Creating Storage Space
To create more 
storage space in our bedroom, we removed the old analog TV from the 6-cubic-foot cabinet and used that open space to store linens. We also purchased a 22-inch flat-screen TV and mounted it on a board that completely covered the opening. We painted the board black to match the TV and cut holes in the back of it for the TV’s cables. We mounted the board to the cabinet with a piano hinge and a slide-bolt lock.
David & Irene Scheiern, F268350, Azle, Texas
Water Protection
If you have the daily newspaper delivered, save the bags they come in, especially the larger ones that hold the Sunday paper, as they can be put to good use in your motorhome. When we relocate, I use one to cover and protect the water filter, which stays attached to the shore hose, and a couple more on the ends of the sewer hose. This keeps the sewer hose from leaking that little bit of water you just can’t remove. The bags also make decent disposable gloves.
Dick Mankin, F107172, Davenport, Florida
RV Engine Status
We are not full-timers, but we do try to get out as often as possible in our Fleetwood Southwind. Like most RV owners, I do my own simple engine maintenance and know the sound of the engine when it is running right. However, there are times when we are on the road and I’ll hear a noise. Not sure where it’s coming from, I quickly scan the mirrors and the rearview camera. I then check the engine gauges. As I look at the water, oil, and battery gauges for any signs that they are out of the normal range, I find myself trying to remember what “normal” is. I usually end up listening more closely and watching the gauges. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the noise ends up being something unimportant, but it does tend to raise concern until I’ve driven a few miles and nothing else happens.
To minimize the worry, I went to a local hobby store and purchased a sheet of stickers that included white arrows. I ran the motorhome to normal operating temperature and then applied arrows to each of the indicators to show the normal operating range for each. Now when I hear a strange noise, I can look at my gauges and instantly recognize whether the engine is operating at the normal range. I continue to listen and scan the mirrors, camera, and gauges, but the arrows give me peace of mind.
Michael & Marcy Vreeland, F403870, Fredericksburg, Virginia
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