Tech & Travel Tips: February 2005

Secret Shelf

Shelf inside reclining chair baseOur reclining chair has a circular steel base, so we cut a piece of plywood to fit onto the base and serve as a shelf. The dog’s comb, several rags, a brush, and outdoor shoes can be stored out of sight. The shelf is hidden by the chair skirt and the chair is located close to the door for quick access.

Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey

Here are the parts you will need for this project: one 6-inch-by-24-inch piece of sheet metal, .063-inch thickness; two 5-inch pieces of 3/8-inch pipe; two 3/8-inch couplings; and two 3/8-inch-by-1/4-inch bushings. Begin by measuring the distance between the prongs of your flag stand. At one end of the sheet metal, measure, center, and mark your flag stand measurements, and then drill two 1/2-inch holes through your marks. Next, fasten and tighten the pipes into the holes using the bushings and couplings. When you’re ready to fly your flag, place the open end of the sheet metal under your tire and place the flag holder into the pipes. There you have it: a flag holder that can be used on any surface.

Bill and Nita Hines, F135271
FMCA Mail Forwarding

I’ve found that empty plastic peanut butter containers are very useful for storing fuses, bulbs, batteries, small electrical items, spare parts, etc. These containers don’t rattle around and break, are safe to store in overhead compartments, and make it easy to see the contents inside.

There is a trick to cleaning these containers to make them easy to reuse. Fill the jar halfway with warm water, add one or two pieces of crumpled paper towel along with a shot of dishwashing soap, and shake vigorously. This cleaning method works fast and the containers come clean easily.

Frank Atkinson, F196918
Clinton Township, Michigan

Using a piece of wire shelf for clothes hanger

Wire shelf attached to awning arms, ready to hang clothes

This convenient outdoor clothes hanger is easy to make and works great if you have a window awning on your motorhome. Start by measuring the inside distance between the two awning arms. Then purchase a piece of wire shelf that is slightly larger than your awning measurement. Trim the shelf so that it is 1 inch longer than your awning measurement. Cut off a 1/2-inch section from the overhang portion of the shelf on each end so it slides in snugly between the awning arms. File down the sharp edges and place the rack on the awning arms. You are now ready to hang your clothes.

Bill and Nita Hines, F135271
FMCA Mail Forwarding