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

[vgoulette]

wittmeba wrote:
vgoulette,

Nightlights - some may squawk about this, but...

You can light up your RV clearance lights without being attached to your truck like this:
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/NightLights2.jpg

by just jumper pin 3-4 in a mating connector to the 7 pin cable on your RV.
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/NightLightConnector.jpg

The lights run off shore power thru your DC battery charging circuit.

Ohhh, I like this!! I will have to show to DH, in case he might like to add these to our rig.

Thanks,
Vickie

[wittmeba]

vgoulette,

Nightlights - some may squawk about this, but...

You can light up your RV clearance lights without being attached to your truck like this:
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/NightLights2.jpg

by just jumper pin 3-4 in a mating connector to the 7 pin cable on your RV.
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/NightLightConnector.jpg

The lights run off shore power thru your DC battery charging circuit.

[vgoulette]

WOW!! I read all 86 pages, and gleaned many valuable ideas. One we will do immediately is purchase solar lights for much-needed light when returning to the TT after dark. (I especially liked the idea of placing one under the steps).

Another I have read about, and want DH to do is install plexiglass over the screen door. There are soooo many great ideas here.

Thanks,
Vickie

[wittmeba]

Serena, You mentioned something about door clasps (related) and reminded me so I had to post.

This is one of the best of my little mods. This is our outside door. You dont have to go down the steps to release the door. Sorry for the blurry pic.
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/MagDoorPropMag.jpg
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/images/MagDoorPropBoth.jpg

I will be adding a couple of these 'shorties'to my outside storage doors. I hate those plastic catches. Almost always takes two hands.

Where to buy and variation:
http://www.thehardwarehut.com/catalog-product-specs.php?p_ref=10909&q=
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006LA2TC/104-0396612-5313521?v=glance
http://door-hinges.com/catalog-product-specs.php?p_ref=10334
http://gatelatchusa.com/s-cart/ds.phtml

When I add them to the outside storage, I think the post part will be attached to the trailer and the striker plate to the door. Except: the 2 front doors under the 5th wheel overbed section - I will put the post on the door and striker plate on the underside. I know I would catch my back on a post when sneaking under to get to the other side.

[Scrapz]

Each package of Command Strips tells you how much weight they hold. When DD was living in a dorm we used command strip hooks to hold up a curtain rod for curtains. I painted the hooks black to match the rod. We put 3 hooks on each side of the rod. According to the package I could have used 2 hooks for the weight I was adding, but I used 3 for added strength for when she was pulling the curtains open.

[bondebond]

On the 3M strips, do you have a feel for how much weight they will hold when attached to the ceiling?

I ask because I have a PUP and want to hang some things from the ceiling, but don't want to drill into it. Our ceiling has a low texture surface, so adhesion will be a little less than perfect, but I am curious to find out just how much a 3M hook will hold with straight-down forces on it.

[cire]

I use 3M Command brand hooks, towel holders, soap holders, key holders, wire hooks and most recently their utility trays. I use them freely in all areas of my coach. I never drill a hole in my woodwork/walls. The 3M Command hooks are completely and readily removable. They cost a little more but work so very well.

[pkunk]

Maybe, with a few people requesting, we could get a Mod to delete all these 'bump' posts so that only the 'meat' remains. Making it a sticky would eliminate the need for the 'bumps'. Wishfull dreamin'.!

[bondebond]

This has been one of the most helpful posts on rv.net. I've gotten a lot of technical and helpful information in many topics, but this one is chock full of nuggets.

Thanks to all for sharing!

[BigRabbitMan]

HappyTrailsRVing wrote:
While it may be true that clicking on the subscribe for this post, this works for those of us that know it is here...........however for new people viewing the boards, if it is at top of list, it will be there for them to view. So I am BUMPING again. LOL

By the way, I have subscribed to it and many others, wonderful feature, always go to my favorites first.

But ONE HOUR after someone else has posted and that post moved the thread up for all of the new people!!!

[Tizi]

great thread!

[catman2130093]

I use a bungee cord hooked into the plastic of the screen door, and wrapped around the assistance handle next to the steps to keep my cats indoors-just be sure the bungee is under tension enough to keep kitty's weight from pushing the door open..

[Illusion]

Thanks! (I love this forum!)
Great ideas...love the photos...still a newbie, hoping to add to these some day!

[ak_traveler]

Illusion wrote:
I have a question for all of you -
Anyone figure out if there is a "sturdier" screen door you can buy? Made of ???
Our cat likes to lean on the screen, and it pops open. I figure there must be a better "handle" mechinism (?)
Also thought of screwing in some type of latch on inside and out.
Any thoughts?

Hello Illusion,
I would think a simple barrel bolt latch would do the trick. Just mount it on the inside of the door and that should keep Kitty indoors!

[YC_1]

I keep three plastic bus trays handy. When you empty the refrigerator at home you can make a couple of quick hauls. While camping it is much easier to haul all the stuff out to the table for cooking and will hold a ton of stuff.

One of my long but not tall storage areas was very difficult to use so I tied a small rope onto a bus tray, filled it, filled another one and used the one without the string to push the two into place. To get to it I simply remove the first bus tray and then pull the little rope.