Stick ‘em up! (No, this isn’t a robbery tutorial.) Instead, here are several great RV tips that use magnets to make life on the road easier.
A couple of years ago, I wrote about magnets in a previous article. Since that time, I’ve collected even more tips for these popular RV helpers. Keep reading and see for yourself.
Why use magnets?
I like to use magnets because it often eliminates the need for nails or screws. Magnets are easily repositioned and are inexpensive and lightweight, as well.
Magnets
Match the magnet strength to the weight and motion expected. Neodymium (“rare-earth”) magnets are compact but very strong—great for hooks or bars—while coated magnetic hooks reduce scratching on painted surfaces.
Tips and tricks
• Drop a magnet into your shirt pocket when working on your RV. Brads, screws, and other small metal objects will “stick” to the outside of the pocket and conveniently remain at hand when needed.
• Swap screws on access panels for magnets to simplify maintenance. Just pull down the panel to access, then let the magnets snap it back into place.
• You can use small magnetic clips to hold small, twinkling lights on your RV awning. (Be sure to turn them off when going to bed.) The clips also work well affixed to inside windows.
• Keep magnets on your griddle or outdoor grill. Magnetic hooks will keep grilling utensils and potholders easily at hand.
• A long, magnetized bar sweeper can help you “sweep” your campsite for nails and other metal objects that can cause tire damage or danger to pets and children. This also helps locate any dropped washer or screw that falls under your RV.
• Apply small magnets securely to the side of a child’s plastic cup. The cup will adhere to the RV refrigerator and remain within their reach. [Not advised for very young children.]
• A telescoping magnetic pick-up tool can pick up many things attracted by the magnet. Use it to find metal nuts, bolts, screws, needles, pins, and more.
• A magnetic torpedo level will help you quickly level your RV. This one is lit and turns green when level, so you can check the level at a distance.
• Use a magnetic furnace vent cover to keep dust out of your vents during the off-season. There are several different types. Just remember to remove them when operating the furnace.
• A magnetic screen door allows the breeze to enter your RV while keeping bugs out. This one is specifically made for RVs and attaches with hook-and-loop fasteners for easy removal. The company also makes a compatible insulated thermal door for cold-weather camping.
• Prevent your RV’s seven-way electrical connection from falling to the ground with a magnetic hook. Just place the hook on your hitch or pin box and hook up the electrical cord.
• A magnet can help hitch up your rig. Check this one out.
• A magnetic flashlight holder can help you see when working on or under your rig. There are several configurations from which to choose here.
• Keep beach sand out of your RV with this magnetic tip. Attach magnetic hooks to the RV entry steps’ outside panel. Then hang sandals and flip flops on the hooks. A small towel hung here can help wipe residual sand off your feet.
• Show pride in your country with this magnetic flag mount. It conveniently attaches to your pin box or truck bed. It’s adjustable, too.
Do you use magnets when RVing? Tell us in the comments below.
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RVDT2870
I’ve used magnets to hold access doors in place at the base of our shower and in the water heater access so I can get to plumbing challenges in a big hurry – the magnets also help make these access panels more…uh…accessible.
Good tips here, Gail!
I’ve hung the outdoor sensor for our in/out thermometer inside our bumper mounted spare for several years using a strong magnet with a built-in carbineer clip. The spare has a white tire cover. Unless the rear of our trailer is directly facing the sun, the outdoor temp is reasonably accurate. The sensor gets plenty of airflow but is not exposed to rain or road slop.
In our tiny travel trailer I use a magnetic latching door stop to keep our bathroom door open when the bathroom is not in use or when driving. The cats’ litterbox is in the bathroom and the increased air circulation keeps the temp about the same as the main cabin.
I’m probably going to use magnetic propane tank level indicators.