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

[pasusan]

ridesabout wrote:
I had one of the plastic filler hoses and threw it away after the plastic hose came off the valve. I was afraid it would fall in the tank the next time. I purchased a short valve in the garden department--available in brass or plastic--at Home Depot. It hase hose threads on both ends. Fastened it to my fresh water hose and a short piece of an old fresh water hose to the other end. Serves the same purpose but will not fall apart.

Well, gee whiz. Now I'm scared about this thing falling apart!

Thanks for the warning...

[ridesabout]

I had one of the plastic filler hoses and threw it away after the plastic hose came off the valve. I was afraid it would fall in the tank the next time. I purchased a short valve in the garden department--available in brass or plastic--at Home Depot. It hase hose threads on both ends. Fastened it to my fresh water hose and a short piece of an old fresh water hose to the other end. Serves the same purpose but will not fall apart.

[StanleyandIris]

Love the steps.

Iris

[Pangaea_Ron]

pasusan wrote:
One of my favorite gizmos is this:
Water Tank Filler with Shutoff

No more standing at the side of the trailer holding the hose. It is so simple and has a shutoff so you don't have to pull a running hose out of the fresh water fill and get all wet.

I also use that, but the clear vinyl hose slips off the plastic fitting. So I attach a hose clamp, but now it doesn't fit into the water fill opening. I removed the hose clamp, and now use a plastic wire tie that seems to be working. A 90 degree fitting also helps to keep the filler in the opening.

There are so many IQ tests out there.

[LoudRam]

pasusan wrote:
One of my favorite gizmos is this:
Water Tank Filler with Shutoff

No more standing at the side of the trailer holding the hose. It is so simple and has a shutoff so you don't have to pull a running hose out of the fresh water fill and get all wet.

Yep, simple and cheap. That's what I use but I attach an 90 degree elbow fitting to it. It works very well.

[pasusan]

One of my favorite gizmos is this:
Water Tank Filler with Shutoff

No more standing at the side of the trailer holding the hose. It is so simple and has a shutoff so you don't have to pull a running hose out of the fresh water fill and get all wet.

[Tvov]

Bucky Badger wrote:
Dog hates the steel steps....Flipped the axles so the old one arn't tall enough any ways

Great! Just Great! Another project for me to work on!!

They DO look great, actually!

[Wiscampsin]

Bucky, I think your steps are a great idea.

[TreeSeeker]

Bucky Badger,

I love the steps.

Two suggestions. I would add some non-slip strips to the tops and I would apply some Teak oil once the wood has dried out some. And don't forget to Teak oil the bottom edge where it will tend to soak up water. Actually, putting some on the inside will help prevent warping due to water absorption on one side.

Teak oil works great on steps and doorsills--I use it on my stick house. It can be reapplied as needed. It is simple to put on, just wipe on with a rag or use a brush. It is used on boats so it is very water resistant. And it penetrates into the wood so it is not just a surface finish. Letting the wood dry out first will allow the oil to penetrate better.

[paulb4333]

How about splitting the sides vertically, putting a hinge on them? Should be able to nest them that way.When clamped back together, will be nearly as strong.
Probably lots of ways to do this... engineers?

[Bucky_Badger]

Pangaea Ron wrote:
I wonder if there is a way to have the steps nest within each other to save space. Widest step at the bottom, etc?

awww. Interesting idea!!!! How would we lock them into place?

[Pangaea_Ron]

I wonder if there is a way to have the steps nest within each other to save space. Widest step at the bottom, etc?

[tvman44]

Bucky Badger,
I love your steps sounds like a good project for me. Good job

tvman44

[ol_Bombero-JC]

mike9955 wrote:
3 days and ALL read..:R.
Thanks for the 'help'..some I did not know I needed, but now I see the light!:B

To add to the file:

Three aerosol sprays that RV’ers should not be without –
WD-40, White Lithium Grease, and Silicone Spray Lubricant.

The WD-40 is handy for keeping locks, latches and hinges lubricated, preventing corrosion of metal parts, and treating wet electrical connections.

Have F U N!!!!:C

I use all three (and more) - including the WD-40.

However - WD-40 is actually a solvent.

There are better lubricants for locks, entry locks, etc. (and other stuff too).
In doubt of this info?

Next time you are at a locksmith's - ask his opinion of WD-40,
and/or better choices.

~

JC

[Bucky_Badger]

Dog hates the steel steps....Flipped the axles so the old one arn't tall enough any ways