Over the years I've found it useful to maintain a supply of spare parts for my RVs, OHVs, and camping equipment. The first dirt bike trip we took I didn't even have spare spark plugs for our dirt bikes -- a definite problem for 2-stroke engines that foul plugs quite easily. I soon learned to carry not only spare spark plugs, but spare brake and clutch levers, master links to repair broken chains, spare inner tubes, and a variety of nuts and bolts to keep things together. I also find it helpful to stock spare parts for camping equipment. Stoves, lanterns, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks all need repair sooner or later and it is REALLY nice to have the right parts and patches already on hand. Being able to repair things on the spot can prevent damage from getting worse as well as saving your outing.
Some basic RV or other vehicle parts I recommend everyone should carry include fan belts and radiator and heater hoses. I also carry a thermocouple or two in case I need to fix a furnace, water heater, or refrigerator. They are only used on older units. Newer appliances with computer controls use a thermal sensor instead of a thermocouple. Extra hose washers are good to have, especially if you have access to city water hookups. Extra nuts, bolts, and screws of various sizes also come in handy. A universal faucet repair kit or a "storehouse" of faucet washers can also be useful if something starts to leak out in the boondocks. An extra dump valve is essential if yours is prone to get knocked off. Some hang down way too low and are all too frequently damaged. I like to carry a couple of compression elbows and compression sleeves in case something happens to the fresh water tubing. Spare light bulbs for all the different light fixtures will definitely come in handy. Most RV incandescent lights use a standard, single contact, automotive 1146 bulb. I like to carry some spare, dual contact 1157s for tail/stop and park/turn signal lights too. Some extra dash lights will let you see your instruments and some clearance marker bulbs may be needed from time to time. Might save you an unscheduled stop by a highway patrolman and perhaps even avoid a fix-it ticket. Check your owners manual or pull some sample bulbs to be sure of the part numbers you need for each application. You might find LED equivalents that would reduce power usage.
Spare OHV parts will be determined by the type of OHVs you have and what kind of things typically go wrong -- and by the kinds of repairs you are comfortable with or capable of doing. I've found that spare spark plugs, spare levers, and spare inner tubes are basic items and have saved many a weekend outing. Spare fasteners are essential since things tend to come loose frequently out on the trails. When I first started riding I had to get a handful of spare nuts and bolts from the mechanic at my motorcycle dealer. Today you can buy nice little compartmentalized boxes of fasteners specifically selected for the needs of most dirt bikes and ATVs by brand at your local motorcycle/ATV shop. The $20-$50 you invest will pay itself back in only a few outings and is sure to me far less than you'd pay if you had to take your machine in for repairs. Having the right parts makes repairs easier. Not only will they look and fit better, you avoid possible further damage by trying to make do with fasteners with the wrong threads or ones that are too long or otherwise incorrect. If you can't find a ready-made kit for your ride, get a "storehouse" of metric fasteners from your local hardware store or Harbor Freight or just buy a handful of the size you use most frequently at your local hardware store. They may not be as cosmetically correct as factory parts or the ones from branded kits, but at least they'll hold things together until you can get home and get the right parts.
Likewise, the spare parts you need on a boat will depend on the type of boat. The things you need on a sailboat will be different than what you need on a power boat. Basic spare parts for a sailboat include shackles, sail tape, and rope repair items. Parts for a power boat will depend on the type of motor and other features on board. Hose clamps are usually a good idea to have around if you have any plumbing on board.
What kind of spare parts do you need for your camping equipment? Extra tent pegs are always good to have on hand. Extra tent poles could also be helpful. A grommet kit for repairing or adding grommets to tents or tarps is always useful. A tent repair kit is essential. They usually include nylon patches for fixing tears in the tent fabric and some netting to fix holes in screens. These patches can usually be used to repair sleeping bags and nylon jackets as well. Some of the patches are self adhesive and very easy to use. For sturdier and more permanent repairs bring along a heavy duty sewing kit, which should include an awl as well as large needles and strong thread. Some tent repair kits include parts to repair fiberglass shock-corded tent poles or you can buy tent pole repair kits. Spare parts for your Coleman lanterns and stoves are essential. Lantern mantles are quite fragile and it is not unusual to go through several pairs in a single weekend outing. Repair kits for the pumps for gas lanterns and stoves are fairly small and inexpensive and can save an outing. Generators for lanterns and stoves run about $12-$15 but are worth much more than that if you need one unexpectedly. If you have any backpacks, spare anchor pins that hold the canvas to the frame and buckles for the belts and straps are items that are frequently lost or broken on the trail. Extra rope for tying down your tent or securing tarps should be on your list. I also like to have a handful of "cord locks", those little spring thingies that hold sleeping bag cords tight when the bag is rolled up. You can often buy them in bulk at bargain prices on ebay. I paid $1.50 for 2 at a local sporting goods store when I needed some right away. Later I found a package of 50 for $3.45 and free shipping on ebay so I'm stocking up for future needs . A ball of binder's twine will always find many uses around camp. Stocking spare batteries and bulbs for your flashlights should go without saying.
Purchasing ALL the spare parts you may need at one time could be quite expensive so you may want to make a list and do a few things at a time. That also allows you to keep an eye out for bargain prices on the things you need to stock up on. You should prioritize your list so you can get the most important things first, but buying least expensive things first or taking advantage of special sales are also good strategies. If you see something that isn't on your list but you think will be useful, grab it while you can! Otherwise you'll soon be kicking yourself out on the trail when you need it. I don't think I have EVER looked at a tool or spare part in my trailer, RV, or fanny pack and said "Gee, I wish I hadn't bought that" but there have been MANY times I've been in the position to say "Gee, I wish I had gotten that when I had the chance!" I have found ebay to be a good source for many tools and spare parts for RVs, OHVs, and camping equipment.
Anyway you cut it, having spare parts on hand will save time and often save money as well as avoid untimely interruptions of your activities. Feel free to expand on the items suggested in this article to include anything that you think will make your outings less stressful and more successful. If you find you repeatedly need certain things during your trips or have to make trips to town or the camp store for things, add them to your supplies. In the long run it will save you money as well as time and frustration.
Stock up!
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