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Family RVing Magazine

Tech & Travel Tips: May 2006

June 1, 2006

Slideout Awning Stabilizer

Swim noodle as slideout awning stabilizerWe use a swim noodle placed between the slideout roof and the awning to keep the awning from flapping in the wind when the slideout is extended. Make sure that the noodle is tightly secured so it won’t blow away. The noodle is lightweight and does double duty when we go swimming.

Marjorie Grubka, F283339
Mesa, Arizona


Gauge Marks

Dashboard gauge marksI don’t like to look down and try to read the dashboard gauges when driving. When I was in the military I remember putting what we called range marks on our instruments. So I thought, why not apply the same idea to my gauges?

I cut white adhesive tape into small pieces and applied them on the outer rims of the gauges at what the normal ranges should be. I used colored labels for the tachometer, one at the maximum rpm and one for greatest torque. Now I can scan the gauges quickly and notice at a glance if anything is abnormal.

Paul Lindstrom, F286198
Grand Junction, Colorado


Braking System Indicator Light

The monitoring light on our supplemental braking system, which was originally installed on the dashboard of our motorhome, had stopped working. Even when it was working, I didn’t notice the light come on when I was braking. The light is intended to come on when the brakes are applied on our Jeep as it’s being pulled behind the motorhome.

So we installed a flashing light-emitting diode (LED) lamp in place of the original light. Both the original light and the new lamp require a 5/16-inch-diameter hole, so no alteration was needed to the motorhome’s dashboard. The lamp (Motormite part #84918) was purchased at AutoZone for approximately $4.

We feel safer while traveling when we notice this light flashing.

Fred & Betty Brandeberry, F326829
Macon, Missouri


Battery Water Level Tester

Using nylon zip tie to test battery water levelBecause of the placement of the batteries in my motorhome, I find it difficult to see whether the water level in each battery cell is at the proper level. To help solve this problem, I fabricated a “T” tester from a 5/16-inch nylon zip tie to help check the water levels.

Before starting, fill the battery with distilled water to the bottom of the split ring. Cut the tie into two, leaving the piece with the connector end long enough to extend well below the level of the split ring. Slide the other piece of zip tie through the connector to make the “T.” Place the leg of the “T” into a battery cell and remove it, noting the water level on the “T.” Cut the zip tie just slightly below the water line that was made on the tester.

My “T” is used for Trojan T-105 batteries. The leg end that goes into the cell is approximately 1-1/4 inches long, while the piece that extends across the top is approximately 2-5/8 inches long.

Glenn B. Young, F215792
Kaufman, Texas


Simple Shower Curtain

Simple shower curtainMy husband always asks, “Honey, are you going to shower? If so, I’ll get in after you.” Of course, the reason he does this is because he doesn’t want to wipe down the clear glass shower door after he’s finished, leaving the job to me.

To remedy this, I went to a mass merchandise store and purchased a spring-loaded shower curtain rod to go across the front of the shower just inside the door. I also bought a 99-cent clear plastic shower curtain and rings to hang it on the rod.

You can’t really notice the curtain, and it has cut down on the arguments about who should wipe down the door. Now my husband doesn’t hesitate to get in the shower.

One suggestion: you may need to cut the bottom portion of the shower curtain off, since these curtains are typically too long for an RV shower.

Corrine Cancilla, F178299
Santa Maria, California


Sunscreen Storage

Windshield and side window sunscreens are bulky and hard to store. Here’s a tip that may help. Buy 4-inch-diameter plastic pipe (we bought 10 feet of it). Cut a length that matches the width of the sunscreen, roll up the screen, and insert it into the pipe. This makes it easy to stow in one of the motorhome’s storage compartments.

Keith Draper, F317379
Webster City, Iowa

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Let’s Go Out(side) For Supper

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