The Open It! combines a cutting tool that allows users to slice through hard plastic packages while keeping their hands away from the sharp edges; a screwdriver to gain access to battery compartments; and a retractable blade to cut through tape and thin plastic wrapping.
The Open It! has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $10.99.
Zibra
172 Broad Sound Place
Mooresville, NC 28117
(866) 869-7544
www.wrapragecure.com
Two-Way Radios
Midland Radio Corporation’s GXT800VP4 two-way, waterproof radio system is said to provide reliable communication up to 26 miles.
According to product literature, the radios can be used in rain or other wet conditions; provide up to 3,124 clear and secure channel options using General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) or Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies; and include five call alerts, a vibrate call alert, and a special hands-free mode. The radios also provide NOAA All Hazards Weather Alerts when severe weather is in the area.
The radios are powered by a fully rechargeable battery pack and come with headsets, belt clips, a desktop charger, and AC and DC adapters.
A set of Midland GXT800VP4 radios has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $109.99.
Midland Radio Corporation
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120
(816) 241-8500
www.midlandradio.com
Metal Cleaner And Polish
Aluminator from BlingMaster Inc. uses Nano technology to clean and polish aluminum, chrome, brass, bronze, stainless steel, gold, silver, and other non-coated metal surfaces. Users simply wipe on lightly and vigorously with a clean, dry cloth until the polish turns black, and then wipe off using another dry cloth. The product reportedly transforms faded metal surfaces and gives them a brilliant, mirror-like shine.
Aluminator has manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $10 for a 2-ounce bottle; $15 for a 4-ounce bottle; and $20 for an 8-ounce bottle.
BlingMaster Inc.
P.O. Box 738
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 248-2616
www.blingmaster.com
Keyless Entry Grip
According to product literature from HDC Inc., the wireless Keyless Entry Grip is designed to eliminate the theft vulnerability of hardwired entry keypads while simplifying installation time and placement.
The lighted numeric entry handle is said to communicate with all HDC controllers and operates with any existing power lock system when the company’s wireless interface module is used. Owners can program a four-digit to eight-digit unique access code. Touching any button will activate the built-in LED entry step light. The keypad also includes a standard doorbell button.
The Keyless Entry Grip has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $315.
HDC Inc.
11160 Circle Drive
Austin, TX 78736
(877) 725-3432
www.poplocks.com
Work Light
The Bright Bar LED work light from Black & Decker is said to provide maximum brightness while using very little power.
The Bright Bar features 26 high-intensity LEDs that reportedly last for more than 10,000 hours of use. The light can be powered by either a 120-volt-AC cord or through its internal Ni-MH rechargeable battery, which can provide up to seven continuous hours of use on the Low setting and four continuous hours of use on High following a full charge.
The product features a high-impact weather- and shatter-resistant ABS housing; a rubber base that allows it to sit flat; and a 360-degree swivel hook for hands-free use.
The Bright Bar has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99. Other Bright Bar models include the 360 Bright Bar, the Mini 360, and the Mini Bright Bar.
Black & Decker
701 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
(800) 544-6986
(410) 716-3900
www.blackanddecker.com
Solar-Powered Light
The SolLight Lightship from Simply Brilliant LLC is a solar-powered light that can provide illumination nearly anywhere in the motorhome.
The waterproof light comes with three suction cups to securely stick it to any smooth surface. The lightweight unit features a tiny solar panel, a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack, and both white and red LEDs. The Lightship can be placed in the motorhome anywhere daylight is accessible. A built-in light sensor automatically turns the light on in darkness and turns it off when there’s enough available light for charging. According to product literature, an eight-hour charge in medium to bright sunlight provides energy to run the light all night.
The Lightship, which is made of tough polycarbonate, is available in five colors and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15.95.
Simply Brilliant LLC
1832 Cascade Ave.
Hood River, OR 97031
(888) 557-6464
www.sollight.com
Towed Vehicle Protection
The Retractable Tow Curtain is said to protect a towed vehicle or trailer from damage caused by road debris. It also reduces the amount of dirt and debris that gets into a motorhome’s rear engine compartment and helps keep the rearview camera clear in wet weather.
The device, which can be used with all tow bars, mounts to the rear of the motorhome and reportedly can be connected to and disconnected from the towed vehicle quickly and easily. When not in use, the durable nylon fabric curtain automatically stores away on a spring-loaded roller.
The Retractable Tow Curtain has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $549.99 plus tax, shipping and handling.
Retractable Tow Curtain LLC
20403 N. Lake Pleasant Road
Suite 117-160
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 512-9779
www.retractabletowcurtain.com
Track Bar
The TigerTrak stabilizing track bar system from Blue Ox is said to reduce coach sway issues, better known as “tail wag,” due to side-to-side flexing of the chassis’ leaf springs.
According to product literature, the TigerTrak system is situated between the axle assembly and the chassis frame to prevent the leaf springs from flexing side to side, yet it still allows the springs to provide a smooth ride.
The TigerTrak fits all Ford F-53, E-350, and E-450 chassis; all Chevrolet P-30, P-32, and Kodiak truck 4500 and 5500 chassis; and the complete line of Workhorse front-engine gas-powered chassis.
The TigerTrak system has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $595.
Blue Ox
One Mill Road
P.O. Box P
Pender, NE 68047
(888) 425-5382
(402) 385-3051
www.steeringcontrols.com
Laptop Backpack
The Skooba Shuttle from Skooba Design is a lightweight laptop backpack that is said to be stylish yet highly protective.
According to product literature, the Shuttle features Skooba’s Air Square protection system of air-filled cells in the laptop compartment that act as tiny shock absorbers without adding significant weight. The backpack also includes additional space for books and papers; an audio pocket with a headphone wire port; a padded and ventilated back panel with contoured shoulder straps; dual carrying handles; a multicompartment accessory organizer; and a wide-base design that allows the pack to stand upright when set down.
The Skooba Shuttle is available in three color combinations and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $139.95.
Skooba Design
465 Paul Road
Rochester, NY 14624
(877) 435-5679
(585) 697-3444
www.skoobadesign.com
Mini Digital Photo Album
The Pocket Album from Digital Foci Inc. is a digital keychain photo viewer that allows folks to carry and share their favorite images wherever they go.
The Pocket Album features a 1.5-inch color LCD screen and 8 megabytes of internal memory capable of holding up to 74 images. Photos can be viewed by scrolling manually or through an automatic photo slideshow. The device is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and can be charged via the included AC charger or USB cable connected to a computer. It also features a built-in clock, and the LCD contrast is adjustable for optimal viewing.
Also included is Photo Viewer software that reportedly makes it easy to crop, rotate, and resize photos before transferring them to the digital keychain.
The Pocket Album has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39.95.
Digital Foci Inc.
3111 Via Mondo
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
(888) 669-3624
(310) 763-9100
www.digitalfoci.com