Dads Go to Extraordinary Measures to Save a Buck

Who can deny that one of Dad’s favorite activities is saving money?  Your dad, my dad, the kids’ dad… it doesn’t matter — most of these guys really get jazzed about saving a buck or two.

Any dad will tell you, too, that the surest way to save money is to take care of the stuff you already have.  That way, you don’t have to shell out any dough to replace any stuff until it absolutely falls apart. Enter my husband, who happens to be a dad, too.

He’ll do anything to avoid replacing what he feels is still functional.  His work boots are falling apart, but to him, “they have character.” 

His weed whacker is held together with duct tape and spit, and he argues for its extended life by telling me — “hey, it still works!” 

Luckily, the more expensive the tool, the better he cares for it.  The lawn tractor is a good example. After each use, my husband wipes down his prized lawn tractor with a towel and checks the oil and gas levels. 

He then makes sure to cover it with a Protective Lawn Tractor Cover to keep dirt and dust from settling on any of the tractor’s surfaces and components.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he sings it a gentle lullaby before tucking it away under its protective cover.

I may tease him, but I have to admit that all the care he puts into maintaining the lawn tractor, as well as our vehicles and other more expensive possessions, pays off when I see how much that extra care and attention prolongs their lives and saves us significant amounts of money over time.

So, thanks to my husband, and thanks to all dads out there who do their darndest to save their families a buck.  Happy Father’s Day!

Keep Cool While Golfing!

Golf Cart Seat Cover

The FedEx St. Jude Classic is currently underway at TPC Southwind. Golfers of all levels have descended upon Memphis in the form of pro players and weekend warrior fans.

The greens are looking beautiful, and the weather has been perfect, although very hot. If you are not able to make it to Memphis this weekend to witness golfing at its finest, you can hit your local fairway for some golfing of your own.

Make sure that you are protected from extreme heat and make your game more comfortable with Golf Cart Enclosures

They will shield you from the sun while you are traveling from hole to hole. Don’t want to cover your whole cart? Try a Golf Cart Seat Blankets to avoid the dreaded hot seats that the sun can create on traditional leather or vinyl seats.

Additionally, whether you are watching or playing, make sure to drink plenty of fluids (especially water) and sure sunscreen frequently and liberally.

Hats and sunglasses also provide extra protection for your face and head. Enjoy the St. Jude Classic or your own golf game comfortably!

Toy Haulers and Critters Make an Unhappy Combination

Toy Hauler Screen

Recreational vehicle lovers know that the best way to take their favorite toys — such as ATVs, snowmobiles, or jet skis — out on the open road is to bring them along in a Toy Hauler.

A toy hauler can be a 5th-wheel RV, a motorhome, or a travel trailer, but what they all have in common is the addition of a “garage” in the back.

Toy haulers are usually divided into two parts — the living area is in the front, and the storage area for toys is in the back and is easily accessible thanks to a back door that doubles as a ramp.

When it’s time to take the toys out of the RV for use, or when working in the toy hauler’s garage, the RV’s back door sits wide open.  Bugs and other critters often find this nifty new shelter an ideal place to hang out or even start a new nest.

A helpful piece of gear to have on hand is a Toy Hauler Screens.  Installed quickly and easily without tools, a toy hauler screen keeps out pesky bugs and provides shade from the sun while still allowing fresh air to circulate through the RV’s garage. It’s the simple things that make life more enjoyable.

Toy Hauler Screen is one such simple thing, preventing minor annoyances like bugs, critters, and glaring sunshine from marring an otherwise perfect RV adventure.

Fuel-Free Summer Boating Ideas

Unless you drive an electric vehicle or live on the banks of a river or lake, you’ll have to use a little fuel to get to your destination.

It’s not perfectly fuel-free, I’m sorry to say, but once you get to the water, you can leave the world of high-priced fuel behind and simply enjoy the quiet splendor of nature.

Whether your preference is to catch fish, snap photos, or just enjoy a relaxing outing on the water, you can find plenty of fuel-free fun in one of the following human-powered boats:

  • Jon Boats are ideal if fishing is your preference.  This basic, no frills boat allows you to safely keep yourself and your gear dry while you lure fish after fish toward your line.  Be sure to leave the outboard motor at home and opt for the oars.  This quieter, fuel-free option will prevent fish from getting frightened away.
  •    Kayaks and Canoes are perfect for nature observers and photographers.  Getting close to your subject is easier when you can quietly and smoothly glide through the water without scaring away the very creatures you wish to capture with your camera.
  • Pedal Boats are fantastic family fun.  Powered only by your feet and legs, a pedal boat can take you across a pond or lake on a seriously fun family outing.  Kids love the novelty of pedal boats, and they make an effective lower body workout that adults will appreciate, too.

Saving fuel this summer doesn’t mean you have to stay home. 

Take your Jon Boat, Kayak, Canoe, or Pedal Boat to the nearest body of water, and create your own human-powered adventures.

When your day is done, be sure to protect your boat with a proper Boat Cover to keep it safe from weather exposure and ready for your next fuel-free boating excursion.

Party Shade Sails Create Instant Shade When You Need It

Party Shade Sails and Sun Shades

Sometimes, all that’s needed is temporary shade.  Whether you’re at the park or in the backyard, shade is not always where you need it most.

Making your own shade is simply a matter of hanging up a Party Shade Sail. Party shade sails are triangular in shape and constructed from Coolaroo’s well-known UV resistant fabric.

Party sails are generous in size, measuring close to ten feet long on each side.  Additionally, they block up to 90 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so you and your family stay protected.  

Party shade sails are intended for temporary use, though, so they are much less expensive than permanent shade sails, and they require only three nearby fixing points for installation. 

Tie each corner of a party shade sail to trees or to existing posts or poles, and you have instant shade. Create a colorful shaded area for a backyard party or family gathering. 

Protect your picnic lunch at the park from the harsh rays of the sun.  Construct a temporary shelter for a kiddie pool or sandbox play area.  Party shade sails are a versatile solution for temporary shade.

Installing Shade Cloth: A Complete How-To

Shade Cloth on Pergola

Shade Cloth is a great medium to provide sun protection and shade to your porch, pergola, or patio. It is very versatile and can be used for countless purposes so get creative and let your imagination be your guide. For installation, let Mighty Covers be your guide! What you will need to apply shade cloth to your pergola or patio:

  1. Rolled shade cloth – enough to cover your area, plus 25% more.
  2. Box cutters or other sharp cutting instruments
  3. Attachment hardware – screws, nails, or 1″ staples.
  4. Tape Measure
  5. Safety Goggles
  6. Hammer
  • Roll out your shade cloth across the structure you are planning to cover and pull it loosely into position.   Leave at least 8-12 inches of overhang on all sides.
  • Attach shade cloth to one of the longest sides first. Start at one end and pull with medium pressure (enough to get the wrinkles out and just a bit more) as you move along the edge.    Attach the shade cloth to the structure about every 12″.
  • Finish attaching the outside edges, continuing in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Make sure that the knitted knot lines in the fabric are straight.
  • When attaching the shade cloth along an edge of the structure where you’ll be cutting the fabric, be sure to move the attachment point in from the outside edge, beam, or post so you leave room to cut the fabric.
  • When joining the edges of two rolls of shade cloth, try not to overlap the cloth if possible.
  • Tack down to any interior support beams, if required, and trim off all the edges using a box cutter.

You are now ready to enjoy your newly shaded area. Pictures of all steps are available online. If you have any further questions about installing shade cloth, please contact Larry at Mightycovers.com, and he will be glad to offer assistance.

Solar Pool Covers – A Cheap and Green Way to Heat a Swimming Pool

Taking a dip in a frigid swimming pool is not most people’s idea of relaxing, unless you happen to be a polar bear.

Running the pool heater non-stop is not the most cost-effective or environmentally friendly idea, though, for warming up the water.

Many pool owners find that Solar Pool Covers offer the best of both worlds. A solar pool cover, sometimes referred to as a solar blanket, looks like an enormous sheet of bubble wrap. 

It lies on the surface of the pool water and absorbs heat from the sun. The solar cover transfers that heat to the pool water, increasing its temperature by as much as 10-15 degrees.  

When in place during day or night, the solar cover keeps heat from escaping the pool and significantly decreases water evaporation.

This results in water that stays warmer and chemically balanced for longer periods.  Pool owners save money on water, chemicals, and energy while enjoying comfortable water temperatures well beyond the standard swimming season. 

Solar covers, or covers of any kind, should always be completely removed from the pool before swimmers enter the water.

Sleek Comfort for Your Lawnmower Seat

Spring is here and plants are thriving. Unfortunately, this includes your grass!

Your lawnmower is probably getting plenty of action right now. Improve the look and comfort of your riding mower seat with a deluxe Tractor Seat Covers

Seat covers offer year round protection against sun and UV damage, bad weather, dirt, birds, and tree sap. If your seat is faded, ripped, or cracking, seat covers will make them appear new again.

If you seat is new, keep it protected to prevent wear and tear. Out seat covers are also cushioned, adding extra comfort to your ride. Available in different sizes, you will find exactly what you are looking for for your riding lawn mower or tractor.

Deluxe Tractor Seat Cover

Checklist for Boating Necessities

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the opening of the boating season, with many areas of the country starting as early as May 1st. Are you ready for boating season to kick off? Below is a handy check list of what you will need to start boating season. Get ready now and you can hit the water at the first sign of summer!
  • Clean your boat, including waxing, windows, and all surfaces.
  • Make sure your registration is up to date and on board. Make sure that your numbering is visible and legible.
  • Check battery, motor, and all electrical systems for problems prior to getting on the water.
  • Make sure that you have a sound signaling device, heaving line, waterproof flashlight, and other emergency devices. You can purchase a marine safety kit to stow on board for convenience.
  • Make sure that distress signals, life vests, fire extinguishers, compass, and first aid kits are aboard and ready to use. Replace any of these items that are expired, used, or damaged.
  • Inspect and make sure that you have a bailer, hand pump, oar, and other items for distress.
  • Check your head system, water system, trailer system, and sails (in applicable).
  • Inspect your anchor and anchor line for damage or wear.
Marine Safety Kit

Considering RV Travel? Think Small!

Recreational Vehicles

    Toying with the idea of RV travel?  When it comes to recreational vehicles, the best approach may be to start small.  Class A monster-size motorhomes are certainly tempting, offering enough amenities and space to serve as a second home.

But, when first venturing into the vast and varied world of RVs, starting small is a safe and affordable way to get a taste of RV living. Among the variety of towable recreational vehicles, the teardrop trailer is the smallest and, arguably, the cutest. 

Dating all the way back to the 1930s, the teardrop trailer has a charming retro look and plenty of cozy comfort for two travelers.  Teardrop trailers are ideal for weekend get-aways. If towing an RV doesn’t sound inviting, then try a class B motorhome instead.  

Class B RVs are the smallest motorhomes available.  Essentially, class B RVs are conversion vans equipped with all of the basic conveniences found in larger motorhomes.

Small families can comfortably sleep, cook, eat, and relax on board.  Most class B motorhomes have toilets and showers, too.  Class B RVs are easy to maneuver and park, and they require less fuel than larger RVs.  As motorhomes go, the class B is an ideal place to get started with RV travel.

No matter what type of RV you decide to purchase, take care of it properly by protecting it when you’re not out on the road.  Covering your recreational vehicle with proper RV covers protects your new “home away from home” from damages caused by environmental exposure.