"Scooler", A Custom Built/ DIY Electric Riding Cooler

"Scooler" at the beach.

I need a new roto-molded cooler but I do not like the idea of manually hauling it around as they are heavy, so it got me thinking...why not make it a riding cooler? I later found out that you can actually buy one of these riding coolers; they’re not cheap though not to mention the inefficient coolers they use. Amazon sells the "Crazy Cooler" with 4-stroke 2HP engine.

Roadtrek Bedding Options

This is a widely discussed topic in RVing, many swear by RV Superbag which I also own. Things that I don’t like about the RV Superbag aside from being expensive, it does not have enough support/ cushion to smooth out the peaks and valleys of Roadtrek sofa bed cushions, it is also harder to get in and out of the bed when everything is zipped-up, and if you like tucking in under the blanket you’ll find it harder to do with the Superbag…unless you’re using the King size bag for yourself.

Dense foam and Memory foam toppers sure looks comfy, but if you plan of using the dinette every day, storing those bulky foams could be a problem in a small RV. I found this Hospitology Ultrasoft Gelled Filled Polyester Microfiber California King Mattress Pad on Amazon about 3 years ago and we've been using it since then along with our compressible Down camping blankets.

The Hospitology Mattress Pad is about 1” thick but a lot denser than Superbag cushion which helps even out the RT cushions making a softer and comfier bed to sleep in. It is a good compromise between comfort and storability. It is also easy to setup, just roll it out over the sofa bed and Voila, bed is done.

 Hospitology Ultrasoft Gelled Filled Polyester Microfiber California King Mattress Pad (72" x 84")

DIY Water Leak Alarm with Automatic Water Pump Disconnect Relay

The SHUREflo Accumulator in our Agile developed a small leak, and as usual, I forgot to switch off the water pump and it continued to cycle on and off while we were gone for a hike…luckily, it was a short hike and was immediately greeted by the blaring water leak alarm sound as soon as got into the van.

For the above reason, I decided to build a water leak alarm with automatic water pump disconnect relay. The idea is to disconnect the water pump when sensor senses water; additional wired sensors or maybe wireless sensors can be added later.

Things you need for this project (clicking on the links will take you to Amazon):
·        Rain sensor module with relay control
·        Automotive heavy duty 5-pin 40/30-amp relay
·        16 or 14- gauge wires
·        2-3 feet of smaller gauge wires for the sensor
·        12-volt Piezo Electronic Buzzer Alarm
·        Project enclosure
·        SPST switch
·        Cable gland (optional)

DIY Hitch Mounted Step with Spare Key Vault and Auxilliary Backup Light Combo

The hitch mounted step is made from 1/4 inch steel. The Kawell waterproof LED light bar and the Trimax 5/8" receiver lock with resettable combination is from Amazon.

DIY Portable Power Station/ Jump Starter and Battery Charger with Bluetooth Stereo Speakers

Most of the parts used in this project were unused stuff and taking up garage space, the Walmart 12-volt battery was purchased last year to temporarily replace the original RT coach batteries that got fried during our summer road trip, the inverter is my old 750-watt Trip Lite Inverter/ Charger.

Obviously this is not for RV use, but can be a great power source while picnicking at the park, at the beach, etc. or just something to brag around, lol. It can also be used as a jump starter or a car battery charger. It has built-in 200-watts Bluetooth wireless stereo speakers, good for entertaining or annoying crowds at the park.