by Laura Weaver

Since we live in our motorhome about two-thirds of the year, traveling from place to place, we often find ourselves in need of a clothesline.  Of course, the laundry facilities in most of the campgrounds we stay in have electric or gas dryers for our convenience.  However, there are occasions when using the dryer is neither feasible nor preferable.

One such occasion is when we have delicate or “special care” laundry, which should not be dried by machine.  It would be nice to be able to hang such items on a small clothesline.  Another example is when we have wet or damp bathing suits and beach towels that need to dry.  There is simply not enough space inside the motor home to hang these; and strewing them outside, about the campsite, over tree limbs or on picnic tables is an eyesore and the beach towels often do not dry thoroughly because of the lack of air circulation.

The same is true for car-wash towels and wet cleaning rags. Imagine the sour odor and risk of mildew by leaving these items in the bottom of the clothes basket instead of drying them out first until they can be washed.

Letting the bed sheets air dry after washing allows that clean, fresh-air scent to permeate throughout the motorhome.  The crisp feel if air-dried sheets makes a very comfortable bed in which to sleep.

Because we travel, we do not have access to a permanently placed clothesline.  Nor are we able to make use of an umbrella-type clothesline because, even though it folds up, it is still quite large and we do not have the space to store it and take it along with us.  It is also not a good idea to try to stick this type of clothesline into the ground at our different campsites because of not knowing exactly where the underground utilities are.

After deciding that we would benefit greatly by having some sort of an outdoor clothesline for our personal use, we came up with the idea to design one to fit our needs.  We used PVC pipe to make our travel clothesline.  It was actually quite simple to do.  Here’s how:

1)  Make a square frame out of the PVC pipe using 1- or 2-inch PVC connected by elbow joints at the four corners.

2)  Drill holes
through the two side sections of the frame and thread rope through the holes, knotting at the ends.  This is your clothesline.  You can make as many lines as you wish, spacing them evenly.  We’ve found six to be sufficient for our needs.

3)  Attach two PVC support bars along the back end of the frame via joint connectors.  At the other end of the support bars, attach elbow joints and short sections of PVC at the ends to make a hook to go over the back ladder of the motorhome.

This travel clothesline comes apart easily for storage purposes.  When not in use, it can be tied up to the back ladder using stretchy cords instead of extended out.

PVC pipe has become almost as useful as duck tape.  The uses are numerous.  First, we built a framework to support our slide-out awning to prevent water from pooling.  Now, we’ve designed a make-shift clothesline.  With a little imagination, some creativity, and perseverance, PVC pipe can meet a lot of our motorhome needs.

Related articles:

• What’s wrong with having a clothesline? (timesunion.com)
• Petition to Stop the Clothes Line Ban……. (thepetitionsite.com)

by Laura Weaver

We recently purchased our motorhome after much thought and discussion.  We were very happy with this decision, as well as with the sales staff at the dealership.  The support staff answered our many questions and showed us how everything worked.  However, we were quite surprised to find out that our new motorhome did not come equipped with items we needed.  Following is a list of additional purchases that we had to make in order to be able to use our motorhome safely, effectively and efficiently.

1.  Water Pressure Valve.  This item is extremely important to have, as it regulates the fluctuating water pressure in campgrounds.  If you do not use a water pressure valve, you risk having all of your plumbing “blown out” when water pressure is too strong.  This relatively inexpensive item can be attached either directly at the campsite water source or into your rig’s water intake system.

2.  White Hose.  This particular item is used strictly for your drinking water/water supply.  The white-colored hose does not have the rubbery taste that your typical green garden hose has.  It is available in different lengths; obviously, the longer lengths are more expensive than the shorter ones.  A 25-foot hose is usually sufficient, although carrying an extra 10-foot section is advised, as the location of water supplies at different campsites vary.

3.  Water Filter.  This affordable canister simply screws between your rig’s water intake and the white hose.  It filters out debris effectively for several weeks at a time.

4.  Power Cord.  Most motorhomes come already equipped with an electric power cord, although some do not.  They come in 50-amp and 30-amp sizes and, though vital, are somewhat expensive.   Make certain you have the correct size for your rig’s performance.

5.  Electric Cord Adapter.  This item is absolutely necessary to have if your rig has a 50-amp power cord (as most late-model motorhomes have).  Some campgrounds only offer 30-amp service.  The 50-amp cord can not plug into a 30-amp power supply.  The electric cord adapter solves this problem.  Simply plug one end of this adapter into your 50-amp cord and the other end into the 30-amp power supply.


6.  Electric Power Meter.  As in the differing water pressures from campground to campground, the electric power also varies.   Once your motorhome is plugged into the campsite’s power supply, plug the electric power meter into any outlet inside the rig and check the easy-to-read gauge.  If the needle is in the green range, you have the correct power.  If the needle is in the low red range, you don’t have enough and could blow a fuse; if in the high red range, you have too much power which can “fry” your electric appliances and cause a fire.  This very inexpensive item is a must when traveling from campground to campground.

7.  Sewer Hose.  This necessity comes in an easy-to-assemble kit, complete with connectors.  Prices range from $15 to $75, depending on the length, thickness, and quality.  Additional lengths of accordion-style hose can be attached, as the need arises.

8.  Holding Tank Chemicals.  These come in a variety of products ranging from liquid to tablet and, like cleaning products, are at the sole discretion of your personal preference.

9.  Power Jet Sprayer.  It is recommended to use this hand-held wand when cleaning your commode holding tank to keep your rig as sanitary as possible.

10.  Ladder.  This common implement is often overlooked until it is actually needed.  It is necessary to have a ladder (at least 6-feet) in order to wash the windshield and mirrors of your motorhome, as well as for reaching patio and slide-out awnings.

I hope that this list of these ten essential items, which are not included in your motorhome package, helps you be able to use your RV safely, effectively, and efficiently.

We absolutely love camping in our motorhome.  The opportunity to travel and explore different areas of our country is a blessing.  We take pleasure in communing with nature and appreciate the simple things in life.

As much as we enjoy camping, we have found a number of must-have “luxury” items.  Though these are not absolutely necessary to have an enjoyable time, they enhance our camping experience very comfortably.

Patio mats come in very handy at a campsite which doesn’t have a concrete patio.  They help prevent dirt from being tracked into your clean motorhome.  They also are a means to keep your feet dry in wet, dewy grassy areas.  They are made of a special mesh material which dries quickly, doesn’t mold or mildew, and doesn’t kill the grass.  They come in a variety of colorful patterns to fit your personal style.

Outdoor chairs are essential for comfortable camping.  They range from fold-out canvas types to the director-style with attached tray to simple webbed folding chairs.  The most comfortable is the zero-gravity recliner which has a built-in headrest pillow and conforms to your body shape.  This chair is so relaxing that we have actually fallen asleep in it.

Outdoor lighting gives a comfortable glow to your campsite after dark.  Patio lights which connect to your awning are very festive and colorful.  Track/rope lighting used to outline the ground of your patio area gives enough illumination to prevent you from tripping over obstacles.  Solar garden lanterns provide ample light during the darkest of nights when they are placed strategically around your RV.  For more direct lighting, a gas lantern or rechargeable spotlight is beneficial.


No camping excursion is complete without the ability to cook your meals outdoors.  A portable grill is perfect for this.  Portable grills can be placed on top of a picnic table, be free-standing with built-in cart, or simply be placed on the ground.  They can be fueled by charcoal or propane, depending on your preference.  Whichever type of portable grill you choose, rest assured the meal will taste delicious, as nothing stimulates the appetite more than food being grilled outdoors.

These are just a few of the “tried and true” luxuries we enjoy on our camping trips.  Each excursion, we add to these items in order to make our experience as comfortable as we want it to be.

Just click here to find a great selection of camping toilets.

You must ensure that it is maximum odor free, waterless, lightweight and compact. There are many portable camping toilets that can be folded up and carried easily with your other gear. In fact, many manufacturers offer a combo deal with a discounts on portable toilets if you buy tents and other accessories from them too.

You will need the special disposable bags that come with portable toilets. There are special privacy tents that come in special backpacks if you want to set up a separate toilet tent next to your main one too. Look for waste bags from a good manufacturer.

The bags should be patented to be used for human waste removal. Always look for biodegradable environment-friendly disposable bags though. These bags come with a special powder too to check odor. Some bags are meant for use twice or three times but you may decide if you want to use each disposable bag only once. You can also put the toilet paper right in the bag itself for disposing.

You must buy a camping toilet from a verified manufacturer on the Internet that offers some guarantee, has a return and privacy policy and can give you a good product. You can check if you will be assigned a place near to the washrooms at the campsite and may not need the toilet at all. If you are placed really far from the on-site toilet, you must make suitable preparations. Even otherwise, going to a camping toilet alone in the middle of the night may not be very safe.

Even if you don’t want to buy a camping toilet, you can make one at home by only getting the waste disposable bags. Sawdust and cat litter are the best options to use for checking odor.

When it comes to saving money on your next camping trip, there are a number of different approaches that you can take. One of the first approaches is examining how you plan on camping. For instance, are you interested in camping in an RV or in a tent?  As nice as RV camping is, it can be expensive. Gasoline often costs more money for an RV than a traditional car or truck.  If you have yet to purchase an RV, it is important to know that it is much cheaper to camp in a tent than it is to buy an RV or even just rent one.

Another one of the many ways that you can go about saving money on your next camping trip is when you buy your camping equipment.  If you have gone camping before, there is a good chance that you already have most of the needed camping equipment, like tents, sleeping bags, and coolers.  If you need to buy camping equipment, you may want to look into buying your supplies from discount camping stores or department stores.  If at all possible, you may want to see if you can borrow your camping equipment from a friend or a family member.

Another tip to keep in mind, when buying your camping equipment, is that standard equipment will likely do. Of course, you will want to purchase a tent that is large enough, as well as one that is waterproof, but the design shouldn’t have to matter as much.  It is your decision if you would like to purchase a fancy camping tent or a fancy sleeping bag, but you may be able to save a considerable amount of money by going with standard items instead.  For used camping equipment, which may be much more cheaper, you may want to keep an eye on your local yard sales or examine online auction websites.

In keeping with the supplies that you will need for your next camping trip, you will also need to bring along food, snacks, and drinks.  If you are planning your next camping trip in advance, you may want to start stocking up on some of the supplies that you will need. What you will want to do is keep an eye on your local supermarkets and any sales that they may have.  Most chips, cookies, crackers, meats when frozen, and drinks, will stay good for a few months or even longer.  This means that you should be able to buy your food, snacks, and drinks while they are on sale and then save them for your camping trip. When buying all of your food, drinks, and snacks on sale, you should be able to save a considerable amount of money on your next camping trip.

Another one of the many ways that you can save money on your next camping trip is by carefully choosing which campground park you choose to camp at. In the United States, you can find an unlimited number of campground parks.  No matter where you live, you should have a number of parks to choose from. While these parks are not all the same, you may want to closely examine the cost of them. Camping at an affordable campground park is a great way to save money on your next camping trip. As a reminder, the more activities accesses you have, like boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and so forth, the more costly a campground is likely to be.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many steps that you can take to save money on your next camping trip.  As a reminder, camping is considered an affordable recreational activity, but if you are not careful, it can get fairly expensive.

As for the benefits of owning a picnic table, you will find that there are a number of them.  One of the many benefits to owning a picnic table is it makes outdoor eating, as well as hosting outdoor picnics and backyard barbeques easier.  There is nothing like having a place to sit when you eat outside.  Picnic tables can not only help you keep your guests happy, but they can also help reduce the number of messes associated with outdoor picnics, as you and all of your guests actually have a surface to place all of your plates and foods on.

Since there are a number of benefits to owning and using a picnic table, you may be looking to purchase one.  If this is your first time buying a picnic table, you may be unsure as to how you can go about getting started.  If that is the case, you will want to continue reading on. Just a few of the many ways that you can go about buying a picnic table are outlined below for your convenience.

If you are interested in buying a picnic table locally, you may want to examine your local department stores. Many department stores, especially those that are large in size, have a home and garden department.  A home and garden department is where you should be able to find picnic tables available for sale. What is nice about buying your next picnic table from one of your local department stores is that most department stores are known for their affordable prices.  Perhaps, the only downside to buying a picnic table from one of your local department stores is the selection, as it usually isn’t very large.

In keeping with shopping locally, another one of your options involves visiting one of your local home and garden stores. What is nice about home and garden stores is that they tend to specialize in home improvement projects, such as outdoor landscaping and so forth.  If your local home and garden store is relatively large in size, you may have as many as ten or more picnic tables to choose from.  This often gives you more freedom.  It is also important to mention that having a larger selection of picnic tables to choose from makes it easier for you to find a picnic table that you like, but also one that you can easily afford.

In addition to visiting your local home and garden stores and department stores, you may also be able to find for sale picnic tables when you least expect to.  In the United States, there are many individuals who have a love for woodwork, which includes making picnic tables. Whether you are driving home from work or are on your way back home from running errands, you may want to be on the lookout for individuals who make and sell picnic tables themselves. These individuals often have picnic table for sale signs by the side of the road or even a few sample picnic tables.

In addition to doing your picnic table shopping locally, you should also be able to find picnic tables online. When doing so, you have a number of different options.  Picnic tables can often be found for sale on online auction websites, online home and garden stores, as well as on websites that are run by individuals and companies that specialize in making and selling picnic tables.  Shopping online for a picnic table is nice, as it often gives you the largest selection of products to choose from. With that in mind, it is important that you carefully examine the cost of shipping and handling, as it can occasionally be quite high.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options when it comes to buying a picnic table.  Whether you are interested in owning a picnic table for your own personal use or for when you plan on entertaining friends, you may want to start examining all of your options.

If this is your first time attempting to buy a picnic table, your first though may be to head on down to your local home and garden store. While this approach is more than doable, you may want to take the time to find the perfect picnic table for yourself. What you need to remember about picnic tables, especially those that will be fixated in your backyard, is that they are not only a place for you and your guests to eat at.  Picnic tables and their appearance can also say a lot about yourself and the quality of your home. That is just one of the many reasons why you may want to take your time when looking to buy your first picnic table.

One of the best ways to ensure that the picnic table you do choose to buy is the one that is best for you and your needs is by taking a number of important factors into consideration.  One of those factors is what you plan to use your picnic table for. This factor is important, as it may have an impact on what type of picnic table you choose to buy, as well as how many you do end up buying.  If you are looking to have a picnic table for recreational purposes, in your own backyard, it should be much easier for you to buy a picnic table for yourself than it would be if you were looking to buy a picnic table for commercial purposes.

Size is another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to buy a picnic table for yourself. This factor works in conjunction with your intended picnic table uses.  For instance, if you have a large family or if you regularly plan on hosting backyard get togethers, you may want to get more than one picnic table or at least one that is large in size.

Picnic table designs are another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, should you decide to buy a picnic table for yourself or your home.  You should know that picnic tables come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles.  In addition to coming a wide range of different colors, as well as being made with a number of different materials, you should be able to find picnic tables that come in different formats.  Most standard picnic tables come as one piece, but it is possible to find three piece picnic tables. These are picnic tables where the seating benches are often separated from the table itself.

Cost is another factor that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to buy a picnic table. When examining picnic tables, you will find that they are sold for a wide range of prices.  Often times, you will find that cost of picnic tables tends to depend on two main factors. These factors include where you purchase your picnic table from, as well as the style you choose to buy.  Even if you are on a budget, you should be able to find a picnic table that you can afford. This may involve a little bit of research and price comparison, but it should be more than possible for you to find quality, yet affordable picnic tables.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, should you decide to buy a picnic table for your backyard. When it comes to making your purchase, you may want to examine your local department stores, home and garden stores, or you can use the internet.