After we unscrewed the vent covers and dutifully retrieved the wayward kibbles and other foreign objects, it seemed as though more debris magically appeared just after the dogs’ next meal.
To disrupt this endless cycle, while still allowing the air to flow freely, we wrapped the vent covers in mesh sleeves that our local wine merchant uses to protect purchased bottles on their way home. No mesh sleeves? The mesh bags that oranges and other fruit come in can be cut to size and work just as well.
Editor’s Note: This open mesh will still reduce airflow slightly. If the furnace cycles “off” on the high temperature limit switch, remove the mesh.
Steve and Julie Goldman, F386541, Saginaw, Michigan
Cleans Like Magic
A fast and easy tool for removing spots in the motorhome is the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. It works well on most anything, including ceilings and solid-surface sinks. I prefer the “extra power” version, which is sturdier than the original. Just add water and rub gently, using extra caution with shiny surfaces.
Val Saunders, F135015, Vicksburg, Michigan
Curtain Stop
I got tired of our sliding windshield privacy curtain getting sucked up against the screen or out the driver’s side window whenever we were traveling with the window open. So, I found a piece of 4-inch-diameter Lexan tubing I had lying around and cut off a 9-inch-long piece. I then cut the piece in half lengthwise, then took one of the halves and cut it in half lengthwise again. I held the Lexan up to the window trim and marked on the cut piece where the screws were; drilled two holes through the marks; and used the existing trim screws to mount the Lexan curtain stop. It works great.
The dimensions can be altered to your particular application. You also can use 4-inch-diameter PVC pipe and paint it with plastic paint to match your décor.
Paul Lindstrom, F286198, Grand Junction, Colorado
Litter Pan Helper
Anyone traveling with cats knows that there has to be a litter pan somewhere in the RV. The clumpable/scoopable litter (which our cats are used to) oftentimes gets thrown out of the litter pan and onto the carpet or floor “” even though our litter pan has high sides. Obviously, they’re not high enough. Our cats don’t like the enclosed pans, either.
So, we bought a new storage container in which our litter pan fits exactly, making the new sides 17 inches high instead of 6 1/2 inches high. We cut an entrance hole in the side, folding the bottom portion of the plastic to the inside so that the cutout wasn’t sharp. If your cat is used to the enclosed litter pan, this also would work with the lid on, giving it more room and making it easier for you to clean out. The cost of the storage container was approximately $9.
We tried the new litter pan at home to make sure our cats liked it before hitting the road, and we found that there was much less litter to clean up. Our cats have traveled with us for seven years, and they like it almost as much as we do.
John and Carolyn Ach, F309881, Beavercreek, Ohio