Tips/Apps/Hacks and Gadgets for your RV life

[@nancyskean6425]

Love your videos, especially the tricks and hacks. I am 62 years old and through you I have learned to tie my shoes better and to crack an egg on a flat surface rather than the edge of the bowl! Just goes to show you, it’s never too late to learn! Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@kerenjones8204]

tying shoe laces and google map camp sites were great ideas. thank you so much.

[@ryanbirr1668]

This is the first I've heard of using google maps that way. Thanks for the demo!

[@laureldreinking]

I especially appreciate the pants alert. I tend to wear pajama bottoms around the house, which drives my family crazy. But the pjs are so comfy! I'll check out the men's pants. Also, your explanations are so clear, concise, and on topic. Thanks so much.

[@joanmcerlean7158]

OMG I am so happy to have a new way to tie my shoes. I ALWAYS have to double knot. The new way you showed looks much better and will be so much easier to untie. Thanks Debbie!

[@etheleklund3946]

Fantastic tip using google maps! Thank you so much for modeling how to use this!

[@KARLADORNACHER]

I just bought Airstream Interstate 19 van and am so ready to learn all I can so thank you Debbie for the great tips! Especially love the google maps tip... very helpful!

[@FromShetoMe]

You are so welcome. Here to help if you need anything.

[@brookvalley907]

I'm new to your channel. I came over from Ultramobility. Thanks for having a well thought-out Playlist section. I didn't think that you would have anything on a year-old channel, but it is one of the best organized that I have seen.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks and welcome. Neil is responsible for us buying the Pleasure Way. It's been a sharp learning curve on all this youtube stuff. I know I have a long way to go to get to the quality I want but learning is the fun part for me.

[@thoughtsinpassing2968]

Brothers through out life always seem to come in handy. Thanks for sharing your new discoveries !

[@FromShetoMe]

I was very lucky that my brothers let me tag along on their adventures.

[@rhondaw.8097]

I SO agree with you about womens pockets...a pet peeve of mine too!

[@rvitiarvrentals164]

Well this is one of the best videos I've ever seen! Thank you for sharing it with us. :)

[@JamieLouther]

Great timing. Good video. We just returned from a camping trip this evening. During this trip I had added “research code reader” to my reminders. I really enjoy your content. Don’t change a thing.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much!

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

I love the shoe lace thing! We are new RV owners and I am watching all the videos I can. Thanks for all the hacks and tips.

[@pamelamatteucci8453]

Thanks for all the great tips! We’ve used so many of the gadgets and tips you’ve shared! You’re my hero!!🤗

[@FromShetoMe]

+Pamela Matteucci 😘

[@edwardmoran1739]

Thanks, you Dad must have been a NASA engineer !! You really search for optimum solutions to everything.

[@FromShetoMe]

The whole family is a bunch of tinkerers.

[@barba5537]

One of the best helpful tips.

[@markreynolds9570]

Great tip on the google map use. Thanks

[@christineryan7522]

Just found your videos and appreciate what you’re doing. Thanks!! We live in our RV full time and love hearing your ideas.

[@pauletteh7578]

WOW, so happy I found you!!! I'll be watching for your next video, but in the meantime I'll watch the ones I've missed!!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks and welcome!

[@rebelm1133]

I've been wearing boy's/men's jeans, shorts, sweats since a teen & hem as needed❣

[@bobherzog3235]

Hi Debbie, we are really enjoying your presentations and trips, Thanks! Along with Slim Potatohead, You and John's channel are occupying most of our time about all things RV. My wife took notice of your blue shoes you were wearing when you demonstrated the unique way to lace the bow. I know that the shoes were not a featured segment, but could you tell us what are they called, who is the maker, etc. Thanks, Bob.

[@FromShetoMe]

Google “Remonte Tex”. I actually found a few sizes available on the Nordstrom Rack site.

[@donnawalt219]

Nice info on Google maps. As for the code reader, I've never heard of someone installing it permanently. Most people only connect it after their vehicle's check engine light comes on indicating that there is a code to read. Until the light comes on it usually lives out of the way, possibly in the glove compartment. That said, you did a great job accommodating the space required for the code reader by cutting out a nice notch in the door. :)

[@FromShetoMe]

You're probably right. At least I won't lose it if it stays right there.

[@seabliss22]

I keep a spray bottle of vodka under my kitchen cabinet. It's great to spray my fresh veggies and fruits with to kill all mold and parasites. Helps it last longer. Of course soaking them in baking soda water does the same thing but who has the time for that or wants to waste water.

[@FromShetoMe]

+seabliss22 Great idea. Thanks.

[@mimitravels710]

Great tips for google maps. Thanks

[@bsjcook]

Some really good tips ... and what a GREAT Bro you have! Keep 'em coming!

[@FromShetoMe]

+bsjcook 😂

[@frankp5786]

Great video with some really great tips! Thank you Debbie!

[@TUNITMOM]

You always provide great information and honest reviews. Regarding over night camping on your trips, have you ever looked into Harvest Host sites? It’s a yearly membership but the accommodations in wineries, farms, museums and other private owned businesses looks fascinating. And I believe there are many locations out west where you are. Harvest Host...check it out. Happy and safe travels.

[@FromShetoMe]

We had a membership all last year and didn’t use it once. The 2 times I tried, they said they had no availability.

[@TUNITMOM]

From She to Me Oh...I guess that is one of the downfalls of Harvest Host, they host locations only accept 1-2 reservations at a time. Sounds like it got very popular with travelers. But the locations look amazing if you can get a reservation.

[@roseprairiefarm3506]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I really enjoyed my visit to learn something new..

[@craigcarman354]

Well done. I like the mid-point usage of the map. You can make your shoelace look neater so it ends up in a natural horizontal across your foot by either starting with the other loop first, which will probably feel in-natural after doing it a certain way for a lifetime. Or, you can more easily change your base overhand knot. Reverse the way you tie the overhand knot before you make the loops. If you tie right over left just change to left over right. My awareness of this knot tying detail came from my Boy Scout pioneering (knot tying & rope usage) merit badge training. The “lay” of the rope, the twist in the rope and the direction or orientation of the rope or knot changes not only your perspective of the knot but also the result that includes the natural “lay” of the knot. You may find, as I do, that the horizontal knot stays tied better as well and can be a very tiny point of pride in being well dressed. Of course, doesn’t matter much. If you are like me, I really just like knowing things I didn’t know before. I enjoyed your video. Thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

+Craig Carman Especially in those shoes because the lace is just decorative. There is a zip on the side. I do try to make the adjustment when wrapping a gift but you are right about breaking habits developed over a lifetime. Most of my shoes these days are slip on. 😁

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Thanks for the Google Maps tip - I need to practice it.

[@dianeneary4672]

Thanks for the helpful video!

[@MarciaBaldwin]

Great tips. Thank you !

[@lindadiener8716]

What a great video! Google maps, wow, who knew. Thanks so much

[@lisamorand9607]

They look great on you. You could have been a model. Always cross over to mens stuff, new and thrift and think outside the box. love the tins, square shape better space saving. My hubby loves gadgets and tools has a big code reader and sensor code came up on the ford escape and it was a common complaint these cars have and the small part he got easy to put in and fixed the stalling. Excellent explanation of google for blm.

[@jennyfagan7337]

just want to let you know we bought the little mini USB fan you recommended we are in hot humid Iowa headed to Idaho and that little fan is a lifesaver!

[@FromShetoMe]

Excellent. Glad it is working out.

[@lauracrowley6948]

Those pants were great. They were very flattering. Your spice containers are perfect. I use old medicine containers but they don't look as nice as yours. And a brilliant suggestion for finding campsites. I did not know how to use google maps to that extent. Thank you for all the tips and ideas you willing share with all of us. I love how you have a problem and always look to find a solution. I'm off to Target!

[@FromShetoMe]

Play around with Google maps and if you have any problems, let me know.

[@lauracrowley6948]

@@FromShetoMe Went straight to Target and while I could not find the pants you were wearing, I did find another pair in the men's department that I really liked. An excellent tip!! Thanks so much.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@lauracrowley6948 Excellent. I actually ordered a couple pair on line as they often are short on stock.

[@nancyhowland5584]

You really are quite helpful, thank you 👍

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

BTW - as you might guess, knowing the codes when your car has quit all of a sudden is a big help in planning a "work-around" for the vacation. We have used code retrieval (w/o a card reader) multiple times.

[@FromShetoMe]

I think our work around is calling AAA.

[@LesterGreenberg802]

Love your channel. We are just looking at getting our first RV - Class B. There are OBDII extensions that are available. Very easy and cheap. See Amazon. Keep these coming. BTW, your Alaska series was the best one yet I have seen. Thanks for the hard work and valuable info.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. When we were looking for a rig, it would have been nice to find a show that just had small rigs. Would have made it so much easier. Happy hunting.

[@sunnybrown987]

I have been thinking that I wanted a van with an induction stovetop, but I love your solution for no oven. Is it correct that stovetop oven substitute will only work on a LP cooktop? Debbie thanks for all your videos!

[@FromShetoMe]

I suppose if you have a large bank of batteries, induction would be a good option. With only 200 AmpHours, I like having options. Not sure which stove top oven you are referring but the Omnia oven works great on gas, but would not work on induction. I don’t think it would work well on a griddle either. But you could get a separate single burner gas stove to operate the Omnia.

[@davidloose]

Nice video! You gave away the secret to my infamous “daddy knot“… I saw that years ago, and ever since I’ve always tied my kids shoes that way! Not to mention, my own shoes! It works great.

[@FromShetoMe]

I wish I'd learned it a long time ago!

[@tj4034]

I think that Blue driver code reader draws power even if the ignition key is turned off. So if you aren't going to use your van for a while I would put the blue driver in the glove box.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good point for those who leave their vehicles parked. We drive the van to the beach frequently and we'll be heading out again very soon.

[@deniseracine6788]

Those shoes are cute!

[@mariatrapp6196]

I gave up on women's shorts. Going to the mens department. I want a little longer short (for hiking) with good pockets!!! Although I would love to know where you got the shorts you are wearing in the photo you show at AZ.14:36?? : And I also learned to tie shoes that way! I was a soccer mom and too many times when my boys were little they kept having their laces undone in a game. Even when I double knotted. Until another mom showed me that same trick. She called it the "soccer tie". And as a runner I add the step of tucking any athletic shoe laces (bc they're longer) when done tieing into the criss cross section on top of the tongue of the shoe so you won't accidentally catch your foot in the loops that hang over. (Which happened to me in training. My right toe of shoe caught in my left shoe loop and I went down hard!)

[@FromShetoMe]

The short pants were made by Columbia. They carried them for several years. I have now resorted to sewing my own pockets onto jeans. Just discovered a brand on Amazon called Baleaf. They have a loose fitting style with great phone pockets. Love them. Also have shorts with same pockets you can wear under a dress.

[@SSKnerrTN]

I love Peak Design; use a lot of their products. :-) Great tips, hacks, and gadgets!

[@pattimessenger6214]

I hear you on the tiny pockets in women’s clothes! I like to wear a cover shirt over t-shirts, and I found that Dickey’s has a fantastic denim men’s work shirt with pockets large enough to carry a cell phone.

[@wanttoplae]

You go girl! Awesome mod with the dremel.

[@sunnybluesky440]

Hi! I had heard that leaving some code readers attached will drain the battery faster. Keep an eye on it and let us know.

[@j94shore]

Always look forward to your great videos! 😊 Yes, boys & men’s pants are so much better! I cannot stand shallow pockets either. I also buy shoes in the kids dept. They are cheaper and wear great! I wear a women’s 7.5 and in kids I wear a 5.5 or 6 depending on the shoe.😬

[@FromShetoMe]

+J-9 Mattocks Oh if I didn’t have such big feet...😊

[@deniseb.6007]

Hi, Debbie, I know that you discussed your bed not retracting in a video but I cannot seem to find it. Do you recall what your dealer replaced on your Sofa/Bed system tonwork properly? Ours is stuck in the bed position! Thank you, Denise

[@FromShetoMe]

So sorry to hear that. I’ve emailed you the link.

[@deniseb.6007]

@@FromShetoMe Thank you! Got it. Much appreciated and safe travels.

[@mvIntuition]

Another solution for the OBDII challenge on Sprinters is to purchase an extension cable. We found that it allows you the flexibility to move the Bluetooth adapter around enough to close that door (without having to cut anything). Here's a link to a cable on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Diageng-Profile-Right-Extension-Ribbon/dp/B00EECXAY8/ Thanks for the tip on Google Maps!

[@FromShetoMe]

How interesting. I had no idea. This is why I love having a channel; I learn so much.

[@mvIntuition]

@@FromShetoMe FWIW we have an old-fashioned blog where we post some tips on what we've done with our two Pleasure-ways. www.svIntuition.blogspot.com

[@deborahfont8697]

Great tips. Our code reader doesn't have to stay in but is not android friendly. Love the other ideas.

[@michaellowrey8159]

You probably got a better code reader, but eBay sells them (usa sellers) for a lot less. Most use the Torque app. My Kia has ssme issue with face plate. Haven't cut mine out. Mine also works with my after market andriod radio.

[@FromShetoMe]

I wanted one that allowed you to turn off certain codes. Perhaps yours does that as well.

[@leslieharding6246]

Love your tips...we will be including them into our new B+. Just curious...what brand of toilet paper are you using in the Ascent?

[@FromShetoMe]

We use that really thin Scott that I hate. The fit RV did a whole video on TP. Best advice is keep it out of the toilet.

[@mdsju2mia]

I've heard of another RVer who when putting up her unit in a cold area, used cheap vodka.She preferred it. ::

[@lorraineanderson149]

Don't you just love Dremels?! I use mine all the time to fix things. Fantastic tips for traveling!!

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

I have the Blue Driver _ I have not needed its help yet. The device stays in the center console of our car and the software is on our iPad.

[@tarac5137]

Great tips! I am a “small person” and like to shop the girls / boys (as long as I keep my weight in check 😄). Thanks for the shoe lace tip, I have a pair of shoes the right one is always coming undone. Also appreciated the Google Maps one.

[@NicoVeenkamp]

One of the apps most used in Europe to find parking spots is park4night. It is a French app but has a choice for English. I just checked and it also has places to park in the US. Maybe you can check it out. It is an app that is mainly driven by information added by users. Recommended.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out.

[@thoughtsinpassing2968]

The little tins of spices would take up even less space if magnets or Velcro was attached to the bottom and they were located inside a cabinet door or in a different spot handy but less visible.

[@FromShetoMe]

My first tins had magnets on the bottom that I had hoped would stay attached to the stainless steel sheet that is above the stove top. The magnets weren't strong enough. I suppose I could find some super strong ones on line and may do that down the road.

[@NorthernExposureATV]

Lol pockets 😂 your hands are in our pockets most of the time anyways 😂

[@jhwhit4]

Are you wearing socks or sock slippers in the men’s pants segment? Can you share where you got them?

[@FromShetoMe]

Those are socks (my favorite brand) made by Balega. One of the reasons I like them so much is that I wear a size 9 1/2 (US). Most sock brands break their medium to large at 9.5 which makes them too snug and then the large too big. Balega sizing is slightly different. Just wanted to bring that to your attention. They are also quite comfy and come in a zillion color combinations. I usually buy them on line but REI sells them as well. Some running shops have them too.

[@jhwhit4]

Thanks for kindly sharing useful info. Love your practical ideas. You are much more than a rv traveller.

[@FromShetoMe]

As I say, “Jack of all trades, master of my universe.”

[@Peter-976]

Really neat camera gadget. Would it be easier if it were fastened lower or maybe on a pants belt?

[@FromShetoMe]

Unfortunately, my pack didn't allow me to place it lower but that would be better (if the female anatomy allows it). And if you wear a belt, as most guys do, that would be quite handy.

[@Peter-976]

@@FromShetoMe lol, sorry, didn`t think about the anatomy part😂 Maybe fastened to a fanny pack might work though?

[@FromShetoMe]

@@Peter-976 That's a good idea!

[@deniseracine6788]

I own the Peak Design capture and love it! Alot of times I wear a messenger bag and clip the camera low on the strap, just above the bag. This way the camera is easily on hand and the weight rests on the bag when I am not using it.

[@deewhite0612]

Typo alert Gafgets? Or was a deliberate mistake? Great video.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. I guess my eyes are getting pretty bad. Thanks!

[@dougmanck4149]

I believe vodka (alcohol) can damage various gaskets, seals, fittings sort of things which might be part of your plumbing system.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thankfully we don’t have to winterize.

[@seabliss22]

I was thinking the same thing

[@RoadsofLife]

It took almost 58 years to learn how to tie my shoes properly! :-D Thanks for all you do!!

[@jinaw1557]

The Google Maps tip is great! However, it does not work on the Google Maps web page in a browser; it only works in the Google Maps app on a smart phone or a tablet. Strange that Google handles this so different on different platforms. I also would like to point out FreeCampsites.net. You can plan a tour there and it shows you all free campsites between places - and i. e. between Flagstaff and Page in Arizona it finds many more places than Google Maps.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the tip. I'll check out freecampsites.net.

[@20cbwestiesden50]

Do you know why Silver Lake Campground is permanently closed?

[@FromShetoMe]

I think it is just closed for the winter. If you've heard otherwise, let me know and I will check with the USFS.

[@lacsa727]

Hi, New Subbie!Thanx for your Invite. I'm in the RIGHT VLOG! I LUV GADGETS! Like U said..Anything to simplify Life Lol. OUCH! $99.00 thats ALOT of Mula. I got the Car Health Monitor called FIXD. My son loves his; it helped him out when he had Car problems(he's an UBER driver; alot of wear on his nice car) he monitors the performance with it and it gives him Awesome tips on how to save money on the life of his vehicle. Hiii John I seee Uuuuuu LOL Oh Wow that Clip is Perfect for my Son's Camera (surprise gift indeed!) Thank-U Sooo Much! for that GOOGLE Tutorial I always wondered how to do that. When I was T-h-i-n (A long looong time Agoooo! I use to buy clothes in the Kids Department (The secret is out of the bag! nowww)LOL TFS Luved this Video :o)

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks and welcome. Yes, there are lots of good monitors out there and they can be so helpful, especially for being able to speak to a mechanic and not sounding completely ignorant.

[@beatniksvintage]

I can't believe I haven't seen that Google Maps tip! I've watched every channel on rving and I've been full-time for a year; this was the first I've heard of it. And those men's pants! Love!! Thanks so much!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. I just stumbled into it on one of our road trips.

[@Josef_R]

One of my work boots won't stay tied. The boots are side zippered, so I was gonna have to squirt some super glue on the knot. I just used your tie.

[@Josef_R]

Well, unfortunately, that lasted one day before they untied.

[@FromShetoMe]

Sounds like your boots use leather shoe strings.

[@TheYankmchain]

What is a Gafget?

[@FromShetoMe]

It's someone in a hurry. ;-))

[@Propelled]

Vodka dries out rubber components and is flammable. Not a great idea! As for great pants for women, check out Duluth. Very VERY functional pants, cut for women. And to tie your laces, just run the bows in a square knot after tying the bow. The reason for this is because you can grab the square knot top and untie it with one pull, easy peasy.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thankfully we don't have to winterize. I have a pair of Duluth shorts that I like very much. I still find their pockets to be too short though.

[@samanthadodd8112]

Funny. All my workout pants are men from target....lol

[@FromShetoMe]

That is similar to something my mom would say when we would say, "men are all alike" she would respond with "men are all I like!"

[@samanthadodd8112]

@@FromShetoMe So true...

[@ATLbench]

You can also just search “camping” on the google maps the way you did it. If you put BLM in front you don’t see anything out here in Georgia. And of course it only shows well established camping areas like the kind with fees and names and websites. I still prefer www.freecampsites.net because it includes primitive and back country sites. I typically prefer to camp out in the wilderness and not at a park.

[@FromShetoMe]

That is a good one. Wonder if they will create an app for it.

[@johntatman1436]

My wife always buys mens pants. She's had it with women pants.

[@johntatman1436]

She also always buys mens cold weather coats and jackets. Women's are too short and don't cover your butt.

[@FromShetoMe]

She's a smart woman. I have a girlfriend whose boyfriend buys women's jeans because they have lots of lycra and they fit him better.

[@donnaodum1872]

Vodka doesn’t freeze

[@FromShetoMe]

I've done a little more research on the subject. Found some funny remarks about winterizing with Vodka on some sailing forums. Vodka freezes at -17F and it might damage rubber gaskets but apparently there are some who do it. Just thankful we don't have freezing temps here.

[@tootallmaninflorida]

If you think about it....alcohol DOES NOT FREEZE

[@steverundle8635]

Your site is the most helpful! ( tho “all about rVs” is as well.) this is a tip to add to your list, embarasssing as it is, ADULT DIAPERS.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL, not sure what you mean. Do you use them for something other than intended purpose?

[@carlglassmeyer8425]

Let me be sure I understand. At night you take your clothes off and shower and than put clothes on to sleep in, correct? Why sear clothes to bed??? Problem solved. Sleep in the nude.

[@Charlie-pk6lj]

Alcohol will destroy the seal's and gasket.

[@FromShetoMe]

I'm certainly not going to give it a try, but I've been reading up on the subject and found more than a few funny comments on the sailing forums like..."hot and cold running vodka will certainly impress the neighbors."

[@kensoutham6828]

Thanks for the Google maps tip; I will try it out on our next trip in a couple of weeks. A new app that we recently came across that keeps my better half happy is Roadtrippers.com that is not really a campsite app but gives you a extensive list of points of interest between two destination points like museums, hiking, aliens, ‘The Thing’, shopping, etc., allowing you to see what touristy type things are on your route (along with reviews) so you can decide whether you want to detour or stop (or not) somewhere on your travels. My wife is always looking for those interesting points and now enjoys this app to find those places we should really stop and see rather than just driving by not knowing what we missed or are missing. Don’t you hate it when you get somewhere and a fellow traveller tells you about some fantastic adventure that you missed and it’s 150 miles behind you? One more tool in the toolbelt 🙂.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. I do have Roadtrippers and forget to use it. I'll try to remember to pull it out on our next adventure. Another one your wife might like is V for Wiki.

[@kensoutham6828]

From She to Me Thank you, I did not know about this app.

[@FromShetoMe]

I learned about it from my Kiwi friends. I love all the sharing of information that goes on in the RV community.

[@veevanvoom5863]

RMT here. Take care that you don’t push up into the camera weight with your shoulder. It could eventually shorten your Levitator Scapulae and Scalene causing pain down the arm or even headaches.

[@FromShetoMe]

+Vee Van Voom Good point and now to the dictionary to look up new words (anatomy is one of 2 classes I dropped in college).🤓 I should try it on a hip pack and see if that isn’t better.

[@veevanvoom5863]

From She to Me lol should muscles will do to think about it. Balance is the key