Recommendations For My Coach Tool Kit

[MLJR]

About to take our first trip in our new to us 2005 Marathon Coach. I want to put together a tool kit to handle any issues that may arise. Does anyone have any specific recommendations that they have so that I don’t end up saying “I wish I had brought XXX’?

Thanks in advance!

[truxton]

15413
Later
bv

[truk4u]

Priceless....

[MLJR]

I came into this eyes wide open. I got that. Anything else? Any 15 year old Prevost is better than a brand new box on a chassis.

[mtaviator]

I want to put together a tool kit to handle any issues that may arise.

I'm new here, and in no position to be dishing out advice on what tools to bring specific to a Prevost. I do have a reasonable amount of experience with other RVs, including our Bluebird, which is somewhat akin to a simpler (and honestly not as high quality) Prevost. I also am fortunate to have a good amount of professional experience that helps in this category also. My .02C-

First off, you won't be able carry enough tools for every issue that may arise without carrying a trailer full of tools and parts. So my advice (again, not worth much) is to do this:

!) Pick some likely categories of things and prepare for basic troubleshooting of them.
2) Keep your experience in mind when deciding what to bring. For example, A multi meter isn't going to do much good unless a fella truly knows how to use it.
3) A basic hand tool set. Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and such.
4) A hammer. Always bring a hammer. Probably a big one.
5) Tape.
6) What these other guys that actually know what they are talking about say....

[truxton]

You don't know what kind of tools to take with you but now your comparing buses.

If you don't like the joke say so but trust me no buddy on here gives a shit if you got a new bus or a 15 year old one.

Leave the attitude at the door.

Later
bv

[MLJR]

Truxton,

i didnt take take any offense to your joke. It was actually a funny reply. I was just trying to move on and get some more answers. This is why texting and written communication isn’t always the best. When you can’t see someone’s face or hear their voice inflection and tone , sometimes people can’t here what your trying to say. Anyway. I was not offended and I hope you weren’t.

[BGLogistics]

I am following this thread also - interested in responses. Just about spit my coffee all over the computer at the fistfull of dollars. That was funny. Obviously completely new to Prevost. My experience doing years of traveling in a four wheeler is my traveling toolbox grew steadily over the years to the point of being almost unmanageable and too heavy. In nearly 20 years only really needed it twice on same van, but sure was nice to have.

[Dtjoint]

Forget big, heavy mechanics tools as most of us couldn’t do such repairs on the side of the road anyway and big mechanical items are seldom going to fail. So, most of what you will attempt to troubleshoot and fix on the road are going to be related to the house systems (heat, plumbing, electrical and entertainment).

No matter who did the conversion, they used a bazillion screws, many of them to hold the various compartment panels in place. You will likely need to remove them to get at whatever you are trying to fix. Same on the inside. I find a small screw gun very handy. For this purpose my preference is the Milwaukee M12 as it and the batteries are small and easy to get into tight spaces. A kit of driver bits is easy to store and will insure you have all the different ones you will need. Pick up a right angle fixture to help reach those awkward spots. Add a kit of drill bits and some sort of M12 LED light and you are set. Wide channel locks will also come in handy.

truth be told I actually carry a full set of M12 tools (drill, multi-tool, “Dremel” style tool, jig saw, resip saw, inspection scope, buffer) and three different LED lights (long range spot, wide angle flood and utility) along with an assortment of bits/blades for each tool stored in snap lid clear plastic containers. At one time or another I have used them all. The multi-tool is especially handy in a motorcoach. All these tools plus extra batteries store in one drawer in my tool bay and don’t weigh all that much. Since I design and hand craft fine furniture for a living I am not shy about tackling any interior based projects on the road.

[Dtjoint]

Another item of great help is a good selection of professional tapes. Do not waste your time with cheap hardware store or HF stuff. What you want is electrical tape from an electrical supply store in black, red and green colors, a small roll of quality US made “duct” tape and the smallest roll of heavy aluminum foil tape you can find. A couple of rolls of “rescue” tape and one role of Teflon tape will round out your on-the-road tape needs. Rescue tape is silicone tape with no adhesive that stretches and sticks to itself. A few wraps around will temporarily secure many plumbing problems including pin hole leaks in hoses. It is also a good electrical insulator for heavy wire like battery cables.

I also recommend a small bottle of “captan Tully’s creaping crack filler”. This is a liquid latex solution that will flow into many pesky small low pressure leak areas and seal them until you can do a permanent repair. If you ever encounter any kind of water intrusion issues on the road you will thank your lucky stars for having this stuff along. It can get to places you can’t. Look for it at marine supply stores.

finally, get one bottle of Triflow with a long straw spout built in from a bicycle store and one can of a quality penetrating oil like Kroil. Those will serve all your on-the-road lubricating needs.

[Joe Camper]

Truxton I don't have those kind of Lew bucks SO....... I never go camping anywhere anytime with out a fully loaded 1 ton service truck for a toad and that works well. However, if I had some of yer doe id probably leave at lease the welder behind.

My advice on tools is get a good starter set and build on it. A guy can never have too many tools.

Hey Bernie I just went back and looked at your picture and there's not one stinking Ben Franklin in the whole stack what's up with that the whole wad should be Benjamin's very disappointed. There is a bunch of 5s and 10s half the wad is singles what the hell you going to do with that.

[Joe Camper]

15414

Here is a wad worthy of a sufficient prevo saftey net, maybe and JUST maybe.

Sheesh where we're u headed with that fist full of singles, the ice cream parlor??

[truxton]

The questions was tools, you can buy a 32 piece set of tools for 29 bucks at Home Depot. The Prevost tools for sale sold out a long time ago. If the question was for a higher valued item we would of given him the full effect of the WAD.

Now, don't you have something to do like cutting the grass instead of smoking it?

Later
bv

[Joe Camper]

Touche. Let the record show we pulled two posts out of the guy on the same day. No small feat.

And I am a gardner, weed pickers international type. Smoke we dont

[Dthomas9572]

I carry a basic took kit with a variety of basics. Since they are really for those emergency situations to fix a cablnet latch I buy a consumer level. A whole kit is less then 75 bucks with carry case at Home Depot. Add a wratchet set, (25 bucks). A hammer drill 49 bucks. Bit set. 15 bucks. Driver set 15 bucks and I am set on tools. It is amazing how on every trip there are minor things that pop up and without the tools available it can get very frustrating.

I also keep a tire air gauge and try to ck tire often. Not tools, but having engine oil, Antifreeze saves that trip to the store on the road.

I alway keep a little giant ladder in the bay..they are compact and when ever I need to get on the roof of the coach or trailer, it saves the day. Last thing is flex tape. This stuff is amazing and if you have a roof leak on the coach or bus, it is a super quick fix. Seals it until you can get in to address the real issue.

Joe is soon on with list above. the basic supplies on hand save that trip to the home depot

Just my thoughts

[truxton]

I've been sitting here waiting for someone to say ( what should I carry) to keep me moving.

All the tools in the world you carry don't do didly if you don't have the parts to do the job. A basic set of of home depot tools mentioned is all that you need. Whatever you take is your choice but I guarantee you the longer your out there the less stuff you will take. You will be more selective.

Anyones biggest fear should be getting stranded in the middle of no where, shutdown unable to move. You want to avoid the hook at all costs, it's a last resort except for catastrophic failure.

You need to think about what can I carry that I am able to fix on the side of the road that will keep me running. There are a few minor things you can take that will give you piece of mind. These are some of the things I carry that maybe you can relate to.

Most people have pre multi plex wiring in their buses so a couple 12v and 24v relays is good to carry.

Extra fuel filters if you buy fuel from mom and pa places, you will get bad fuel and also a 1/2 gallon carry cont with fuel in it so you can change out a filter, also a filter wrench.

Extra set of belts which could be 5 to 7 belts depending on your set up.

Hot side 500 degree turbo hose.

Look at the back of your engine and buy the hoses you could change and have access to if they blew or from napa a couple hose connectors where you could cut the hose and piece it in and extra clamps. Napa has 1/2, 5/8 connectors which saved my ass climbing a hill in NM.

Tires, most of us are to old to sling tires anymore so watching pressure and carrying and IR heat gun can save your ass if you don't have a pressure monitoring system. Use the gun when your taking a break walking around the bus looking for abnormal readings.

You carry water onboard and have oil too.

The biggest thing is if something happens is to stay calm and think! I get frequent calls from guys and their in a tizy, stay calm. It's usually something stupid we can figure out.

Remember most things that go wrong are 99% self inflicted, let common sense be your guide.

Oh I forgot, try and have fun.

These views are my opinion and some may add to it or dispute it.

Again I forgot the most important thing, Chicken wire.

This is the most I've written in 8 years so my time is up.

Later
bv

[Dthomas9572]

When I replied I was referring to the tools I need for my skill level. I am not mechanically inclined and more the exchanging fuses, fixing a latch is out of my league. When on the road I have always needed basics tools.

My consultant early on made me a list to carry...Spare Solonoids, Spare belts, fuel filter, oil filers (he said a rock could damage it) in the back engine compartment there are three rubber tubes. Road service can change easliy but probably wouldn't have the part. I always carry a spare 315 tire in the bay. All fluids and oils the bus needs.

I forget the rest he recommended , but I have them safely stored. If anything happened I would call road service and hopefully they can get me on the road. I only drive in the mornings never evening or night so safety is less of an issue then being broken down at night. If worse happens, then call the tow truck and hope I am within 100 miles of the service place that AAA will allow.

The main thing I do is get a DMI every year from Prevost and fix everything they recommend, hopefully issues rarely arrive.

[truxton]

I wasn't singling you out but I'm glad you feel comfortable in relying on road service for your support.

Good luck.

Later
bv

[BGLogistics]

Many good suggestions above. My list will be somewhat abbreviated. 40' with bus air, 3 crusairs upfront - I have 1 full storage bay and a couple drawers in curbside battery bay. Not much room overall considering 4 large rubbermaid style containers already (electric cords/adapters, sewer hoses, oil,coolant etc, freshwater hoses). I've considered the spare tire idea but no room. I could always bungee cord it to the front bumper :cool:.

[2Vicars]

Not exactly tool related however Prevost PASS has saved me lots of headaches over the time I have had buses. A multi-meter and some spare wire they can walk you through a lot of headaches. I carry all of the belts and filters (so any mom and pop truck place can do the job with my spares). Tool wise the basics discussed above and everything needed if a hose or belt breaks that I can handle on the side of the road.

2001 h3-45 Superbus

[MLJR]

Thank you for the great input everyone....and Truxton, now I know why they put that safe in the floor of my coach..:D

[GoneCrazy]

SAFETY Stuff , Like reflective triangles and flares , reflective vest , flashlights and spare batteries , first aid kit , spare ammo , enough canned and dried foods to last a couple of days.

[Joe Camper]

I'd like to second that suggestion about Prevo P.A.S.S

If you've never used it or you were unaware of it you can get the number easily by Googling Prevo pass. Prevo excels at a whole bunch of stuff compared to the competition but nobody has customer service like pass. You can call them in an emergency or even a non emergency for information but please don't abuse it. They'll answer that phone 365 days a year 24/7 if you have your VIN number handy when you call you'll get an operator that will screen you with a few quick short questions and then you will be connected to a human being 365 days a year 24/7 and that person will be one of the seven or eight regional service managers that work for Prevo they rotate that Duty. If you know your way around your bus and you know how to use a Multimeter these guys all know your bus inttimately

[Gil_J]

Ditto on Prevost PASS. Likewise, Marathon is great about answering calls. Other converters may be too, I just don't know.

Yes, belts and a 3/4" or 1/2" breaker bar so you can change the serpentine belt.

Definately an accurate tire pressure gauge. I seldom inspect a coach with proper tire pressure.

A good True RMS voltmeter. Even if you're not proficient in using one you can be talked through numerous troubleshooting procedures.

A hard copy of your electrical drawings for non multiplex coaches, even if you can't read them. If you get stuck somewhere they can help a local tech. The drawings can be downloaded for free from Prevost.

Definitely a spare 24V relay with protection diode. They aren't easy to find.

[Skywagon180]

I am a new Prevost owner. But not to equipment or trucks. My first short trip I went threw my shop and tossed a few odds and ends in. I did have some boxes of goodies that came with the bus. Tons of relays, breakers, fuses and belts ect. What it didn't have was air line repair parts. So grabbed a box of compression sleeves off my shelf. Sure enough 2 hours into the trip with the help of rough Louisiana back roads a line blew in the steering compartment. I pulled over, shortened the line got a new compression sleeve. I was on my way in less than 10 minutes. I now have 10' of line and fittings for 1/4' --- 1/2 in my box. Just last Sunday I was at a fuel station and a truck pulled up loosing air. I ask what wrong. "I blew a 3/8 line" I asked if he wanted a union to fix it. He looked at me like I was crazy. The I open a bay door and handed him one. "No sir I don't want any money please help someone else one day".

I know not all the line are easy to get to. The spare parts don't take up any room. So they are in my tool kit.

John

[TheGadgetGuru]

Some people buy a Prevost to get dirty. Some buy a Prevost to stay clean. Since I don't know squat about mechanics, I fall in the latter category. This is my favorite tool and I only need three numbers:

1) Prevost PASS
2) Converter
3) Gil

15451

[Dthomas9572]

I love it!! That is my thoughts as well

[TheGadgetGuru]

I love it!! That is my thoughts as well

In all honesty, Gil has the first position on my speed dial list.

Siri, Call Gil!

[Dave D]

Here's a list that was provided to my friend when he bought his coach by the seller:

If you're superstitious there's a lot of merit to the first line!


These are the things that I carry with me. I have a saying, if I have the part & tool to fix it, it won't break (LOL).

An assortment of automotive blade fuses (look through the coach & make sure you cover all types)
Spare belts (engine & generator)
Spare relays, both 12V & 24V for Prevost side
Spare Prevost Circuit breaker
Wire 12,14, & 18GA
Various electrical connectors
Spare light bulbs including headlight
Spare fuel filters (engine & generator)
Spare fuel pump for generator
Spare wiper blades
An assortment of DOT air fittings
An assortment of air lines 1/4,3/8,1/2
An assortment of heat shrink tubing
An assortment of nuts screws, and bolts
I also carry spare engine sensors (Coolant Level, Coolant Temp, Oil Temp, Oil Press, Turbo Boost)
Sensors for Aqua Hot (there are 3)
Spare throttle (Mine is a Williams)
Spare relays for interior lights
Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Rescue Tape
Batteries for remotes & smoke detector
Spare plastic latches
Can of R-134 for dash A/C
Assortment of Tie wraps
Assortment of hose clamps
Extra Shore Cord 25'
Shore cord adaptors 20/30/50
pop rivets




Tools:


Good selection of hand tools up to 1.5"
Drill
Test Meter
Soldering Iron
Pop rivet gun
Tire Pressure Gauge
2-20K lbs Jack Stands
20 Ton Jack (should be one in bus)
Tap & Die set
Laser Temp gun
Flashlights
Funnel
Small 12/24V Battery Charger
Air hose
Air Booster/Doubler



Fluids/Lubricants:



Engine oil (at least 1 Gal)
Engine Coolant (at least 1 Gal)
PS Fluid
1 Gallon Clean Diesel Fuel
Super Glue
Wood Glue
Thread sealer
Locktite (Blue & Red)




I also carry a couple of the cheap Tyvec painter overalls. That way if I need to crawl under the coach or in the engine bay I can stay clean. I also have a couple of sets of cheap white sheets that I bought at Walmart to cover the interior if I need to have a mechanic inside. Probably missing a few things, but this gets you off to a good start!

[Gil_J]

Dave, what a list! I'm betting you'll wish you had a filter wrench to replace those fuel filters ;-)

We can carry as much or as little as we want. In either case we'll likely need that small part not carried.

[Dave D]

It is quite a list, like I said, not mine, I carry a hammer, vise grips and screw drivers. That'll cover the filter wrench too. :o

[Joe Camper]

Gill and Dave I think that there r quite a few guys that could carry a list like that. I bet most guys have most of that list. How bout u Gill. I carry that whole list all except for the sensors and if I wasn't gifted with this mechanical caterpillar in my Peterbilt I probably be carrying them too.