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

[popeye59]

toprudder wrote:
One thing I found that really helps the fridge is to install a fan INSIDE. The small amount of air movement really cools things down much quicker.

Fridge Fan

I bought two, one for the fridge and one for the freezer. Install the fridge fan near the cooling fins, where the thermocouple is mounted.

Concur with that idea. That's why I wired a computer (battery UPS actually) cooling fan to the hot side of the interior light. Don't need to replace batteries that way and as we were trashing the Control unit at work anyhow... it was free.

[toprudder]

One thing I found that really helps the fridge is to install a fan INSIDE. The small amount of air movement really cools things down much quicker.

Fridge Fan

I bought two, one for the fridge and one for the freezer. Install the fridge fan near the cooling fins, where the thermocouple is mounted.

[knock]

I like my fridge to be cold so food will not spoil. But it gets very hot around here, so it can be a battle, especially if I can't run the AC all the time. I bought a solar powered fan-forced fridge roof vent and I do the following:

Pre-cool or pre-freeze everything before putting it into the RV's fridge, which I also pre-cool before stocking. Any empty space in the fridge gets packed with either pre-cooled or frozen stuff, even if it is just water bottles. I put milk in the back of the fridge and preferably in an insulated bottle. This keeps the fridge from having to work to get the heat out of food stocked into it and recovery is much quicker during hot months if air space in the fridge is filled with cold items.

And make sure your fridge light is going out when the door is closing. I removed a shelf in the door, not realizing that the shelf was necessary to press the button that turns off the light. I am replacing my light with an LED that doesn't produce as much heat.

[suerover]

In addition of making a secure copy of your phone numbers and addresses, I recommend making a copy of all your credit card numbers and customer service numbers. I did this several months ago and then promptly lost my wallet. Within an hour I was able to cancel all the cards (including my library card and bus pass) and prevent any problems. I also include on my person at all times while we are on the road, the names and contact numbers of our children, our passport numbers and a couple of US embassy numbers, health insurance numbers and contact info, vehicle insurance numbers and contact info. It is all printed on one half sheet of paper and lessens the uncertainties of travel - especially out of the country.

[dalenoel]

Just 'Subscribe' to it and you will not need to 'bump' it.

[my_toys]

Bump. I don't want to lose this "handy" post.

[beemerphile1]

teebee1 wrote:
Sheets of newspaper are good for cleaning windows. The ink does get on your hands when the paper gets wet but washes off easily. I use Glass Plus cleaner.

Rather than commercial glass cleaner I prefer a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and does a great job.

[horseylady]

Computer crashes are the reason to have a backup if you use your computer other than to dink around. There are also ways to sync a lot of phones with your computer. I can enter information on either my computer (Mac) or my cell phone (Palm) and have the information on both.

[jetboater454]

Now that is cool.I can store the "honey do list" on the computer. Guess what Honey,the computer crashed,your list is gone.I'm going fishing!:B

[paulb4333]

Tododoodle.com

Many of us keep to do lists, or "honey do" lists. The problem I have is that I either can't find the list, or it isn't where I need it when I need it.

There's a free solution, stupid name, excellent product.
Toodledo

It allows you to set up lists on your PC, but also works on many phones and most phones that have internet access.

The lists can be set up by priority, by date, and by topic. For example, I have 3:
Coach
Home
Misc

There are many ways to search and sort. I like it when I'm out and I remember something...make a quick note on the phone, it sync's up instantly with the web/pc version and I now have it where I can find it.
It can also store files and notes.

Have found it to be extremely useful when planning a trip.

Enjoy


Paul

[teebee1]

Sheets of newspaper are good for cleaning windows. The ink does get on your hands when the paper gets wet but washes off easily. I use Glass Plus cleaner.

[CactusJohn]

Verizon's Backup Assistant will automatically back up your cell phone's address book to a secure website. You can then edit or print your address book online. The changes you make online are sent to your phone to keep the two in sync. This service is free for all Verizon wireless customers.

[RoadWarriors2]

I have found out that in our case, Verizon, can copy your phone list to a new phone. Free for VIP members, and a small charge to others.

[MrsJWells]

WOW! 163 pages and still going strong! I LOVE this thread! Thank you to all who have shared your wonderful ideas. We just bought an RV and needed so many of these ideas.

Here is one I will share.
Many of us have all our phone numbers stored in our cell phones. It would be handy to keep a list of all those important numbers on paper, either a printed sheet (laminated?) or in a little address book. Remember to add the numbers of your spouse and family, neighbors, work, doctors, school, etc. You never know when you may loose your phone, or it just quits working. I know with the cell phone age I no longer remember anybodys number.

Happy camping and thanks a ton to all! Your ideas are sure to help all of us newbies in more ways than we can even imagine!

Joann

[paulb4333]

We just added a rack and Molle bag to the back door of our Toad.
Springtail

It is a great way to store things in an unused part of you toad and is tremendously useful for offroading.

The bags are of extremely high quality and are reasonably priced, considering how well they are made.

You'll be surprised by how useful it is.

Paul