10-minute tech

A Compiation of Tried-and-True Tips From RVers

Drain Plug Catcher

To keep from dropping the oil pan plug into a drain pan full of hot engine oil, I solicited the help of a small coffee can (13-ounce size). I wrapped nvo pieces of perforated pipe strap around the top and bottom of the can, which are used to hold a 1 x 2-inch "wood handle" in place (using 1/4-inch screws). I then punched numerous holes in the bottom of the can using a large nail. When I change the oil, I hold the can below the drain plug while I remove it, the oil filters through to the drain pan and the plug is caught by the can.

ARTHUR WAGNER, KERRVILLE, TEXAS

Controlling the Bed

The full-size bed platform in our travel trailer is controlled by gas-pressure lift cylinders, which allow it to be raised for access to the large storage area. When arriving at our destination, we would always find that the mattress had been bumped up and resting on the extended lifts. Since we were concerned that this was hard on the lifts (to make matters worse, the mattress was probably bouncing up and down while traveling), we came up with a method for securing the platform.

We simply attached one side of a 2-foot length (approximately) of hook-and-loop fastener to the edge of the platform box at the foot of the bed. The other side was placed across the bottom surface of the platform itself.

Although we had doubts whether this would hold, we found our little project to work great. Now the bed stays put until we move it physically.

JAMES D. oRGENSON, BOX ELDER, SOUTH DAKOTA

Camper Dirt Blocker

The small gaps between the bottom of our truck camper and the top of the truck bed rails allowed rain and dirt to infiltrate the storage areas of our camper. I purchased three of the solid-foam, tube-like flotation devices known as Funoodles or Swim Noodles and adapted them to fill the voids. First, I cut small blocks of wood and fit them into the stake pockets in the truck bed. I then laid the foam onto the bed rails and secured them by nailing into the blocks of wood. When the camper is lowered onto the bed of the truck, a seal is created.

Although the weight of the camper pressed the foam firmly into place, the nailed sections assure that the foam does not blow loose while driving at highway speeds. We used about $6 worth of foam, which comes in many colors for those who wish to match the paint on the camper.

DANIEL GRAY FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY

Lost Pins Revisited

In more than 30 years of trailering, I have never lost a pin that is used to secure the spring bar brackets. I simply slip a 6-inch-long piece of plumber's chain on the pin, drill a hole in the bracket and pop rivet or screw the chain to the bracket. The weight and restraint of the chain will keep the pin from rotating or moving. It can't be lost and it will be right there to remind you to use it. All this for less than a dollar's worth of material.

EDSON B. SNOW POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA

Epoxy Cups

We all need to fix things while on the road (and at home), and quite often this includes needing to mix small amounts of epoxy or other two-part glues. To do this, we take home a few of the plastic one-service creamer cups that you get in a restaurant, wash them out and save them until needed. They are just the right size for most jobs and there's no clean-up afterward-just throw them away

MIKE STEFFEN, LIVINGSTON, TExas

Novel Battery-Water Filler have a fifthwheel trailer equipped with an alarm system; the horn is mounted in the battery compartment, above the three batteries. This arrangement makes it impossible to use the automatic-stop battery filler used by most service stations. It's also impossible to use a glass or funnel. While my situation is somewhat unique, I know of other RVers who complain that access to their batteries is difficult; it's a real pain in the neck to disconnect and remove the batteries every time they need water. I solved the problem with a squeezable sports bottle. I fill the bottle with distilled water, hang it from the awning arm and the hose can be used easily inside the compartment for filling the batteries. I use a compact mirror so I can see clearly and can fill each cell properly.

ToM McELHINNEY HousTON, TExas

Primitive, but Clever

Having a 50-gallon freshwater tank and a broken monitor panel made it very difficult to determine how much water I was carrying. Not wanting to carry a full 400-plus pounds of extra weight, I drained the tank completely. I then ran water from my hose into a 2-gallon empty bucket. I timed the number of seconds it took to fill the bucket. I figured out how long it should take to add 20 gallons to the tank and ran the water until the predetermined time was up. Now I only carry 250 pounds of water while traveling.

EARL E. YINGLING, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Satellite Dish Breakdown

The 18-inch satellite dishes are becoming very popular in campgrounds, but there's one drawback for those of us who do not want to mount the dish on the roof: The awkward L-shape makes it difficult to store. Though most dishes can be disassembled using screws and bolts, I found an easier way to do it. I purchased two 1/4 x 3 1/2-inch coupler retaining pins (the ones with a loop on one end and tiny balls imbedded in the metal on the other) and drilled 1/4-inch holes at the spot welds located at the junction of the arm and the dish. I then insert the pins into the holes. All I do now is pull the pins and the satellite dish disassembles into two halves for flat storage. In place of the pins, you can also use wing-nuts and bolts.

IE BART4, BARBOUR\;ILE, WEST VIRGINIA

Small Stable Ironing Board

While traveling I carry a small ironing board with little legs that fold down. However, it was difficult to find a place to use this board that was comfortable. I found that if I tuck the ironing board under the countertop and support it by a partially-open drawer, I have a convenient surface to iron clothes.

RICHARD PREVAI.I.ET, MARBLE HILL, MISSOURI

Tire Cover Saver

To protect our RV tires from weathering and sun rot, I purchased vinyl tire covers. In the high winds of Texas and the coastal areas, the covers would blow off the wheels. As a solution to the problem I purchased elastic cord and metal Schain-end links from a hardware store. (Elastic cord can also be found at boat and canvas dealers.) I measured the diameter of the wheel and doubled this figure for the cord length. I found that a 56inch length was just right for our 15-inch tires. I tied an S-link on each end of the cord and slipped it over the rear of the tire and cover. The ends are brought around to the front and the elastic cord ends are hooked together. Now the tire covers stay put, even in strong winds.

CARL R HARTUP, FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

10-MINUTE TECH

10-MINUTE TECH

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Oct 1997
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