Handy Hints, Gadgets, Products & Gizmos
Another member suggested a new forum section with new products but it doesn't look like it will be feasible. So I thought I would post this here under General RVing Issues. If enough people post (even...
Forum Discussion
Just read all 2944 posts! Took me a bit...
This thread has more sticky requests than most threads have POSTS! Makes me wonder if the reason it's not a sticky has to do with CW's profits. Whatever - their playground, their rules.
Here are a few things I did.
- Installed ball valves to isolate different parts of the plumbing...mainly the parts where the water lines run outside the rig and aren't compartmented. Now I can use only the "safe" parts when it's hovering around freezing and leave the other stuff winterized (like the outdoor kitchen and shower).
- Bought thermal-backed curtains from Walmart that match our interior. We had been hanging a fleece blanket from the cabover but these will just slide open and closed and look much nicer. Just have to find some decent looking cordage for the slider so the wife will approve. Also have a windshield cover that insulates all the glass around the cab...should make it a bit cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Replaced the 12v halogens with 12-panel LEDs from eBay ("G4 12-LED 5050 SMD Spotlight Lamp Warm White 12V 24V 2.4W For Boat Marine" for $32 per 10-pack). Not quite as bright as the halogens but plenty bright enough for what we needed and will save a lot of power. We're leaving the halogens in places where we need task lighting.
- Did some woodwork in the bedroom to make the TV more user-friendly and open up some storage. The way Jayco did it didn't make any sense. Here are some more details, and an rv.net discussion thread here.
- Just got a Trashbag Holder that hangs on the cabinet instead of using a normal trash can. This will let us recycle plastic shopping bags as trash bags, and are easier (and less conspicuous) to throw away at rest stops and such. I've read that some states consider RV trash to be household trash, and they can fine you for dumping if you use rest stop areas. Not sure how true that is, but this looks convenient anyway. Haven't actually had it on a trip yet.
- Just got the parts yesterday to make the stinky slinky holder. Gonna use a 5"x5" vinyl fencepost, but install it into the side of the RV instead of hanging it underneath. Pics to follow.
- Got an extra 8' length of the 5"x5" vinyl fencepost to store the GPL 7' folding ladder under the RV as well. Pics coming.
- Have a pretty major electrical upgrade in the works but that will have its own pic thread. 690 AH of AGM batteries, Magnus 2000 watt inverter, solar panels, etc.
- I didn't see anyone discussing dryer lint firestarters over the last 295 pages, so...just kidding. I'll let that one rest.
Lastly, I used Pinterest to keep track of mods I want to do. You need a picture to link directly to something, but you can use any pic and change the internet address. Here are the links to my RV things:
- RV Mods to Do
- RV Tips, Tricks and General Info
- Our Greyhawk RV with Mods
This thread has more sticky requests than most threads have POSTS! Makes me wonder if the reason it's not a sticky has to do with CW's profits. Whatever - their playground, their rules.
Here are a few things I did.
- Installed ball valves to isolate different parts of the plumbing...mainly the parts where the water lines run outside the rig and aren't compartmented. Now I can use only the "safe" parts when it's hovering around freezing and leave the other stuff winterized (like the outdoor kitchen and shower).
- Bought thermal-backed curtains from Walmart that match our interior. We had been hanging a fleece blanket from the cabover but these will just slide open and closed and look much nicer. Just have to find some decent looking cordage for the slider so the wife will approve. Also have a windshield cover that insulates all the glass around the cab...should make it a bit cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Replaced the 12v halogens with 12-panel LEDs from eBay ("G4 12-LED 5050 SMD Spotlight Lamp Warm White 12V 24V 2.4W For Boat Marine" for $32 per 10-pack). Not quite as bright as the halogens but plenty bright enough for what we needed and will save a lot of power. We're leaving the halogens in places where we need task lighting.
- Did some woodwork in the bedroom to make the TV more user-friendly and open up some storage. The way Jayco did it didn't make any sense. Here are some more details, and an rv.net discussion thread here.
- Just got a Trashbag Holder that hangs on the cabinet instead of using a normal trash can. This will let us recycle plastic shopping bags as trash bags, and are easier (and less conspicuous) to throw away at rest stops and such. I've read that some states consider RV trash to be household trash, and they can fine you for dumping if you use rest stop areas. Not sure how true that is, but this looks convenient anyway. Haven't actually had it on a trip yet.
- Just got the parts yesterday to make the stinky slinky holder. Gonna use a 5"x5" vinyl fencepost, but install it into the side of the RV instead of hanging it underneath. Pics to follow.
- Got an extra 8' length of the 5"x5" vinyl fencepost to store the GPL 7' folding ladder under the RV as well. Pics coming.
- Have a pretty major electrical upgrade in the works but that will have its own pic thread. 690 AH of AGM batteries, Magnus 2000 watt inverter, solar panels, etc.
- I didn't see anyone discussing dryer lint firestarters over the last 295 pages, so...just kidding. I'll let that one rest.
Lastly, I used Pinterest to keep track of mods I want to do. You need a picture to link directly to something, but you can use any pic and change the internet address. Here are the links to my RV things:
- RV Mods to Do
- RV Tips, Tricks and General Info
- Our Greyhawk RV with Mods
