Awning Arm Anchors
Awning arm anchorsAs full-time volunteers, we generally spend a month or more in one location, so we prefer to have our awning arms extended straight down to the ground instead of attached to the motorhome. Often, our campsite has a patio, requiring us to use buckets filled with sand, dirt, or gravel as anchors to hold the awning arms in place, as well as the tie-down straps.
So we obtained two white five-gallon frosting buckets for free from a supermarket bakery, decorated them with decals we had from years ago, and “planted” bunches of artificial flowers in them once they were filled.
Editor’s note: During inclement weather, awnings should always be stowed.
Mike & Shar Rau, F273721
Emery, South Dakota
Eliminating Black Streaks
Stopping windshield streaks with self-adhesive “J” stripTo keep roof water from running down onto the windshield and causing black streaks, purchase a 10-foot piece of “J” strip with a self-adhesive back from a source such as Camping World. Attach the strip across the top edge of the front window just below the rubber seal. The strip will act as a gutter to catch the runoff, which will then drain to the sides. No more black streaks, and the windshield is easy to keep clean.
Richard Perhogan, F178652
Harrison Township, Michigan
Diesel Fuel Disposal
At some point in your travels you may run into a situation where you purchase some bad fuel and have to change the fuel filter. A problem arises when you have to find a place to dump the old fuel from the fuel filter that’s to be thrown away. The leftover fuel cannot be dumped on the ground and should not be discarded in a trash container. So what I do is carry an empty three-pound coffee can that I’ve filled approximately three-quarters of the way with cat litter. I can dump the bad fuel into the cat litter and place the lid on the can. The litter soaks up the fuel and prevents it from causing a big mess. The fuel-soaked litter can be safely discarded at an approved disposal site, such as those found at many truck stops.
A second benefit to carrying the cat litter is that it can be used in the event that your motorhome has an oil leak. The litter can be sprinkled on the spill to keep it from seeping into the ground or to prevent someone from slipping on it.
Jack G. Mrozinski, F324470
Mosinee, Wisconsin
Wine Bottle Holder
Wine bottle holderThe clinking of adjacent wine bottles while traveling can be eliminated with a simple wooden rack. The corral is made of 3/4-inch cabinet-grade plywood, which is attached to another strip of wood and screwed into the wall of a tall cabinet. A mini bungee cord is used to keep the separated bottles tightly in place and prevents them from falling forward.
Frank Woythal, F291956
Andover, New York
No More Dead Towed Vehicle Batteries
A 5-watt solar panel in windshield of towed vehicle
A 12-volt-DC automotive power plug
Here’s a solution for anyone who has ever had a dead battery in their towed vehicle. I purchased a 5-watt solar panel for $85 (including shipping) from a company I saw advertised in an RV magazine. I then purchased a 12-volt-DC automotive power plug with an open-end cord from an auto parts store. I attached the power cord from the solar panel to the power plug and then made a removable prop leg that can be attached to one side of the solar panel. Now when we get ready to travel, I activate the supplemental braking system, prop the solar panel up in the windshield, close the sunscreen curtains behind the panel, and plug the solar power cord into the vehicle’s DC outlet. My towed vehicle’s battery never runs down no matter how long I tow it without starting it.
Editor’s note: During overcast days, the solar output will be greatly reduced.
Robert C. Sykes, F300439
Russellville, Arkansas
Tree Sap Removal
To remove tree sap from the exterior of your motorhome or towed vehicle, apply a drop of hand sanitizer on the sap, let it stand for a moment, then rub gently with your finger. Wipe the residue clean with a soft cloth and repeat if needed.
Editor’s note: Try the sanitizer first on an inconspicuous place on your vehicle to test for fading or oxidation removal.
Dan Rodwill, F351317
Livingston, Texas