By Cheri Sicard
RV trips are great… until something breaks. The truth is simple: It is not if a problem will happen, but when.
In the video at the end of this post, Jared Gillis, of All About RVs, walks through what one seasoned RVer keeps on hand to be ready for flats, suspension hiccups, dead batteries, and getting stuck. He also highlights a few smart upgrades that save time, money, and stress.
Common road issues hit everyone. Think flat tires, broken leaf springs, dead batteries, or getting stuck in wet grass. Until someone tests their setup, they do not know how ready they are.
Starting with the flat tire challenge
A full swap took Jared 21 minutes and 58 seconds. The fifth wheel was not connected, which made handling the spare easier than it would be on the road.
Essential tools for quick swaps
• A drill with the right socket makes fast work of lug nuts
• A breaker bar beats a bulky four-way for leverage and storage
• A torque wrench finishes the job right
• Consider a quality breaker bar and a compact air source to finish the setup, like a portable unit
• A compact compressor for topping off tires
Why the Tallboy Jack wins
Stability matters on uneven ground. The Tallboy 6-Ton Jack Kit brings sturdy parts and smart accessories at a friendly price, around $140 compared to more than $400 for a Safe Jack setup. What makes it stable:
- A large base plate for solid footing on dirt or gravel
- A square adapter that sits nicely under the frame
- A cradle that supports the leaf spring or axle
Find it here: Tallboy 6 Ton Jack Kit
More essential gear
• Roadside visibility: Triangles and a safety vest help drivers see you. Moving these from under a seat to a toolbox saves time when passengers are in the truck. That small change makes you safer. Grab a compact kit like this one.
• Preparing for broken suspension: Carry a few spares, like an extra leaf spring, shackles, and a bearing kit. A jack with real height is key for roadside repairs. The Tall Boy or a Safe Jack style kit both work well.
• Tow straps: An old 6,000-pound strap will not cut it for a truck and RV. A kinetic recovery strap is a smarter pick, and the cost beats a tow bill. Consider a durable option like this.
• Self-rescue tools for getting unstuck: MAXTRAX-style boards and soft shackles help on slick sites or wet grass. Compact boards live under the seat and can get you moving fast.
• Handling dead batteries on the road: A jump-start device is the easy button. It has started a diesel truck without help. Keep jumper cables as a backup. A solid pick is the GOOLOO Jump Starter.
• Medical emergencies: A medical kit belongs in every truck.
• Diagnostic must: A multimeter helps track down electrical gremlins.
Lessons from the test: Accessibility matters
Gear that is hard to reach slows everything down. Moving safety items and tools to easy-access spots means they get used when it counts. Put the core kit where it is quick to grab.
Prepared RVers fix problems faster and travel with less stress. Start with flats, visibility gear, a stable jack, and a real recovery setup, then add power tools and spares. What would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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RVDT2753
Learned something valuable – I had never before seen a double ram hydraulic bottle jack (e.g. tallboy). I have had to use a shorter jack to get under the frame, lift, install a jack stand, retract the bottle jack and put blocks under it to raise it up then lift some more and adjust the jack stand. I think it is time to replace my bottle jack!