Awning Arm Cushion
Tired of “crowning” ourselves on the awning brace of our motorhome, we came up with a remedy. We took two lengths of foam pipe insulation, approximately 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and placed them around the edges of the awning braces. For your application, choose the diameter and length that best suits your needs. Then, if you do hit your head on the brace, at least it will be a cushioned blow that will not hurt.
Billy and Susan Lowe, F147205
Port Orange, Florida
Sink Cleaner
Here’s an economical way to keep your sinks clean without using an abrasive cleaner. Whenever you receive a shampoo sample or buy a shampoo brand that you don’t like, pour it into a squeeze bottle. When the sinks are dirty, squirt a few drops of shampoo from the bottle and a few drops of water onto a 6-inch square of nylon net (a very inexpensive material that can be found at fabric stores). Scrub the sink; rinse slightly; and then wipe with a paper towel. Use the same towel to wipe off the toilet. Voila! You’ll have a great-smelling, clean bathroom.
Pat Newby, F188280
Indianapolis, Indiana
Bunk Steps
In our type C motorhome, our favorite bunk is located over the cockpit. Unfortunately, the bunk ladder had rounded steps that raised havoc with tired old feet. I found an easy solution to this problem by crafting flat steps from 1/2-inch plywood, covering them with carpet, and bolting them onto the original stair tread with a couple of 1/4-inch-by-1-inch carriage bolts (Photo 1).
The critical factor in this project was achieving the proper angle for the steps, and supporting them at that angle against my 220-plus pounds of weight. After some trial and error, I found that inserting a dowel rod of the proper diameter (in my case, 1/2-inch) across the entire step does the trick to elevate the back of the step to the proper angle (Photo 2).
Now that we have comfortable, slip-proof steps, I don’t dread the journey to the bunk or trips during the night.
David Phillips, F292596
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Convenient Filing Racks
If you don’t have room in your RV for a file cabinet, try using a magazine rack. We use the wire kind that can be found at camping stores. The racks come in three sizes, and the middle size is just right for regular size file folders. The racks can be attached to the wall or the inside of a cabinet or closet door. They really help to keep things organized.
Coleen Sykora, C6460
Rapid City, South Dakota