Rattle Stoppers
Drywall hammer drive anchorMy folding stovetop cover came with six rubber stoppers on the edges to reduce the vibration and noise caused by the cover when traveling. However, through the years the stoppers have fallen out and gone stray. So I purchased a package of drywall hammer drive anchors with screws “” sizes #4 and #8 “” from a discount department store. The anchors look like a type of molly and came six in a package. They fit exactly into the holes of my lost stoppers. You don’t need the screws, so they can be added to your toolbox. So easy, and it cost only $1.69.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey
Tow Bar Bracket Plugs
We purchased a Blue Ox base plate for our towed vehicle that included plastic plugs that fit into the receiver holes. Unfortunately, the plugs didn’t fit very well and I lost one. So I purchased a pair if 1½-inch black rubber chair tips and put them in the holes to keep the dirt out.
Don & Connie Freeberg, F250556
Gardner, Kansas
Easy Escape
Rear ladder extension for easy escapeI found out the hard way that it is not easy to exit the motorhome through the emergency window. We had a shopping cart get “snagged” by our steps and we couldn’t get the door open. I went out the window and was badly hurt. After thinking about how I could have done this without injuring myself, I thought about using the extension portion of our rear ladder. Of course, most people keep this in one of their storage compartments. We now store ours under our couch or in a closet. It makes for a “painless” escape.
Susan Lowe, F147205
Port Orange, Florida
Cabinet Protection
Clear packing tape protects cabinetsMany RVs have wood-grain paper wrap in the cabinet structure that easily can be damaged when items placed in or removed from the cabinets rub or hit the inner edges.
To protect these edges, I used 2-inch clear packing tape cut to the length needed for the four edges of the cabinets. I carefully placed approximately 3/8-inch along the outer edge and smoothed it down. I then carefully pressed and smoothed the remaining edge along the top of the facing edge, and then pressed and smoothed it along the inner edge.
The result is an invisible protective barrier that literally keeps nicks and tears from occurring. In two years, I have yet to have any damage to the paper wrap facings in my motorhome.
Karen Minard, F321533
Livingston, Texas
Slideout Awning Sag Stopper
PVC pipe frame prevents awning sagging.Whenever we parked the coach for several days and experienced heavy rain, our slideout awning covers would sag under the weight of the pooled water. The rain would not drain properly and some of the water eventually would leak inside the coach. I’ve seen mechanisms advertised that automatically lift the slideout covers with a tent pole apparatus to support the awnings so the rain won’t pool and cause the cover to sag. However, we shied away from this option because of the cost of the products themselves and the fact that they had to be installed by a professional, which also meant an installation fee.
So we decided to create our own tent pole structure to keep the awnings from sagging due to rain. First, measure the side-to-side length of each slideout. Then, at approximately two-thirds of the distance from the end of the slideout, measure the distance between the top of the slideout and the cover and add ½-inch to that measurement. Finally, measure the distance the slideout extends from the motorhome under the awning cover.
The next step is to visit the local hardware store and purchase ¾-inch PVC pipe along with several “T” and 90-degree elbow fittings. Use the diagram we’ve supplied to assemble your custom-fit awning tents. The cost for my two awning tents was $16.53.
Remember that these pieces must be removed before the slideout is retracted. A note can be posted by the slideout controls to help you remember to do this.
Jerry and Debbie Ellzey, F343170
Livingston, Texas
Sewer Hose Support
Plastic rain gutter supports sewer hoseHere’s a simple, low-cost way to support your sewer hose when hooked up at a campground. Purchase a plastic rain gutter, which is available at most hardware stores; cut it into two or three lengths; and assemble as shown in the picture. Any reasonable distance can be spanned by putting several pieces of gutter together.
The section coming from the RV is supported by a short length of bungee cord or a ball bungee that’s pulled through a small hole drilled into the compartment floor. The sewer end is supported near the hose fitting with another ball bungee.
Len Montanino, F185733
Livingston, Texas