Collapsible Bowls
Who doesn’t want more storage room in the RV? Prepworks Thinstore Collapsible Storage Bowls free up valuable space. They come in a set of three sizes. When not in use, the plastic bowls get smaller simply by pressing on them. The 1.5-cup bowl is 2.25 inches tall and collapses to 1 inch; the 3-cup bowl, which is 2.75 inches tall, and the 5-cup bowl, which is 3 inches tall, both collapse to 1.25 inches. Each bowl has a leak-resistant lid so you can store snacks, leftover sloppy joes, or what have you. They’re dishwasher-safe and available in red, blue, and green. The set’s suggested retail price is $19.99.
Progressive International
20435 72nd Ave. S.
Suite 400
Kent, WA 98032
(800) 426-7101
www.progressiveintl.com
Roll-Up Bottle
It’s a bother to tote a bulky water bottle that contains nothing but air. The beauty of the Bübi Bottle is that when empty, it can be rolled up and stashed away. When unrolled, the silicone bottle retains its shape.
The Bübi also can be used as an ice pack or hot pack. It’s waterproof, so it can store small electronic devices, matches, dry ingredients, or the like. It’s BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and mold-resistant, and is available in nine colors and two sizes.
The 14-ounce Bübi is $16.99; a 22-ounce size is $24.99. A sports/sippy cap for either size costs $5.99.
Bübi Bottle
3750 N.E. 170th St.
Suite 111
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(203) 482-0495
www.bubibottle.com
Tervis Tumblers
Doesn’t matter if your beverage is ice-cold or steaming hot; the double-wall insulation of a Tervis tumbler helps keep it at the ideal temperature, while also reducing the need for a coaster. And although we’re biased, we think your liquid refreshment might taste even better when it’s poured into a tumbler adorned with the FMCA logo.
The tumblers, which come with lids, are made of high-grade polycarbonate; they’re also dishwasher-safe. A set of two 16-ounce tumblers is $30; a set of two 24-ounce tumblers is $35.
Family Motor Coach Association
8291 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45244
(800) 543-3622
(513) 474-3622
Clothes Dryer Rack
Mama always said clothes smell better, and last longer, when dried in fresh air. Motorhomers can give it a whirl with the Smart Dryer from Xcentrik
.
The telescoping rack, made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, attaches with adjustable brackets to an RV (or balcony or wall). When unfolded, the Smart Dryer provides the equivalent drying space of a 33-foot clothesline. It closes back up to a compact 6 inches wide for storage. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $94.99. Oh, and before your unmentionables go flapping in the breeze, we suggest you check the campground rules for restrictions.
Xcentrik Inc.
7902 Samuel Hatt
Chambly, QC J3L 6W4
(800) 441-5375
www.xcentrik.ca
Packing Cubes
When traveling, it’s all about being organized, right? You might have an easier time finding everything from clothing to computer cords by using eBags Packing Cubes. They’re available in 10 colors, so everybody in the motorhome can pick a favorite. Also, each bag has a mesh-top panel so the contents can be identified easily.
The three-piece set includes these cube dimensions: large, 17.5 inches by 12.75 inches by 3.25 inches; medium, 13.75 inches by 9.75 inches by 3 inches; small, 11 inches by 6.75 inches by 3 inches. When dirty, the soft mesh bags can be tossed in the washing machine. The suggested price of a set is $29.99. Other size bags are available.
eBags
5500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.
Suite 160
Greenwood Village, CO 80110
(800) 820-6126
www.ebags.com
Inflatable Lantern/Flasher
Here’s a bright idea that made it to market. The Luci EMRG, from MPOWERD, is an inflatable, solar-charged lantern that also functions as a flashlight and red flasher for emergencies. Its four LED lights are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery, which is included.
The Luci EMRG is waterproof, shatterproof, and weighs 2.5 ounces. According to MPOWERD, the lantern provides enough light to illuminate a 100-square-foot room. It can be set for bright, super bright, flashing, and SOS modes. It’s compact enough to be stored in a drawer, toolbox, or the like. The suggested retail price is $9.99.
Mpowerd Inc.
231 W. 29th St.
Suite 1105
New York, NY 10001
(844) 676-9373
www.mpowerd.com
Visit FMCmagazine.com/info
Side Room Shelter
A motorhome will expand your horizons, but what if you want to expand your RV’s usable space? Let’s Go Aero’s solution is a side room tent system called the ArcRV, which is designed to fit snugly around the doorway or rear area of most RVs.
The ArcRV has a sloped, conical shape. It is 10 feet wide and 6 1/2 feet high in the front, and rises to a height of 8 feet 9 inches at the RV door area. Steel and fiberglass poles give structure to the water- and UV-resistant fabric, which is 190T ripstop polyester with a 2,000-mm polyurethane coating. The ArcRV weighs 26 pounds and comes with a carry bag. The suggested price is $499. Additional options, sold separately, include the ArcHaus shelter addition (which doubles the enclosed space) and the RV Connector, which wraps around the entry door.
Let’s Go Aero
2120 Naegele Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(877) 464-2376
(719) 630-3800
www.letsgoaero.com
Motorized Steps
A motorhome journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Or two or three. Lippert Components has upgraded the mechanics on its Tread Lite Power Step so it automatically extends and retracts faster and provides better stability, according to company literature. The system stops if obstructions are detected.
The Tread Lite Power Step is built with lightweight aluminum step treads that are covered with nonslip coating that helps to provide sure footing in any weather. Single-, double-, and triple-step configurations are available. LED lighting ensures the steps are visible at night. Prices range from just under $800 for a 24-inch single-step system to $1,094 for a 24-inch triple-step system.
Lippert Components Inc.
3501 County Road 6 E.
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 537-8900
www.lci1.com
Satellite TV Antenna
How low can you go? It’s a question not only for limbo dancers but also for TV antennas atop motorhomes. A low profile is a key feature of KVH Industries’ TracVision A9, a compact satellite TV antenna that measures just 5 inches high.
The high-gloss black antenna allows you to watch local TV stations, as well as more than 300 DirecTV and DISH Network channels, while you’re motoring down the road. It’s compatible with virtually all factory-installed and aftermarket video systems, according to KVH. It features the TracVision TV-Hub, which provides system access from any mobile device or laptop. The suggested retail price of the TracVision A9 is $4,995.
KVH Industries Inc.
50 Enterprise Center
Middletown, RI 02842
(401) 847-3327
www.kvh.com