Handy Hints, Gadgets, Products & Gizmos

[GizmosMom]

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 if you have mentioned it before in another post) we can keep it near the top?

Do you have a handy hint, a new product or an old product that makes your RVing or Camping much better?

(Sorry, no commercial advertising allowed)

I'll start:

Someone in the Camping Van posted a reference to using a Super-Chamois to wipe down their shower. I have been using an icky old thick sponge and I like the chamois idea so much more.

Now I want to hear what works for you

[RE_Todd]

Bipeflier wrote:
RE_Todd said "Extra batteries are always good, went from 150 a/hrs to 440 a/hrs"


Is the battery compartment vented? I would be worried about acid fumes causing corrosion.

The only thing in the bottom are the brackets, no floor in that section.

[sh4717]

I really like the blinds in the skylight idea. How is it attached? Any chance you have a better picture?

Scott

[Bipeflier]

RE_Todd said "Extra batteries are always good, went from 150 a/hrs to 440 a/hrs"


Is the battery compartment vented? I would be worried about acid fumes causing corrosion.

[suerover]

I have a 2 1/2 qt plastic pitcher that has found its permanent traveling position in the kitchen sink. It lays nicely in there for traveling, holding the occasional dirty mug or spoon that, wrapped in the dish cloth travels safely and quietly. But its real purpose is to collect the water that would otherwise just run down the drain while waiting for the hot water. There is always a good use for those couple of cups of water.

[RE_Todd]

I just got done doing some window stuff. We hate the mini-blinds so we went with thermal drapes.


We didn't like the sun through the skylight too early in the morning.
so we installed a horizontal blind.

Extra batteries are always good, went from 150 a/hrs to 440 a/hrs

I also hate the CH571 locks so we installed tubular locks

[Bipeflier]

Here is an "oldie" RV trick.

To keep the toilet paper from ending up on the floor while traveling, just squeeze the roll flat before mounting on the holder.

I use a plastic table from Sam's Club outside under the awining to hold the coffey pot. I can rise early and enjoy the morning without waking the DW or family. Also a good way to meet your neighbors by inviting them to stop for an early morning cup of Joe.

We use a product called "Rollum-up" to hold the awining lights. They are strips of velcro that install in the track. They are so thin they do not have to be removed each time and no strain on the awning material from clips and such.Rollum up

[paulb4333]

Forgot to add...
One pipe 63 cents the other 84 cents... Cheap... And easy...and it works...my favorite combo.

[jellenn]

I love this!!!!!! thanks!

paulb4333 wrote:
"Story Stick" for RV
In woodworking I use a "story stick" to keep track of measurements. It's much easier to match a cut up to an accurate mark, than to measure each time.

Since we're going into a residential area next week that MIGHT have some trees shorter than our 12'8" height, I was wondering how to check the height when in doubt.

Here's the idea. Today I went to Home Depot and purchased 2 10 foot lenghts of PVC pipe; one 3/4" the other 1/2 inch. The 1/2 inch slides inside the 3/4 and I marked 12'8" on the 1/2 inch pipe, drilled a hole and inserted a bolt. I made a few other heights as well.

I shortened the sections to 7' each, so they easily store in a basement compartment.
So now when in doubt, I pull out the pipes, insert a bolt at 12'8" and hold up the pipe. If it clears, I'll clear.

Makes me sleep better as well.....avoiding the worry.

Best

Paul

[dmatt]

W8NONU wrote:
I wish this thread had more pictures.

Great stuff though.

I'm with you!!!

[paulb4333]

"Story Stick" for RV
In woodworking I use a "story stick" to keep track of measurements. It's much easier to match a cut up to an accurate mark, than to measure each time.

Since we're going into a residential area next week that MIGHT have some trees shorter than our 12'8" height, I was wondering how to check the height when in doubt.

Here's the idea. Today I went to Home Depot and purchased 2 10 foot lenghts of PVC pipe; one 3/4" the other 1/2 inch. The 1/2 inch slides inside the 3/4 and I marked 12'8" on the 1/2 inch pipe, drilled a hole and inserted a bolt. I made a few other heights as well.

I shortened the sections to 7' each, so they easily store in a basement compartment.
So now when in doubt, I pull out the pipes, insert a bolt at 12'8" and hold up the pipe. If it clears, I'll clear.

Makes me sleep better as well.....avoiding the worry.

Best

Paul

[W8NONU]

I wish this thread had more pictures.

Great stuff though.

[rocknrollpro]

Great post. In really bad weather or if I'm looking for a street sign, I have my "Navigator" read out distances and left or rights like a racing rally you might see on Speed Vision. It helps a great deal in keeping us safe.

pigroaster wrote:
Correction. I could see at least 200 feet down the road (or more)or I would not have been driving. The GPS only was another tool to assist me in the drive. I was not driving with no road visibility. I hope this corrects any misunderstandings and I was not pulling my Cedar Creek at the time and yes I also had my fog lights on. Perhaps this idea should not have been suggested even though I still think seeing curves ahead with the GPS helped me!

[Denise_in_Ark]

I always have a very difficult time posting pix on this site...so I am not sure they will show up...


The expanding rods won't work in our shower. This works by laying across the top of the shower, so it will hold a lot of weight.

It is as simple as you can get...
A sprinkler riser with threaded ends, and two elbows...just to keep it in place.


Denise, if the pix don't show, send me a private message and I'll send.

Paul

Thanks Paul, I think I got it. I can see where this would be stronger than a tension rod, and it sure doesn't take up much space either. Definitely a great new gadget! Thanks.

[paulb4333]

Denise in Ark

Yes, please. This is how I do laundry, half drying then hanging. Besides, pool at whatever RV park we stay at while on assignment is a requirement. I ALWAYS need to be able to hang damp items.

Denise in Ark

I always have a very difficult time posting pix on this site...so I am not sure they will show up...


The expanding rods won't work in our shower. This works by laying across the top of the shower, so it will hold a lot of weight.

It is as simple as you can get...
A sprinkler riser with threaded ends, and two elbows...just to keep it in place.
Pix are not the best...but here are a couple...




pix2
Just screw in the elbows...you're done. Of course you can do the same thing with unthreaded pipe and glue.

"Best and simplest thing we've added according to DW"..

Denise, if the pix don't show, send me a private message and I'll send.

Paul

[TreeSeeker]

You can always use one or more spring-tensioned curtain rods in the shower.