While towing, have you ever been annoyed by a clunk when accelerating or braking, only to find that the problem is being caused by a loose-fitting hitch pin? To tighten the connection, obtain a 21/32-inch (outside-diameter) round brass tube to slide over the 5/8-inch hitch pin to take up the slack. The tube can be found at hardware or hobby stores.
Michael McIntyre, F271642, Simi Valley, California
Making the sleeper sofa
The couch in our living area converts to a bed with an air mattress. Every time I pull it out for overnight company, I use the air pump to fill it. I then have to crawl over the mattress to the other side to put on the mattress pad, sheet, etc. Not an easy task. Now, I leave the pad and sheet on the air mattress and find that they protect the mattress from any spilling that goes through the cushions. It’s so easy to just add the pillows and blankets. The pad and sheet do not interfere with closing the couch after the air mattress has been deflated.
Editor’s note: Be sure to check the instructions to ensure that the mattress manufacturer doesn’t recommend against this.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694, Florham Park, New Jersey
Water filter stand
After cutting a 96-inch-long, 5-inch-square PVC fence post for the purpose of storing a folding step ladder, I discovered a use for the 12 inches of fence post I had left over. The size of the post made it a perfect fit for use as a water filter stand.
Bob McLean, F267563, Livingston, Texas
Door edge protector
We have a dog, as many full-timers do, and we worried every time she entered the motorhome, because the lower corner of the screen door is very sharp and she cut her head on it several times while bounding up the stairs. So my husband, George, took a clear acrylic adhesive corner bumper that originally was designed to protect babies from sharp corners on furniture and fitted it to the bottom corner of the screen door. He had to modify the inside edge by trimming it just a bit so the screen door would close completely, but once in place it has proven invaluable in cushioning that sharp edge.
Mickey Watterworth, F326564, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Cell phone carrier info
While full-timing, we exchange our name, mailing address, e-mail address, and cell phone numbers with other travelers we meet. Most travelers have a “business card” to hand out with this information. Now, our card also notes which cell phone carrier we use. This way, if the carrier between two parties is the same, the call can be made for free, no matter what time of day. In this case, neither the caller nor receiver is using up their minutes. And there is no more waiting until after 9:00 p.m., unless their carrier is different and we don’t have the minutes to spare.
Vance and Bonnie Clegg, F51388, Green Cove Springs, Florida
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