Fingernail Saver
Fingernail saverEvery time I remove the battery from my cell phone I break a fingernail or need to find something thin to pry it out. I now use a short length of ¼-inch ribbon that I place in the battery well before inserting the battery on top, allowing the two ends of the ribbon to extend out the sides. Now when I need to remove the battery I simply pull the two ends of the ribbon and the battery pops out. This will work even with thicker, extended-life batteries. Before closing the cell phone cover, simply press the ribbon ends down on top of the battery; the ribbon will remain under the cover.
Ron Happe, F289905
Evansville, Indiana
Cleaning Polished Wheel Covers
Cleaning polished wheel coversI’ve found an easy way to clean the polished wheel covers on my motorhome without ever having to bend over. I use an extendable cobweb/ceiling cleaner. The bristles are stiff enough to clean grime from the rims and between the holes and the hubs, yet they are supple enough not to scratch the mirror-like finish. The brush also holds suds for easy cleaning. The extension cleaner is available at most home-improvement centers for less than $10.
“” David E. Kirchgessner, F333306
Largo, Florida
Sofa Cover
Sofa coverThe couch and dinette seats in our motorhome are constantly in use, but the silky upholstery material on the cushions is not easy to wash.
I called the motorhome’s manufacturer and ordered several yards of the same material. For the dinette cushions I cut straight pieces of material to cover the tops of the cushions; flipped the cushions over; and sewed two elastic bands across the length of the material to hold it onto the cushion. The corners of the material are folded under the cushion and held in place by large safety pins for quick removal.
I made the couch cover to be reversible, with the new material on one side backed to a sturdy throw on the other.
“” Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey
Secure Mirror Covers
Secure mirror coversMy wife made covers to help protect the finish on our exterior rearview mirrors. The covers include hook-and-loop fastening material tabs at the bottom to keep them secure.
“” Richard Lease, F292839
Bozeman, Montana
Central Air Duct Maintenance
Central air duct maintenanceHere’s an easy way to check and repair air-conditioning leaks in the ductwork of Winnebago and Itasca diesel coaches.
With the air-conditioning off, lift the rear access gate to the rear radiator area and remove the metal panel held in place by a few Phillips-head screws. Visually examine the ducting to see whether the duct tape has pulled away from the ducts. Next, start the air-conditioning unit and feel for any duct leaks. Should you find some areas that need new duct tape, here’s how to make the repair.
Turn the air conditioner off, let the ducting warm to the ambient temperature, and wipe away any moisture from the ducting. Remove the part of the tape that has lost its adhesive qualities and use a good, non-oily cleaner to thoroughly clean the surfaces you wish to repair. (I prefer lacquer thinner, but other products will work as well.) This step is important, as dirt and residue will affect the success of your repair. Once you are finished cleaning the areas, repair the ducting with metal duct tape, NOT fabric duct tape. After you have liberally repaired the areas, test the work by turning the air conditioner back on and feeling for any more leaks. When finished, reinstall the panel.
Editor’s note: The discharge ducts should be taped from the inside whenever possible; the return ducts must be taped on the outside.
“” Bob Steinweg, F301070
Plano, Texas
Travel Journal
I keep a journal in the RV. Every time we stop in a new city, I record the information for that town, such as the closest grocery store, the location of the library, a favorite restaurant, the frequency of local radio stations, and gas stations with the lowest fuel prices. I also list the general delivery address of the post office for mail forwarding. If we ever visit the area again, all of this information will be handy.
Arlene Jeknavorian, F193524
Davenport, Florida.