Voltmeter, Electrical Tools On RV

[Larryheadhunter]

Ok guys,
I am sure I am speaking for heartland owners who aren't blessed with technical electrical and mechanical prowess. What easy to operate electrical tools do non technical folks need to carry while traveling on rigs that could make life a little easier?
I am sure diagnostic tools are a must so what is the consensus on that?
And being the old fool that I am, I would be willing to try to make small repairs if instructed properly. Is there main rules? I already know how to unplug power from main pedestal but that's about it.
If there is a electical repairs for dummies book that might work too.
Many of my friends in the same boat bring up the same issues so I thought I would throw it out for discussion.

Remember wizards, think simple, LOL. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[SilverRhino]

As far as electrical tools go, I carry:

Multi-meter
Twelve volt test light
Electrical tape
Various wire connectors ( 12 volt )
Crimp pliers
Wire nuts
Assortment of wire
Spare fuses for truck and trailer

I think that's about it off the top of my head.

Travel safe!

 

[Larryheadhunter]

Thanks Randy, but does any of that mean a volt meter by a different name? Where should I go to procure those items and have you thought of any more, not that I would actually use them? Definitely don't want to shock myself into oblivion.

On another subject thanks for your advice on the beagles. Plan to follow much of that.

 

[TXBobcat]

This is a Multimeter. It is used to check AC & DC, Ohms and a many other things... I have one similar to this because I was in the Electrical Utility Business but it is a good tool.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2223843&tab=summary

This is a Voltage Meter. You can plug it into an AC outlet and see what the current Voltage is on your system.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ac-voltage-meter/29375

These are wire nuts that are used to tie electrical wire togeather. It works on both AC and DC. You need specific sizes for the size of wire being connected.
http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

A pair of Diagnal Cutters. Cuts wire easliy up to about 10 gage or so.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Needle Nose Pliers. These are good for a lot of things. Electricans would use these to twist wire togeather then use the Wire Nuts.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

As per diagnostic tools, I'm not sure what you would need except for a Surge Protector for the Shore Power..

Seriously, if your not familiar with electricity, always get help from someone that has experience or leave it to a professional. You can damage a lot of things and be seriously injured working with electricity.

I wouldn't buy something like a lot of various wire. You never know what size or length your going to need. Get it when the time comes.

BC

 

[jmgratz]

First of all, there are a number of places to learn about RV electrical systems. This explains quite a bit. http://www.myrv.us/electric/ Also the Mobile RV Academy has some excellent courses some are free and some have fees but they are good. Here is their website. http://mobilervacademy.com/

The main thing to remember when working with electricity is it can and will kill you quickly. So turn off the power before working with it.

 

[caissiel]

Keep your feet dry, and keep your fingers away from the live wires, that is the red or black wire for AC. I use a multimeter all the time but use the rubber wire ends to hold the test probes. When I work on live AC I try to keep the Live wire covered with a connector or taped. Most wires on RV's are 100volt AC or 12Volt DC.

 

[rick_debbie_gallant]

Just one more that I dont believe was mentioned and that is a live circut tester. It is a type of probe that you hold up to a circuit. It will beep and flash if it is alive. Once I turn off the power (ac) I will check the line I am working on. And even if it is dead I still treat it like it is alive. Kind of like an unloaded gun. Even if you know or think it is unloaded a prudent person will still treat the gun as if it is loaded. Just my two cents.

 

[2010augusta]

I carry more (and use) more tools than most, a FULL 8 drawer craftsman chest, So I have: diagonal cutters,
end snips,
strippers,
crimpers,
multi-meter,
tape,
wire nut,
wire terminals, unions, eyelets, splices, spades in both male and female,
spare switches,
fuses,
wire in bulk,
and "fishing wire".
I have at some point in the last year needed/used each of these items, but I have done all the repairs/maintenance to the trailer as we are never close to any dealers and it is all easy stuff to fix anyways.

 

[rick_debbie_gallant]

Mighty nice bag of tools ya carry thar cowboy. You are forgetting just one tool however, a "sky hook".