Weather Alert Radio
Weather Channel Stormtracker VEC191 weather alert radioThe Weather Channel Stormtracker VEC191 weather alert radio from Vector Products Inc. can keep you informed of impending severe weather conditions wherever you travel.
The VEC191 provides public broadcasts of all-hazard emergency alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When the radio is set in the alert/lock mode, it sounds an audible alert to notify you whenever a severe weather message is pending.
Also included is an AM-FM radio; a large spotlight with a Philips quartz halogen bulb; a three-LED auxiliary light; and a 12-volt-DC outlet to operate or charge personal electronics.
The unit is powered by built-in Ni-MH rechargeable batteries or nine C-size batteries, and it includes 120-volt-AC and 12-volt-DC adapters. It also comes with a removable nylon carrying strap and an adjustable work stand.
The Weather Channel Stormtracker VEC191 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $69.99.
For more information, contact:
Vector Products Inc.
4140 S.W. 28th Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(866) 584-5504
(954) 584-4446
www.vectormfg.com
Navigation System
GPS NavigatorRand McNally recently introduced its latest mapping and navigation tool, the GPS Navigator.
The portable navigation device features a 3.5-inch color touch screen, clear and accurate voice-prompted directions, and automatic rerouting for missed turns. It also includes multistop route planning, a detour button to route quickly around traffic, and a “Go Home” button that directs the driver home from any location. It is loaded with 26 of the company’s “Best of the Road” trips.
The GPS Navigator also comes with a companion printed road atlas and trip planner to give travelers a big-picture perspective of their routing.
The slim, lightweight GPS Navigator has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.99.
For more information, contact:
Rand McNally
8255 N. Central Park
Skokie, IL 60076
(800) 678-7263
(847) 329-8100
www.randmcnally.com
Water System Controller
Flojet Quiet-Pump Water System ControllerAccording to product literature, the Flojet Quiet-Pump Water System Controller offers a cost-effective way for motorhomers to convert a standard water system pump to variable speed drive (VSD), providing smooth water flow without pulsation.
The Quiet-Pump is said to automatically recognize pressure variances and adjust water flow in real time. When flow is restricted, the back pressure is sensed by the controller, which then sends a signal to slow down the pump’s motor, eliminating plumbing rattle and on-off cycling.
The control reportedly is easy to install, with the inlet hose and fittings included. The unit runs on 12-volt or 24-volt DC power and works on most pressure pumps (from 30 to 65 psi) rated at 3 to 12 amps.
The Quiet-Pump Water System Controller has a manufacturer’s suggested price of $99.
For more information, contact:
ITT – Flojet
666 E. Dyer Road
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(800) 235-6538
(714) 557-4700
www.flojet.com
TV Restraints
Thumb Lock TV GripsThumb Lock TV Grips from Fastening Solutions Inc. are said to hold televisions securely in place when the motorhome is in motion. The grips also can be used to secure computers, microwave ovens, and other objects in the vehicle.
TV Grips employ a strap and fastener system that is designed to keep the TV from moving and falling. A special 3M-brand adhesive is used to attach the quick-release buckles “” one to the TV and the other to the surface that the TV is sitting upon. A strap feeds through each buckle and tightens when the lock is set into place. The special adhesive that is used reportedly has exceptional holding power but peels away cleanly from most fastening surfaces.
Three different Thumb Lock grips are available depending on the size of the TV to be secured: TV Grips, Super TV Grips, and Max Grip. The grips have manufacturer’s suggested retail prices that range from $9.99 to $29.99.
For more information, contact:
Fastening Solutions Inc.
19458 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
(800) 232-7836
(818) 996-1977
www.fasteningsolutions.com
Multiuse Tool
ImmiX 10x from LoggerHead ToolsThe ImmiX 10x from LoggerHead Tools LLC blends the functionality of 26 tools in one universal design, making it easy to tackle many jobs with just one tool.
The heart of the ImmiX 10x is the 6-inch Bionic Wrench, which automatically adjusts to fit 14 metric and standard hex fasteners. It also includes 10 of the most frequently used screwdriver head bits “” slotted, Phillips, Torx, and Robertson “” and a pair of retractable stainless-steel knife blades stored in the handles. A magnetic bit holder at the end of the body creates an ergonomic screwdriver that is said to be easy to use.
The ImmiX 10x, which comes with a synthetic carrying case and a lifetime warranty, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $74.95. The ImmiX 20x also is available with 20 screwdriver bits, but no knives, for the same price.
For more information, contact:
LoggerHead Tools LLC
208 S. LaSalle St.
Suite 189
Chicago, IL 60604
(888) 564-4374
(708) 671-9034
www.loggerheadtools.com
Awning Holder
RV AwningClampAccording to product literature, the RV AwningClamp from RV Innovations eliminates the possibility of an awning unfurling when the motorhome is under way by securely holding it in place.
The adjustable link clamp system is said to provide a perfect fit for both manual and electric awnings, and it latches and unlatches with a standard awning wand. However, it is not intended for use on slideout awnings.
The RV AwningClamp, which reportedly installs in just 30 minutes, has a lifetime warranty and a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $49.95.
For more information, contact:
RV Innovations
4371 Platte Ave.
Sedalia, CO 80135
(800) 815-2159
(303) 814-7833
www.rvinnovations.com
Outdoor Tablecloth
Stable TableclothThe Stable Tablecloth from Hammer Properties is said to eliminate the problem of the tablecloth blowing off the table in windy conditions.
The thick vinyl cloth, which reportedly will not snag or tear, includes four easy-fill water jackets on the four sides of the cloth to keep it in place without the need of clips or clamps. Approximately six quarts of water are needed to fill the jackets, providing enough weight to keep the tablecloth secure in winds up to 40 mph.
The Stable Tablecloth fits tables up to 36 inches wide by 72 inches long and comes in red, blue, gray, or beige colors. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15 plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. The tablecloth is available direct from the company by mail or telephone, or it can be ordered through www.snowbirdy.com.
For more information, contact:
Hammer Properties
1320 N. Allen St.
State College, PA 16803
(814) 880-6318
Nature Guides
Mac’s Pocket GuidesAccording to product literature, Mac’s Pocket Guides from The Mountaineers Books are the perfect nature identification guides for the amateur naturalist. Currently the series includes nine specific guides that can serve as a useful reference when taking a hike or visiting the specific areas covered.
The full-color guides, which are printed on two-sided water-resistant and tear-resistant laminated cards, cover Grand Canyon National Park; Glacier National Park; Isle Royale National Park; and the Southwest. Interests covered in the different cards include plants, trees, wildflowers, birds, fish, mammals, geology, and more.
Each handy guide, which measures 3.25 inches by 6.75 inches when folded, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5.95. The company also produces the larger Mac’s Field Guides series, which includes 44 individual laminated cards that detail the same type of information for other parks and geographic areas in the United States and are priced at $4.95 each.
For more information, contact:
The Mountaineers Books
1001 S.W. Klickitat Way
Suite 201
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 223-6303
www.mountaineersbooks.org
Portable Power Source
Black & Decker Electromate 400 portable power sourceThe Black & Decker Electromate 400 provides several portable power features in one compact unit.
It includes two 120-volt-AC outlets that can be used to power laptop computers, camcorders, power tool battery packs, small TVs, and radios. A pair of 12-volt-DC outlets provide charging or power for cell phones, car vacuums, portable coolers, and more.
The Electromate also features a jump-starter with heavy-duty cables that can supply 450 amps of starting power; a 120-psi inflator for adding air to tires and sports equipment; and an ultra-bright LED emergency work light. The unit can be recharged from either an AC outlet or your vehicle’s 12-volt-DC accessory outlet.
The Electromate 400 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $119.99.
For more information, contact:
Black & Decker
701 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
(800) 544-6986
(410) 716-3900
www.blackanddecker.com
Soap Dispenser
EasyFillNoSpill soap dispenserThe EasyFillNoSpill soap dispenser from The Lilly Rose Company is specifically designed for the kitchens and baths of RVs and boats.
The dispenser consists of two parts: a special container to hold hand soap or other liquids, and a unique stem on which the container sits. The stem can be attached to nearly any flat surface using the peel-and-stick adhesive pad on the bottom. Once the stem is in place, simply fill the container with liquid and set it on the stem. The container reportedly stays securely in place even when the vehicle is moving.
The EasyFillNoSpill soap dispenser has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $12.99. An EasyFillNoSpill cup and a toothbrush holder also are available.
For more information, contact:
The Lilly Rose Company
P.O. Box 933
Barre, MA 01005
(866) 619-3009
(978) 355-4920
www.easyfillnospill.com