low-cost rv hacks

low-cost rv hacks

Full-timers in the RV world (like me) are always on the lookout for low-cost rv hacks to improve their homes. Hack is such a funny word. In previous generations, it meant to chop up… or a taxi driver. But here, hacks are inexpensive solutions, with the alternative usage of common items.  Here are a few of our favorites, ones that make full-time living, extended trips, or even short stays in an RV easier and more organized.

Here are some of my favorite low-cost rv hacks… with links to more information in BLUE

1) MOISTURE CONTROL

Condensation is an ongoing problem. It doesn’t matter how big your rig is… when there are temperature fluctuations, you will have condensation in your rig. And, if left unchecked, it can lead to extensive mold… and the problems that bring. There are several ways to deal with condensation. Of course, keeping the windows open will help, but most times, you need a little more.

The first line of defense in order of economy are small desiccant packages — like the ones that come with items that are shipped to you. These are the little white packets that say “DO NOT EAT”. Start saving them. I seal them up in a small salsa jar, until ready to use. Tuck them inside drawers and cupboards. You can also order them HERE .. in a slightly larger size — and they are well worth it. I leave them in my car, too, if it is being stored or a while. THIS ONE runs about $10 for thirty food-safe packets.

low cost rv hacks

For larger RVS, more people, humidity, or more moisture-prone areas — you can use the larger packets:  SEE MORE HERE. 

But the best bet if you are full time is to invest in an electric de-humidifier. I run mine ALL the time, and have never had a mold problem. At under $70, it has been a great low-cost investment. I can’t tell you how many people I have met who thought they had it all under control until they lifted the bed or the sofa seat. Cheap insurance, and better for your health.

low-cost rv hacks

(That’s the Dude in the back…)

OH… and it is quiet too. I never hear it. Green light changes to orange when the tank needs to be emptied — about once a week. And s fingernail brush works great to keep the dust out of the intake/output grates.

2)  STORAGE

These are the best storage solution around, and one of my favorite low cost rv hacks.. I think college kids use them for moving. Made of recyclable material, I got four for under $28. Super lightweight, and they fold flat, with a zipper that goes across the top and down the side. 25 gal.capacity holds a LOT. What do I use them for? Extra blankets, out of season clothes, towels, shoes and boots, laundry, beach stuff, and my yarn — all fit into these great blue sacks. They are a perfect way to contain clutter and an excellent low-cost rv hack.

low-cost rv hacks

3) CLUTTER TIES

 

My personal favorite little do-dads. These come in a few different sizes. The ones shown are the 3″. Under $4 for 4. I use them to tie up all the cords for my chargers, printer, computer, etc. I have even used them to tie up my hair.

 
low-cost rv hacks

They also come in a MEDIUM SIZE – which are great for Extention cords, dog leashes, storing awning lights, amp cords and fishing rods, and a LARGE SIZE, which works well for hoses and …other large things.

I personally go for the ASSORTMENT — a size for everything.

4) CUT OUT SINGLE USE PLASTIC & PAPER

Want to save ton of space in the kitchen? Cut out single-use plastics and paper products. Not to mention, better for the environment. Fold flat, and super light weight.

I love mine. easy to use, easy to clean. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Leakproof. Best of all — I don’t have a drawer full of boxes of ziplock baggies. MORE INFO– CLICK HERE!

MORE along those lines: REUSEABLE BEESWAX FOODWRAP. My mom was the mom that wrapped our sandwiches in wax paper, neatly folding it like a little present. Problem was, you could never rewrap it. These are the modern version and they hold firmly. I use them for just about everything exept meat. Clean, easy to use, and they don’t take up much space and are lightweight. Definitely a great low cost RV hack.

As far as saving space in the kitchen, nothing has freed up more room than getting rid of paper towels and paper napkins. I get the set of 12 napkins, 100% cotton — because some will always be in the laundry basket! And there is something nice about a meal with cloth napkins. These are my Favorites:

And I have switched to a REUSEABLE UNPAPER TOWEL:

Reusable Unpaper Towels, Natural Loofah Sponges Pack 11, Highly Absorbent, Bamboo Paper Towel Washable Paperless Recycled Organic Cotton Napkins Bathroom Roll Cleaning Cloths Eco Friendly Zero Waste

Full-timers in the RV world (like me) are always on the lookout for low cost “hacks” to improve their homes. Hack is such a funny word. In previous generations, it meant to chop up… or a taxi driver. But here, hacks are inexpensive solutions, with the alternative usage of common items.  Here are a few of our favorites, ones that make full-time living, extended trips, or even short stays in an RV easier and more organized.

I hope you found these little low-cost rv hacks to be useful, inexpensive solutions, that make your RV lifestyle more organized– and more FUN!

And if you are looking  for the ultimate road trip — click HERE!

 

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I LOVE a good road trip!

I LOVE a good road trip!

Road Trip!! They are the best way to see the world. Whether it is loading the car up with a picnic hamper and a blanket, for a quick up the road to enjoy a sunny day, or a well planned, multi-stop adventure, they all make my heart skip a beat or two. As it is, you can see a lot of the country from a car, van or truck.

I have traveled a few miles, however still have some tread on my tires. Therefore, I am always looking for good trip ideas. And of course, I have an enormous fondness for the National Parks. Thank you President Roosevelt!

As it is, I didn’t make up this trip… or the map below. It was designed by an engineer, and has been featured on several websites. However, I thought it was a fantastic idea worthy of sharing!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is wordswag_1582225690409_200224102443-1.jpg

Enjoy the Best Trip EVER! The optimal road trip to the U.S. National Parks

BY Randal Olson

In total, this road trip spans 14,498 miles (23,333 km) of road and will take roughly 2 months if you’re traveling at a breakneck pace. I’ve designed this road trip to form a circle around the U.S., so you can hop on at any point and proceed whatever direction you like. Just make sure to follow the agenda from that point on if you want to follow the optimal route!…..

R, Olson

Because … Life is too short not to. So….Where Should I go Next??

I am looking forward to planning a National Parks trip of my own.  And… I found this handy ADVENTURE GUIDE that can help me document my trip. It’s a small travel-size book made for people who like adventures and who want to plan trips, and record their amazing visits to each of the 62 National Parks. There is space for taking notes and trip-planning, plus 62 full-color stickers to commemorate visits to each Park. Pretty Cool…. Check it out   HERE — along with a few other useful road trip items!

Check out my  LINK for cool Road Trip MUST HAVES!

Have you ever wondered about the freedom of the RV LIFESTYLE?? Click HERE for more.

Social Media Image Sizes Made Easy

Social Media Image Sizes Made Easy

Social Media Image Sizes

What are the new requirements for social media image sizes? If you are like most people, trying to remember this information is tough enough across all the platforms. But to make matters worse, they keep changing. And they are different for all the major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Pinterest, Linkedin, and YouTube. No wonder it is hard to keep straight!

On some platforms, your profile photo might partially eclipse your cover photo — blocking part of it. On others you might find yourself with different size options for different user devices.

Just like Shoes…ONE Size does NOT fit all…

To make sure all your photos and graphics were prepared with all the appropriate social media image sizes for all the different sections.. is a nightmare, to say the least. First, you have to look at where the image will be placed — post, profile, header, story, — and that is just the beginning. You also have to look at what the intended viewers will use– laptop, pc, mobile, etc. All of these are important factors in determining the correct size for your image.

To help sort this all out… you need a road map. However, help has arrived in the form of this handy dandy infographic, designed by Ever Increasing Circles. It lays out all the social media image sizes you need for the major social platforms— and all updated for 2020. (Bookmark this site, so you will know where to find it!)

Why do we care about using the correct sizes when posting to social media? Does it make a difference? The answer is YES… and for a number of reasons. For one thing, using the correct size maximizes visibility. However, images that are too big can slow down the time it takes to load…. and no one likes waiting. In addition, the best image sizes are different for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Pinterest, Linkedin, and YouTube. No wonder it is hard to keep straight!

social media image sizes

 

Most Common Knitting Abbreviations

Most Common Knitting Abbreviations

Knitting abbreviations — these are the most common ones that modern knitters use.  Sure… there are probably thousands more… but for the basics, I have tried to include the everyday knitting abbreviations.

When you first start to knit… It all looks like a foreign language. And still, as an experienced knitter, I am sometimes an unusual term or abbreviation that I find in a knitting pattern or book still STUMPS me.. There are too many to list all abbreviations here. Each knitting culture has its own stitches — so that the stitches you would find for Japanese knitting, would have some different stitches than Aran knitting. But these abbreviations, for the most part, are the most commonly used throughout the knitting world

MOST COMMON KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS

knitting abbreviations
knitting abbreviations
knitting abbreviations

To download a PDF of this chart, click HERE!

Knit Charts: Alternative to Text Instructions Publishers and authors also use stitch charts aside from using words to describe a pattern stitch. Stitch charts illustrate how a lace, color work or pattern will look once it is knitted. This means you can easily identify errors when using stitch charts

Hope you find these knitting abbreviations to be helpful!

Check out more knitting information, tips and techniques on my main KNITTING page. And Pick up your FREE pattern for the CANYON HAT HERE and the RIVER HAT HERE!    here is also a link on how to do the MAGIC LOOP technique that I used for the hat.

“…the number one reason knitters knit is because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting. Knitters are so compellingly clever that they simply can’t tolerate boredom. It takes more to engage and entertain this kind of human, and they need an outlet or they get into trouble.”

“Knitters just can’t watch TV without doing something else. Knitters just can’t wait in line, knitters just can’t sit waiting at the doctor’s office. Knitters need knitting to add a layer of interest in other, less constructive ways.”

― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

 

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day 45: and the beat goes on

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And the beat goes on... forever, I hope!   Lately, I have been enchanted by the rhythm of life.  I am not sure if it is because I spend so much time alone, that I  am becoming more aware of everyday rhythms around me... waves, squirrels, birds, traffic,...

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River Hat

River Hat

The River Hat is a versatile, mid-weight hat, knit up rather quickly in worsted. Easy to memorize basketweave stitch pattern, and perfect for solids, variegated and long stripes. Makes a great gift for anyone. Watch out though, they are addicting to knit!

This stitch pattern is a variation on the broken rib — just shifted to create a basket weave pattern. It uses only knit & purl stitches, and is quite simple to remember. This makes a great project for someone new to knitting and a breeze for those with more experience.

Size: 8” flat across, and 10″ tall (unstretched) — but stretchy enough to fit almost any head.

 

Materials Needed:

50-60 g. (90 – 120 yds) heavy worsted — sample was done in Lion Brand Fisherman’s

Needle: US8 36″ circular for Magic Loop, or 16″ circular and set of DPS needle or size needed to obtain soft drape and gauge

Gauge: 4.5 Sts per inch in Rib Pattern

Directions:

Cast on 80 Sts loosely, using a knitted cast on, cable cast on, or similar stretchy cast on. Divide for Magic Loop, or place marker for Start.

**Magic Loop How-To Video HERE  **

Ribbing: K2, P2 around for 8 rows.

Begin River Basket Weave Chart.

River Basket Weave Chart

river hat

Repeat 6 times, or until desired length, ending after Row 8.

Begin Decreases:
** If using short circular needle, switch to DPNs when needed

Row1: Knit 6, K2TOG, K2TOG around = 64 Sts
Row 2: Knit Around
Row 3: P2, K2, P2TOG, P2TOG, K2, P2, K2TOG, K2TOG Around = 48 Sts
Row 4: P2, K2 Around
Row 5: K2, K2TOG, K2TOG Around= 32 Sts
Row 6: Knit Around
Row 7: K2TOG Around =16 Sts
Row 8 K2TOG Around = 8 Sts

Break end leaving a long tail. Using needle, run tail around though the remaining 8 Sts, twice around, and pull tight. Pull yarn to inside of hat and tie off.

Weave in ends…. and enjoy!!

river hat

DOWNLOAD PATTERN HERE!

Supplies & Yarn Options for River Hat — CLICK HERE

Worsted Wool: Fisherman’s Wool

NEEDLES: 8US long –40″ circular needle for Magic Loop (see a short video on this page), –OR– a smaller 16″ circular needle and a set of corresponding US8 DPNs.

Ravelry Coupon Code: river hat

GO HERE to Order through Ravelry, and get updates automatically.

(Coupon applied automatically!)

 

river hat

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