The list of things you could travel with in your Airstream is endless. But when it comes to equipment and tools, the list of things that are essential or extremely handy isn't all that long or complicated.
If you've got a new (or new to you) Airstream, here's a list of the things to invest in first. If you're a seasoned Airstreamer, spring is a great time to review what's in your tool bag and compartments and throw out or augment what's in there.
Read or download the checklist, which has been updated for 2025.
Download as a PDF
Essentials for Every Trip
- Airstream Owner’s Manual that came with your Airstream
- For additional maintenance details and step-by-step instructions, we also recommend The (Nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance
- Leveling blocks
- Wheel chocks
- If you have a single-axle trailer, a bottle jack capable of lifting at least 6,000 lbs. (Only single-axle trailer owners need this.)
- Two drinking water hoses, 25-50 feet in length each – we recommend this lightweight, self-coiling RV Water Hose, which withstands pressure up to 375 psi
- Water filter – at the very least, you should have an in-line carbon filter, but we travel with and recommend the Blu Technology Filtration System
- Sewer hose and 10-foot extension
- Electric cord and adapters for 15-amp, 30-amp and 50-amp outlets. We recommend our AIR GEAR Nickel-Plated Adapter Set, which resists corrosion and requires less maintenance.
- Electrical Management System (EMS) to protect your Airstream from electrical faults– we travel with and recommend Progressive EMS
- Tire pressure gauge, high-visibility vest, breaker bar, extension, and appropriate socket, for changing an Airstream trailer tire – we travel with and recommend this Airstream trailer Tire Changing Kit
- 12v air compressor with power cord extension (or battery-powered)
- ½” drive torque wrench, rated for 150 ft-lbs., for tightening wheel lug nuts (included in the above-mentioned Tire Changing Kit)
- Cordless drill with socket adapter (optional but very handy)
- Mechanic’s gloves
- Holding tank chemicals (found at Wal-Mart, Camping World, etc.)
- Hitch ball lube and/or grease recommended by the manufacturer of your hitch
- Large beach towel (handy for many uses)
- Lubricants: silicone spray, and optionally Boeshield T-9 *
- Flashlight and headlamp
- First Aid kit
Basic Tool Bag – suggested items below
If you are mostly weekend travelers, you may not need a repair kit, but if you want to be able to fix small things while traveling, here are a few things to consider.
All the items noted with * are included in the AIR GEAR Maintenance Essentials Kit.
- Screwdriver set
- Assorted drill and screw bits
- 2.0 and 2.5 mm Allen wrenches *
- Kitchen/utility shears
- Tapes: electrical, masking, and Teflon (plumber’s tape)
- Wood glue
- Medium sized adjustable wrench
- Open-end wrenches: 7/16”, 9/16” and 5/8” recommended
- Retractable safety knife
- Pliers
- Fuse puller *
- Small spray bottle with soapy water (to test for gas leaks) *
- Small wire cutter/stripper tool
- An electrical multimeter
- Butt splices and a crimper
- Rivet tool (for replacing loose or broken rivets)
- Small tube of GE Silicone II sealant, colored to match your shower
- Aerospace 303 Protectant (for lubricating window and vent fan seals) *
- Half-sheet of emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper
Small Parts – stored in a small plastic “tackle box-type container, with internal compartments:
- Spare 1141 bulbs for interior lights (if not LED)
- 12v automotive-style blade fuses (various amperages) single-sided razor blades *
- A few #8 wood screws, 5/8” to 1” in length *
- Rubber hose washers *
- 3/16” aluminum POP rivets (grip range 1/8-1/4”) for interior repairs
- 3/16” aluminum “large flange” POP rivets (grip range 1/8-1/4”) for belly pan repairs
The jobs you care to tackle on the road may be different, which will change the things you need to bring along.
Keep in mind that if you have a new Airstream, you’ve got a warranty, so little bugs can be handled by your dealer. Try to watch the technicians working on your Airstream so you can learn a little from them.
Download as a PDF
This checklist has been excerpted and enhanced from Newbies Guide to Airstreaming by Rich Luhr. Used with permission.