Setup Tools

What belongs in your setup kit

Good setup tools do one thing: they take the guesswork out of getting parked and squared away. A mounted bubble level tells you which way to add blocks; a dial tire gauge catches a low tire before it becomes a blowout on the highway. Here's how this bin breaks down.

• Levels. Screw-on bubble levels like the RV Designer screw-on and two-way units mount on the trailer so you can read level from outside. A handheld surface level such as the Hopkins 3-way checks horizontal, vertical, and plane when you need it.
• Tire pressure tools. A dial-gauge inflator like the Performance Tool 10-170 PSI unit lets you check and top off before you roll. Getting cold tire pressure right is one of the best ways to head off a trailer tire blowout.
• Tie-downs and cords. Bungee and stretch cords, like the 33-inch Coghlan's, secure hoses, mats, and gear so nothing walks off in the wind.
• Ground stakes and hardware. Spiral pet anchors, brass flagpole sockets, and steel cleats handle the odd jobs around the site, from staking down a mat or an awning line to tethering a dog.

Mount at least one bubble level where you can read it from the driver's seat, and keep a tire gauge in the truck rather than the basement so you actually use it. These tools work alongside your jack pads and wheel chocks to turn setup into a quick routine instead of a fight.