Inquiring Minds Want to Really Know

[codybear]

Have you or your loved one invented some kind of gadget that makes your life just a little easier when airstreaming?

[N2XBW]

I wanted something in a little better tool to manage my Zip-Dee awning; both in grabbing the tab to pull it down, and in spinning the latching wheels at the top.

The solution was a modification of a common trucker tool called a 5th wheel hook. This device is escentially an aluminum handle into which a rod has been threaded to form a "T".
The other end of the rod is bent slightly beyond 90 degrees to form a straight hook.

[ DEALER~LINK ]
I found mine in an attractive blue anodized finish at a Petro Truck Stop, but they are also available at the link above.

I modified it as follows.

1. I put the hook end in a vice and straightened it back a bit to a true 90 degrees.

2. I then ground the end of the rod to a taper which would just fit in the holes of the retaining screw wheels on my awning.

Done! I now have a simple and attractive awning tool - at a cost, if I remember right ,of about $10 and 10 minutes work.

[codybear]

That's great John! Thnx for sharing!

[N2XBW]

Originally Posted by codybear

That's great John! Thnx for sharing!

Thank YOU, Paula. Great idea for a thread.
John

[codybear]

I didn't invent this one, but I chose the color and the material: to keep diningware (plates/saucers/bowls) from getting chipped when going down the road in your a/s:
1)take some good felt fabric yardage, a fabric pencil marker in a contrasting color from the fabric color (I used royal blue felt and a white marker) and a pair of sharp scissors such as Fiskars.
2)Place your dining ware -plates/saucers/bowls upside down on the laid out fabric, trace around the outside edge of each w/the marker. Then cut on the line. You can also add variety to your finished edges by using the Fiskars scissors with the different variety decorative edges.
You'll then layer the felt circles between each plate/saucer/bowl for a comfortable and safe cushioned stack. You can use a couple of extra circles for the bottom and top of your dishes too.

[N2XBW]

Paula,
What a good idea, but is the felt a bit slippery against the plates, etc?
It occurs to me that doing the same thing with the new grippy shelf liner stuff would both cushion AND prevent the stack from shifting.

That grippy shelf liner stuff used to be expensive, but you can buy it cheap anywhere now, even Wal*Mart.

[N2XBW]

So far this thread has been the Paula & John Show. Who else will chime in?

[codybear]

Hi John,

That works well also as well as just some paper towels between the plates too!