Be sure to sign up for the weekly RV Travel Newsletter, published continuously every Saturday since 2001. Click here.
Huge RV parts & accessories store!
You have never seen so many RV parts and accessories in one place! And, Wow! Check out those low prices! Click to shop or browse!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Problematic RV hose or cord storage? Answer's in the bag!

Of all the gear RVers have to wrestle with, some of the most unruly--in terms of storage--are coils of hose and electrical cords. Hoses and cords have a marvelous ability to unravel and miscegenate in your basement storage compartment, making it a real mess when it comes time to set up camp.

Sure, there are cord reels and hose reels; they work to a limited degree. We once tried a "flat hose" and reel combination that proved most unsatisfactory when the packaging didn't warn users that the hose had to be completely unreeled before water pressure was applied. We had an interesting "experience," with an exploding hose reel on that occasion. Cord reels are rarely designed for the large cables needed for carrying lots of current to an RV. They're best kept around for "normal" yard tool extension cords.

We've finally found the ticket for keeping cords and hoses put together while they bump around in your storage area: Reusable grocery bags. The kind of bags that the stores are touting as an answer to paper v plastic. Lightweight and durable, you can fit just about any size water hose or electrical cable common to RV use inside these critters. We coil our cords and hoses up first, then simply pop 'em in their respective bags. If there's enough room, you may be able to tie the handles together in a loose knot for further security.

If a storage bag gets a bit dirty, pop it in a wash load; they'll clean up and dry easily. If it gets completely out of hand, pick up a new storage bag for a song.

2 comments:

  1. Never thought of that. Thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Re: Flat hoses. I purchased, from Sears, a 'flat' hose that, in reality, is several small hoses joined across, but it doesn't collapse when wound on the reel. It is usable with nearly all coiled, save the faucet and outlet ends. Flow rate is a little slower, but still usable. It stores completely on the reel, as do conventional 'flat's.

    ReplyDelete

All comments are moderated. They may take an hour or more to appear after posting.