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Family RVing Magazine

Tech & Travel Tips: January 2006

February 1, 2006

Fixing Jalousie Window Openers

Fixing jalousie window openersWe love having jalousie windows in our motorhome. They can be left open when it rains and we can enjoy the fresh scent provided by the shower. However, of the four jalousie windows in our coach, three of the openers have pulled apart, making the windows partially or completely inoperable. I fixed the problem by buying a 2-foot piece of 1/2-by-1/2-inch shelf angle (black) at a hardware store for $2.25. I cut the angle into 3/4-inch lengths and put one on each opener, as shown in the photo. I used ProBond (or Gorilla Glue) according to package directions to attach the pieces and then clamped each into place for two hours. This prevents the openers from spreading out for good. The project took less than one hour to accomplish (not including the drying time for the glue).

Bob Holloway
Queen Creek, Arizona


Duct Tape Ideas

When ants invade the motorhome in great numbers, especially on countertops, and you’d rather not spray them with insecticide, use a 3-inch or 4-inch piece of duct tape, sticky-side down, to eliminate a bunch at one time.

For a quick cleanup on clothing or upholstery, use a piece of tape to lift lint or animal hair away. I keep a roll of duct tape in our “junk drawer” and find it very useful.

Juanita J. Buckel, F221341
Deming, New Mexico


Extra Pantry Space

Extra pantry spaceWe purchased a coach with limited pantry storage. Beneath the dining table, bare wall beckoned us to add a narrow pantry cabinet. We looked into a custom-made cabinet but were discouraged by the cost. Instead we purchased a 5-inch-deep medicine cabinet at IKEA, which we mounted upside down so the brushed aluminum handles were at the top of the cabinet. We screwed two drawer pull handles to the bottom as legs so as to raise the cabinet off the floor and allow us to run an extension cord under the cabinet. We centered the cabinet under the table and screwed it to the wall.

Thomas G. Mosher, F228131
Spokane, Washington


My RV Guide

RV Repair & Maintenance Manual I am a woman who does a lot of traveling alone. No matter how much effort I put into taking care of my motorhome, problems occur. So I purchased the RV Repair & Maintenance Manual and it has helped me so many times.

Through the years I have cut out related articles and taped them to the top of the corresponding pages so that I can still read the information underneath. The last blank page of the book holds my food lists, medicines, recipes, laundry needs, dog needs, kitchen supplies, and checklists for quick reference. On the inside front and back covers I’ve written down amp conversions, the type of motor oil used in the motorhome, belt sizes, etc.

Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey


Shaver Storage

Shaver storageWe have a suction-cup storage container that is attached to the ledge in our shower and holds shampoo, conditioners, and razors. The problem we had was that the walls of the container are so high that it was difficult to retrieve the razors from the bottom. To remedy this problem, I drilled several 1/2-inch holes in the side of the container, enlarging a few of the holes that were already there. We now slip the razors into these holes, and they can be found and put away without interfering with the bottles in the container.

Allan Martens, F254999
Sioux Falls, South Dakota


Intercom Helper

When entering a gated campground, I have found that you often have to reach an intercom to speak to the office or press a button to release the gate to drive the motorhome through. Being only 5 feet 2 inches tall with short arms, this sometimes poses a problem for me. I’ve also had reaching problems at toll booths and at truck scales when I go to weigh my motorhome.

I solved my problem by cutting a broomstick into a 3-foot length. A dowel also will work. Just open up your motorhome’s window (no matter how small it is) and reach out with the stick. Now I don’t have to worry about running in and out of the motorhome every time a situation like this presents itself.

Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey

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