Gear, Gadgets, And Gifts
Practical accessories and assorted goods designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for RVers.
By John Johnston, Associate Editor
Fireproof Document Bag
Blokkd fireproof document bag
Nobody likes to think about an RV fire, but it’s wise to be prepared. And that includes taking steps to protect important documents and valuables. One option is the Fireproof Document Bag, from Blokkd.
The bag is made with silicone-treated fiberglass and has seams, corners, and edges trimmed with aramid, a heat-resistant fiber. The bag’s waterproof zipper opening is covered by a secure hook-and-loop flap. The bag’s dimensions are 13 inches by 16 inches by 5 inches. The interior width can expand up to 7 inches. The price is about $38 on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9WBTN5.
Blokkd
www.blokkd.com
RV GPS
Garmin RV 890 GPS
Garmin’s new RV 890 GPS has the largest touch-screen display in the company’s line of portable RV navigators. The 8-inch, high-resolution, edge-to-edge dis-play can be viewed in portrait or landscape mode. The RV 890 also features the new Garmin voice assistant, which allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.
All the RV-related navigation features from previous Garmin RV GPS models are included in the RV 890, such as custom RV routing that takes into account an RV’s size and weight; road warnings of hazards such as sharp curves and steep grades; a directory of RV parks and services; and more. The suggested retail price of the RV 890 GPS is $499.99.
Garmin
(913) 397-8200
www.garmin.com/rv
Wash Mitt
Shurhold RV wash mitt
Even a clean RV won’t look its best if the exterior is marred by scratches and swirl marks. To help prevent such blemishes on paint, fiberglass, and vinyl, Shurhold introduced the Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt.
The mitt is said to trap dirt deep within its blended microfiber. And, it retains plenty of water, which helps reduce the number of trips you’ll make from the bucket to the RV. A double-stitched wrist band provides a snug fit. To rejuvenate the mitt, toss it into a washing machine and allow it to air dry. The price is $8.98.
Shurhold
(800) 962-6241
www.shurhold.com/rv
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Blue Ox TrackPro weight distributing hitch
Travel trailer sway induces the kind of white-knuckle experience that nobody wants. TrackPro, a new product from Blue Ox, combines sway prevention/control and weight distribution in one hitch.
TrackPro prevents sway by incorporating the Blue Ox SwayPro Hitch Head, which provides caster to constantly push the trailer to the center of the tow vehicle. Rigid L-brackets provide additional points of friction. TrackPro also is designed to evenly distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle. TrackPro’s tapered spring steel bars augment the suspension of the RV and the tow vehicle. The hitch is available in seven-hole shank models with a suggested retail price of $569, and nine-hole shank models priced at $589.
Blue Ox
(800) 228-9289
www.blueox.com
Foam Mattress
Bear RV mattress
Whether you take 40 winks or 400, you want a mattress that promotes restful sleep. The Bear RV mattress comes with a 100-night trial, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
The 8-inch-thick mattress is made in America and has three layers: 1 inch of graphite-gel memory foam to remove unwanted body heat; 1 inch of responsive memory foam for pressure relief; and 6 inches of high-density support foam. The mattress cover is made of Celliant, a synthetic textile that is said to help people recover faster from physical activity. The medium-firm mattress is available in RV bunk, RV queen, and RV king sizes. Prices range from $449 to $699.
Bear
(844) 311-0035
www.bearrvmattress.com
Cleaning Wipes
No soap or water? No problem. You can still clean your hands with Grease Monkey Wipes. The premoistened, disposable wipes are said to be effective at removing grease, oil, lubricants, grime, and dirt from the skin.
According to the product description, the wipes rely on a citrus formula, rather than harsh chemicals, to do the job. Originally developed to remove grease from bikers’ hands, the wipes also can be used on a variety of surfaces to clean messes made by boating, fishing, camping, and the like. Grease Monkey Wipes are available at Home Depot and via Amazon. The price for a canister of 25 wipes is about $6.
Beaumont Products
(800) 451-7096
www.greasemonkeywipes.com
National Parks T-Shirts
American Backcountry national parks T-shirts
Does your chest burst with pride for America’s national parks? Your chest, it turns out, is a fine place to display such pride. American Backcountry T-shirts feature artistic designs of many U.S. national parks, from Acadia to Zion, as well as national forests and some state parks.
The tees are fast-drying and designed to be comfortable, whether you’re hiking or relaxing. They’re made of 100 percent moisture-wicking polyester with built-in antimicrobial and antistain features. Tee prices are $25.99 to $27.99.
American Backcountry
(828) 424-7490
www.americanbackcountry.com
Reading Light
SalVinCo Van LED reading light
Gotta keep those gadgets charged, so there’s a USB port in the base of SalVinCo’s Vance LED Reading Light. Other features include a flexible tube neck so the 160-lumen light can be focused in multiple directions; an acrylic lens cover to ensure even lighting; and a night-light built into the base.
The 12-volt-DC light features a “soft touch” switch function: touch once to turn on the night light; touch it again to also turn on the reading light; touch it a third time to turn off both lights. The fixture’s color is black. The fully extended length of the light is 6.3 inches; the base diameter is 3.2 inches; the lens diameter is 1.2 inches. Mounting hardware is included. The price is $65.
SalVinCo
(941) 378-9727
www.salvinco.com
Hitch Pin
Gen-Y Hitch Iron Grip hitch pin
The people at Gen-Y Hitch had dual purposes in mind when they created a new hitch pin, called Iron Grip. First, it’s designed to reduce rattle and movement in any aluminum or steel solid-shank drop hitch, as well as attachments such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and ball mounts. Second, it’s designed to prevent theft; two wrenches are needed to remove it.
It’s recommended that Iron Grip be used with only one reducer sleeve. Iron Grip is available in three lengths. The price of a 2-inch pin is $29.95; a 2.5-inch pin is $32.95; and a 3-inch pin is $34.95.
Gen-Y Hitch
(574) 218-6363
www.genyhitch.com