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

[Rainy314]

crazyoldcoot wrote:

twocruisin wrote:
My backup camera system has space for two cameras......I mounted a second camera on the roof, in front of and just higher than the air conditioner (Which is the tallest point on the bus).....I can approach a suspect overpass slowly and if the camera shows that it will make it under the overpass, I know the rest of the bus will too..........I know it's an expensive way to do it, but it sure works for me......It also gives me a great look down the road when I'm in bumper to bumper traffic......I can see over everyone for miles ahead........
I can switch back to the rear view camera anytime I want......

Wow what an idea! I'm not so high tech. I put the wife up there and if she is still there when the trip is over I know all went well.

I'm only on page 74 of 113 and yes I'm on 20 per page, but I just couldn't resist a ROFL on this one!! And no, I do NOT plan to share this idea with the DH.

[holstein13]

I added hose reels to the electrical compartment. No more clutter.

[drhubka]

DJ, Welcome back my friend, thanks for the job you did to help the freedom we all enjoy!!! I was there with you and would go again. Happy Independence Day!!!!! DH

[MSHappyCampers]

I bought an Edge Insight CTS engine monitor when I got the 2010 F250. I didn't want it above the dash because it would be too distracting, especially at night. In the middle of the dash, near the bottom, was a pull-out drink holder, the perfect place for the monitor. Only thing was, I didn't want to mess up the finish on the dash with any kind of drilling or permanent glue. I tried all kinds of Velcro, silicone cement, etc., but none of them would hold very long on the rough surface. Finally I bought the 3-m Command strips mentioned above which are normally used for pictures. The mount has been on the dash for two days now, and seems rock solid! You would not believe how I've scratched my head to find a solution for this!:h

[drhubka]

Velcro users STOP!! You might find many uses for Velcro, but, have you ever tried to remove it from walls of an RV? There is a product sold almost everywhere called "Command" strips by 3M. This product works beautiful if used according to directions. To remove the strip form the wall, pull down, not out. No marks or holes to patch. They have hooks, picture hangars, Velcro type strips. We use them for Framed pictures at home or RV. If you want to move something you can without leaving holes or unsightly blemishes on your walls. The cost is higher than plain Velcro, but the increased resale of your rig should more than cover the difference.

[drhubka]

We have owned RV's from pop-up camper to tow trailers and 5th wheels. Every one of them have unused space that is covered with a drawyer front that is screwed in place. We remove these panels and look for empty space. No open wires or pipes allowed. We then buy a couple hinges and a handle/knob and make it an opening door. It is perfect to store T/P, paper towels, extra jackets etc. I'm sure the manufactures do this for RVIA code restrictions, but it clears out space in easily accessed places for other things. Just don't fill the space with rocks, like Lucy. I doubt if the weight will make a difference if used with common sense. Dale H. Grass Valley, Ca.

[stfnwuf]

DH put a child safety latch on our pantry door to keep it from opening when we travel. Worked like a charm! We had been using a tension bar, but this was much better. Now I just have to get used to having the latch there.

[YC_1]

A inexpensive label maker really helps mark things I forget about. Like how to get the buttons on the entertainment center set correctly. The memory is not great so not having to remember to put the amp on BD to watch DVD's is nice because the label is there. A little reminder such as "it takes a while to switch" is an example of things that be forgotten.

I just discovered my AUX start button will not work without the "salesman switch" turned on. There is a new label next to that switch now. Tire pressure labels can be placed inside a rim or along the inside edge of the wheel well. Model and serial numbers of things can be placed in a human eye range.

The label maker is a great tool.

[YC_1]

bigred1cav wrote:

stfnwuf wrote:

GizmosMom wrote:
Here is a favorable discussion about a product called Barkeepers Friend

Barkeepers Friend is a great product. Never thought to use it on the FW.

Went and bought child safety latches for our pantry door and the drawer below it. Hope that helps keep them from popping open when on the road.

Where to purchase barkeepers friend?

WalMart

[stfnwuf]

fleetwoodmac wrote:
Instead of packing clothes and such in duffel bags or suitcases, we now use those big bags that you can buy at Marshalls or T J Maxx for 99 cents. They hold a lot and fold up easily once they are emptied out in the motorhome. They are pretty, too! I keep one next to the washer/dryer at home to put motorhome clothes, towels, sheets, etc back in after wash day.

I do the same thing.

[stfnwuf]

bigred1cav wrote:

stfnwuf wrote:

GizmosMom wrote:
Here is a favorable discussion about a product called Barkeepers Friend

Barkeepers Friend is a great product. Never thought to use it on the FW.

Went and bought child safety latches for our pantry door and the drawer below it. Hope that helps keep them from popping open when on the road.

Where to purchase barkeepers friend?

At the grocery store, home improvement stores or places like that.

[bigred1cav]

stfnwuf wrote:

GizmosMom wrote:
Here is a favorable discussion about a product called Barkeepers Friend

Barkeepers Friend is a great product. Never thought to use it on the FW.

Went and bought child safety latches for our pantry door and the drawer below it. Hope that helps keep them from popping open when on the road.

Where to purchase barkeepers friend?

[bakerkids]

We pack our clothes in these fabric cubes. Clothes are moved into a laundry bag when dirty, and eventually the cube is collapsed and stored.

[fleetwoodmac]

Instead of packing clothes and such in duffel bags or suitcases, we now use those big bags that you can buy at Marshalls or T J Maxx for 99 cents. They hold a lot and fold up easily once they are emptied out in the motorhome. They are pretty, too! I keep one next to the washer/dryer at home to put motorhome clothes, towels, sheets, etc back in after wash day.

[EMD360]

Pipe Insulation to secure the hangers on the closet pole:

I'm pretty sure I read this idea on rvnet, maybe even this thread?
The hangers don't pop off now, but I like the idea of hanging them backwards too.