By Greg Illes
Everyone needs a flashlight at some time or another. Sometimes it’s almost an emergency. That’s why we all have one ready and handy — right? But lying in the back of the junk drawer is not the kind of ready/handy status we’d like. When things go “bump” in the night and we need a flashlight, NOW and no questions asked.
Use a common tool-holding clip (or gripping clip), available at hardware stores, which mounts with a single screw. These come in several sizes, to fit any reasonable flashlight barrel diameter. Find a place where it won’t get in your way or be an eyesore, and put your clip and your flashlight up there. It won’t rattle or fall behind the sofa while you’re under way. It will always be available, exactly where you left it, even in the dark.
RV’s have a lot of wood surfaces, so it’s easy to find mounting spots. If you later change your mind and want to move it somewhere else, the lone screw hole plugs easily with wood filler or caulk with no trace left behind.
Two locations are better than one, for both accessibility and backup. Don’t forget to put your light back after you use it, and to check the batteries before each trip.
Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it. You can follow his blog at www.divver-city.com/blog.
