Parking Guides
I lost my wife — my copilot and navigator — a few years ago. With no one to help guide my 36-foot motorhome into an RV site, I found a solution: front and rear guides that cost only a few dollars and are made out of scrap wood and PVC pipe.
The front guide shows the space needed for the slideout. I made it by mounting a pipe vertically to a wooden base using epoxy that is compatible with wood and plastic; when I hold the base horizontally against the side of the coach, the pipe is just a couple of inches longer than the distance the slideout protrudes from the coach. I place the guide on the ground where I want the front of the parked coach to be.
The rear guide consists of a wooden base with a pipe mounted vertically to it; a second pipe is connected horizontally to the first with a 90-degree PVC tee. After I’ve checked for tree limbs or other obstructions, this guide is placed where the rear of the parked coach should be. I use the rearview mirror when backing, and when the motorhome touches and moves the horizontal pipe a bit, I know I’m in the correct spot.
I placed reflective tape on the tip of each vertical pipe as an additional help. If I arrive at a site after dark, I attach a small LED flashlight to the side of the coach using hook-and-loop fastening material, so I can see the movement of the rear guide as I back in. Since no PVC glue was used, the rear guide comes apart for easy storage.
Jerry Rosen, F176701
Hacienda Heights, California
Right-Size Wrench
I drain the water heater in my motorhome once a year when I winterize, and I could never remember the size of the drain plug. I would try several wrench sizes until I found the correct one. Now, I write the correct size on the plug and quickly pick up the right wrench.
Barry Glunts, F417534
Burlington, Massachusetts
Lift Support
When the gas-charged lift support on one of my motorhome’s compartment doors fails to hold the door open, I use a universal lift support clamp until I can replace the support. The clamp attaches to the lift support shaft and holds the weakened lift supports in the extended position. The clamps are available at auto parts stores and online retailers such as Amazon.com.
Kahleen Dillon, F406904
Chula Vista, California