Cost Comparison
If you pay for electricity at a campsite but wonder whether it would be more economical to operate your refrigerator on propane, here’s how to make an approximate cost comparison. Multiply the electric rate per kilowatt-hour by 20, and compare that cost to the price of a gallon of propane. This comparison works for the average 8-cubic-foot refrigerator and is very close for other sizes.
Bill Hendrix, F761S
Erie, Colorado
Caulking Tube Remedy
It’s impossible to dig out dried caulk from the small nozzle of a plugged-up caulking tube. So, here’s how to rejuvenate that nozzle. First, make one or two slits lengthwise along the nozzle, which allows you to remove the dried caulk from it and the top of the tube. Next, wrap the nozzle with several layers of flexible electrical tape. The caulking tube then can be used normally. If necessary, the tape can be extended past the tip to reduce the nozzle size.
Keith Hobson, F344046
Almonte, Ontario
Editor’s note: To prevent a nozzle from clogging in the first place, seal it with a cap. One such product is CRL Little Red Nozzle Caps. The cost of a package of 35 is about $11 on www.amazon.com.
Building A Headboard
Our motorhome’s bed is against the bedroom window, which is also the emergency exit. Having our heads against the window and curtains is uncomfortable, so I installed a headboard that is both functional and matches the interior décor. It is also easy to remove in case of emergency.
For the headboard, I purchased a 4-foot-by-2-foot, 1/2-inch-thick piece of oak veneer, along with edge molding and trim pieces. I made cuts for the trim and molding with my miter box and handsaw. For the mounting, I installed 2-foot-by-2-foot boards alongside the window, which provided enough clearance for the headboard and emergency latches. The headboard was sanded, stained, and finish-coated with polyurethane. I used industrial hook-and-loop fastening material on the 2-by-2 strips and the back of the headboard to attach it.
The full day/night shade was removed and replaced with a roller shade, and curtains were redraped to fall behind the headboard. In case of emergency, simply pull the headboard away from the wall and open the window.
Ross Linnemann, F428968
Piedmont, Oklahoma
Editor’s note: For safety reasons, we recommend that the headboard not extend so far vertically that it obstructs any of the window for emergency exit.