Camera/binocular strap
The Superbungee Camera/Binocular Strap from Skooba Design is said to make carrying a camera or binoculars around your neck more comfortable.
According to company literature, the strap features a “sport-tuned suspension system” consisting of a high-density, floating bungee cord ring that acts as a shock absorber to minimize carrying discomfort and perceived weight. The reverse side includes a flexible strip of individual, air-filled cells covered in a friction laminate to prevent the strap from slipping.
The strap, which can be adjusted from 21 inches to 45 inches in length, fits cameras or binoculars with standard 3/8-inch (11-millimeter) strap slots, or it can be threaded to the split key-ring-type connectors on older cameras.
The Superbungee Camera/Binocular Strap is available in five colors and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19.95.
Skooba Design
465 Paul Road
Rochester, NY 14624
(877) 435-5679
(585) 697-3444
www.skoobadesign.com
Portable multimedia player
The iMep from 3P Electronics is a portable entertainment player made especially for those who enjoy a multitude of media formats.
The iMep features a 7-inch LCD screen, an iPod dock, a CD and DVD player, a TV tuner, a memory card slot, a USB flash drive slot, and an AM-FM radio. It is equipped with two 10-watt, 3-inch speakers that are said to boast strikingly clear sound when used indoors or outdoors. It also includes an AV RCA input and output, two digital outputs (coaxial and optical), and a TV antenna.
The unit can be powered by an AC adapter, a DC charger, or eight D-cell batteries. A model also is available with an included lithium polymer battery.
The iMep has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $299. The unit with the lithium polymer battery is priced at $399.
3P Electronics
26 Wapping Road
Kingston, MA 02364
(781) 585-5509
www.i-mep.com
Foldable bike
Montague Corporation, a manufacturer of foldable bikes for every branch of the military, recently launched the SwissBike civilian line, which includes full-size, high-performance mountain bikes that are said to fold quickly and easily for storage.
The line features three models: the rugged 27-speed XO; the go-anywhere 24-speed LX; and the built-for-the-streets 21-speed TX. All three include 26-inch wheels, a front suspension fork and disc brake, and Montague’s patent-pending CLIX Wheel Release System. Thanks to the company’s patented FIT System, the bikes are said to fold down to their 36-inch-by-28-inch-by-12 inch storage size in under 30 seconds without the use of tools.
The SwissBike XO has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,995, while the LX is priced at $825 and the TX at $645.
Montague Corporation
432 Columbia St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
(800) 736-5348
(617) 491-7200
www.swissbike.com
Patio awning
According to product literature, the Horizon II Box Awning from Dometic Corporation was created for smaller RVs, such as type B motorhomes, and boasts innovations such as automatic rain shed, pneumatic struts for superior wind resistance, and stronger rafter arms.
The awning features die-cast structural components rather than plastic, and exclusive “posi-lock” support legs that are said to make it durable and long-lasting. The Horizon II comes in spans of 8 feet 2 inches to 16 feet 4 inches with a 7-foot projection. It includes fabric brushes that clean the vinyl fabric as it retracts, an accessory channel in the front lead rail to accommodate a screen room, and a streamlined metal case with decorative caps.
The Horizon II Box Awning is available in five double-sided shadow colors – Sky Blue, Sea Green, Cabernet, Granite, and Driftwood – and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $691.
Dometic Corporation
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
(800) 544-4881
(574) 294-2511
www.dometicusa.com
Roadside emergency tool
The 4-in-1 SafetyStick Emergency Tool and Flashlight from SafetyBright.com is said to aid those who have suffered a roadside breakdown or accident.
The device includes a flashlight; flashing red strobes to alert oncoming vehicles; a seatbelt cutter that is said to be sharp enough to cut through any seatbelt in seconds, yet is designed to prevent injury to the user; and a steel-pointed hammer-like tip that reportedly will shatter any window for emergency exit. It also includes a magnet in the bottom that makes it possible to attach the unit to a vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.
The 4-in-1 SafetyStick has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $14.95.
SafetyBright.com
S. 57 W. 23102 Marcelle Drive
Waukesha, WI 53189
(414) 550-5760
www.safetybright.com
Tire pressure monitoring system
The 360RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System from Doran Manufacturing is said to continuously monitor the tire pressures on a motorhome and towed vehicle and to alert drivers when a tire inflation problem occurs.
The wireless system provides the driver with audible and visual alarms and a quick-glance “Green Means Good” display. It features fast-leak, 25 percent, and 12.5 percent pressure drop indicators and an internal memory that retains a list of time-stamped warnings. The monitor also includes a patent-pending “sleep” mode that continues to check pressures but withholds potential warnings until the system is returned to normal operation.
The 360RV features heavy-duty valve stem sensors with long-life batteries that can be programmed to specific tires, as well as a 5.7-inch-wide-by-2.2-inch-high monitor with a backlit LCD display screen. The unit operates on 12-volt-DC power and can be hardwired to the motorhome’s electrical system or powered through the vehicle’s 12-volt accessory outlet. Installation is said to take one hour without the need for specialized tools and leaves no external antennas or exposed wiring.
The 360RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System has manufacturer’s suggested retail prices that range from $399.99 (four wheels) to $799.99 (12 wheels).
Doran Manufacturing
2851 Massachusetts Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45225
(866) 816-7233
(513) 699-6233
www.doranmfg.com
Dog training software
If you travel with a dog and occasionally leave it alone in the motorhome while you explore, does it bark nonstop until you return? Would you know if it did? Bark Sentry is a monitoring and training software product designed to help owners find out whether their dog is a constant barker and teach it to refrain from continuous barking when they are away from the motorhome.
The program features a listening function that records a dog’s barks as well as other background sounds; audio distraction and reward prompts using the owners’ voices in their absence; a Web and e-mail reporting function that can be sent to a computer or cell phone’s text message box; and a library of articles about training a dog to stop barking, among other subjects.
The software runs on PCs using Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista operating systems. Other requirements include a microphone to record the barking episodes and speakers to provide the distraction and quiet rewards.
Bark Sentry is available to download for $29, or a software CD can be ordered for $34 plus shipping. For additional information, visit the Web site or e-mail sales@barksentry.com.
BarkSentry.com
3700 S. Westport Ave.
PMB 1621
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-6360
(605) 310-6772
www.barksentry.com
Cleaning product
The Reggae Mitt and Reggae Sponge from Star brite are washing aids made of microfiber material that are said to let users sweep away dirt, dust, and grime but won’t scratch even the most delicate surfaces.
When used dry, both the Reggae Mitt, which fits over the user’s hand, and the Reggae Sponge reportedly remove dust from gel coat, glass, countertops, painted areas, and other RV surfaces. When immersed in a bucket of RV wash, they hold a large amount of sudsy water, and their large size cuts down on the time needed to clean a motorhome.
The Reggae Sponge and Reggae Mitt are machine-washable. Each has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $12.
Star brite
4041 S.W. 47th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(800) 327-8583
(954) 587-6280
www.starbrite.com
Object anchoring material
Rock N Roll Motion-Proof Putty and Clear Gel products from ReadyAmerica Inc. can help motorhomers to prevent objects within the coach from dislodging during travel.
The putty can be used to keep items such as coffeemakers, kitchen or bath items, laptop computers, small electronics, lamps, pictures, and bowls in place, while the translucent gel works well on glass, crystal, figurines, antiques, and other collectibles. Both products are intended to be used on flat, level surfaces. While the putty can be used on nearly anything, the gel should be used primarily on glass applications.
To use either product, roll a small amount into a ball or strip; place on the bottom of the object; and press it into place. If the object needs to be moved, gently twist up to break the adhesion.
Rock N Roll Motion-Proof Putty has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4.99, while the Clear Gel is priced at $6.99.
ReadyAmerica Inc.
1150 Simpson Way
Escondido, CA 92029
(800) 232-7836
(760) 466-1060
www.readyamerica.com
Waxing spray
According to product literature, Wax As-U-Dry aerosol from Eagle One offers a convenient way to give your motorhome or towed vehicle a high-gloss shine with no hazing, streaking, or residue.
To use, spray Wax As-U-Dry on a wet vehicle immediately after it’s been washed, then dry using a chamois or towel. Each application provides a protective blend of water-reactive polymers and carnauba wax to the finish. The product reportedly is safe for all painted surfaces as well as windows, bumpers, trim, and wheels.
An 18-ounce bottle of Wax As-U-Dry aerosol has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4.99 and is available at mass merchandise retailers and auto parts chains.
Eagle One
3499 Blazer Parkway
Lexington, KY 40509
(800) 432-4531
www.eagleone.com
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