Liquid Dispenser
Bottles, bottles, and more bottles. One way to eliminate some of that clutter in the shower and kitchen is with the Classic Dispenser 3 from Better Living.
The device installs without tools. Waterproof silicone glue and two-way tape are provided. Premeasured amounts of shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap are dispensed by pumps that have a lifetime warranty. Mylar-coated labels identify the liquids for the different 15-ounce chambers. The dispenser is 10.75 inches high, 7.5 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. The suggested retail price is $25.
Better Living Products International
201 Chrislea Road
Vaughan, ON L4L 8N6
(800) 487-3300
www.dispenser.com
Foldable Broom
If it’s an essential motorhome item, chances are someone has devised a version that is collapsible, foldable, or otherwise designed for compact storage. That’s even true of the broom and dustpan.
Broomy, from Viatek, can be used as a handheld brush, a short-handled cleaner, or a broom and dustpan. The brush itself is 11.5 inches wide, and both the broom and dustpan have handles that are 28 inches long when fully extended. The handles collapse into a single, compact unit. Broomy is available in silver or red. Its suggested price is $24.99.
Viatek Consumer Products Group
6011 Century Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37416
(888) 784-2835
www.viatekproducts.com
Foldable Shovel
In official military parlance, it’s known as an entrenching tool. We call it a shovel, and it’s on virtually every list of essential motorhome supplies. A foldable shovel like that used by the U.S. military is available from McGuire Army Navy.
When fully extended, the shovel is 23 inches long, 6 inches wide, and about 2 inches deep. It collapses to a length of 9 inches. It’s versatile: One edge is serrated, for use as a cutting tool; another edge can chop like an ax. Or, lock the shovel at 90 degrees and use it as a pick. The steel shovel is black and is made in the United States. The price is $33.99.
McGuire Army Navy
475 Oberlin Ave. S., Unit 4
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 455-2769
www.mcguirearmynavy.com
Heated Water Hose
We would never throw cold water on your plans to go RVing in below-freezing conditions. We would, however, suggest that you be prepared.
Camco’s heated drinking water hoses are made in the United States and feature a self-regulating heat source encapsulated in an all-weather PVC coating. The hoses, which operate using 120 volts AC, have dual female connectors with a female-to-male adapter so that either end of the hose can be connected to the water source.
Camco’s heated drinking water hoses are available in three sizes: the suggested price of the 12-foot hose is $146.75; 25-foot, $236.19; and 50-foot, $408.90.
Camco Manufacturing Inc.
121 Landmark Drive
Greensboro, NC 27409
(800) 334-2004
www.camco.net
Waste Valve
Dealing with a leaky or broken black-water or gray-water waste valve will never make anyone’s list of fun things to do while camping. A quick, temporary fix — or possibly even a permanent solution, according to some motorhomers — could be at hand if you’ve packed a Valterra Twist-on Waste Valve.
The 3-inch valve twists onto most standard bayonet fittings and rotates to the most convenient position. The suggested price is $26.52.
Valterra Products
15230 San Fernando Mission Blvd. #107
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 898-1671
www.valterra.com
Holding Tank Treatment
Women have more cells in the part of the brain that is dedicated to the sense of smell, according to a recent study. So, fellas, when the missus complains about an odoriferous black or gray holding tank, take action.
Micro-Blaze Septic is an all-natural, microbial-based liquid that reportedly contains no harsh chemicals or formaldehyde. It’s formulated to accelerate the breakdown of solids into smaller components, which allows microbes to digest waste such as proteins, oils, grease, and paper. And in the process, odors are eliminated. Usually, one or two ounces of Micro-Blaze is all that’s needed prior to and then after dumping the holding tank, according to the product’s maker, Verde Environmental.
The price of a small case (two 32-ounce bottles) is $37.98; a large case (six 32-ounce bottles) sells for $89.94. The prices include shipping.
Verde Environmental Inc.
9223 Eastex Freeway
Houston, TX 77093
(800) 626-6598
www.micro-blaze.com
Bike Rack
CURT Manufacturing offers several types of bike racks, the latest of which is hitch-mounted and tray-style. Instead of a latch-type cradle to grip the bike frame, the tray provides a platform for bike tires to rest in, and a padded arm — adjustable for virtually any size bike — secures the bike.
The racks, which are black with a powder-coat finish, will fit 1 1/4-inch or 2-inch receiver tubes. An antiwobble shank is designed to keep the bikes steady. When not in use, the rack’s sides fold up for storage. The two-bike tray-style rack carries a maximum load of 90 pounds and has a suggested retail price of $278.60; the four-bike rack carries a maximum load of 180 pounds and is priced at $530.68.
CURT Manufacturing
6208 Industrial Drive
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(877) 287-8634
www.curtmfg.com
Tall Tent
Alas, the clock has almost run out on another football season, but when tailgating returns, you don’t want to be penalized for failure to protect guests against the elements. When fans want to huddle up before the first snap, a Standing Room Tent could be an option.
Standing Room Tents provide 8 1/2 feet of headroom, so nobody has to slouch. The tents are designed for use with a canopy frame (not included) and can be set up in minutes. Three styles are available. Standing Room 100 (for straight-leg canopies) and Standing Room 64 (for slant-leg canopies) each have two doors; Standing Room XL features heavier fabric, four doors, two zippered skylights, and a detachable door mat.
The suggested cost of the Standing Room 100 and Standing Room 64 tents is $179; Standing Room XL, $249.
Standing Room Tent Supply
831 Morro Bay Blvd.
Morro Bay, CA 93442
www.standingroomtents.com
Women’s Travel Wear
A motorhomer’s best solution for limited closet and drawer space is a versatile wardrobe. So, when it comes to women’s sleepwear, Cool-jams aren’t just PJs. While being comfortable enough to wear to bed, they’re also touted as fashionable enough to function as loungewear or sportswear.
The Cool-jams separates and nightgowns feature a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that is said to be wrinkle-resistant, with natural antibacterial properties to keep it fresh. The fabric dries quickly; rinse it in a sink, hang it up, and it’s ready to wear in a few hours. Retail prices range from $29 for separates to $115 for a three-piece set.
Cool-jams
11206 Spencerport Way
San Diego, CA 92131
www.cool-jams.com