Butane Stove
Sometimes it’s nice to be outside as you rustle up some scrambled eggs, burgers, etc. That’s when it’s handy to have a portable cooker, such as the Coleman Butane Stove. Just pull it out of its carry case, insert its separate butane cylinder, and turn the adjustable burner control to activate the automatic ignition.
The stove can accommodate pans up to 10 inches. Wind baffles help shield the flame. The stove has an enameled steel exterior, an aluminum burner, and a porcelain-coated grate. One 8.8-ounce butane cylinder (sold separately) keeps the stove operating up to 1.25 hours on the “high” setting. The stove’s suggested retail price is $29.99.
Coleman
(800) 835-3278
www.coleman.com
Drying Rack
Chairs, bushes, RV awnings, and bikes may not be the best places to hang wet towels, swimsuits, etc. to dry. Another option is the Malo’o DryRack RV/Van/Boat Edition, which holds up to 20 pounds on its two drying bars. It can be used inside or outside.
The DryRack RV/Van/Boat Edition comes with a heavy-duty suction cup that sticks to smooth surfaces such as walls, glass, showers, ceilings, or doors. Just slide the top of the DryRack handle into the suction cup’s hook, and you’re set. The DryRack RV/Van/Boat Edition is made of polypropylene and folds up for storage. It’s available in black or white. The price is $46.99.
Malo’o Racks
www.malooracks.com
Trash Bag Holder
Clean up around the campsite with help from BagAlong. This outdoor trash bag holder conveniently keeps the bag open, secured between inner and outer plastic rings. BagAlong includes straps that can be used to hang it from a tree, your RV, or any freestanding object.
If you’re a good-deed-doer who sometimes picks up campground litter, you can slip the BagAlong straps around a shoulder and attach its belt clip to your waistband, which makes it easy to put garbage in the bag as you walk. The price of BagAlong with a 12-inch ring is $27.99; with a 15-inch ring, $29.99.
BagAlong
(888) 847-8901
www.bagalong.net
Paint Repair Kit
When you see a paint chip or scratch on your car, SUV, pickup truck, or motorcycle, you can take matters into your own hands with a paint repair kit from Chipex. The United Kingdom-based company holds an international patent for its product chemistry and touch-up application processes.
More than 160,000 Chipex paint colors are available, enough to match the paint on virtually every vehicle on the road in the United States and Canada. According to the product description, Chipex paint dries in 30 seconds, and depending on the damage, the repair process can take less than five minutes. Kits are available in three sizes starting at $49.99. FMCA members can get a 10 percent discount by using the code RVING10.
Chipex Ltd.
www.chipex.com
Camp Shower
A portable shower can be used in several ways: wash your hands, hair, or entire body; rinse off Fido after he romps through the mud; wash dishes; or put out a campfire. Dr. Prepare’s 4 Gallon Portable Camp Shower includes a bag (18.1 inches by 7.9 inches when filled) made of waterproof PVC material. Set it in sunlight, and you’ll be able to dispense warm water from the press-type showerhead.
The shower comes with a foot pump designed to provide enough pressure to lift the water to a height of about 6½ feet. The black bag version of the shower has a transparent window so you can check the amount of remaining water. A zippered storage bag is included. The price of the 4 Gallon Portable Camp Shower (black bag version) is $44.99.
Dr. Prepare
[email protected]
https://drprepare.com
Heated Waste Hose
The NoFreezeWasteHose is designed to keep RV waste liquids flowing when temperatures dip below freezing (down to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit). The heated, insulated hose is from the makers of NoFreezeWaterHose, which is for drinking-water use and was featured in “RV Products” in January 2017 (page 37).
NoFreezeWasteHose is made with commercial-grade parts and operates on 120-volt AC electricity. Power output is self-regulated in response to the hose temperature. The 3-inch-diameter hose is available in lengths of 10, 15, 20, and 25 feet. Prices start at $349.88. Note: The hose has male cam lock fittings, so an RV with bayonet fittings requires a conversion kit, available from NoFreezeWaterHose ($49.99) or through third parties.
NoFreezeWaterHose
(614) 339-5088
www.nofreezehose.com
Cockpit Organizer
The Pilot Pocket XL was designed with airplane pilots in mind, but RVers also may find it useful as a handy organizer for smartphones, electronic accessories, pens, sunglasses, etc. Three suction cups secure it to smooth plastic or glass surfaces. The bottom has an opening for power cable and charger connections. A temperature conversion chart (Celsius/Fahrenheit) is printed on the face.
Pilot Pocket XL is made of transparent, scratch-resistant acrylic that won’t discolor in sunlight, according to the product description. It’s 4½ inches high, 45/8 inches wide, and 1¾ inches deep. The cost of Pilot Pocket XL is $26.95.
Pilot Pocket
(800) 776-7897
www.thepilotpocket.com
Storage Nets
Is your RV’s lack of storage space driving you up a wall? Maybe it’s time to put the unused space on that wall to good use with an iPad Tablet Framed Holder from Organized Obie.
The plastic frame attaches to a wall or other surface with four screws, which are provided, and the elastic netting securely holds items you may want to keep within easy reach: electronic devices, soda or water bottles, cans of Spam (up to four!), or what have you. The outside dimensions are 8 inches by 115/8 inches; inside dimensions are 7 inches by 10 inches. The price of the iPad Tablet Framed Holder is $16.99. Other sizes and styles of framed nets are available.
Organized Obie
(574) 266-1809
www.organizedobie.com
Rechargeable Fan
Schuyler Wheeler, an American engineer who invented the electric fan in 1882, was a cool guy. You can be cool, too, by plopping yourself in front of a 10-inch High Velocity Rechargeable Fan from Geek Aire. The water-resistant fan can be used indoors or outdoors.
The cordless fan delivers airflow of up to 1,300 cubic feet per minute. Its 7,800-milliampere-hour lithium-ion battery can provide power for four to 24 hours, depending on the fan speed. The fan comes with a 120/240-volt-AC-to-12-volt-DC power supply. An optional 12-volt car charger is available. The price of the 10-inch fan is $79.99. When ordering, use the code familyrv20 for free shipping. Also available: 12-inch and 16-inch Geek Aire fans.
FLI Products
[email protected]
www.fliproducts.com