Tech & Travel Tips: December 2006

Curtain Holder

Curtain holderOpening and closing the drapes in the motorhome’s cab area each day can become a real pain. So we bought a plain extending curtain rod, sawed off the ends, and placed large suction cups on each end. The suction cups can then be attached to the windshield to hold the curtains up at the height we like.

Ray & Donna Serfass, F317504
Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania

Wooden doughnut sealTo keep mice and other small critters from having easy access to our motorhome, I made a hinged, removable doughnut seal that can be placed around the electrical lead wire in my coach’s utility compartment. When in use, the bottom of the doughnut seals the hole that the lead runs through, while the top piece stops the seal and holds it in place.

The access hole through the compartment floor has a 4-inch diameter. The project involves using two circular pieces of wood. The bottom piece “” the seal “” is 4 inches in diameter and 3/4-inch thick, while the top piece is 6 inches in diameter and 1-1/2 inches thick. Step one is to glue the two pieces together, with the smaller circle centered on the larger circle. Once the glue has dried, drill a hole that is the same size as the electrical lead through the center of the circular block to create a doughnut shape. Cut the block in half and use a small cabinet hinge to connect one side so the doughnut can be opened and closed.

Gary Pulsifer, F219492
East Greenbush, New York

Clothes hangerHere’s an idea I came up with to create an extra place to hang clothes for drying, ironing, etc., in our coach. First, I bought two “L” brackets and a couple of screws. I put a screw through each bracket, then inserted a 1/4-inch piece of tubing, flaring it after putting it through the brackets. I then attached the brackets and tubing to the vent frame. It’s quite sturdy for several garments.

Editor’s note: Before attaching this to a vent in a hallway or often-used room, make sure it allows plenty of headroom for those standing or walking in the area.

Ben Rusnell, F255084
Ionia, Michigan

Fresh crackersTo keep saltine crackers from getting stale once the plastic package is opened, place the opened sleeve of crackers in an empty Pringles can, or similar type container. The crackers will stay fresh longer.

Carol Walden, F196212
Joliet, Illinois

Spray-tube holderHow many times have you misplaced the little red tube that attaches to your lube spray can? Irritating, isn’t it? Here’s an easy solution to this problem. Plug one end of a soda straw and tape it to the side of the can. Place the red tube in the straw, and it always will be there when you need it.

George Parker, F299008
Ocala, Florida

Spray bottle as battery fillerHere’s a simple and practical use for a spray nozzle from a lawn and garden spray bottle. I use the nozzle to fill the coach batteries with distilled water. It works great for me, eliminating the need for a funnel or smaller fill bottle.

Ben Rusnell, F255084
Ionia, Michigan