Mop with Deluxe Pole Kit and Bug Scrubber/Mini Mop
This was the first kit we tried using for keeping the rig clean. While waterless cleaning was great for removing light dirt, we’re often much dirtier before we get around to cleaning, so we rarely use the WashWaxAll solution. We do use the pole and mop head at every wash though, mostly when using soap and water.
Cordless Leaf Blower
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Sweeper with Power Boost
We use this for blowing out the rear garage when the ramp is down. We also use it for clearing off the roof and under our slide toppers on travel days and for clearing out the bed of the truck.
6LB Fireman's Axe
6LB Fireman’s Axe
We keep this in our bedroom so if there were ever a situation where we might get trapped for whatever reason, we can use this to chop a hole in the roof or wall. It’s also useful for chopping wood.
Fuel Tank Tool Box Combo with Pump
FuelBox Combo Fuel Tank & Tool Box with Transfer Pump
This holds enough gas to fill up both our 30 gallon generator tank and 30 gallon aux tank on the RV. With all three gas tanks filled we have a total capacity of 120 gallons, which can last us a good week while boondocking in the high 90’s and up to a month or more in cooler weather. The onboard pump and hose allow us to easily fill the tanks and even the Fiat if needed.
Disposable Shop Towels
Scott Blue Disposable Shop Towels
We primariliy use these outside for cleaning up grease, liquids, oils and other substantial messes. These are strong and very absorbant.
100ft 10-Amp Extension Cord
100′ Outdoor 10-Amp Extension Cord
This is our general purpose extension. We carry this in the truck as it can be used with the built-in 400 watt AC outlet. We also use this if we ever need to connect either the truck or the Fiat trickle chargers to the RV to maintain their batteries.
Which category would you like to see?
Day-One Necessities
Maintenance
Safety
Security
Tools
Water & Sewer
Office
Add-Ons & Upgrades
Vehicles
Replenishables
Miscellaneous
Projects & Mods
< Back to Lists