Tech & Travel Tips
Edited by Bill Hendrix, F761S

Tow Bar Pin Reminder

Some of the simplest things we learn from experience. Returning home from a trip, we were flagged down by a passing motorist who noticed that the car we were towing was weaving. After stopping we discovered that one of the pins that connect our tow bar to the towed vehicle was missing. It must have either fallen out or broken off. I knew that I had another pin, but it was at home in the garage. However, a Good Samaritan gave us a pin and we were on our way. It's such a small thing, but one that can stop your trip in its tracks if it's lost. So, if you are using a tow bar, always make sure to carry an extra pin.

Editor's Note: Whenever towing a vehicle behind your motorhome, make sure to carefully inspect your towing equipment prior to travel and at every rest stop.

Keith Draper, F317379, Webster City, Iowa

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Sink Cover

I don't have a fitted cover for the kitchen sink in my motorhome, but I really need extra counter space. I found that an inverted cookie sheet placed over the sink fits perfectly. Now I have lots of extra counter work area.

Arlene Jeknavorian, F193524, Davenport, Florida

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Cooling Help

If your air conditioner is unable to keep your motorhome cool in very hot weather, try pulling in any slideout rooms that will not interfere with your ability to maneuver around inside the coach. This will reduce the volume of space that needs to be cooled and possibly allow the air conditioner to outperform the heat gain.

Bill Hendrix, F761S, Erie, Colorado

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Towel Rack

Many motorhome showers lack adequate towel racks. Also, most owners are reluctant to drill holes to install permanent rods, and the glue-on rods are inadvisable due to moisture and vibration. My solution — my wife's idea — is to use tension-type shower curtain rods. These rods are available in three adjustable lengths (40 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches), have rubber-tipped ends, and are available in standard shower colors. Most home improvement and mass merchandise stores carry them, with prices ranging from $5 to $12, depending on the size. I currently use two of these rods in my motorhome, and they have stayed up for more than a year. They never budged even during our 9,000-mile trip around the United States.

Al Chabot, F371218, Merrimack, New Hampshire

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Spacious Dressing Room

The bathroom door in our motorhome always swings completely open, and the hall space between the bathroom and the bedroom had no privacy. So, I opened the door halfway, attached a thin piece of black lingerie elastic to the inside of the bathroom door handle, and stretched it across the hallway to a small cup hook inserted into the wall. The elastic holds the door open across the hall to form a dressing room with the bedroom. When not in use, slip the elastic off the door and leave it hanging on the hook. Being black, it doesn't show.

Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694, Florham Park, New Jersey

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