Author Topic: Hints, Tricks and Gadgets/Tools --- small ones. (Read 346769 times)

Tom · « **Reply #30 on:** October 01, 2007, 11:16:05 AM »

Quote from: Ned on October 01, 2007, 10:32:47 AM

a battery that stays in the green under the 100A or so load is more likely to stay usable than one that goes in the red.

No disagreement Ned. FWIW the load tester I'm used to seeing (although it's been many years) is a handheld one that has two built-in prongs (more like spikes) and was used to test inidividual cells.

Ned · « **Reply #31 on:** October 01, 2007, 12:10:00 PM »

Mine has cables with large clips on them to test the whole battery, not individual cells. The meter is calibrated for both 6V and 12V batteries. Can't test individual cells on my AGM batteries.

John From Detroit · « **Reply #32 on:** October 01, 2007, 01:42:26 PM »

Ned,,, I'd say that if a battery under the proper load test drops to oh, say, eight volts within fifteen seconds.. That it is a good sign that it is going to fail.. THE NEXT TIME IT"S NEEDED.

(For those who don't know how the thing works,, That is an indication that the battery HAS failed and the only reason you don't know it is you have not tried to use it yet so in fact I'm agreeing with NED... It did not predict failure, IT detected it)

carson · « **Reply #33 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:37:38 PM »

Do you need a good deodorizer, defumer, dehumidifier, de-everything for your RV?

Have you heard of ZEOLITE?

Zeolite is a volcanic product with a"high ion exchange capacity".

It comes in both granular form or in rock/pebble form in mesh air bags. 1 and 2 lb bags.
Just put it in the fridge, bathroom, pet areas etc.

It will last indefinitely but requires occasional "recharging" by placing it in sun light for a few hours. Then it'll be just like new.

I cannot recall where I purchased the mesh bags, maybe a hardware store, CW, pet store .... just can't remember.

The granular version is also called "ODORZOUT". Used primarily for pet problems.

The description is a fascinating read. Just click on ZEOLITE MESH BAG

A number of articles are available by googling.

carson FL

PS: No I don't sell the stuff.

carson · « **Reply #34 on:** October 04, 2007, 11:24:57 AM »

Another small hint/trick:

During storage (lengthy non-action) the water in the P-traps (the U-shaped pipe under sinks and bathtubs) has a tendency to evaporate. This will eventually cause fumes/odors to permeate into the RV from the waste tanks.

Simple solution: Make sure the traps are filled with water, then add 1 TBSP (tablespoon) of el-cheapo vegetable oil and add through the drains. The floating film of oil will now substantially prevent evaporation. It will also help to keep the stoppers in place, but not really necessary.

carson FL

MollysMom · « **Reply #35 on:** October 04, 2007, 08:45:21 PM »

Hey Carson, I like those last two post - I'll have to find one of those "de-smeller" things

carson · « **Reply #36 on:** October 06, 2007, 03:03:02 PM »

A little recap here, statistically speaking, on this new topic.

I authored the first entry of this topic on Sep/24/07. To date, Oct 6/07 (12 days) there have been:

840Views

36 entries by 13 individual contributors/posters.

There were 9 original ideas (Hints etc) posted. (27 of the 36 were rebuttals, alternatives or chit chat.)

I am merely trying to gauge whether "you'all" think if this topic should continue.

Judging by the interest (840 views), there seems to be little interest in 'unloading' some of the myriad ideas that 'you'all' can dig out of your hat and post. Remember, the newbies can use all the help they can get.

I still have a slew of future postings in mind; the product of learning the hard way from 40 years of tenting, trailering, VW Westphalia-ing and now Class A-ing. But I don't want to be the major source of info, even though I get a kick out of sharing these small, but important "hints". I still have a lot to learn myself.

So, what do you say folks, is it a go or shall we save memory space.

carson FL

Tom · « **Reply #37 on:** October 06, 2007, 03:07:04 PM »

Keep them coming Carson. At some point along the way (maybe multiple points) I'll capture the bones and put them in the library. Thanks for starting this topic.

Folks, any and all ideas are welcome. If they can be explained a little better with photos, by all means attach them. Don't know how to attach photos? Click the Resources button in the toolbar above and scroll down to Forum navigation tips.

Ron · « **Reply #38 on:** October 06, 2007, 03:23:10 PM »

Keep them coming. I am sure some are useful to some folks and a life saver to others.

Ray D · « **Reply #39 on:** October 06, 2007, 06:22:17 PM »

Like other recent starters, I appreciate the experience. I don't care how many views or how many posts, as long as they keep coming.

thanks,

Ray D

Wendy · « **Reply #40 on:** October 06, 2007, 06:50:59 PM »

Zeolite? I am going to have to find this stuff. As a long time camper/RVer who has always traveled with a dog and who just returned from a 3-week trip with a smelly Labrador, I could use that stuff !! I've been relying on candles and Lysol sprays and Sam has defeated them all.

Thanks for the tip!!
Wendy

John From Detroit · « **Reply #41 on:** October 06, 2007, 07:31:36 PM »

I read this post every time it has a "NEW" flag on it, Never know when you are going to get a good hint.

GOOP, it's a adheasive (mild) and sealant, Originally marked as Shoe Goo for patching holes in tennis shoes they now make a bunch of different products, Automotive, Plumbers, Sportsman, Household and more... Near as I can tell they are all the same save for the paint job but it's one very useful tube of sticky stuff.. Patches holes in most anything.

Found out the other day it will, however, eat some plastics (Thankfully I intented to throw away that piece of plastic when done so the "Damage" was 0.00 but .. Hey, got lucky on that one)

scottydl · « **Reply #42 on:** October 07, 2007, 07:50:15 AM »

Keep the thread going! It probably would help if members could refrain from posting so many of those "rebuttals, alternatives or chit chat" type of posts, to keep the rest of the thread easier to read.

Tom · « **Reply #43 on:** October 07, 2007, 09:50:12 AM »

Quote from: scottydl on October 07, 2007, 07:50:15 AM

It probably would help if members could refrain from posting so many of those "rebuttals, alternatives or chit chat" type of posts....

You're right Scotty, but hoping that RVers will cut down on the chit chat - unlikely to happen; It's part of the social fabric around here and in virtually any campground or anywhere that RVers congregate. When things get way off topic one of the staffers will split/move/rename messages, but we also try not to overdo that.

Ron · « **Reply #44 on:** October 07, 2007, 09:58:32 AM »

Besides sometimes a bit of chit chat keeps things ineresting.

scottydl · « **Reply #45 on:** October 07, 2007, 12:49:44 PM »

Oh I'm with you guys 100%...

Just for this type of thread that is designed to be utilized and referred to frequently (that's my plan anyway), it may help to keep the non-essential talk to a minimum.

Daisy · « **Reply #46 on:** October 07, 2007, 02:40:44 PM »

Here's a couple of my hints:

1. When we bought our DS, we opted NOT to put in the rolling pull-out trays in the pantry, as they waste too much storage space. Being almost full-timers it is generally stocked pretty well anyway. For light, we put up those "moon" lights. Just replaced orignal cheap ones with LEDs that work great. (just have to remember to turn them off before shutting the door again)

2. When traveling and the refridge is not very full and to keep stuff from "traveling" around inside, I put in empty pots or bowls whereever the need is. This also works in the pantry, when there is space available for them.

Daisy

Wendy · « **Reply #47 on:** October 07, 2007, 02:47:54 PM »

What are "moon" lights? With my bad eyes, I have trouble seeing in all the kitchen cupboards and need something that'll give me good light so I can find what I'm looking for. Half the time I have Mike stand next to me shining a flashlight into the back of the cupboards.

Wendy

Daisy · « **Reply #48 on:** October 07, 2007, 02:54:29 PM »

They are small (about 6-8 in across) round battery operated lights. You push the center of the "globe" and the light comes on. (Gives the illusion of a shining moon)

The LEDs have a high and low beam. Not real bright, but enough to see what's inside the cupboard. Come see mine at QZ to see if they will work for you. They have holes for hooks if you want to hang them sideways. I prefer them on the top and have attached them with Velcro. Makes for easy battery changes as well.

Daisy

Tom · « **Reply #49 on:** October 07, 2007, 03:39:49 PM »

Daisy,

I'll bet that you and Fred have many more tips like that.

Ron · « **Reply #50 on:** October 07, 2007, 04:00:55 PM »

Quote from: Tom on October 07, 2007, 03:39:49 PM

Daisy,

I'll bet that you and Fred have many more tips like that.

I'll bet they do. If I recall correctly it was Fred and Daisy that turned us on to the cookware that the handles are detachable.

Mike (ex-f-221) · « **Reply #51 on:** October 07, 2007, 04:02:38 PM »

How about collecting the tips and creating a new "virtual book" in the RV Forum Library?

Wendy · « **Reply #52 on:** October 07, 2007, 04:12:22 PM »

Daisy talked me into those stacking pans, too. Sure saves a lot of room in the pan drawer.

Daisy, the lights you described sound like the ones I have in one cupboard. Only problem is that they keep falling off....they attached with sticky tape and I think I need to screw them on. I'll have to look at yours in Qz.

Wendy

Tom · « **Reply #53 on:** October 07, 2007, 05:19:28 PM »

Quote from: Mike (ex-f-221) on October 07, 2007, 04:02:38 PM

How about collecting the tips and creating a new "virtual book" in the RV Forum Library?

That's the plan Mike. It could be something like our Glossary of RV terms. Reminds me I need to update the glossary and revise the format.

Mike (ex-f-221) · « **Reply #54 on:** October 08, 2007, 09:38:17 AM »

The odds are on the side of that person who can read....:

Quote from: Tom on October 06, 2007, 03:07:04 PM

At some point along the way (maybe multiple points) I'll capture the bones and put them in the library.

carson · « **Reply #55 on:** October 08, 2007, 01:23:50 PM »

Re "ZEOLITE" deodorizer etc.

I still haven't pinpointed any retail stores for the product. They are out there.

Maybe this website will help. click here for a mail order source from Florida..

carson FL

Wendy · « **Reply #56 on:** October 08, 2007, 07:33:13 PM »

I'm still looking for the Zeolite, too. I wonder if pet stores would carry it?

Wendy

scottydl · « **Reply #57 on:** October 08, 2007, 07:46:18 PM »

Zeolite appears to be quite a natural product (here's a link all about the magical stuff), mentioned online in various websites advocating "green" and environmentally friendly non-chemical products. Probably not mass-produced and sold retail for the most part. Here are a few websites I found that sell it in packets/pouches:

Environmental Home Center
Refreshingly Free
Zeolite Depot
And there's always eBay... here's the stuff in various eBay stores

Ron · « **Reply #58 on:** October 08, 2007, 07:59:00 PM »

Thanks for the info. Should help those that want it to find a source.

carson · « **Reply #59 on:** October 09, 2007, 01:21:22 PM »

A little hint for motorhomes A,B and C.

Have you ever felt a cold draft coming into the vehicle during a cold night?

Chances are, unless you left a window open, that the dashboard climate control switches, (vent, heat, A/C, defrost), have been left in the "ON" position before you shut the engine off.

Most RVs, (maybe not diesels) have vacuum operated air-intake vent valves/baffles. In many cases, when you shut the engine down, these valves stay where they are and don't close.

Make sure you hit the "OFF" button before engine shutdown. The outside air intake baffle will close and stay closed. Voila, no blizzard in the cabin.

carson FL 88.2F -31.2C

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Author Topic: Hints, Tricks and Gadgets/Tools --- small ones. (Read 346769 times)