Light ’Em Up—Take Two Photos by Bill Gehr After fumbling to find foodstuffs in an extra-large pantry, a LED light strip was installed and hooked up to a reed switch — plus a Bosch mini relay — so it could be turned on automatically when the door was opened. Now, I can see what I’m looking for. Editor’s note: In last week’s newsletter (March 22), we presented a project that added new light to the pantry by installing a 12-volt DC light strip that would bathe all the shelves with bright light. Well, not all good ideas work the first time out. We installed a magnetic reed switch to allow the li ..read more

Cooktop Conniptions Photos by the author Cleaning up a burner pan that’s been soiled from boiled over food, grease splatters and plain ‘ol chef sloppiness is much easier when the surface is lined with a silicone barbecue-grill mat. I’m not crazy about housework, but keeping everything clean and tidy is part of the deal when living full time in an RV. Cleaning the cooktop may not rank right up there with dumping the holding tank, but it’s a job that’s no fun — especially if food has “cooked” on the surfaces around and under the burner grates. You can find foil protectors at grocery and home ..read more

Light ’Em Up Photos by Bill Gehr After fumbling to find foodstuffs in an extra-large pantry, a LED light strip was installed and hooked up to a reed switch so it could be turned on automatically when the door was opened. Now, I can see what I’m looking for. RV owners love a pantry, especially one that has multiple shelves and cavernous dimensions. And most people fill them up. But stacking numerous odd-size packages, plastic boxes and loose items presents a big problem: How to see what’s in there. For months I’ve lived with one lousy LED light above the top shelf, which really does nothing ..read more

Basking in the Sun Photos by Bill Gehr When the RV is in storage and the rooftop solar system is covered, a portable solar kit will keep the batteries charged properly and ready for the next trip. Solar panels make it possible for owners to enjoy boondocking without giving up complete self-containment and the niceties of using modern conveniences. As long as there’s sun, the battery(ies) can be conditioned to provide power for appliances and accessories — and run an inverter to provide 120-volt AC power. That’s all fine and dandy as long as there is sun exposure — but if the RV is covered wh ..read more

Plug It In, Outside Photos by the author AC outlets are typically provided inside the front storage compartment, which complicates the process needed to route power cords to appliances and other electrical accessories on the patio. Installing an outdoor outlet in a convenient location is a welcome addition. Having access to 120-volt AC power outside any RV on the patio side seems like a must for most owners; I certainly can’t live without such an outlet. Surprisingly, the outlet for the outside is typically located on a wall inside the front storage compartment, which is less than convenient ..read more

Basking in the Sun Photos by Bill Gehr When the RV is in storage and the rooftop solar system is covered, a portable solar kit will keep the batteries charged properly and ready for the next trip. Solar panels make it possible for owners to enjoy boondocking without giving up complete self-containment and the niceties of using modern appliances and electronics. As long as there’s sun, the battery(ies) can be conditioned to provide power for appliances and accessories — and run an inverter to provide 120-volt AC power. That’s all fine and dandy as long as there is sun exposure — but if the RV ..read more

Plug It In, Outside Photos by the author AC outlets are typically provided inside the front storage compartment, which complicates the process needed to route power cords to appliances and other electrical accessories on the patio. Installing an outdoor outlet in a convenient location is a welcome addition. Having access to 120-volt AC power outside any RV on the patio side seems like a must for most owners; I certainly can’t live without such an outlet. Surprisingly, the outlet for the outside is typically located on a wall inside the front storage compartment, which is less than convenien ..read more

Gas Pains Photos by the author If you smell LP-gas in or near the compartment housing the second cylinder in a fifth wheel, the single-stage regulator has likely failed. The fix is easy, but you’ll want to upgrade to a better-quality regulator by Marshall Excelsior. Placing LP-gas cylinders in compartments on opposite sides in a fifth wheel is common practice. While it makes sense, manufacturers had to devise a system to lower the gas pressure that travels across the front of the fifth wheel. For many years, black pipe connected the two cylinders because the pressure was too high for a rubb ..read more

Eye Spy Photos by the author Diagnosing issues in tight, dark places where hands, arms and eyes simply can’t “reach” usually requires creative measures, which most times don’t work. An endoscope — or borescope to many mechanics—makes it possible to view previously inaccessible places. How many times have you found yourself in a situation where you needed to see around tight corners, into inaccessible engine compartments or just about anywhere where vision is obstructed? Too many, I’m sure. Do-it-yourselfers typically reach for a mirror on a telescoping rod and a strong flashlight. In most c ..read more

Gas Pains Photos by the author If you smell LP-gas in or near the compartment housing the second cylinder in a fifth wheel, the single-stage regulator has likely failed. The fix is easy, but you’ll want to upgrade to a better-quality regulator by Marshall Excelsior. Placing LP-gas cylinders in compartments on opposite sides in a fifth wheel is common practice. While it makes sense, manufacturers had to devise a system to lower the gas pressure that travels across the front of the fifth wheel. For many years, black pipe connected the two cylinders because the pressure was too high for a rubb ..read more