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

[LTCLarry]

Very useful threaad for those relatively new to RV'in.

[twins89]

I didn't recognize many of the parts used, maybe the DH would, but that looked awesome.

[goreds2]

JayWalker2009 wrote:

missscarlet9 wrote:
I built a portable boondocking camp shower that runs off of a 20lb bottle of propane only. No power is needed...no solar, no battery, propane only. My wife calls it "Frankenshower". see my profile for more info.

That was awesome!

YEP - LINK

[JayWalker2009]

missscarlet9 wrote:
I built a portable boondocking camp shower that runs off of a 20lb bottle of propane only. No power is needed...no solar, no battery, propane only. My wife calls it "Frankenshower". see my profile for more info.

That was awesome!

[lfloom]

I use one of those dish drying cloths on top of the stove and then put a full sized dishrack on top of it. The cloth sops up most of the water.

[Okie_in_Wyoming]

JimBollman wrote:

RoadLife wrote:
Dish Drying Mats. They fold and store in a drawer. Take 'em out and put on the counter top to place freshly washed dishes on for drying. They are washable. Take up a whole lot less room than the traditional plastic dish drainers.

I think this was suggested awhile back, or at least I heard it somewhere awhile back. At the beginning of the season we bought a small one that fits perfect on top of the range cover when it is down and rolls up and stores behind the range cover when it is up. We were able to free up the storage place where the old plastic drain board use to be stored for other things.

Worked great for over 7 weeks of camping 7000 miles this summer.

Jim...

Unfortunately, our Cougar's right side sink is very narrow! Hardly anything fits it. I can't imagine where the idea for that came from. You can rinse glasses and silverware and that is about it! If/when the time comes, I will be replacing it with another double sink - but with equal size sides.
So- I use a dishpan on the counter top to rinse dishes, a drainer on the counter extention with a drying mat under the drainer. I totally agree that these mats are wonderful products!
Happy Camping, Okie

[horseylady]

Dish drainer cloth. I never thought of putting it in the sink. I keep a wood rubber backed cutting board on my stove top and the dish drainer cloth on that. When I use the stove, I obviously move the top and the cloth with it. Then, I clean the stove first, put everything back, and drain my dishes there. The smaller of the two sizes from Bed Bath and Beyond works for me. $4.99, I think. I also use the microfiber bath mat and it's very absorbent and dries quickly. The smallest size, again from BB%B fits in my RV bath. They both wash and dry well but I use cold water and low heat.

[missscarlet9]

toprudder wrote:

missscarlet9 wrote:
I think they meant my video.

Thanks, all.

Just checked it out. Awesome!!

Thanks, Toprudder.

Watching the video is weird.....I see a moron (me) when I watch it. It was fun and a proud moment. My 5 minutes of fame in this world.

[JayWalker2009]

TreeSeeker wrote:

Regular size ones won't work in most RVs tho. But Dollar Trees and most dollar stores have the smaller ones that are a perfect fit and they have the utensil holders with drain holes attached.

Some of the larger Walmarts also have the small ones in the RV section. Before I found those, I just took an old full-size one from the house and cut it down to fit the RV sink.

Good tip. I haven't seen them in my walmart RV section, but admittedly haven't looked in awhile.

I am trying to visualize cutting down the full size. Did you have to take off the side and back completely?

[TreeSeeker]

Regular size ones won't work in most RVs tho. But Dollar Trees and most dollar stores have the smaller ones that are a perfect fit and they have the utensil holders with drain holes attached.

Some of the larger Walmarts also have the small ones in the RV section. Before I found those, I just took an old full-size one from the house and cut it down to fit the RV sink.

[JayWalker2009]

RoadLife wrote:
Dish Drying Mats. They fold and store in a drawer. Take 'em out and put on the counter top to place freshly washed dishes on for drying. They are washable. Take up a whole lot less room than the traditional plastic dish drainers.

Or, what I do and if one has a double sink - I bought a miniature dish drainer rack that fits in one side of the sink. It has been invaluable as i wash and just let them drain and dry right there.

Regular size ones won't work in most RVs tho. But Dollar Trees and most dollar stores have the smaller ones that are a perfect fit and they have the utensil holders with drain holes attached.

[JimBollman]

RoadLife wrote:
Dish Drying Mats. They fold and store in a drawer. Take 'em out and put on the counter top to place freshly washed dishes on for drying. They are washable. Take up a whole lot less room than the traditional plastic dish drainers.

I think this was suggested awhile back, or at least I heard it somewhere awhile back. At the beginning of the season we bought a small one that fits perfect on top of the range cover when it is down and rolls up and stores behind the range cover when it is up. We were able to free up the storage place where the old plastic drain board use to be stored for other things.

Worked great for over 7 weeks of camping 7000 miles this summer.

Jim...

[ctpres]

Found a new engine analizer/scanner on ebay for under $20. Has USB output and several programs for laptop or netbook. Not up to ScanGuage and such but; twenty bucks, hey I can afford that. Havn't tested on the road yet but it looks good in the driveway.

[tomman58]

RoadLife wrote:
Dish Drying Mats. They fold and store in a drawer. Take 'em out and put on the counter top to place freshly washed dishes on for drying. They are washable. Take up a whole lot less room than the traditional plastic dish drainers.

My DW likes these and also the ones for a drying off mirco rug at the shower.
We found these at Costco for 13 bucks and change, good deal.

[toprudder]

missscarlet9 wrote:
I think they meant my video.

Thanks, all.

Just checked it out. Awesome!!