By Cheri Sicard
The video below from Chris of Why Wait (one of my new favorite RV YouTube channels) shows some quick, easy, and inexpensive RV hacks that yield BIG functionality results.
Let’s dive right in and explore Chris’ RV hacks
RV Hack #1: Quieter pocket door closing
Chris says the pocket door in their RV bathroom, which has a magnetic latch, makes noise when you close it, enough to wake up others who might be sleeping. He fixed this with a tiny piece of felt. It’s small enough that the magnet catch still works, but no more noise!
RV Hack #2: Bedroom door lock
Need some privacy? Chris shows just how simple it is to add a lock to your bedroom door (or bathroom door, for that matter). He also shares a storage-from-nothing idea that’s especially useful in the bathroom, where you can hang wet towels to dry out of sight of the rest of the rig.
RV Hack #3: Under-mattress struts
After replacing their crummy RV factory mattress with a much heavier residential mattress several years ago, Chris discovered the hydraulic struts that lift up the bed to reveal storage were not strong enough to hold the extra weight. The solution? Replace with heavy-duty struts he found on Amazon.
RV Hack #4: Under bathroom sink shelving
The video will show you how to instantly increase your bathroom storage capacity using inexpensive shelving and Command hooks.
RV Hack #5: Premarked tape measure for easy slide-out setup
Chris keeps a premarked tape measure in his truck at all times. He says it’s handy when he gets to camp, as he has premarked the measurements he needs for all of his slides. Bust out the tape measure and know exactly how far to extend the slides.
RV Hack #6: Exterior Command hooks
Chris likes to use Command hooks on the outside of his rig as well as inside. In winter, they hang wreaths and other decorations; in the summer, the hooks provide a great place to hang wet towels.
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Replacing the struts on the bed is a good idea. However, make sure they are not too strong. There is a chance that they will rip out the screws out on the frame of the under bed storage framework, or actually crack the wood.
If changing to heavier struts, secure a piece of 1/2 inch plywood from the top frame all the way to the floor. Not so much of a problem lifting the mattress as it is lowering it.
After getting a heavier mattress I replaced the gas struts with an electric bed lift, shown in the video. My wife loves it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=FAdqJGws-PA
This article made me smile. Our small RV has NO pocket door, NO bedroom door (no bedroom,) NO struts, NO bathroom sink, & NO slideouts. I might try the outside command hooks though! 🙂
Thank you for calling attention to the video and summarizing it, Cheri! Good stuff here. Do have to give credit to our RV manufacturer Newmar in that the factory installed bed has been so good, sleeps so well, that we have no thought of replacing it. Have a great day and safe travels!
When I get elderly I’ll pre mark a tape measure for slide out minimum distances.