tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217655199368949730.post-16312057848901985622008-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:002008-10-17T04:00:03.017-07:00We were RVing at the Oregon coast last weekend and while visiting a local store I asked to use the bathroom. The clerk told me where it was located and handed me a key with a (no kidding) basket attached. I smiled and thanked her and tried not to look conspicuous walking down the store isles with this contraption. I thought, "I should just be grateful it isn't attached to a piece of furniture."<br /><br />Misplacing a key can be a frequent occurrence if you're anything like me. I keep a set of RV keys on a neck strap with a quick release clip for setting up and breaking camp. RVer Jerry Headly from Ridgfield, Washington has an older Country Coach Affinity.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130381-713232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130381-713228.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> He keeps this classic beauty in mint condition and has made a few modifications along the way. His motorhome has the older type barrel lock compartment latches requiring a short and bulky key. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130379-713198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130379-713195.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jerry decided to make this key more efficient by putting it on a wooden handle. Using a piece of dowel (an old broom handle will work) he cut a slit in one end then drilled a hole and bolted the key to the extension.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130378-774449.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130378-774447.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Not only is the key easier to use, it's also easier to find when he lays it down somewhere. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130375-774414.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1130375-774409.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You can use this same techinque with any type of key. If you're a welder, you could easily attach a nicely crafted metal handle. Unlocking new RV ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing<div class="blogger-post-footer">Brought to you by <a href="http://www.rvtravel.com">RVtravel.com</a> & <a href="http://www.rvbookstore.com">RVbookstore.com</a><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7217655199368949730-1631205784890198562?l=rvnow.rvtravel.com' alt='' /></div>Jim Twamleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342410970007385658noreply@blogger.com0