Slim Storage
Metal shelving units in storage bayWe have a 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire motorhome. In one of the exterior storage bays, a piece of fiberboard with 1/4-inch holes covers the right side of the water tanks. Between the board and the door is an area that is approximately 5 inches deep. To make use of this small space I went to a home improvement store and purchased two metal shelving units that cost $8 each. I positioned them in the open area, marked the board, and then removed the shelves and fiberboard. I fastened the shelves to the fiberboard using wire ties through the holes at several locations and then reinstalled the board. This gives me very good use of this space.
John Mattie, F282849
Berkley, Massachusetts
Straw And Napkin Holders
If you have no place to store loose straws and napkins, here’s a solution. I purchased two 8-inch-tall plastic-lined mugs with handles. I placed the straws in one mug and the napkins in the other. The mugs are convenient to set out on the table (inside or outside) or the counter when needed and are easy to store, too. Just place them in the cupboard before traveling.
James H. Doherty, F152581
Arcata, California
Head Protector
Stuffed toy animal to avoid bumping head on cabinetMany motorhomes have a TV cabinet mounted high up between the pilot and copilot seats close to the front entry. Several times people entering our coach, ourselves included, have hit their head on the corner of the cabinet. We came up with a remedy that works for us. We purchased a stuffed toy animal (a kitty cat) and attached its paws and tail to the corner of the cabinet with hook-and-loop fastening material. That way, anyone entering the coach will be greeted by a soft, plush animal instead of a bump on the head.
Robert & Maggie Lawlor, F310849
Bellingham, Washington
Tow Bar Bracket Guard
After injuring my legs several times on the tow bar brackets that stick out from the front of my towed vehicle, I came up with the idea to make a “bumper” to attach to the front of the car. My “bumper” is constructed of 2-inch ABS-plastic pipe and fittings and works quite well to protect myself and others from banging into the brackets. To secure the “bumper” to the brackets, I use the same pins that keep the tow bar connected.
Jim Harper, F281798
Carson City, Nevada
Chipped Ceramic Tile Repair
Fingernail polish to repair chipped ceramic tileTo repair (cover) small chips in ceramic tile, simply find a shade of fingernail polish that closely matches the color of the glaze on the tile and apply enough coats to cover the damaged spot. This remedy is very durable and requires few, if any, touch-ups.
Jack & Marilyn Igel, F202372
Livingston, Texas
Slideout Reminder
After seeing the damage caused to slideout rooms in friends’ motorhomes when they had not removed the safety devices before trying to extend the rooms, I developed a simple reminder for myself. I made a small laminated card with the word “Yes” on one side and “No” on the other. I attached small strips of hook-and-loop fastening material on each side of the card and another piece on the in/out switch for the slideout. This lets me know when the room is safely extended, or when the room is in and the safety bars are in place. Now I just need to remember to reverse the card at the appropriate time!
Richard Marrinson, F293697
Tulsa, Oklahoma