Stable Sewer Pipe Connection
Stable sewer pipe connectionThe sewer pipe connections at many campgrounds are above or below ground level, resulting in a less-than-tight connection for the sewer hose. This is a condition we all would like to avoid. Following this suggestion will result in peace of mind when dumping your holding tanks.
After inserting your sewer connector into the ground sewer pipe, stretch an appropriate length of bungee cord over the top of the connector and anchor it on both sides with tent pegs, spikes, or whatever is handy. Why look for rocks or carry weights to hold down the sewer hose? I have used this method for many years, and it works very well.
Raymond C. Strickland, F163796
Warren Center, Pennsylvania
Easy Windshield Cleaning
We took a trip up the Oregon coast last year and ran into some spring bugs. While trying to get the windshield clean, we placed a Windex wipe on our Swiffer pole, and the combination washed the windshield fast. Then we attached a Rain-X wipe to the Swiffer and put a coat of that on the windshield. Both worked very easily and left no streaks.
Judy Wilcox, F350567
Salem, Oregon
Water Pressure
Water pressure regulating systemIf low water pressure is a problem in your RV, you might be interested in what I discovered. I noticed that I seemed to have less water pressure when connected to city water than using my onboard water and pump. Further investigation revealed that it was not a pressure problem but a flow problem. The standard RV pressure regulator, while holding the pressure at or below 50 psi, has an opening between 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch in diameter, which restricts water flow. I found that the standard household pressure regulator has an opening of 3/4-inch and has an adjustable pressure capability. By using standard brass plumbing components, a household pressure regulator, and a pressure gauge, I now have good flow and control of my water pressure. My pressure regulating system can be permanently attached to the RV or connected to the water source when it’s hooked up to city water, since it has both input and output garden hose fittings.
Larry Black, F330704
Snellville, Georgia
Rubber Molding Cleaner
After many years of owning a motorhome and trying to keep the rubber molding clean, we finally found a solution for making it look as good as new without removing the molding.
Begin by making a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the molding and scrub with a toothbrush or 3M cleaning pad. Rinse with water and your job is complete, with the rubber looking like new.
By the way, our molding was black before we started. Hope this remedy helps many of our fellow travelers, because it sure made it easier for us.
Don & Louise Mackenzie, F182068
Davenport, Florida
Stove Safety
Stove safetyUpon returning to our motorhome from a sight-seeing excursion, we were horrified to smell propane in the coach. We immediately opened the windows and door and turned off the propane tank. Upon closer examination, we noticed that one stove burner knob was in the “Lite” position. We concluded that one of our inquisitive dogs had stretched to check out an empty pan at the rear of the stove and, while leaning against the stove front, had inadvertently rotated the burner knob.
Our solution to prevent a recurrence was to cut a piece of 1/4-inch wood molding that was of the right thickness and length to slide behind all three burner knobs so they couldn’t be pushed in and rotated. Now, after we finish our food preparation, we slide the wood behind the burner knobs whether we have plans to leave the coach or not.
William C. Brown, F316674
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Sewer Hose Stopper
Bolt as sewage hose stopperAfter we had used our sewer hose for an extended period of time, it didn’t want to collapse completely into the small storage space provided in the side of our motorhome. Instead, after being put away, it pushed against the plastic storage door when it was closed, threatening to break the plastic latch that locked it shut.
So, just inside the storage door, I drilled holes in the top and bottom of the compartment. Then I cut the head off a 6-inch-long, 1/4-inch bolt and threaded a nut onto the other end. Now, after I stuff the 20-foot-long sewer hose into the 2-foot storage space, I simply insert the clean end of the bolt into the top hole and drop the threaded end with the nut into the bottom hole. Gravity and the threaded nut keep the bolt in place and the hose safely behind bars until it is needed again.
Editor’s note: Before drilling holes in the sewer hose storage compartment, make sure that any water coming from the hose or leaking through the door drains outside the motorhome and not into the coach or a storage compartment where it could cause damage.
John Kelley, F289224
Livingston, Texas