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

[lowryfarm]

I love my Swivel Sweeper when we're camping, especially at the beach where the kids are constantly tracking in sand.

[Tvov]

Davis_clan wrote:
Then don't drive over them. Like any other time, If you can't see.... stop. The point isn't to park as close to, or on the lights. Put them where you DON'T want to go, like a tree, the shore power box, the picnic table, etc...

Haven't driven over them yet, even if we did, they go on sale every boxing day 😄

lol, didn't see that you had a truck camper. I was thinking of travel trailer.

[goreds2]

Roadtech wrote:
Swivel Sweeper is great for picking up pet hair. It is easy to store, runs off batteries, and much easier to use in an RV than a vacuum cleaner. You can buy them at Bed, Bath, & Beyond or on line.

At AMAZON

[Roadtech]

Swivel Sweeper is great for picking up pet hair. It is easy to store, runs off batteries, and much easier to use in an RV than a vacuum cleaner. You can buy them at Bed, Bath, & Beyond or on line.

[erddig]

This is a great thread! Camped my whole life, in many forms from stars to TT, presently own a great Coleman PUP but am moving on to a TT. I having a little difficulty with the concept of "changing" how we camp, but need to simplify the process so we can do more camping.
I have gotten so many great ideas but I need a suggestion on vacuums. We generally do the "range"-full hook up to nothing, weekends to multi-weeks and am planning the cross-country trip. I do a good job with brooms and shake-outs in the PUP but with with a TT (carpets bigger)I know I will need a vac. We will be taking the pups and thier fur any suggestions for type, style, and storage of vacs. Thanks in advance.
pam

[popeye59]

I thought about that but sometimes we boondock where there is no power and i wanted something that I could use regardless where we camped so I installed some cheapo, Walmart special, fog lights under the back bumper. Put a switch inside the door so I can use them with or without the tow vehicle attached.

[Davis_clan]

Then don't drive over them. Like any other time, If you can't see.... stop. The point isn't to park as close to, or on the lights. Put them where you DON'T want to go, like a tree, the shore power box, the picnic table, etc...

Haven't driven over them yet, even if we did, they go on sale every boxing day 😄

[tomman58]

Tvov wrote:

Davis_clan wrote:
Get to the campsite after dark/sunset? If it's a powered site a handy thing to save radios, confusing flashlight signals, shouting and frayed nerves...

A cheap strand or two of LED rope lights (1/2" diameter tube, sometimes sold for Christmas decorations). Plug them in and lie it on the ground and use it as a guide for the driver side. Pretty much simulating a "runway". Rolls/coils up when finished. Pick your fav colour and happy landing 🙂 Mine are red

I would think they would get driven over while manuvering?

Good grief he has a Pickup Camper how hard can that be. LOL
It is a good idea though.

[Tvov]

Davis_clan wrote:
Get to the campsite after dark/sunset? If it's a powered site a handy thing to save radios, confusing flashlight signals, shouting and frayed nerves...

A cheap strand or two of LED rope lights (1/2" diameter tube, sometimes sold for Christmas decorations). Plug them in and lie it on the ground and use it as a guide for the driver side. Pretty much simulating a "runway". Rolls/coils up when finished. Pick your fav colour and happy landing 🙂 Mine are red

I would think they would get driven over while manuvering?

[Davis_clan]

Get to the campsite after dark/sunset? If it's a powered site a handy thing to save radios, confusing flashlight signals, shouting and frayed nerves...

A cheap strand or two of LED rope lights (1/2" diameter tube, sometimes sold for Christmas decorations). Plug them in and lie it on the ground and use it as a guide for the driver side. Pretty much simulating a "runway". Rolls/coils up when finished. Pick your fav colour and happy landing 🙂 Mine are red

[kennethwooster]

One of the best Rv gadgets I've ever purchased was air pillow to level the trailer with. Just place under axles that are low, and use a small air compressor, and in about 3-5 minutes you have a perfectly level trailer. It also really helps on soft ground because its foot path is big. I was shocked, as we stayed in the mountains for about 2.5 months and the bag stayed level all the time.

[PGR_Skye]

LittleBlackDog, I love what you did with the top step to the upper level of your 5th wheel. I'm going to see if my DH will do the same with ours. Maybe with some of those inside hinges it would become a good place to put valuables while traveling.

[LittleBlackDog]

In my previous 5er (an Outback)I took the top off of the step to the upper level and put it back on with hinges. Used this little flip-top box to store things like spare light bulbs, bungies, duct tape, spare cabinet latches (when you need to buy one to replace a broken one, they always seem to come in pairs.), and other small interior bits and pieces. Sorted most of the stuff into Cool Whip tubs to make finding easier.

The top was just held on with Roberts head screws (Square tip) buried in the carpet. Feel around the edges with your fingertips.

My current Titanium came with the step hinged, but the central vac is in there.

[Denise_in_Ark]

Martyn wrote:

PGR_Skye wrote:
The previous owner of our 5th wheel put hinges on the dinette bench seats so instead of getting down on the floor to open the sides

I did that precise same mod to my 5er a couple of months ago. DW loves it! 🙂

Our old TT came this way. I found it a pain to remove the cushions every time I wanted something in there, but I can see where it would be a lot more of a pain without it! I put a basket next to the side entry to hold things I wanted easy access to, like kitchen linens. The storage behind the basket was for things I didn't use that often, but anything I needed on a regular basis was still quickly accessible from the side door.

[Martyn]

PGR_Skye wrote:
The previous owner of our 5th wheel put hinges on the dinette bench seats so instead of getting down on the floor to open the sides (which is usually difficult) we just remove the cushions and lift the seats. Put a hole in the top or a strap on top to make it easy. Now its much easier to put things into this great storage area in an orderly way and to find what you want when you open it. We use them a lot more now and they do hold a lot of items.

I did that precise same mod to my 5er a couple of months ago. DW loves it! 🙂