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

[Largestal]

just subscribing and saying thanks for charing all these great ideas.

my recent addition - A push button ignition torch for lighting fires, grills, charcoal, etc. No more worries about the wind blowing out the matches or lighters. A friend even has one of those micro-torches when you need to light a pilot flame.

[Totendatrailer]

Ok, done reading. Some great ideas. Here's a couple of ours.

When registering at a campground we notice they all wanted basically the same information. So Cheryl made up some labels with that info and printed them off. Now all she has to do is take the labels with her to register.

For the greasy fifth wheel pin, I simply put a can/bottle cozy on it. You know those foam things that are suppose to keep your favorite beverage cool. I store it in the extended pin housing. Haven't lost it yet.

For our grandson who had to go all the way up the steps to unlatch the screen door, then come back down to open the door, I bought a short 3' awning strap (was under $5) that just hangs on the handle by the looped end. Now he can open the door just like us grownups and he's pretty happy about that! 🙂

For dry camping I purchased a Big Buddy Heater (the type that uses 2 propane bottles). I got it at Lowes for half price ($65)last spring when they were having a clearance on all heating items. It is only used while we are up and never whilst asleep. Does save on the batteries since we dry camp 90% of the time.

All I can think of at the moment.

Bill

[Laughingfrog]

Well, it took me quite some time to read through all of these great ideas and so many of them are things we do in our fiver, but I've now got a running list of things I'll consider doing in our unit...not to mention about 12 additional browser windows open with websites referenced here that look like great resources for RV-friendly products. This is a great thread...and if I come up with anything interesting or new I'll post, but looks like I've got some internet surfing and shopping to do...:W

[ak_traveler]

Just picked up my latest "handy product"...a 17' Little Giant Ladder!

Now all I gotta do is figure out where to carry it!

[John_S2]

Cannot believe how long it took me to figure out that using a short velcro strip to keep the kitchen overhead cabinet doors from coming open when going over an uneven stretch of road or a dip going into or out of a gas station. Broke a lot of dishes before using the velcro strip to secure the two door handles. It is now a part of our check list when getting ready to hit the road. It is the little things that really make a difference.:B

[davepcpowernet]

Well, Calgon is sodium hexametaphosphate used as a water softener and as an ingredient in some detergents. By itself not a detergent, though. It is even used in Lipton's "Brisk Tea". :-0

[whanner]

Interesting....anyone know the science behind the calgon....I'm curious.:@

[B-52G]

Calgon in the black water take. Helps to keep the solids from sticking to the tank or sensors.

[SkipPi]

Hi Pat,
I have never had it come loose.
Might be hard to see but,
both ends are secured with chains to the TT body,
(If I have to remove the PVC the end closest the "Y"
has a dog lease type connect The cap is secured with
two chains forming a "V")
The end connecting the slinky to the output "Y" is
hose clamped.
I see no way for it to come loose unless the cap came
unscrewed which, with the load on it, is hard to screw/unscrew.

Thanks for the question, hope this helps.

[everymilesamemo]

So you keep that on while you drive? That looks like it could come loose and fall off? Ever have any problems with it coming loose?

Pat

[SkipPi]

I am sure most of us hate messin'with "Stinky Slinky"

I didn't like the disconnect and store part the most.

so a piece of 4" perforated drain pipe
adapter with threaded cap and ...
no mo SS disconnecting.
The pipe also houses the U shaped ramps that SS sits on
when in use.

[Dshultz50]

Zip lock bags -- reminded me! When tent camping, I discovered if I took zip lock bags, EVERYTHING could be put in them and then the food in the ice chest wouldn't get waterlogged -- including the butter! Those throw-away Glad containers are nice, too

[TomG2]

Bump

I am sure you all use the Zip Lock bags instead of tupperware containers even for frozen items.

[BirdSongPlace]

Here are a couple of my favorite hints.

We travel in a Truck Camper. As you can imagine we are careful about filling our waste tanks as they are on the small size. If we are somewhere where showers are available we use them. I bring a beach type dress or some other sort of "shmata" with me. After showering I don the dress and return to the TC where I finish dressing after becoming fully dry. Any of you who use the showers know what a royal pain it is to try to dress when you are still damp. UGGG

My other hint is this: When we are out on the road I try to keep our clothing colors simple. DH wears shorts that are either navy or black with T-shirts that are white or grey. I try to stick to denim pants and white or black shirts. Believe me it simplifies laundry day.

[pioneerclaims]

For you FISHERMEN/FISHERWOMEN. That same 10" black pipe mounted under the frame for your sewer hose can be duplicated for a great place to store rod/reel combos, beach umbrellas, outdoor rugs (rolled), fireplace pokers, citronella candle torches, etc. It is out of the way under the frame and you can even install a cable-type bicycle lock on each capped end to keep folks out.