Category: Favorite Things

There are few things I have gotten for the trailer that have worked out really well.

I brought a wooden toolbox I had made that has a rope handle. I filled it with jars and a utensil holder to store all my silverware (4 place setting set from Ikea) and kitchen utensils. Since my trailer only has 2 smallish drawers in the kitchen using the toolbox freed those drawers for other things. 

I then added the OXO rotating utensil holder for my longer cooking utensils. 

I obviously have to pack these when I’m moving the trailer, but have loved having everything within grabbing distance when I’m cooking. 

Another kitchen addition is the Kamenstein Perfect Tear Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder in Stainless Steel. I had the counter top one in my house and like this one just as well. No paper towels spooling off the holder.

I researched and decided on the Seville Classics UltraSlimline Tower Fan 40-inch Tower Fan. It helped so much on stiflingly hot days this summer. It helped keep my electric bill down since I was monthly and paying for power at that time.

 Since I am a little vertically challenged I needed a step stool. I got this little thing that folds flat for storing but is strong enough to feel safe.

And I feel I should mention my felt heart garland. I have several garlands (fall leaves, old-fashioned Christmas bulbs, the hearts, and bunnies) that easily store in a plastic baggy when out of season and add next to no weight to the trailer. I must have my holiday decor :-).

When I was going through the decision process of what kitchen appliances to take in the travel trailer I decided an Instant Pot was one of the best things I could get. It has mutiple functions in one appliance: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Saute/Browning, Yogurt Maker, Steamer & Warmer.

Here it is on my counter top extension and ready to make Thai pasta.

I had never used a pressure cooker before so I bought it a few months before hitting the road so I could figure out how to use it. It’s become one of my favorite appliances. Some of the things I’ve made:

• Hard boiled eggs in 5 minutes that almost peel themselves
• The best shredded chicken ever (and you can use it SO many ways)
• 5 minute Thai pasta
• Chicken enchilada soup – pressure cooker infuses the flavor
• Boiled white potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Turkey breast for Thanksgiving
• Homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving (it was easy and awesome)

I’ve been so busy learning the pressure cooker aspect that I haven’t tried it as a slow cooker yet. I will have to buy the slow cooker lid soon so I can try that out. 

And no, no one paid me to write this post. I bought my Instant Pot (before the prices came down :-()and will purchase the lid myself. I just wanted anyone with a small cooking area to know what a great appliance this is. 

The showers in most RVs are little and mine is no exception at 40 inches wide and 24 inches deep. Fortunately, I’m short so the lack of shower head room is no issue for me. 

The shower curtain that came with the travel trailer was awful — nasty, scimpy material on a poor ceiling sliding mechanism. I wanted a rod that would allow more room when showering, but not be sticking out in the way when not showering.

I found the Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower in satin nickel. The best price I could find at the time was the sale price at Camping World. This shows how it works:

It was a pain to install because I was worried about mounting on the flimsy trailer wall at the back. I had the wood cabinet in the front. Needless to say, I am gentle with the rod when opening and closing the curtain and I don’t hang anything heavy on it. 

I wanted a decent polyester shower curtain that would dry quickly, not mold and mildew, and could be machine washed. I got a standard shower curtain and cut it down to the appropriate size for my little shower. 

The rod is not metal, but painted plastic so I wouldn’t recommend metal shower curtain rings. I picked up a 99 cent bag of Ikea silicone shower rings – they work great and don’t damage the rod. 

I absolutely love this shower rod. It makes my little shower feel roomy enough when showering, and everything gets out of the way of the toilet when not in use. Highly recommend the rod and it comes in two sizes: one for 35″ to 42″ openings and one for 54″ to 60″ openings.