Bottle, Can Opener
Twist tops, flip tops, and metal caps can be difficult to open on plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles, especially for folks with limited hand strength or arthritis. Magic Opener perhaps can help.
With a simple twist, the gadget works on almost all types of beverage containers, the Magic Opener website says. It has a magnetic back so it sticks to any metal surface. The price is $19.99; the Extreme Magic Opener, which also opens pull-tab pet food, soup, and tuna cans, costs $24.99.
Magic Opener
225 Malaga Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 448-6464
www.magicopener.com
Kitchen Helper
Tonis Tollasepp likes to be efficient in the kitchen, to conserve soap and water, and to save time and money, which led him to develop the Katcher + Kaddy + Kup. The Katcher is a funnel; the Kaddy stores utensils and has vent holes so it can be used as a colander; the Kup holds four cups of water. Used together, Mr. Tollasepp says, the items free up sink and counter space, and make it possible to wash dishes without filling up the entire sink with soapy water.
Made of polypropylene, the items are recommended for smooth sinks that are at least 6.5 inches deep. They come with a special suction bar and a brush. The price is $24.95 in Canadian dollars. (U.S. customers will save approximately 15 percent, depending on the current exchange rate.)
Sink Inc.
10 Red Oaks Crescent
Toronto, ON M4G 1A5
(416) 871-7421
www.insink.ca
Inflatable Kayak
Some places beg to be explored by water. You can be ready with the inflatable AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak, model AE1007-R, from Advanced Elements Inc.
From a folded size of 35 inches by 21 inches by 12 inches, setup is simple: unfold, inflate (with a pump, sold separately), and attach the seats. The 15-foot kayak can be paddled solo or as a tandem. The open-deck design can be converted to a closed deck with optional single-deck and double-deck kits (sold separately). The bow and stern are made with built-in aluminum ribs, and the boat has three layers of material to resist punctures. The kayak weighs 52 pounds and comes with a duffel bag. The suggested retail price is $749.
Advanced Elements Inc.
5370 Gateway Plaza Drive
Benicia, CA 94510
(866) 262-9076
(707) 745-9800
www.advancedelements.com
Compact Golf Clubs
Ah, the joy of yelling “FORE!” Given the space and weight limitations of motorhoming, though, you might think twice about packing golf clubs. But now, DV8 Sports has introduced a lightweight set that fits into a backpack.
DV8 uses a patented coupler technology that allows club heads to be interchanged on one or two custom graphite shafts. The result is a set that’s about one-third the weight and one-fourth the size of a traditional set. Head changes require no tools and take about three seconds. The shafts are available in three flex categories: stiff, regular, and ladies/senior.
A starter set (one driver and three irons) is $499.95; a practice package (one driver, one 15-degree hybrid, and five irons) is $699.95; a play package (one driver, one fairway wood, one hybrid, six irons, and one putter) is $899.95. Each set includes a DV8 backpack.
DV8 Sports
1005 Alderman Drive, Suite 111
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(877) 738-8439
www.dv8sports.com
Fire Starter
When grilling with charcoal, some folks douse the coals with enough lighter fluid to build a bonfire. But there’s another way to get those briquettes hot and glowing as quickly as possible: the BBQ Dragon.
The cordless device has a stainless-steel body that clamps onto a grill (as well as other surfaces) and blows air at the fire so it burns faster. Airflow is controlled by a variable-speed motor, and an adjustable, stainless-steel neck directs the air where it’s needed. The BBQ Dragon also can be used with fire pits, fireplaces, smokers, or the like. It runs on four AA batteries (included); a recharge kit, sold separately, includes rechargeable batteries, wall and vehicle chargers, and a USB charging cable. The suggested price of the BBQ Dragon is $59.95.
BBQ Dragon
13701 W. Jewell #200-24
Lakewood, CO 80228
(855) 524-8068
www.bbqdragon.com
Roof Cleaner
“On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be . . .” When Grammy winner James Taylor sings those lyrics, we’re pretty sure he’s not referring to a motorhome’s rubber roof. Because if you’re up there cleaning, it isn’t all that peaceful or relaxing.
You might be able to save some time, however, by cleaning and protecting your rubber roof in one fell swoop. Bio-Kleen RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant removes black streaks, oxidation, and general buildup, according to a press release. The petroleum-free product contains an SPF 70 UV blocker that is said to provide protection against the sun’s UV rays for up to six months. The price of a 32-ounce bottle is $16.95; the one-gallon size is $34.95.
Bio-Kleen Products Inc.
810 Lake St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(800) 240-5536
(269) 567-9400
www.biokleen.com
Power Drill/Driver
If you are a not-so-handy man (or woman) but need to make the occasional repair, the good news is that tools are getting “smarter.” A case in point is Black & Decker’s 20V MAX Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense Technology, which won the grand award in Popular Science’s 2014 Best of What’s New Awards.
The key component is an electronic clutch that automatically stops the drill when it senses that a screw is flush with the work surface. Other features: a battery status indicator; a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge up to 18 months; an LED work light; and the ability to change easily between drill and drive modes. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $79.99.
Black & Decker
701 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
(800) 544-6986
www.blackanddecker.com
Siphon Pump
We get queasy just thinking about people trying to siphon diesel fuel by putting a tube in their mouth. It’s easier and safer to use a siphon pump.
Beckson Manufacturing’s Siphon-Mate is a hand pump that is designed to transfer diesel fuel, oil, or water but is not recommended for use with gasoline. It requires just a few half-stroke pumps to get liquid flowing. With the handle fully extended, siphoning continues at one gallon per minute as long as the liquid’s source is higher than the receptacle. Pushing the handle down stops the flow. The pump comes with 8 feet of tubing. The suggested retail price is $44.65.
Beckson Manufacturing
165 Holland Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06605
(203) 366-3644
www.becksonmfg.com
Water Heater
When you are in the shower, naked and shivering, you want just one thing: hot water — pronto. The folks at Truma say that’s not too much to ask.
The company’s new water heater, the Truma AquaGo, runs on propane and is outfitted with a 60,000-Btu burner that starts as soon as a hot-water valve is opened, so hot water is delivered instantly and endlessly, according to a Truma press release. The AquaGo maintains a constant 120-degree water temperature, regardless of the flow rate. The unit can be installed in standard 6-gallon water heater cutouts; by using an adapter mounting plate, it also can be used in 10-, 12-, and 16-gallon cutouts.
The price of the basic AquaGo is $1,099; other models are available that include an anti-freeze device for year-round use and a recirculation pump for instantly hot tap water.
Truma
825 E. Jackson Blvd.
Elkhart, IN 46516
(855) 558-7862
www.truma.com