RV Tips - Use Pool Noodles for Slide-Outs and Sharp Corners

Using pool noodles for slide-outs and sharp corners in your RV is a clever way to enhance safety and prevent accidents, especially when space is tight or when you're setting up your campsite. Here's how and why this tip works:

• Soft Protection: Pool noodles are made of soft, durable foam that provides excellent cushioning. When placed over sharp edges or corners, they reduce the risk of injury, particularly if you or a family member accidentally bump into the slide-out corners.
• High Visibility: Pool noodles come in bright colors, making them easy to see. This can be especially helpful during low-light conditions or at night, preventing you from tripping over or walking into protruding edges.
• Inexpensive and Reusable: Pool noodles are affordable and can be easily cut to size. You can use them repeatedly on different parts of the RV and even store them compactly when not in use.

1. Measure the Edges: Identify the sharp corners and edges on your RV, particularly around the slide-outs, steps, or other exterior parts.
2. Cut the Noodles: Take a standard pool noodle and cut it lengthwise using a sharp utility knife or scissors. Make sure the cut goes down the entire length of the noodle so it can easily slip over the edge.
3. Place Over the Edges: Slide the cut noodle over the sharp edge or corner. For slide-outs, make sure it covers the metal or hard plastic edges where someone might bump their head or shoulder.
4. Secure if Necessary: In windy conditions, you can use tape or zip ties to secure the pool noodles in place, ensuring they don't slip off during setup.

• Door Protection: Place pool noodles along the bottom of RV doors to prevent them from damaging the side of the RV or nearby objects.
• Awning Support: Use pool noodles to protect awning poles or to cushion the edges of your awning's support arms.
• Interior Use: You can also cut and use pool noodles inside the RV to pad sharp table edges, kitchen counters, or corners of low cabinets.

This simple hack helps ensure that your RV adventures are both safe and comfortable, especially when camping with kids or pets. Plus, pool noodles are easy to find at most stores and don't take up much space in storage.