Newbie question - What tools should we be sure to have with us on a long trip

[virginiacamper]

We just bought a 1996 XL and are getting ready for our first long trip. I am putting together my tool box and wanted to see if anyone can share some experience with must have tools to make sure I have with me. Our first series 60 and Prevost so not sure what to be sure to have.

Appreciate any advice and experience.

Mike and Mona

[Reagan Sirmons]

My response would be to have the basic tools like wire cutters, screw drivers, ohm meter, basic set of rachet wrenches, allen wrench set, electric screw driver / drill, electric tape, can of electric cleaner, battery terminal treatment, set of belts for the engine and a radiator belt for the generator, gallon of oil and a gallon of GM anti freeze, a good light for in close work, tie downs, a few replacement lights, fuses, air gauge....just basic stuff... you will not be breaking down the engine while on the side of the road...
very best,
Pres

[rahangman]

The Pres says it pretty well, I might add.... a cell phone with plenty of minutes and a prayer to the Bus God available...good luck and enjoy, be safe.

[Coach Pro LLC]

Hello VirginiaCamper and congratulations.

I would add to or reiterate: a good -- simple -- multi meter, that has DC voltage up to at least 24 vdc, 120 vac, and ohms. Every meter will have this and more. I would get one with the fewest options since you will most likely only need the basic functions (think of an inexpensive calculator vs. an expensive one.) I would then play with it to get familiar or better yet have someone show you.

Along those lines, I would also get a set of good test leads (single wires with alligator clips on both ends) and a 24 volt test light. Any automotive store will have these.

Those three items will help greatly if you are on the phone with a tech.

I would also throw in a handful of relays (Prevost can supply the correct assortment) some fuses to match what CC uses, some hose clamps, and a good tire pressure gage and tire chuck. In broad strokes those are the simple things that can cause a breakdown. And of course if you actually have them you will never need them....

Lastly, I would use the coach purchase as an excellent excuse to buy every tool I could possibly lay my hands on and pack into the box and then ask my wife if there's any tool room left over in the closet (closet park a joke).

Otherwise as others have said here a good assortment of mechanics tools.

Best of luck and safe travels,

Pat Sprenger
Coach Pro LLC
800-918-7172

[garyde]

The tools & parts listed is a great list. I would add a batterry drill and bits, flash lights, 2 or 3 fire extinguishers, Duct tape, Nylon tie wraps, Air hose & tire fill attachment, Tire guage, Tire valves & caps, Extend pole with windshield bug cleaner.

[CAPT MOGUL & Sandy]

From experience, I would also recommend that you for sure have on board the business cards of our sponsors!!!! I know that when we had mechanical problems, if Ed could not solve the problem, then we called a sponsor and they were VERY helpful !!!! And as always, make sure you have on-line access to post a question here. Welcome to the POG family!
Sandy

[merle&louise]

I would suggest carrying several oak blocks about 6"x6" and cut to an 8" length. Use these oak blocks to support the chassis of your bus IF you have to get under it. Also, a 20 Ton bottle jack (about $80) is a good tool to carry. Check with your Prevost manual to determine the best support points on the chassis and use the oak blocks to support the bus while you are under it.

NEVER GET UNDER A BUS THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED PROPERLY!

Good luck and be safe!

[Gary Carmichael]

Virginia camper where in V.A. are you I am in Floyd V.A. gary

[normancasson]

I'd say a cell phone and $10,000.00 in cash!

[AmeriStar]

Unless you understand the problem and can fix it yourself, you will be better off with a good credit card and cell phone.
Many more problems have been created by ignorance of the probelm, than ever solved.
My advice for your tools: plyers, cresent wrench, screw drivers, electrical, duct and teflon tape, a small reel of wire and hammer.

[rfoster]

AmeriStar: That is the contents of a Tennessee Toolbox. I did add a pair of vice grips. Works for me.

[Pete]

Roger, don't forget a coat hanger, and duct tape.

[Jamie Bradford]

I have heard that some would also have the number of a good Bail Bondsman?

Only if you are parking in NY-NY?

[merle&louise]

I'd say a cell phone and $10,000.00 in cash!

Norman,

That is funny! True, but funny.

That kind of reminds me when we were crossing the border from Canada into Alaska: the border agent asked me "Do you have over $10,000 in cash on the motorhome?" I replied, "I used to!" It's gone now!

[virginiacamper]

Gary,

We "were" in Vienna. We left a couple days ago and are now in Illinois on the way to Colorado. Someone is house sitting for us till October when we will be back. A lot of Prevost by Fire going on.

[Gary Carmichael]

Mike, I might suggest a membership in Coach net,

[virginiacamper]

Gary,

Thanks! Got it the first day we got the coach and have already used it. Well worth the $ and they did a great job.

[otto]

I liked all of your responses so well I printed them all and will head to the hardware store! Any excuse to buy tools.

[otto]

We are very new to all of this. Purchased a Prevost a couple of months ago and need all the help we can get. First trip was this weekend to the beach for a day. It was wonderful. Now the questions:
1. anyone have knowledge of handicapped lifts? our 45' has a lift but we are having to adapt it slightly since it stops about 5 inches from the ground(my wife is in a wheelchair from polio). Has anyone ever seen a Wayne lift? Best one around but the company went out of business in 1992 and the one we were going to use was stolen and sold for scrap metal. 2. Suggestions on best places to spend the winter in Florida? Prefer the Keys but other places fine. 3. any experience with an Incinolet toilet? 4. Do we need an automatic leveling system? 5. Should we put an awning over our slide? 6. Suggestions on equipment to clean windshield during trips. 7.What spare parts should we carry with us? 8. Screen door or screens on window suggestions if we go to the keys? 9. How do you find or create a list of things you should have on board? I think 9 questions are enough for my first real post. Oh, we purchased a 2006 Prevost 3-45 and already love it...our first RV! Thanks to all, Otto

[garyde]

Hi Otto. Congradulations on your Prevost and welcome.
I use my manual leveling, the auto does not work well. I would recommend awnings for several reasons. a. It keeps heat and water of the top of your slide which will prevent de laminating and leaking issues. b. it will be a little cooler inside.
I use a telescoping handle with a standard bug washer/squeegie for my windshield. You can find at Orchard or any hardware-building store. Re read all of this thread and you'll have a pretty good list.
Screens are good , the FMCA magazine has lots of vendors for that stuff.
Happy Trails.

[otto]

Garyde,

Thanks for the suggestions. We live in North Carolina. Is there a way to find other POG members in our part of the world?

Otto

[Jamie Bradford]

Hi Otto,

I have sent out requests to some companies to try & get some feedback on the lift question - I will let you know the responses I get.

As far as Florida in the winter here are two places to start:

Pelican Lake - Sue Rosol - 734-377-8602 http://www.pelicanlakesales.com/

Everglades Isle - 239-695-2600 http://www.evergladesisle.com/

Both are wonderful places.

Debbie & I went to the Keys last month and enjoyed it for a few days - very expensive though. Please look at these threads and it will give you some input from fellow members.

http://forum.prevostownersgroup.com/showthread.php?6272-Bluewater-Key-Key-West&highlight=key+west

http://forum.prevostownersgroup.com/showthread.php?6276-Boyd-s-Key-West&highlight=key+west

Hope this helps.

Jamie

[garyde]

Garyde,

Thanks for the suggestions. We live in North Carolina. Is there a way to find other POG members in our part of the world?

Otto

At the top, press 'quick links' and then' POG member resources'. There you will see a list by state of POG members, not complete but a few members listed per state. Hopefully, some members will chime in who live in your area.

[otto]

Thank you for the contact. I read them all and was very pleased by the warmth of the comments. We are in the process of making the parking space for our RV. Eventually we will have space for two RV's our's and one other. Each space will have 50amp and water...no dump but would welcome any POG visitor. We live on a farm 20 minutes from Pinehurst for the golfers in the group and would love to have visitors.