Budget RV Gear From Harbor Freight!

Today I wanted to go through Harbor Freight and look at a few tools and RV accessories that stood out to me that you can use while you RV. Some tools at Harbor Freight are a good money-saving buy while others can be a waste even at the low price it is.
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[@justinblinn4197]

An old milk crate for the Propane tank fits perfectly andworks really well. Bungee cord just to keep from sliding.

[@astumout]

I've literally been thinking about this all week trying to remember to get one 😂 thanks for the 3am reminder

[@mrbakerjjim]

been doing that for years

[@jeremyspecce]

To be clear, a SQUARE mill crate. They are less common in some places, but not hard to find.

[@G53X0Y0Z0]

I like the milk crates to keep the tanks from rolling around the truck bed, a 14" car tire works well for that job too.

[@rbw442]

I dont think you will like the flat style bungee cords in the long run. I have found that design to be inferior to the round style. And even at that, there seems to be differences in quality between brands. Certain items at HF seem not to be the best value, bungee cords is one of them for me. FYI, rubber gloves is another.

[@TomandLoriRVLife]

And here I thought I was gonna sit and relax all day today. Now you got me going to Harbor Freight! LOL! Thanks for the ideas!

[@vista39]

Nice video Jared. I might add to your list to buy an extra large caution vest that has reflective tape all around it. Very cheap at HF and rolls up easily. I store mine in the pocket behind the drivers seat. If you have a problem at night time while you’re driving when you stop to get out it’s extremely important to be seen by other cars.

[@riccochet704]

Those wheel chocks are the deal. I use them for our RV, boat and utility trailers. Another thing I recommend from HF is their 130 piece tool kit. It's usually $45, but with a 20% coupon it's only $36. It pretty much has everything in it you might need to work on your trailer, even some brad nails to reattach trim. Don't get me wrong, this isn't super high quality, but it's good enough to leave in the trailer so you have tools there when and where you need them. In the little plastic case that's inside the kit I've put some fuses and wire connectors. I also keep one of their moving blankets in the trailer. They're like $7. If you're camping in gravel and need to get under the trailer to make a repair just throw it down so you have something to lay on. Save your skin.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Great idea on the moving blanket, I almost grabbed one.

[@judykpremier]

We ran over one of our last surviving yellow checks yesterday. Luckily there's a harbor freight on the town we just settled in.

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Great information. Thank you.

[@wmason1961]

Best chocks ever. I have 4 fir my boat. I need more for the rv.

[@Baka_Oppai]

the same wheel chocks are at walmart for $5

[@lugnutzz75]

I use their cheap mag lights (like the blue ones) as backup lights on the bumper to help see the ground behind TT when parking late at night. Or set them in the back corners of the lot to mark the edges of spot.

[@AllAboutRVs]

What a great idea.

[@daveenriquez7790]

I replaced the weak magnets on them with super disc magnets from Home Depot. The super magnets really hold those blue Harbor Freight led lights in place on metal frames.

[@steverodgers333]

@@daveenriquez7790 ... Excellent idea. I've done the same

[@mightymommom5888]

I love the hook too. I can hang the light in cabinets to see better. Just put a small command type hook on the inside of the door.

[@capodad2u]

Like everybody here i have a bunch of harbor freight stuff in my RV. One useful item when we boondock is a small inexpensive drill pump. We use it to transfer water from several 5 gallon food safe buckets when the main tank runs out.

[@jamestryon4738]

Love this store! I am not allowed in there by myself.

[@AllAboutRVs]

That’s funny, it’s easy to go in for one thing and leave with 5.

[@Maxid1]

3:45 Check to see if holding the switch down for 5 seconds when you turn it off will cycle it back to the first setting.

[@Wheelman151]

Thanks Jared/Commenters for your ideas. Some products I like but didn't see mentioned, with prices as best memory serves..... # Zip ties for cheap # collapsing orange safety cone

[@lugnutzz75]

On wheel chocks- take a short piece of 2-4” strap/webbing and attach to the bottom of chock in front of chock so the wheel gets on strap before it hits chock. This will keep chock from schooching away from tire when it hits it.

[@camposvazquez]

I do this on the hard plastic chocks... I also have these rubber type chicks... They don't shift no mods

[@lugnutzz75]

@@camposvazquez mine do on my camper especially if I bump them. They bounce out from behind wheel. If I ease into them like on flat smooth ground then they are fine. My driveway has a dip and hump to get with truck and sometimes I bump them harder than I’d like and they will bounce out from behind tire. Also works good if park on boards which I do sometimes to wheels off the hot pavement or out of the dirt in between camping seasons.

[@jeremyspecce]

Cool idea.

[@DesertSunsetsSunrises]

I found out a trick on these flashlights that you have cycle through the different modes. If you want to just turn it off then all you have to do is hold the button down for a few seconds and that turns off the flashlight. Hope this helps. Thank you for the good video.

[@UnkleAL1962]

before I retired I carried the little tool bag to work with all my days goods like lunch, and some tools for tweaking things at work, pens/pads, Tylenol for headaches, etc. etc. I called it my "Doctor's Bag"

[@gumotx]

Jared, my wife won’t let me watch your channel anymore because after this episode I went to HF and bought a few things I didn’t need. 😀 Except for the chocks! I wished I had those years ago. Thanks!

[@NCICRESQ]

The best way I’ve found to secure an LP tank is store them in a milk crate. Then lock them down. It takes a lot to tip it over….

[@davidlegge8303]

In the HF tarp section they sell sun screen tarps. I have one to hang from my awning when I need a little extra shade. I use the slide-on hooks from Camco to hang it, a couple of HG bungies and tent stakes to stake it out.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Such a good idea I’m going to look for that.

[@whiskey86tv]

Tape measure tip is my new fav

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks Jared! I built an entire emergency kit for my cargo trailer including jacks, breaker bar, lighting, wrenches/sockets, wheel ramps and more, all courtesy of Harbor Freight, for well under $200.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Very nice! Nice to have all that on hand when needed and it didn’t break the bank.

[@twistdshade]

You can drop a 21700 lithium battery into one of those flashlights that normally have one of those holders that takes 3 AA batteries. It makes it a little brighter and it's rechargeable

[@terrymoses7548]

In my former industry (retired), we quit using bungy cords of all types due to the safety hazard. Too many eye injuries, etc. We switched to rope ratchets. Totally adjustable, much more user friendly. A couple of my rope ratchets I traded out the rope for elastic cord. Still safer than bungy cords.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Not a bad idea to use ratchet straps

[@terrymoses7548]

@@AllAboutRVs Not ratchet straps, rope ratchets.

[@dougfresh1341]

True. Saw a bungee cord break one time. The metal end shot like a bullet and dented the metal building 30ft away. I still use them, BUT, replace them if frayed at all and do not over torque.

[@mightymommom5888]

We love Harbor Freight. Their flashlights are great and in expensive enough you can put them in different places in you vehicle and camper.

[@LayloNewt]

Really enjoyed your little tidbit helpers. Stay Safe and Make Memories

[@kevinbolsinger8673]

I use one of roll up mats for working on ground , keep you clean and off the mud and gravel

[@AllAboutRVs]

Great idea.

[@jefflanduyt6750]

I have bought a lot of things for the RV and for work from there. For many, many year HFT's quality was very poor, but over the past 5 years or so, things have improved so well that all of my battery operated tools (Bauer), and hand tools for the RV have come from HFT. Depending on the "brand name" you get there, such as Warrior (junk), Pittsburg (4 out of 5 stars), Hercules and Bauer (5 out of 5), Quantum lights are outstanding, just make sure you get one that are rechargeable.

[@leegandysdroid]

I agree. I have Bauer everything. The little shop blower is perfect for camping, and of course the cordless impact driver. I bought the best battery they sell and I'm very pleased with it all.

[@jefflanduyt6750]

@@leegandysdroid I bought the Bauer water pump and air compressor too. The air compressor is amazing.

[@leegandysdroid]

@@jefflanduyt6750 I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip

[@jimfoley7618]

I agree, the Bauer tools are great!

[@mcleadb]

I am a mobile rv tech and I use many Hercules battery tools. They last longer than the Bauer for just a little bit more. If you only use it occasionally, as I did in my sticks-n-bricks, Bauer is fine. However, Hercules will stand up to repeated daily use.

[@RustyOutdoors101]

They have a really great sun shade for your awning. I had the get the hooks at Walmart but we are loving the sun shade. It's in the tarps area of the store.

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

No such thing as too many flashlights, Haha!

[@scottd143]

I use the HF Torque wrench for my wheel and hitch bolts. Works good and lasts a long time.

[@herb7877]

Good point. I do as well.

[@frankstith7800]

The 2’ HF breaker bar is a good addition with the proper sized HF impact socket.

[@herb7877]

@@frankstith7800 FYI ... And try it out at home 1st. I learned the hard way. I had my impact wrench, sockets and breaker bar. I needed to change my trailer tire. The socket wall was too thick to fit on the fancy aluminum wheel that came on the trailer. I went to Wallmart and found a deep thin wall that would fit and used the breaker bar to remove... My wheels are not that fancy and on a lot of the tt I see.

[@kenlowe8659]

Harbor freight has the best wheel chocks in the country, and I love their magnetic flash lights. Plus I own the 9000 watt predator generator and the 3500 watt predator power inverter. Both outstanding units. I’ve them both to the test.

[@twincam_bam]

Pro tip. Your propane tank will fit inside of the standard milk crate, and that'll help keep it upright

[@horizon42q]

All good stuff. The moving blankets are good too. 40 x 72 inch.

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

A lot of additional good ideas in the comments.

[@ghiagoo]

Love the marked tape measure idea

[@garryhammond3117]

Great selection of things! - Cheers!

[@aliciaokiegal]

Love the measuring tape idea! Going to implement asap. Thanks!

[@NoTimeForThatNow]

Great idea w the tape measure!

[@jwp2166]

You always have the most helpful videos. Thanks.

[@larryjohns8823]

They also have a triangle red flashing LED light (like the blue one) that is very bright. I use the mat as a work pad when working under the camper. Wife loves the 3 pack of color changing LED solar lights.

[@Dougy_Fresh]

The amount of things that are useful from there in an RV is endless with even the slightest bit of ingenuity. The best item they have that I keep at home, rv, truck and motorcycle is the blue handle screwdriver with two double ended bits. At only a few dollars it is insanely handy. They have a new 12v outlet led light that stays charged in your truck that's extremely good for yet another few dollars. They also sell a mesh tarp I clip to my awning and stake down for a shade cloth/ privacy screen.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Love the shade idea.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Great list. Thanks.

[@coreymerritt7742]

Great tips Jared we don’t have harbour freight up here in Surrey bc but we do have a store similar called princess auto and over the last couple of years they have started to stock a lot more rv stuff which is great thanks 😊

[@jamesmartin7282]

I use the Anti-Fatigue Roll Mat on my linoleum floor. I use my little camper for hunting in October, November and even December in Michigan and that floor can be super cold. This mat makes it more comfortable to move around in stocking feet.

[@wardrobelion]

Great tips and review of Harbor Freight products. Thanks.

[@yves8639]

Great list, you can also add their flag pole.

[@Type1Detour]

We use Those chocks and love them!

[@joshuabailly2639]

Good ol' Harbor Freight. It's such a mixed bag.

[@danielwagoner]

I use their rubber wheel chocks also and love them.

[@bigtruckbigtravels]

Harbor Freight is my go-to for special projects which require a tool I don't have. Thanks

[@tonykulesza6067]

Thanks for your input.

[@driven4expedition141]

First time viewer of your channel, I recognize the harbor freight you were at and it caught my eye. My grand parents were full time RVers before they passed. They hit all 49 driveable states including Alaska. You’ve earned a subscription from me for bringing back some fond memories I’d not thought about in some years. Look forward to learning more about your content.

[@kellyfrancis5044]

I am SO glad I found this video and I found it in time to take advantage of a 3-day sale! I was able to snag 4 tarps, 100-pc zip ties and a new/better flashlight all for $24!!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video and advice 😀 👍

[@bstenslokken]

I purchased a predator generator and I am excited to see how it works …thanks the the measuring tape idea!

[@stewartmhyre1528]

Another great video. Will be interesting to see how this stuff performs. I got a 1/2 inch torque wrench from Harbor Freight at a great price and it works great.

[@SiddVic1]

another great video Jared. tks from a new rv'er

[@roberto3262]

Nice! Thanks for the suggestions. New RV'er and subscriber 👍🏻 Enjoyed the bloopers too LOL

[@bigskycharlie]

Thanks, great ideas

[@faridghu192]

Try the 20v Bauer tire inflator, it's cordless, no wires to deal with from all four corners.. I used it on my six tires to 80# rear, 75# front. I saw a review on KZbin, an Rver used it on a class A 115 psi worked fine for him too. Check it out. Inflator cost$49. Battery and charger $49. Works as good or better than more expensive. Inflators on the market. Thanks, Freddyfred Jayco 33 foot class C.

[@hunt_excelpaulbais2876]

At the 5:50 image where you are grabbing the green tread tape, I actually use the bigger black rubber diamond plate ones in the bottom right of the image and they have been awesome on our rv stairs. They stick great

[@thomasjefferson5727]

"Always in the same place" does not register with my wife. "Out of sight in the nearest compartment" is more like it.

[@settjessettje9323]

Put alittle Vaseline on the upper part of the caulk saver. The Vaseline keeps air/moisture out. I just use a bolt and Vaseline and it works wonders.

[@urbanosity]

Love the tips and the outtakes!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha, thanks.

[@Tazbocat]

The tape measure was great idea!!!👍

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@lecherolocal6379]

Thanks for the information and video just saved me some money and head aches

[@windellstephens9359]

Good video, and I agree with all your suggestions. I actually have most of them, love the little 99 cent LED lights. I have many of them, used to get one for free with another purchase. The chocks are great, I use them on my motorhome and they've actually kept me from moving when I forgot to remove them.

[@a50cobra]

Great video. Love your editing overlapping your audio onto the next video scene. Oh, and yeah, the content is great too!! LOL

[@patriciaribaric3409]

I love those free flashlights from Harbor Freight.

[@darrylm3627]

Good Stuff,Great Tips😄👍🏿

[@ThePcmendy]

Those $1 lights are amazing!

[@callieduval3000]

Great thanks for sharing

[@Whyknotgo86]

Great video! Love harbor freight!

[@brentmcmahon8188]

I have light like that but it also goes to a red strobe and if you are broke down on a little road so with the magnet so you can put in most places and I have diffrent one that puts out the sos signal.

[@jeffboquist3904]

Thanks. I need to get over and pick up a few things from HARBOR FREIGHT.

[@drbrianhollstrom]

I alway wait to the end because outtakes are Hilarious and we all make mistake, glad your human too!

[@mikeshaw8199]

We use a 4ft yard stick for checking the slideouts before final set. Nice and thin placed inside the basement of the trailer.

[@KHudd]

4ft yard stick? Hmmm.

[@mikeshaw8199]

Yes I said the same thing, my parents were given the 4ft stick from a local merchant and when both parents passed away I was able to get the stick for our camper.

[@kwhit6537]

Thanks for the video, The anti skid tape is a brand name Duck that make Duck tape. Works good. I just purchased a sun screen 16ft x8 for the awning $39

[@amypletcher4411]

Thanks Jared for these tips!! I like the mat idea as well as well everything else. We have those flashlights found at Walmart that have the different cycles of lighting but you are right they are a bit difficult to turn on and off. Lol Not bad we have several around our house and truck.

[@AllAboutRVs]

That’s great! Thank you.

[@chrisschiel6741]

As for the tool bags. I must have a dozen of them. They are the best thing for so many uses.

[@NormRidg]

Thanks for tips. Funny that the first two I already have. Also use the tap to correctly position the pin before we hook up. The mat sounds like a good idea. Keep the ideas coming. We have used several of your ideas in the past. The electronic door lock is our favorite.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@snake_king]

Great video! Marking the measurements on the tape measure is brilliant! I do have the measurements in my phone that I currently use, but this trick will be much better. And I need those wheel chocks Thank you!

[@canoe365]

To make the marks on the tape measure semi-permanent, cover them with thin clear adhesive tape.

[@phoenixmenix311]

Ha, I was just there the day this came out and picked up some wheel covers and nitrile gloves (for the stinky job) as well as the rubber wheel chocks. I also picked up an easy pull hitch pin for our truck. They have some good deals and I definitely recommend HF for the items that you don't use often enough to spend the big bucks on but still need something decent to use while your camping. Good video. I didn't think of the mats. I guess I'll have to make a trip back there now. LOL 😁

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

I sense a trip to Harbor Freight in my future😉. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha, glad it helped

[@miket8324]

Thanks for the video. About 3 years ago I bought 4 of those tool bags at 3.99 each. They are great. And just like your Dad I have 6 of the free lights but I.ve never any of them yet. I will now.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great list, Jared!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@sketchyssk8shop]

Bought a power jack from there. Loved it.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Nice.

[@RVingwithG]

Don’t forget the bar magnet. I ZIP Tied it to a wreck one time and picked up over 100 nails in a campsite.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Wow that is a lot of nails.

[@applejacks971]

I use that Voyager tool bag for my chain saw supplies (extra oil, tightening tool, spare chains, etc), can't beat it for $5-7!

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid, thanx.

[@stephencantbewrong8250]

Fantastic!

[@JB-vf8ub]

The wheel chocks are really good, i bought them for our boat and forgot to remove them a couple times and were not damaged when the tires rolled over them. I never saw the caulking saver, will have to try that out.

[@BushWookie603]

The quantom light is awesome. Ive ownerd a few over the years

[@stuartevans8142]

Rubber mallet/dead blow hammer to set wheel chocks/leveler and a puck level

[@RVwithTito]

They just opened one in our home town. I don't have to wait for Arizona anymore 😀 So excited to go wander around there. That caulk saver is definitely on the list 👍

[@AllAboutRVs]

Nice! I hope you had a great trip up north!

[@garydunlap9703]

Good information

[@Lex10999]

Great video. Thanks :)

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

i'm glad we found your family.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks.

[@NoExperienceRequired]

I’ve always just used plastic wrap and a small rubber band to keep my caulk fresh and it’s worked well for me for years now, even through below freezing and 115+ days in the high desert

[@justinphillips3901]

Moving blankets from harbor freight are cheap and work for protecting things from rubbing while under way 🤙🏻

[@ChasingTheCashes]

Great video!

[@craigwflys]

Have had 4 of those rubber chocks for years and they are the greatest. My slide is exactly 36" so I use a wooden yardstick (cheap at the Home Depot) to measure the clearance when arriving at the site. It also doubles as a easy way to unfold the side rubber seals on the slideouts that didn't fold out after being fully extended.

[@kirkallgayer1643]

Thanks 😊

[@deesandiego]

support local stores not amazon . good stuff here .