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It occurs to me that I'll need bungee cords, probably quite a few. I've read about the stretch limit of 50% of dormant length and a few other things. Now I'm looking for the wisdom of experience. Any suggestions? What lengths do I need? Is there a particular brand you like? I'm thinking primarily about securing larger plastic containers and a wicker chair for travel. And I'll need to secure stuff to a rack I'll attach to the back of the coach, into the hitch.

I think you can get a package with a variety of lengths that should meet your needs. I have never given a thought about stretch limit or dormant length, lol.

Truck stops sell bungee cords (heavy black rubber) for securing tarps and such, you can at least get a brand name off that. I like an assortment of little ones for securing odds and ends in cabinets and such. The rubber ones do wear out and need to be replaced every 6 months to a year depending on use.

I only use a few. Generally buy the cheap ones for most uses. Just had to replace one, for the first time, after 7+ years of high use. Like Liz I have never thought of stretch, etc. just buy some and make them work.

Although I've never measured the length or dexterity, I use a short one to hold the big door open, even though it is secured with the latch on the motorhome. When strong winds come, it can still blow your door shut and will ruin the stupid plastic latch on the screen door. I learned the hard way. We also keep a variety of lengths of bungee cords for other uses.

Multiple lengths...after awhile you will know what length you want to use for what jobs and pick up extras of certain lengths if needed. Like many other things, folks have their preferences. Bungees, Duct Tape and Velcro are three "tools" that I carry for things that need them and for things that I don't even know need them....yet!

I got mine at a flea market large bags of multi sizes cheap
had about 100 or so...when I did craft shows...just
two years ago...said I don't need them any more and
sold them at a yard sale...so had to go get more...not
100 tho..don't need that many now ...donna

I need to make a trip to the flea market for some of this stuff. That and the dollar store.

Thanks, everybody, for the advice: bungees of various lengths, cheap ones seem to work fine. And they can be hooked together for longer lengths. Somebody said something about tarps. I'll go back and re-read.

Duct Tape, but of course. And Velcro. I like the idea of Velcro and wouldn't have thought of it.

My air bed just arrived. I ordered the Aerobed, extra-bed, twin. It blew up fine and if it stays inflated, I think it will work. It also folds up nice and small, so storage shouldn't be a problem. On the two-day trip I took with Karen--for which I packed enough food and clothing and everything else to supply a small village--I still had storage space open. That means I'll have plenty of space for my mattress and bedding. I also ordered a smaller crate for Scarlett. No way does this little piss pot wander around free at night. As it is, I've accepted that I can use only indoor/outdoor rugs that can be scrubbed. Never thought I'd take dog pee in stride. Thank gawd she's tiny. She's doing a lot better, but there's just no telling when she'll squat, and she's really fast! I promise not to mention it again. Yuck! I am so out of money for this project. Now I'm spending the X-mas money.

Nikki

Bungee cords are right up there with duct tape for camping. You never know what you might use one for. I have a couple of assorted bags of them from Walmart. The ones used inside last a long time. My DH has one on the dog food can outside and it's about gone. I keep forgetting to bring him another one. If one's too long I tie a knot in it and if I need longer I hook some together.

I have a collapsible net clothes hamper that I bungee to the sofa back and put lite things in to keep them off the floor when I travel. I use to seat belt one of the plastic milk crates to the sofa but the net hamper is easier to move and not in the way as much.

Martha