Simple Things

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Simple Things

July 27, 2012, 04:12:30 pm

We have the "What did you do to your Foretravel today" thread. I thought a "Simple things to make life easier" thread might be a good idea. Just cheap or free things and ideas that people have come up with.

Here is one:

Put a dab of paint above the keyhole on the bay doors when they are in the unlocked position so the dab is uppermost. No more pressing on nine locks to check if they are locked, just glance on your walk-around.

Here is another that I posted in another thread for stowing electrical adapters.

Elecrical adapter storage idea.

Keith

Re: Simple Things

Reply #1 – July 27, 2012, 05:33:34 pm

Awing pole and outside floor broom holder.

Tired of the two things on the bottom of the stuff in the bay. I installed a 2' piece of PVC to the highest part of a bulkhead wall. Now the two items are always on top of things in the bay, and easily share the same long space, and it is easy to access either item. We carry a broom to sweep the picnic table, benches and table pad area when needed.

2' of pipe and 2 screws, free from the scrap pile.

Re: Simple Things

Reply #2 – July 27, 2012, 05:40:08 pm

We have a blank screen back up camera TV monitor. We set out items on the ground, at measured distances of 3', 7', 10', 20' and the top of the screen. We made printed numbers and installed them on the screen with lines as well. The lines are drafting tape from an office supply store, we used "black dash lines". A Poortravel upgrade, but works great, when backing, parking, passing, or the toad to hook up. In addition, I have to back into my enclosed storage space and parallel park along a wall clear of the big door, usually by myself. A 36'er into 50' space, and get 7' off the straight thru the door line.

Re: Simple Things

Reply #3 – July 27, 2012, 06:29:01 pm

A beer bottle six-pack carrier holds our (Hercu)glass wine glasses to keep them safe.

Michelle

Re: Simple Things

Reply #4 – July 27, 2012, 07:31:44 pm

We use velcro (hook 'n loop) to display the artwork we're acquired during our travels in Forrest. No need to poke holes to display the memories. Easy to change your mind and display different stuff.
Peter

Re: Simple Things

Reply #5 – July 27, 2012, 09:32:53 pm

Made 8"x8" plywood jack pads-two thickness of 3/4" plywood. Drilled (4) 7/16 dia holes--one near each corner--so I can push them around under the leveling jacks or remove them using my awning rod. Even pick them up and put them in the storage bay without touching them.
Glued the remote sensor wire for the outside thermostat sensor up front, down low, about a foot back from the front bumper.

Reworked the leveling jack enclosure, next to the driver's left buttock, so now it faces up so I can read it without having to kneel down and look over the seat to see what does what.

Removed the deadbolt (one of them) from the original door latch as it worked too easily.

Added a key rack just inside the door that I can reach thru the sliding cover on the screen door.

Modified the wood shelf--just inside the driver's side engine access louvered door--the previous owners made. It wedges between the frame rails and the opening shell angle iron. It now holds the 50 Amp cord plus the water filter. I leave the cord plugged into the coach and just coil the cord on top of the wood platform. Bungee cord of course!!

Re: Simple Things

Reply #6 – July 27, 2012, 10:50:59 pm

Quote

In addition, I have to back into my enclosed storage space and parallel park along a wall clear of the big door, usually by myself. A 36'er into 50' space, and get 7' off the straight thru the door line.

By Dave Cobb

And he does it with one pull forward, in place, centered!
What a driver !!!!

Re: Simple Things

Reply #7 – July 27, 2012, 11:39:03 pm

few years ago I made a 4 wine glass holder for the old GV we had and liked it so much I took it off when I sold and installed it in this one. Fastened under the upper cabinet in dining area and they are so handy to get too and never have fallen out even on some real rough roads. I just copied the shape of the base and an opening just big enough to allow the stem to slide thru'. I put a length of vinyl curtain spring wire that holds the bases down that also keeps them hanging straight.
John H

Re: Simple Things

Reply #8 – July 31, 2012, 08:43:33 pm

And then there's "Board with drink holder" that we posted last year. For when you're on the sofa and there's no place to put your wine glass or latte cup (we still owe J&C a pair....)

On its side: The selected media item is not currently available.

In use:

Re: Simple Things

Reply #9 – July 31, 2012, 11:14:26 pm

A hand-full of battery-powered LED lights. Line them along where you want to back in, and follow the landing strip.

Screwed a carpenter's belt pouch to the wall by the driver's seat - nice places for pen, cell phone, sunglasses, knife, flashlight, etc.

Bottle of hand sanitizer in the wet bay.

A tupperware-type cereal bin - about 4" wide, 12" deep and maybe 14" high made a great wastebasket that fits between the commode and the wall. Throw the top away if you like.

Small note board to write down the shopping list and oil change interval.

Zip tie an extra key under the coach for emergencies.

Buy a ceramic tile to place on the dash for the GPS suction base to adhere to.

Tie the gas cap to the coach with fishing line so you won't have to crawl to retrieve it when you drop it.

Suction cup, conduit bracket and a screw will make a nice retainer to keep the visor from flopping down. Suction cup adheres to the fiberglass, screw holds the bracket to the suction cup, bracket pivots to hold the visor or let it free.

Matt B

Re: Simple Things

Reply #10 – July 31, 2012, 11:44:22 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – July 31, 2012, 08:43:33 pm

And then there's "Board with drink holder" that we posted last year. For when you're on the sofa and there's no place to put your wine glass or latte cup (we still owe J&C a pair....)

On its side:

In use:

.... and don't ever think I have forgotten!!!!

Re: Simple Things

Reply #11 – August 01, 2012, 08:25:21 am

Quote from: oldmattb – July 31, 2012, 11:14:26 pm

Zip tie an extra key under the coach for emergencies. Matt B

We took this a step further... but still simple... and used more often then you'd think!

We purchased a Master Lock combo lock key safe (Products - Storage Security - 5401D - Master Lock®) and bolted it to the floor of the unlocked propane bay (see picture below, which George posted earliier in a thread regarding BBQ propane tank storage). Easy to access - no need to crawl under the coach!

Re: Simple Things

Reply #12 – August 01, 2012, 04:30:15 pm

made a thin plywood/painted shelf that I siliconed onto fuel tank cover and sides to hold a few bottles of my Amsoil additives (or whatever you want) keeps them off the bottom of compartment. Makes a bit more room for "stuff"
John

Re: Simple Things

Reply #13 – August 02, 2012, 11:47:08 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – August 01, 2012, 04:30:15 pm

made a thin plywood/painted shelf that I siliconed onto fuel tank cover and sides to hold a few bottles of my Amsoil additives (or whatever you want) keeps them off the bottom of compartment. Makes a bit more room for "stuff"
John

John, is that a slideout tray to the left over the propane tank? I have been thinking how handy it would be to have one there.

Dean

Re: Simple Things

Reply #14 – August 02, 2012, 01:49:21 pm

Hi Dean,
I think you see the slide out drawer. Our 1997 has the same drawer there. Yes. it is real convenient. Remember the door does not lock on the propane compartment.
Raymond

Re: Simple Things

Reply #15 – August 02, 2012, 02:30:11 pm

Quote from: Raymond Jordan – August 02, 2012, 01:49:21 pm

Hi Dean,
I think you see the slide out drawer. Our 1997 has the same drawer there. Yes. it is real convenient. Remember the door does not lock on the propane compartment.
Raymond

Thanks Raymond, that's what I thought. So that's a factory installed drawer? I had been thinking about making one with heavy drawer slides but it look's like attaching it would be challange. Not real keen on screwing anything into side of the fuel tank. Does anyone have a photo of theirs?

Dean

Re: Simple Things

Reply #16 – August 02, 2012, 02:49:22 pm

Quote from: Patricia – August 01, 2012, 08:25:21 am

We took this a step further... but still simple... and used more often then you'd think! We purchased a Master Lock combo lock key safe (Products - Storage Security - 5401D - Master Lock®) and bolted it to the floor of the unlocked propane bay (see picture below, which George posted earliier in a thread regarding BBQ propane tank storage). Easy to access - no need to crawl under the coach!

We did something similar except put it in behind the ext. fridge vent access panel. We have one on our house as well. Never carry house keys anymore and we can easily have someone check on it when we are away.

D&D

Re: Simple Things

Reply #17 – August 02, 2012, 02:50:52 pm

yes here are a few. I keep belts, air line, tire pressure gauges, wheel nut covers etc in it.
John H

Re: Simple Things

Reply #18 – August 02, 2012, 03:00:14 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – August 02, 2012, 02:50:52 pm

yes here are a few. I keep belts, air line, tire pressure gauges, wheel nut covers etc in it.
John H

Ahhh, it's ceiling mounted. Thanks John.
I was thinking of making a plywood bottom that would sit on top of the propane tank and silicone glue an edge support to the side of the fuel tank. Can't have too much storage.

Dean

Re: Simple Things

Reply #19 – August 05, 2012, 12:46:02 pm

Spiral wire wound sewer hose has fittings that are threaded opposite ways. If yours is hard to seal it might have the ends in wrong. They should screw in easily and seal with a clamp.

Helped someone with this once but and I have never seen it mentioned anywhere before.

Keith

Re: Simple Things

Reply #20 – August 15, 2012, 01:15:19 pm

I carry a piece of split foam pipe insulation. Put on the sides of a ladder it cushions it and prevents damage to the paint as well as helping prevent it slipping. I also have used it on the bottom edge of a bay door when the coach alongside me in storage parked so I could not open the door all the way. Slipped over the awning struts it makes them more visible and prevents banged heads. Larger sizes make excellent packaging for bottles and glasses. Costs little and weighs nothing.

Keith

Re: Simple Things

Reply #21 – August 16, 2012, 02:33:35 pm

Quote from: Keith and Joyce – August 15, 2012, 01:15:19 pm

Slipped over the awning struts it makes them more visible and prevents banged heads. .

Keith

I use a blue "Pool Noodle" that I picked up at Wallyworld.

Re: Simple Things

Reply #22 – October 25, 2012, 11:49:45 am

A hook screwed into a wooden file handle used to remove spring clips from the tow bar hook up. Can be used whenever one needs to remove a stiff or awkwardly placed clip. Other end can be used to push the pin into place. DW now has no excuse not to hook up tow!

Keith

Re: Simple Things

Reply #23 – October 25, 2012, 01:32:25 pm

Quote from: Dean & Dee – August 02, 2012, 02:30:11 pm

Thanks Raymond, that's what I thought. So that's a factory installed drawer? I had been thinking about making one with heavy drawer slides but it look's like attaching it would be challange. Not real keen on screwing anything into side of the fuel tank. Does anyone have a photo of theirs?

Dean... try some of that high bond adhesive tape that they're using to install solar panels to the roofs of RVs. You could safely use that tape (which is double-sided) to attach things to the sides of the tanks. The problem might be getting them off.

Craig

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