Out Of The Darkness
We often return to our motorhome after dark, and fumbling to find the light switch is a nuisance, even with a flashlight. We’ve tried leaving a light on, but it attracts flying insects and tends to deplete our batteries when boondocking. The obvious answer was a motion-activated light. We looked at several types, both battery-operated and plug-in, and settled on a motion-activated light powered by AA batteries. We installed ours on the ceiling above the door and pointed the sensor down at a 45-degree angle so that the light will go on when the door is opened. The light we chose is designed to be mounted under a kitchen cabinet and came as part of a two-pack ($20 at Costco, item #580978). We put the second one outside the sleeping area to provide illumination for those nighttime excursions to the bathroom or refrigerator. Be careful not to mount it too close to the bed, or it will be activated every time you roll over.
Frank Winter, F114882
Manalapan, New Jersey
Customized Tire Covers
We purchased a set of white tire covers for our motorhome and used vinyl spray paint that we bought at a large retail store. We matched the paint to the lightest accent color on the coach (a silver), and the results look custom. With a little masking and the addition of some other colors, I think the result would have looked professionally done. To remove any manufacturing coatings, in an effort to improve paint adhesion, I wiped down the covers with isopropyl alcohol (91 percent) before painting them. The paint job has held up for three-plus years even with all of the folding, storing, unfolding, sun, rain, etc., and the covers still get passing compliments from those who see them.
Editor’s Note: Make sure to use light-colored paint, since the purpose of the white covers is to reflect heat, which can damage the tires. And be sure to purchase paint intended for use on vinyl surfaces.
Dale and Judy Swafford, F312346
South Bend, Indiana
Filling The Spare Tire
In the process of trying to put air in the tires of my 2012 Itasca Sunstar, I found that it was impossible to check or to put air in the spare tire, which is stored in a compartment under the bed. A light went off in my head, and I came up with a solution. I added two valve extensions to the valve stem of the spare tire, which makes it possible for me to check the pressure and add more air if necessary.
Robert H. Berube, F205566
Groveland, Florida
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