We have been known to borrow new truck campers and take them to rallies over a weekend as part of a review. When this happens, we pack the borrowed camper as if it was our own. Then we invite the rally to come see the camper, and give us their feedback.
During these rally reviews, folks are all over our borrowed camper; inside and out. Angela is usually inside, writing opinions on the unit, and I’m usually outside, invariably getting teased because someone has taken out their dang CH751 key and discovered my tool box.
“Looks like a Fisher Price tool box you got there, Gordon.”
Yes, my yellow plastic tool box did look like a Fisher Price model. It had real metal tools inside, but it certainly didn’t look very manly on the outside. I honestly don’t remember where I got it, but thought it worked well in a camper; especially given its size and weight.
“Do you have a pink Hello Kitty pull-string drill in there Gordo?” said one particular trouble maker last Fall.
The Hello Kitty incident was the last straw. I found the perfect tool box to shut up the knuckleheads; a DeWalt DG5543 Tradesman closed-top tool bag.
It’s still yellow, but this thing is a serious tool-toting man-cessory. With its twenty-four exterior pockets, eight interior pockets, and heavy-duty ballistic poly-fabric construction, there’s never been a more red-blooded, virile, macho, hunky-hunk, stud-muffin product in our camper, except for myself, of course. Best of all, it’s small, lightweight, and rugged – perfect for truck camping.
I didn’t stop there. I got new Dewalt hand tools including screwdrivers, pliers, and snips. I still have a few more tools to upgrade from my Fisher Price past, but never again will I be asked if I have a Barbie hammer or a My Little Pony pry bar. Those days are over.
Now that I’ve stepped up my tool bag prowess, I’ve started thinking about exactly what tools a truck camper owner should have when they travel. I know some guys bring chain saws, impact wenches, and angle grinders, but I’m looking for the essential tool box items.
This week’s Question of the Week is, “Aside from common hand tools (screwdrivers, hammer, measuring tape, pliers, utility knife, wrenches, and level) what are the top five tool box tools you would never leave home without?”
Here are the results of our QOTW revealing the top 5 truck camping tools.
