The device, which features a 3.5-inch color LCD screen, allows users to layer a satellite photo, topographical map, compass, and navigational aids on a single screen. It also displays NEXRAD real-time weather data via XM NavWeather, providing screens with the current conditions where you are, as well as a geo-referenced satellite weather map. The unit also is capable of accessing more than 170 channels of music, sports, and other entertainment on XM Satellite Radio.
The ONIX 400 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.99. XM NavWeather and XM Satellite Radio require a monthly subscription fee.
Bushnell Outdoor Products
9200 Cody
Overland Park, KS 66214-1734
(800) 423-3537
(913) 752-3400
www.bushnell.com
Portable Satellite Antenna
The VuQube portable satellite TV antenna from King Controls is said to be the first portable satellite antenna under a dome.
The antenna can be placed on the ground, on a picnic table, or anywhere that has a clear line of sight to the southern sky. A single 50-foot coaxial cable, which powers the 12-volt-DC antenna and carries the signal, connects the antenna to the “satellite in” port on your receiver or the satellite input on your motorhome. A wireless remote control tilts and turns the internal dish toward the satellite while the user monitors the signal meter on the TV inside the motorhome. The antenna also includes a built-in automatic level feature that keeps the dish pointed at a consistent elevation while rotating, even on an unlevel surface.
The compact dome measures 16 inches wide by 17.5 inches high, weighs 10.5 pounds, and includes a carrying handle for easy transport.
The VuQube has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799.
King Controls
11200 Hampshire Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN 55438
(800) 982-9920
(952) 922-6889
www.kingcontrols.com
Wireless Cellular Amplifier
The Cell Ranger STIX mobile cellular amplifier from MoGo Wireless is said to increase signal strength and reduce the number of dropped calls while traveling in a vehicle.
The device plugs into the vehicle’s 12-volt-DC power port and is said to instantly recognize your mobile phone and its protocol and begin boosting the signal without any special programming. And since the unit is wireless, no physical connection between the system and the mobile device is needed. According to company literature, the amplifier works with all cell phone service providers except Sprint/Nextel, is compatible with all wireless cards and Bluetooth devices, and can be used by multiple users at the same time.
The Cell Ranger STIX has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $149.99. The company also offers the Cell Ranger PORT, which uses a USB port to connect to a computer.
MoGo Wireless
1275 W. Roosevelt Road, #107
West Chicago, IL 60185
(877) 275-5016
www.cellranger.net
Steering Control
The TruCenter steering control from Blue Ox is said to give motorhome drivers better control in adverse driving situations.
TruCenter acts as a horizontally mounted shock absorber to improve handling issues caused by passing trucks, strong crosswinds, uneven road pavement, road crown, or even a front-tire blowout. The product’s double-sealed nitrogen gas springs exert up to 270 pounds of pressure to hold the tie rod in place, and a button in the cockpit allows the driver to align the steering in any conditions.
The TruCenter, which is said to be easy to install with hand tools, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,295 plus $120 for the mounting kit.
Blue Ox
One Mill Road
P.O. Box P
Pender, NE 68047
(888) 425-5382
(402) 385-3051
www.blueox.us
Towed Vehicle Lights
The 22-inch RV Light Stick from TowMate LLC is a wireless light bar that attaches to the rear of a towed vehicle to provide separate right and left turn signals, braking lights, and taillights.
The device attaches to the rear of the vehicle via powerful suction cups or magnets, and its legs are totally adjustable to suit your towing needs. Since there is no electrical connection, the unit charges via a 12-volt-DC charge cord that plugs into a motorhome’s DC power port and reportedly can operate for up to 20 hours between charges. The system also includes an RV seven-pin transmitter that attaches to the motorhome’s rear light plug and sends the turn signal and braking information to the light.
The 22-inch RV Light Stick has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $395.
TowMate LLC
15827 Serenity Point Lane
Rogers, AR 72756
(800) 680-4455
(479) 925-2131
www.towmate.com
Gray Water Tank Deodorizer
According to product literature, Exodor ELEMONATE Grey Water Rapid Dissolve Tablets from Walex Products Company work to clean and deodorize a motorhome’s gray water system.
The treatment tablets are biodegradable and contain no formaldehyde. They are said to deodorize the gray holding tank, freshen the sink and drain lines with a lemon scent, dissolve grease and sludge from the system, and clean the sensors in the tank.
A package of five ELEMONATE tablets has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $6.88.
Walex Products Company
P.O. Box 3785
Wilmington, NC 28406
(800) 338-3155
(910) 371-2242
www.rvsanitation.com
Holding Tank Vent
The 360 Siphon from 360 Products Inc. is said to vent holding tank odors as well, if not better, than any evacuation system available, including mechanical vents.
According to product literature, the 360 Siphon, which appears similar to a standard vent cap, places low pressure at the vent stack in all wind conditions. The 21/2-inch-tall polycarbonate device has a built-in bug screen and a water sealant collar to ensure that no moisture travels between the stack and the roof.
The 360 Siphon has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $26.95 plus $5.95 for shipping and handling.
360 Products Inc.
P.O. Box 647
Point Roberts, WA 98281-0647
(866) 467-8360
www.rv-360.com
Tarp Accessory
Grabbits from the Grabbit Tool Company allow folks to mount tarps to structures, attach multiple tarps together, compensate for torn grommets, and firmly and reliably grasp tarps anywhere.
The two-piece device comes in three sizes “” 20-inch (Long), 6-inch (EZ), and 1.5-inch (Mini) “” and uses linear grappling technology to secure the tarp. To use, wrap the portion of the tarp you want to grab around the “dogbone” piece of the Grabbit; slide the sleeve over the “dogbone”; and tug on the leader rope to secure the pieces together.
Grabbits work with polyester and canvas tarps, plastic sheeting, vinyl signs and banners, and any pliable fabric. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Grabbits are $8.99 for a single 20-inch, $9.99 for a four-pack of the 6-inch, and $7.99 for a four-pack of the 1.5-inch.
Grabbit Tool Company
8992 W. Temple Place
Littleton, CO 80123
(303) 960-8140
www.grabbittool.com
Insect Bait
Multi-Purpose Insect Bait from TERRO is said to control outside ant infestations as well as cockroaches, crickets, snails, and slugs.
The granular bait includes borax, which reportedly is effective at controlling home pests but is not toxic to humans and pets. The substance has a delayed effect on ants, allowing them to carry the food back to the colony to share it. However, it is not harmful to beneficial insects such as ladybugs and butterflies. And the bait is weather-resistant, so it will stand up to sunlight, heat, and rain, and remain effective until consumed.
A 3-pound container of TERRO Multi-Purpose Insect Bait has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $14.99.
TERRO
566 Leffingwell Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63122
(800) 837-7644
www.terro.com
Scratch And Blemish Repair
According to product literature, 3M Scratch Remover will eliminate fine scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, and paint imperfections from a vehicle’s finish.
The product, which is applied by hand, includes fine minerals that are said to remove scratches from the paint and gradually bring back a high-polish finish. The formula contains no wax so scratches are polished out, not filled with wax, and it is safe for use on clear coats.
An 8-ounce bottle of 3M Scratch Remover has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $8.99.
3M Company
3M Center
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
(888) 364-3577
www.3mcarcare.com
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