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

[bigred1cav]

bertnspike wrote:
Don't know where I got this idea - maybe here, but it was a loooong time ago so I thought I'd bring it up again.

I use a Diaper Genie for used (#1) toilet paper. For a female, that means half as much paper goes into the black tank. When the Diaper Genie dispenser is empty, you just toss the plastic bag in the trash.

I know many people don't have any trouble with their black tanks, but for a family of 4 or more it could make a big difference in tank capacity, especially since kids tend to be generous with the t.p.

Please explain how this works, sounds good but I can not envision the how?

[theoakman]

popeye59 wrote:

theoakman wrote:
Quick campfire starter......drink a can of beer.....fill can half way with gas or diesel and dump on firewood.....stand back and throw on match.....instant campfire!

I was going to say I couldn't believe someone would promote the concept of tossing a lit match on gasoline soaked firewood, but then I realized the Darwin Awards needs a source of nominees.

That's why I said...stand back......Sometimes a couple of beers were better.....

Apologies for the chitchat!

[bertnspike]

Don't know where I got this idea - maybe here, but it was a loooong time ago so I thought I'd bring it up again.

I use a Diaper Genie for used (#1) toilet paper. For a female, that means half as much paper goes into the black tank. When the Diaper Genie dispenser is empty, you just toss the plastic bag in the trash.

I know many people don't have any trouble with their black tanks, but for a family of 4 or more it could make a big difference in tank capacity, especially since kids tend to be generous with the t.p.

[bondebond]

I want to say thanks to all who have contributed. I've pulled many things over the years from this and similar threads.

Setting for this last weekend's "first time out of the season" I used the kleenex boxes for plastic bag storage (confused my wife, as I neglected to tell her about that).

Also installed a small bungee and metal hook fastened to the exterior door to hold it up out of my way when trying to light or manage the refer. Much nicer.

At our cub scout meeting a couple of weeks back, I had the boys make their own firestarters out of dryer lint and Gulf wax. We go the mini muffin paper cups, stuffed lint in them, stuck a piece of natural twine out of them (read, wick) and poured melted wax on them. I'm happy to report that they worked beautifully this weekend. My son had a sense of contributing when I let him light his own starter for the family to enjoy a nice campfire and round of smore-making. Of course, he's a boy, so anything with fire...well, you know.

[EMD360]

bertnspike wrote:

I hope so! My current "problem" is a better way to move the driver's seat forward. Right now, my solution is a cord on the seat lever, which is hardly ideal. It's just a bad design made by Gulf Stream in 2005.

In case you are still reading this thread now that it has been contaminated with chit chat, I have to move the C's seats forward to put up a thermal barrier that I made from reflexic to close off the cab in colder weather. I can see your problem. We lost our awning puller at some campsite and I bought a telescoping one to replace it. I bet that would work better than the cord on your seat release. I might even try it myself!

[popeye59]

theoakman wrote:
Quick campfire starter......drink a can of beer.....fill can half way with gasor diesel and dump on firewood.....stand back and throw on match.....instant campfire!

Used this method back in the day when we were dry camping and motorcycle racing in the So Cal desert. Also gargled with peppermint snaps to get rid of "morning breath"....and didn't have to spit it out!

I was going to say I couldn't believe someone would promote the concept of tossing a lit match on gasoline soaked firewood, but then I realized the Darwin Awards needs a source of nominees.

[BigRabbitMan]

theoakman wrote:
Forgetting to turn off water pump?

Our shower is right next to the stool. We keep half a bucket of used dish water or clean water in the shower stall. Use a cool whip container to scoop water to flush with. Never have to turn the water pump on.

I installed a water pump switch just inside the door jamb so the water can be easily turned on and off while in the bathroom. It can be easily reached while sitting or standing.

[WandaLust2]

One of the handiest things I picked up are those metal hanger gizmos with all the little clothespins attached. They're ideal for drying small items like socks, washcloths, panties, face towels and such. I found it at Camping World in Ocala.

[Gene_Ginny]

Terri travel wrote:
.. I know what Im looking for, and have seen it on this forum a few times, but I can't find it now. We want to replace the screen on the front of the rv door with plastic, acrylic, ......

I know JBarca posted pictures of his mod adding plastic to the screen door, try searching for posts by him. It was one of many great mods by him.

[Gene_Ginny]

theoakman wrote:
Doggie water and food dishes:

We named our newest dog "Cool Whip".....now she always has personalized water and food dishes!

Good one :B

[theoakman]

Forgetting to turn off water pump?

Our shower is right next to the stool. We keep half a bucket of used dish water or clean water in the shower stall. Use a cool whip container to scoop water to flush with. Never have to turn the water pump on.

[theoakman]

Doggie water and food dishes:

We named our newest dog "Cool Whip".....now she always has personalized water and food dishes!

[theoakman]

Trip planning: http://www.discoveryowners.com/cginfolinks.htm

From this sight you can get free downloads for overlay maps for several mapping programs. I use DeLorme Street Atlas and have several map files saved using these overlays.

[theoakman]

Quick campfire starter......drink a can of beer.....fill can half way with gasor diesel and dump on firewood.....stand back and throw on match.....instant campfire!

Used this method back in the day when we were dry camping and motorcycle racing in the So Cal desert. Also gargled with peppermint snaps to get rid of "morning breath"....and didn't have to spit it out!

[Jeanne_M]

tomman58 wrote:
Boy seem like you are working hard, very hard to have fun. LOL
I also plan my trips using Microsoft Excel,
rv park reviews.com, Google for views of areas and a call to the park. We are never going in blind and have put 65,000 miles on our current rig plus about 15,000 on our past trailer using this method. Good Luck

We use Microsoft Streets & Trips to plan our daily drives...it shows little blue dots where the campgrounds are and we look for those at 'end of day' to help us find a place to stay.

Then I too use Google Earth to look at the location and RV Park Reviews to get others opinions on that campground. Then I call and make our reservations. These are the best tools I know of to get you there without chasing around at the end of a long day of driving!

Safe travels to all...