Black-Tank Cleaner
It’s bad news when gunk builds up on the interior walls of your black-water holding tank and causes the sensors to produce inaccurate readings. Commando Black Holding Tank Cleaner, from Walex, is formulated to clean and remove waste and paper buildup — and the odor.
Drop a Commando packet into the tank, fill it with water, and the product’s concentrated enzymes reportedly will clean the tank in 12 to 24 hours. A package of four drop-in packets cost $9.99; that’s a year’s supply, based on the recommendation to use one packet every three months.
Walex Products Company
P.O. Box 3785
Wilmington, NC 28406
(800) 338-3155
(910) 371-2242
www.rvsanitation.com
Multibit Screwdriver
In the screwdriver world, Wiha Tools’ Ultra Driver could be considered a jack of all trades.
The tool contains 13 double-end bits, which give users 26 tip sizes to choose from.
Three Ultra Drivers are available. The most popular is the Tradesman, which offers an assortment of bits that include slotted, Phillips, square, Pozidriv, Torx, hex inch, and hex metric. The tool features a quick-release locking bit holder; a spring-loaded cartridge for fast access to the bits; a cushion grip handle; chrome vanadium molybdenum (CVM) steel bits; and precision-machined tips. The suggested retail price is $69.98, but through March 2017 the price is $36.98.
Wiha Tools
1348 Dundas Circle
Monticello, MN 55362
(800) 494-6104
www.wihatools.com
Rubber Clamp
Quick Fist and Super Quick Fist, from Davis Instruments, make it possible to stow your RV stuff neatly and securely. The clamps are made of UV-resistant rubber with internal ridges to help hold equipment in place. The clamps can be mounted inside or outside the motorhome.
Quick Fist holds objects that are 7/8 inch to 2 1/4 inches in diameter and weigh up to 22 pounds; its base measures 7/8 inch by 2 3/4 inches and mounts with one bolt or screw. Super Quick Fist holds objects up to 50 pounds that are 2 1/2 inches to 7 1/2 inches in diameter; its base measures 7/8 inch by 6 inches and mounts with three bolts or screws. The price is $14.99 for two Quick Fists or one Super Quick Fist.
Davis Instruments
3465 Diablo Ave.
Hayward, CA 94545
(510) 732-9229
www.davisnet.com
Solar Battery Maintainer
A 12-volt lead-acid battery can lose charge both from parasitic drain and nonuse when a motorhome is parked for days on end at a campground. A PulseTech product — the SP-5 SolarPulse 12V Solar Charger Maintainer, 5-Watt — charges, maintains, and desulfates such batteries using the power of the sun.
The SP-5’s solar panel is made of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and provides 5 watts of power. The panel is 8.8 inches by 8.8 inches by 0.25 inch — significantly smaller than panels in other 5-watt chargers, according to company literature. The device features PulseTech’s patented Pulse Technology, which is designed to reduce the buildup of lead sulfate crystals on battery plates. The price is $159.95.
PulseTech Products Corporation
1100 S. Kimball Ave.
Southlake, TX 76092
(800) 580-7554
www.pulsetech.net
Awning Sun Blocker
The late, great John Denver reminded us in a song: Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry. Ah, but there’s a way to block the low-angle morning and afternoon rays that your RV awning can’t protect against: the EZ ZipBlocker from Carefree of Colorado.
Its see-through screen — made of open-weave 100 percent polyester fabric coated with vinyl — is said to cut almost 85 percent of the sun’s light, blocking glare while keeping you cool and comfortable. A top insert slides into the open slot of most awning roller tubes; the screen portion zips onto the insert and drops to the ground. Grommets and ground stakes are included. The EZ ZipBlocker is available in widths of 10, 15, and 19 feet, with drops of 7, 8, or 9 feet. Depending on size, prices range from $150 to $260.
Carefree of Colorado
2145 W. Sixth Ave.
Broomfield, CO 80020
(303) 469-3324
www.carefreeofcolorado.com
Picnic Table Covers
While camping, Keith and Debbie Cook encountered so many damp, dirty picnic tables, they started making their own table cover sets. Demand for them grew, so they started a company, Table Gloves.
A set includes one tabletop cover and two bench covers, as well as a matching storage bag.
The Cooks say the covers are windproof, waterproof, and kid-approved. Sets are available that fit standard 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot picnic tables without the need for clips, weights, or elastic. Custom sizes also can be purchased. The machine-washable covers are made from heavy marine upholstery vinyl, which resists mold and mildew. Many colors are available. Sets for 6-foot tables start at $70, which includes shipping.
Table Gloves
3132 E. Bradley St.
Inverness, FL 34453
(352) 634-1391
www.tablegloves.com
Inflatable Chair
The hammock chair from Zephyr Bags is a little like a bean bag chair minus the beans. It must be inflated, but you don’t need an air pump, and you don’t blow through a valve until your face turns blue. Instead, open a chamber and swiftly move the bag forward to capture air; close the chamber; roll the bag to compress the air; and snap a buckle. Once you get the hang of it, the process (explained in a “how to inflate” video on the company’s website) should take less than 10 seconds.
The chair, made of water-resistant ripstop nylon, is suitable for all types of outdoor use. It weighs about 2 pounds and is said to support up to 550 pounds. Its carrying case doubles as a pillow. Available colors are purple, blue, hot pink, and neon. The price is $39.
Zephyr Bags
4229 Ocean Blvd.
Suite C
San Diego, CA 92109
www.zephyrbags.com
Personalized Flag
One or more of your favorite photos — of you and your great-looking spouse, or your furry friend Fido, or anything else you choose — can be uploaded to a company called Flagology and printed on a flag that welcomes guests to your campsite. You can also personalize a “Happy Camper” flag with your family name.
Prices start at $24.99 for a photo-only garden flag (12.5 inches by 18 inches) that displays one image on both sides; a different image on each side costs $29.99. The price is $39.99 for a photo-only house flag (28 inches by 40 inches) that displays one image on both sides; a different image on each side costs $47.49. A message can be added, along with accents such as a frame or border.
Flagology
560 Davidson Gateway Drive
Suite 101
Davidson, NC 28036
(855) 347-4922
www.flagology.com
Night Light
Woe to those who stub their toes as they groggily make their way to RV bathrooms in the dead of night. A night light might be the answer.
The Geometric Motion Activated LED Night Light, from AmerTac, contains an energy-efficient LED bulb that uses just 0.25 watt. The light, which plugs into any standard outlet, shuts off 90 seconds after movement stops. A sensor helps prevent it from coming on during daylight hours. The light measures 3.5 inches high by 2.6 inches wide by 2.2 inches deep. The suggested retail price is $12.99. Your toes will thank you.
AmerTac
250 Boulder Drive
Suite 100
Breinigsville, PA 18031
(610) 336-1330
www.amertac.com