Satellite Dish Alignment Device
Align-A-Site satellite dish alignment systemRVers with roof-mounted or portable satellite dishes often have difficulty finding a clear line of sight though trees or other obstacles to allow for good reception. The Align-A-Site satellite dish alignment system can help locate openings so the dish can receive an unobstructed signal.
Using the system’s handheld sighting unit, motorhomers can survey the area for a suitable parking location with a clear line of sight. The Align-A-Site’s precision gauges and 5-degree field of view sighting unit allow it to find even the smallest hole through trees. Once a good location is detected, users simply place the portable or roof-mounted dish at that spot.
For RVers with portable dishes, the complete Align-A-Site kit comes with mounting hardware so the sight can be attached to the dish and aimed to find an opening, even if the dish stand and mast aren’t level. The device even works with Internet dishes.
The complete Align-A-Site system (sight and dish mount) has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $169.95; the sighting unit alone costs $119.95.
For more information, contact:
Align-A-Site
187 Fox Run
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(877) 504-3473
www.alignasite.com
Flagpole Holder
Flag Pole Buddy from Imtyris LLCThe Flag Pole Buddy from Imtyris LLC is touted in company literature as the sturdiest and easiest RV flagpole system available. Plus, once the mounts are installed, the person setting up the flag never has to climb up the RV’s ladder.
The key to this system is the patented pivoting “twist” holder that mounts near the top of the ladder. This mount allows the pole to be installed from ground level and provides a sturdy support. The lower cup mount secures the bottom of the pole. Because the pole isn’t clamped to the ladder, it is free to rotate with the wind.
The Flag Pole Buddy set comes with two high-strength cast-aluminum ladder mounts and screws; an aluminum pole that extends from 6 feet to 12 feet; and a 3-foot-by-5-foot American flag. The pole can handle any size flag up to 4 feet by 6 feet in size. The Flag Pole Buddy has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $89.99.
For more information, contact:
Imtyris LLC
1601 Mt. Rushmore Road, #3-312
Rapid City, SD 57701
(858) 354-4200
www.flagpolebuddy.com
Flameless Candles
Candle Impressions Flameless CandleCandlelight casts a warm, inviting glow in any room, but an unattended open flame in a motorhome is a serious safety hazard. Northern International Inc. alleviates this concern with its line of Candle Impressions Flameless Candles.
These battery-powered LED candles put off an authentic random flicker of light. Made from real scented wax, they look, smell, and feel like real candles, but they will never melt or create a mess. Flameless Candles have an on/off switch hidden on the bottom and reportedly will operate for up to 350 hours on two C batteries.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for Flameless Candles range from $10 to $25.
For more information, contact:
Northern International Inc.
8525 Commerce Court
Burnaby, BC
Canada V5A 4N3
(888) 644-4373
(604) 294-8606
www.candleimpressions.net
Electronic Label Maker
LetraTag label maker from DYMO CorporationThe LetraTag label maker from DYMO Corporation is a handy tool for labeling and organizing items in your motorhome, stationary home, or garage.
The handheld device, which prints up to two lines of text, includes an ABC keyboard with a wide range of symbols and editing features and a large LCD display for editing and preview. Its built-in memory saves information from the last label made. Direct-thermal print technology eliminates the need for ribbons, ink, or toner cartridges.
The LetraTag prints to 1/2-inch paper, plastic, metallic, or iron-on fabric tape. It operates on six AA batteries and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $44.99.
For more information, contact:
DYMO Corporation
44 Commerce Road
Stamford, CT 06902-4561
(800)426-7827, ext. 2
(203) 355-9000
www.dymo.com
Exhaust Brake
Pacbrake PRXB exhaust brake for diesel enginesPacbrake’s new PRXB exhaust brake for diesel engines is said to provide constant backpressure as engine speed changes to maintain optimum retarding performance throughout the entire rpm range.
According to product literature, the PRXB automatically adjusts for lower rpms, nearly eliminating the need to manually downshift, and has up to one-third more retarding power at 1,500 rpm than a standard exhaust brake. In addition to maximizing braking power on steep downhill descents, the PRXB is said to be quiet enough for in-city operation.
The PRXB is available for many Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Dodge, Ford, and GM diesel engines.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the complete PRXB kit is $1,150. For those who have a Pacbrake exhaust brake already but would like to upgrade, the PRXB brake alone costs $689.
For more information, contact:
Pacbrake
19594-96 Ave.
Surrey, BC
Canada V4N 4C3
(800) 663-0096
(604) 882-0183
www.pacbrake.com
Water Blade
California Heavy-Duty Water BladeThe Original California Car Duster Co. recently introduced the California Heavy-Duty Water Blade, which is 50 percent larger than the original version and is said to quickly dry motorhomes, boats, and other large vehicles after washing. According to product literature, the blade will dry most surfaces in one-third of the time it takes using chamois or towels. Plus, it will not leave streaks.
The Heavy-Duty Water Blade has an 18-inch soft, flexible, medical-grade silicone blade that is equipped with a patented T-bar edge that conforms to smooth or uneven surfaces to whisk water away. The product also includes an angle-adjusting handle adapter that can be set to hold the blade at any desired angle. The three-section, twist-and-lock telescoping handle extends from 28 inches to 60 inches in length to reach higher areas.
The California Heavy-Duty Water Blade has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39.99.
For more information, contact:
Original California Car Duster Co.
9525 DeSoto Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(800) 282-8828
(818) 998-2300
www.calcarduster.com
Tandem Bike Adapter
CycleMorph Tandem AdapterTandem bicycles are a great way for couples to get around, but finding a way to transport these types of bikes on a motorhome can be a problem. But with the CycleMorph Tandem Adapter, a single two-wheel bike can be converted into a tandem.
The adapter “” essentially a second bike frame “” attaches to the main bike once the rear wheel has been removed. Reattach the rear wheel to the CycleMorph, hook up the cables, and you’re ready to ride.
The tandem adapter works with most mountain bikes and multigear comfort bikes and can be assembled in less than five minutes with no tools once the initial setup is completed. Plus, the aircraft-grade aluminum frame can be carried on a regular bike rack or tucked away in a storage compartment when traveling.
The CycleMorph Tandem Adapter has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $550 and can be purchased at most bicycle shops.
For more information, contact:
Tandem Adapter LLC
1801 Sylvan Drive
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 443-9459
www.cyclemorph.com
Portable Vacuum Brush
Swiper Brush from McNaughton Inc.The Swiper Brush from McNaughton Inc. is a handheld cleaning tool designed to pick up small messes and mishaps, making it handy for the motorhome, towed vehicle, or garage.
The Swiper Brush has a durable plastic case and sturdy bristles and is no bigger than an eyeglass case. To use, just swipe the brush back and forth over a non-liquid mess and pick up crumbs, dirt, pet hair, and even nails from any surface. The brush empties easily by sliding the lid open and dumping the contents into the trash.
The Swiper Brush has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $9.95.
For more information, contact:
McNaughton Inc.
236 Girard Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(800) 423-5487
(612) 381-0020
www.mcnaughtoninc.com
Adjustable-Height Hitch Mount
Adjustable Height Zero Tilt Ball Mount by Master LockThe Adjustable Height Zero Tilt Ball Mount by Master Lock is touted in company literature as the first mount that the user can height-adjust for perfectly level towing. A level towed vehicle, boat, or toy trailer is said to tow more safely, undergo less sway, and handle easier.
The ball mount fits any 2-inch receiver and will take the appropriate diameter hitch ball (a 1-inch-diameter shank is required). Once the mount is installed, simply hook up the trailer and adjust the height using a 7/8-inch socket, a 7/8-inch wrench, or a 3/8-inch socket drive until the trailer is level. The mount can adjust from a 7¾-inch drop to a 6¼-inch rise.
The mount has a 5,000-pound trailer capacity and a 500-pound tongue capacity. It carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $69.99.
For more information, contact:
Master Lock Company
137 W. Forest Hill Ave.
P.O. Box 927
Milwaukee, WI 53154
(414) 571-5625
www.masterlock.com
Scratch Treatment
All-Shield Scratch & Fade Treatment from Dever EnterprisesAll-Shield Scratch & Fade Treatment from Dever Enterprises is said to restore and protect scratched or scuffed clear-coat finishes and faded trim on motorhomes, automobiles, and other vehicles. According to company literature, the product rejuvenates all colors and protects against oxidizing or fading for up to eight years.
When wiped on the damaged area, the product’s blend of proprietary polymers cures in sunlight to a non-yellowing clear finish that doesn’t require buffing, rubbing, or wet sanding. Scratch & Fade Treatment contains no wax, water, alcohol, solvents, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it environmentally friendly. Treated areas can be waxed, sanded, and repainted if necessary.
A 2-ounce bottle, which can treat 180 square feet, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19.95.
For more information, contact:
Dever Enterprises LLC
P.O. Box 493
Willoughby, OH 44096
(888) 293-7951
www.deverenterprises.com