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]

And steel wouldn't bend as much as aluminum. And I too think this should be made a sticky.

[westend]

Real cowpokes don't use zip ties or stainless clamps on their bumper-mounted hose storage. It took me about 15 minutes to make these:



I know the question will come up, here's the recipe: top and bottom plate from 1/8" aluminum plate, 3/8" threaded rod, aluminum tube to hide threaded rod. Rustoleum Universal spray paint.

[HappyTrailsRVin]

Seeing as this thread has been going since 2006, don't you think it should get a sticky. Six years is a very long time for a post to live. I know people can do a search for it or save it to "my forums", but what about the people who are new to RV.net? Don't you think they should have a chance to read it. I know when I first started on here,I don't think I would of did a search for this topic. I found it because it was here.

[HappyTrailsRVin]

ok

[96Bounder30E]

Please do not bump this thread......it is easily found by doing a search......


All "bumps' will be deleted.

[MarshaNichols]

I finished reading everything from 2007-2012...oh my, the information and notes...yes, it took an hour a day (skipped a few days) for a couple of weeks. I loved most of the suggestions. I have a small RT (170) so I need to be organized and pack light. Keep those suggestions coming and I'll contribute as I use Vanna more! 🙂 Marsha

[MarshaNichols]

sh4717 wrote:

louiskathy wrote:

sh4717 wrote:
Your suitcase idea has me thinking......

I always struggle with the tupperware container I use for my dump hoses and attachments, but a hard-sided suitcase might work better. Might be hard to keep dry and/or clean though....

Any other ideas or suggestions?

Zip Lock makes a XXXL size heavy duty bag. Big enough to put all your hoses into. Sturdy, flexible, see thru and cheap enough to pitch when it gets too ugly. Lowes or Menards or Home Depot will have them.

Thanks! Didn't know about the bags

A few pages back, a person suggested the plastic bags from new blankets, sheets, etc. Sounds good. I use the plastic grippers for hoses and electrical. Wonderful plus "air dry".

[popeye59]

I didn't want to use the zip ties because they are plastic and subject to breaking in the cold and from vibration. I also wanted mine hidden from view, so mine is raised up to the point you don't notice it.

[Lady_Fitzgerald]

LTCLarry wrote:

popeye59 wrote:

LTCLarry wrote:

DE88ROX wrote:
Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.

Why?

Because the non-UV rated zip ties deteriorate relatively quickly, whereas the UV rated ones (which come in many colors besides black), last much longer.

I used UV rated ties. Picked them up at Consolidated Electric. Is there another reason?

Even the UV rated ties are only UV resistant, not UV proof. They still will eventually fail, probably sooner than you think (I'm speaking from experience here). You have a several thousand dollar RV (probably tens of thousands)yet you want to cheap out and use the zip ties? The stainless hose clamps are stronger and pretty much last forever.

[RonBoyd]

I used UV rated ties. Picked them up at Consolidated Electric. Is there another reason?

Why not simply use Stainless Steel Wire Ties? You can get them at Gallant & Company - http://www.electricalwireties.com/

[LTCLarry]

popeye59 wrote:

LTCLarry wrote:

DE88ROX wrote:
Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.

Why?

Because the non-UV rated zip ties deteriorate relatively quickly, whereas the UV rated ones (which come in many colors besides black), last much longer.

I used UV rated ties. Picked them up at Consolidated Electric. Is there another reason?

[popeye59]

LTCLarry wrote:

DE88ROX wrote:
Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.

Why?

Because the non-UV rated zip ties deteriorate relatively quickly, whereas the UV rated ones (which come in many colors besides black), last much longer.

[bukhrn]

LTCLarry wrote:

DE88ROX wrote:
Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.

Why?

Most zip ties will dry out & become brittle with prolonged exposure to the sun/ozone.

[LTCLarry]

DE88ROX wrote:
Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.

Why?

[DE88ROX]

Dump the zip ties for some good old fashioned stainless hose clamps. The kind you tighten with a screwdriver.