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The important thing to bear in mind is that the quality andselection of tools you take along is significantly more important than thequantity. Chosen carefully, you can reduce the weight and size of your tool kitwithout compromising its effectiveness. Another point to bear in mind is themeans of carrying your tools. Although a macho-looking red metal tool box withball-bearing runners and chrome hinges will look impressive, it will be verynoisy as all those tools clatter around while you are on the move ? and veryheavy, too. A better alternative is an old holdall ? it can be squashed intothe corner of a locker, will deaden the sound of the tools, and weigh next tonothing compared to a box.

Sowhat tools should you take?

WD40 - A can of this is seen much like the 'magic sponge' on thefootball pitch: a sort of cure-all; and that's pretty much the case. It's idealfor sorting out seized fixings and stopping squeaks. But it's excellent forelectrical work, too. If you find agungy electrical connection, a quick clean with some emery cloth and a squirtof WD40 is usually enough to sort things out.

Spanners - The secret is not to take a full set, which might wellconsist of seven or eight pieces and weigh a couple of kilos ? there are notthat many times that you are likely to need a spanner in the course of generalmaintenance of your motorhome. Leave most of your spanners at home; you'll needthe one for changing the gas bottles, and a small one (typically 12 or 13mm)for removing the battery, but little else. Pack a small adjustable spanner incase you have a loose nut here or there, but unless you're going to carry outserious mechanical work, there's little call for a spanner.

Screwdrivers - As with spanners, there's little point in taking a wholeload of screwdrivers with you when, in all probability, two or three wouldsuffice. One large flat-bladed screwdriver will double usefully as a pry-barfor removing wheel trims and generally 'persuading' troublesome bits and bobs. Aregular Phillips and a flat-bladed screwdriver will be good enough for generalwork but put a small electrical screwdriver in, too, for those fiddly littlejobs. If you have a modern motorhome, buy a couple of torx-headed screwdriversfor removing interior trim: T20 and T25 sizes are very popular in Fiat andPeugeot models.

Torque wrench - A torque wrench may seem a touch extravagant but it isessential for checking that your wheel nuts are tight. Throw away your standardwheel brace and replace it with a large, good quality, torque wrench equippedwith the correct socket for securing your wheel nuts. It will also help ensurethat you do not over tighten the nuts and damage them.

PTFE tape - PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene? otherwise known asTeflon! This thread-sealing tape is ideal whatever problem you encounter, be ita plumbing or engine leak. Simply wrap the stricken thread in tape, retightenthe fitting and there's a fair chance your problem will be solved. PTFE tapecosts pennies to buy and weighs almost nothing.

Utility knife - There is no substitute for one of these when you need ablade to remove something. The knife is an old design ? neither clever norsophisticated, but it really works well. The cheapest models cost as little as'1, but put a good blade in the handle and it will be as good and effective asthe best.

Insulating tape - Quite simply, a must have. If a wire's insulation getsdamaged, or you need to join two wires, wrapping any bare wire with insulatingtape will prevent trouble in the future.

Alength of wire - A piece of wire is always usefulto have around. If wire gets cut or damaged, you can always bridge the breakwith a piece you have to hand. As younever know the particular use the wire is likely to be put to, it is best toopt for a heavy gauge. In an emergency, if you end up using a wire which is toothick it will be unlikely to cause a problem, but if the wire is too thin, itwill heat up and, in extreme cases, could even cause a fire.

Cable ties - These are great for get-you-home repairs. You can use themto hold all sorts of items in place: starter motors, air filters, wheel trims,wing mirrors and the like. Cable ties cost just pence to buy, are virtuallyindestructible and even a large handful of them weigh next to nothing.

Pliers - A simple pair of pliers can be as cheap as ?3 or ?4. They canbe used for cutting and stripping wire, gripping screws with broken heads andyou can always use your pliers when all your normal tools have been defeated.

A pint of engine oil - Your motorhome is likely to have a pint or so ofwater on board for emergency topping up, but many owners travel without engineoil. Keeping the oil level correct is simple and essential maintenance.

A length of rope, or strong string - The number of possible uses for alength of rope is endless and you really should have some with you. Whetherit's for tethering a piece of luggage, something which has broken, or justproviding extra security for your bike rack, it's never a bad idea to have someon board.

Electrical terminals and a pair of purpose-made crimping pliers - Wiresand terminals can break due to a number of factors such as vibration,carelessness and corrosion, so having a means of joining wires or replacingfractured terminals is a must. Electrical terminals cost pennies and canquickly fix many simple electrical problems.

A piece of rag - A ready supply of rag is invaluable. A clean rag isgood for dusting the dashboard and wiping the windows, a manky one, kept underthe bonnet, is handy for wiping the dipstick, mopping up oil and screen-washspills and general dirty work.

Foot pump and tyre pressure gauge - Tyres are not a fit-and-forget part,so a pressure gauge is a must, to guard against under-inflation. If your tyresare soft, a foot pump is just the job for getting them back up to pressure.

Motorhome insurance ? make sure thatyou check your insurance cover before setting off. Is your policy due for renewal? Calling a specialist motorhome insurer like SuretermDirect on 0800 999 2030 might be a goodidea or going online for a quote at http://www.sureterm.com/quote_motorhome_1.php

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Ross has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Beauty Tips and Room Furniture. Author Steve Marks is an experienced web content contributor. He helps owners find out more about motorhome insurance at www.sureterm.com. Ross's top article generates over 74000 views. Bookmark Ross to your Favourites.

Auditioning For The Musical
And when youre done, give a little bow and walk off the stage with confidence.Good luck! With a smile and a song in your heart, youll do well!