As I downsize, I wonder "how many tools you travel with"? Right now I have a tool chest, with sockets, wrenches, and the like. I'm sure there is a lot of redundant tools, but even if I scale it back, it would be a box, heavy and hard to store.

I have a hand gun and will be in MD for 3 months before leaving the state and will be back a couple times a year. I have it locked up in a small save, but as I understand MD law, I don't think I'm legal to keep it in the camper. It almost seems not worth dealing with.

Thanks - Rick

We carried a 1'x2' heavy canvas tool bag.  Never needed any more in 16 years.  Didn't carry a gun so can't help there.

Packman, do you have a carry permit? and what states will reciprocate?  Maryland is one of the stinker states as in NY and NJ and makes it difficult to transport a fire arm.  By federal law you should have the ability to travel across the state with the firearm locked in a secure safe with the ammo locked in a separate location neither accessible from the drivers compartment..  I don;t believe that they will allow it to be locked in a glove box or center console.  Sort of makes carrying a firearm totally useless.

If you have a carry permit, I 'd consider joining US Law Shield and contact their program attorney for advice on transporting a firearm.

Ken

On the tools, much depends on which ones you will use as your skill set plays a major role. I don't carry a large set of mechanic tools as I do only limited work in that area but I do carry extensive electrical tools and a few wood tools. 

On the gun issue, I suggest that you get a copy of Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the 50 States.

  On 8/15/2019 at 8:42 AM, TXiceman said:

Packman, do you have a carry permit? and what states will reciprocate?  Maryland is one of the stinker states as in NY and NJ and makes it difficult to transport a fire arm.  By federal law you should have the ability to travel across the state with the firearm locked in a secure safe with the ammo locked in a separate location neither accessible from the drivers compartment..  I don;t believe that they will allow it to be locked in a glove box or center console.  Sort of makes carrying a firearm totally useless.

If you have a carry permit, I 'd consider joining US Law Shield and contact their program attorney for advice on transporting a firearm.

Ken

There is almost zero chance to get a carry permit in MD. I'm not in that privileged group.  MD law states that to carry a handgun in the vehicle, you have to be on the way to or from the range.

Edited August 15 by Packman

  On 8/15/2019 at 7:05 PM, Packman said:

There is almost zero chance to get a carry permit in MD. I'm not in that privileged group.  MD law states that to carry a handgun in the vehicle, you have to be on the way to or from the range.

What kind of rig are you in?

RV; 5th Wheel; Bumper Pull?

As for other tools, I have a bunch of tools because I do a bunch of DIY projects, and I like working on my F450. Just take a look at what you plan on using the tools for.

My favorite tools are my impact driver and my dremel.

  On 8/17/2019 at 8:44 AM, RandallCFloyd said:

Just take a look at what you plan on using the tools for.

That's the whole answer right there. If you plan to do mechanical stuff bring mechanic tools. If you plan to do woodworking bring wood tools. If you plan to redecorate bring those tools. Since I didn't plan to do any of those I only brought basic tools that would let me do minor maintenance/repairs. And I put them in a tool bag rather than a box because it's more flexible when it comes to storage.

Linda

I do all maintenance and repair on my vehicles. I have a 4 drawer tool box fitted in nicely. I have my typical mechanics tool assortment. I have rescued stranded RVers on great plains of Canada. Rt 1.

Sorry for the delay. I'm in a fifth wheel. I may just try to figure out the basic tools.

Appreciate the replies!

One suggestion is to transfer tools from metal tool chests to canvas tool bags.  They will rattle a lot less that way, and you can push a canvas tool bag into a smaller space. 

  On 8/19/2019 at 8:37 AM, Packman said:

Sorry for the delay. I'm in a fifth wheel. I may just try to figure out the basic tools.

Appreciate the replies!

I carry a lot of sockets, wrenches, and misc tools, too many to list here.  Also carry some electrical tools along with a vice and grinder.  

As far as the firearm issue.  Since you are pulling a fiver I would not hesitate on keeping it inside your RV.  Remember, when your RV is parked and you are actually living in it, for search and seizure purposes it is your home.  As long as you are not a convicted felon I do not see any legal reason why you could not have a firearm inside your fiver when you are staying in it.

Pulling your fiver and having a firearm inside your TV (tow vehicle) is a whole different matter.  I would encourage you to find a legal way to do that.

I have one of those Stanley tool sets in the black plastic case - they have a bunch of 1/2,3/8,1/4 drive sockets, 1/4” drive handle, a set of screw drivers, a cheap multi tester, some fuses, a set of flat wrenches, a couple pry bars, needle nose and normal pliers, water pump pliers, a tire plug kit, Viair 12v compressor if not running the KW, some Eternabond tape, gorilla tape, thread sealant, black electrical tape etc

Basic Rigid battery drill driver and an index of drills, Rigid impact driver and a kit of driver bits 

As we prepared to hit the road, I thought that I wouldn't need all of the tools I'd collected over many years, so most of them either went to the kids or on the auction. AFTER that I joined our church builder's group where we had to have our own tools. I'm now buying new versions of what I sold for pennies on the dollar six years ago. Of course, I'm also buying tools I didn't have then because I need them now.

I have most of my tools in two large Rubbermaid wheeled tubs. The 4' level and a couple of other things don't fit into anything else, so they are tucked into safe spaces that can't take other things. We're in a MH now, but will be switching to a pickup and Airstream in the spring.

I'd suggest you start out with those tools you KNOW you will need and dispose of the rest. Should you find a need for something you don't have you can always buy one if you can't borrow it from a neighbor.  When I was a student I used to say that the first time I needed a book I'd go to the library. The second time I'd go to the bookstore. That's pretty much how I'm rebuilding my tool collection now.