RV Products: March 2005

Box Wrench

Spec Tools’ Twin-Action Box WrenchSpec Tools’ Twin-Action Box Wrench is designed to work where other wrenches can’t, thanks to its squeeze-handle turning action, which eliminates the need for swing room when working in tight places. Using a patented, reversible mechanism, the wrench turns 45 degrees with each squeeze of the nonslip, rubber-gripped handle.

The tool also works as a conventional box wrench and as a box ratchet, making it possible to access nuts on long bolts that even the deepest sockets can’t reach.

The Twin-Action Box Wrench comes with 10 metric/SAE inserts; three low-profile metric/SAE sockets; four screwdriver bits (two slotted and two Phillips); and a 3/8-inch adapter that fits any 3/8-inch socket, extension, or adapter. The entire set stores neatly in a durable resin case.

The Twin-Action Box Wrench has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $59.95.

For more information, contact:
Spec Tools
4 Bert Drive, Suite 6
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
(800) 775-7732
(941) 412-1494
www.spectools.com

Power Pal, a handheld electrical outlet testerTo help protect your motorhome’s electrical system when plugging into an RV park’s electrical outlet, Harold Sears Enterprises has introduced the 50 amp Power Pal, a handheld electrical outlet tester.

After turning off the outlet power, connecting the tester, and restoring power, the user simply touches the “Test” button to activate the unit, which operates on a 9-volt battery. In 25 seconds or less, the tester will determine whether the outlet is safe or faulty. Results are provided in three formats: a digital voltmeter that indicates the voltage on each of the two lines; status lamps that indicate specific faulty conditions; and a voice output that vocalizes the test results.

The Power Pal tests for high or low voltage; open circuits; open ground or neutral; dangerous ground voltage; reversed polarity; and faulty wiring. The unit also can test 20-amp and 30-amp outlets with the use of an appropriate adapter.

The Power Pal has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $119.95.

For more information, contact:
Harold Sears Enterprises
1010 Industrial Road #233
Boulder City, NV 89005
(800) 354-9262
(317) 339-1130
www.got50amps.com

NiteOut LED lighted magnifierThe NiteOut LED lighted magnifier is said to help people with poor eyesight read fine print in a dim environment. The unit’s 2X lens and LED light can help provide optical clarity when reading a menu, map, program, or other small text. The NiteOut LED also doubles as a small, but powerful, personal security flashlight.

The LED lamps in the product are said to last thousands of hours and use less energy than standard bulbs, minimizing the cost of battery replacement. The NiteOut LED, which comes with two lithium AAA batteries that are said to provide approximately 80 hours of usage, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $20.

For more information, contact:
Lumatec Industries
500 Shady Lane
Austin, TX 78702
(800) 651-2460
(512) 389-3399
www.lumatec.com

Absorber drying cloth from CleanTools Inc.The Absorber from CleanTools Inc. is a lightweight, reusable drying cloth that can be used for numerous jobs in and around the motorhome. According to company literature, the Absorber is made of a nonabrasive material that employs osmosis, or capillary action, to soak up 50 percent more water than other drying products.

When used to dry the motorhome or towed vehicle exterior, the cloth absorbs moisture without leaving lint and streaks or removing protective wax coatings. Inside, the Absorber can be used to clean up spills, wipe down tile in the shower, or dry pots and pans. It also can be used as a personal towel to dry off after swimming or showering, or to dry pets coming in from the rain or after a bath.

The Absorber is machine-washable, wrings dry with a light twist, and can be put away in its carrying case wet. It comes in six colors and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $12.95.

For more information, contact:
CleanTools Inc.
10 Plaza Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
(800) 654-3933
(630) 887-7707
www.theabsorber.com

Bucket-Free Car Wash from Eagle OneMake washing the motorhome or towed vehicle faster and easier with the Bucket-Free Car Wash from Eagle One. According to company literature, this spray-on soap eliminates the need for a bucket while providing a fast, clean, spot-free wash.

Bucket-Free’s concentrated formula produces thick, foamy suds that are said to lift deep-down dirt from the surface of the vehicle. To use, simply spray the product on a wet vehicle, agitate with a wash mitt or sponge, and rinse with a water hose.

According to company literature, a 25-ounce bottle of Bucket-Free Car Wash will provide up to 60 car washes (fewer when using it on a motorhome). It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4.99 and can be purchased at automotive parts stores.

For more information, contact:
Eagle One
3499 Blazer Parkway
Lexington, KY 40509
(800) 432-4531
(859) 357-7000
www.eagleone.com

RV Quick ShadesRV Quick Shades mount on the inside of type A motorhomes, providing a quick and easy way to cut down on the amount of damaging and heat-producing sunshine entering the coach. It also gives occupants privacy while still allowing them to see outside.

The windshield shade is made of Textilene Plus, a vinyl-covered polyester-core mesh material. It comes in two 54-inch-wide panels that can be ordered in one of three lengths “” 36 inches, 42 inches, or 48 inches “” and can be trimmed for a custom fit. The panels attach to the inside of the windshield with permanently mounted UV-treated clear suction cups, eliminating the need to drill holes in the exterior of the motorhome or pull the ladder out when you want to mount the shade.

The price of the standard-size shade (36-inch length) is $59.99; the long-size shade (42-inch length) is $69.99; and the extra-long-size shade (48-inch length) is $79.99. Mini and Pilot/Copilot Quick Shades are also available.

For more information, contact:
RV Quick Shades
P.O. Box 550
Park City, UT 84060
(435) 649-5865
www.rvquickshades.com

MX 24-speed foldable mountain bikeMontague Corporation has added the MX 24-speed mountain bike to its foldable bike lineup. Equipped with 26-inch tires and a durable aluminum frame, this bike can take on just about any terrain, whether you’re pedaling around the campsite or exploring deep into the woods. Two quick-release levers allow the bike to be folded to an approximate 3-foot-by-3-foot-by-1-foot size in less than 30 seconds without the use of tools. When folded, the bike can be placed in a storage bay, inside the motorhome, or in the trunk of the towed vehicle, keeping it out of sight from would-be thieves and safe during travel.

The MX weighs approximately 29 pounds and has a suggested retail price of $549.

For more information, contact:
Montague Corporation
432 Columbia St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
(800) 736-5348
(617) 491-7200
www.montaguebikes.com

Quick Seal one-piece water hose connector The Quick Seal one-piece water hose connector from Single Seal Inc. allows motorhomers to quickly and securely attach their water hose to any water spigot and remove it without the hassle of screwing or unscrewing every time they hook up.

Simply thread the male end of the Quick Seal onto the faucet end of your water hose, and it’s ready to use. When it’s time to hook up to the water source, align the connector’s seal to the faucet opening and slide the setting sleeve toward the faucet for a leak-free seal. To disconnect, turn off the water, drain the hose, and press and hold the connector’s release button, allowing the sleeve to retract from the faucet.

The Quick Seal is made of ABS plastic; is said to fit all faucets in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; and will work with RV water pressure regulators. The connector has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $9.95 and comes with a lifetime warranty. It can be purchased from Camper’s Choice by calling (800) 833-6713 or by visiting www.camperschoice.com.

For more information, contact:
Single Seal Inc.
3636 Lake Lynn Drive
Gretna, LA 70056
(504) 583-1988
www.singleseal.com

Iomega USB 2.0 Mini Hard DriveThe Iomega USB 2.0 Mini Hard Drive is an external hard drive that is small enough to fit inside a shirt pocket but has enough memory capacity to hold thousands of digital images, songs, and other important files. Perhaps the most attractive feature for motorhomers is that the Mini Hard Drive receives all of its power from the computer through the USB connection and does not require its own external power source.

Users simply connect the 3.5-ounce hard drive to the computer’s USB port, and it’s ready to use. A blue light signals disk activity, and an on-off switch allows users to power down the device without disconnecting it. The drive is protected by a rugged aluminum enclosure and features a USB 2.0 interface for plug-and-play simplicity. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows ME/2000/2000 Pro/XP Home or Professional operating systems; and Mac G4, G3 (blue and white G3 only), and iMac computers with built-in USB connection and a Mac 9.0 or above operating system.

The Mini Hard Drive is available in two capacities “” 20-gigabyte and 40-gigabyte “” and comes with a leather travel case, a USB cable, and a CD that includes music management and digital image software. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mini Hard Drive are $179 (20 GB) and $279 (40 GB). It is available at computer and office supply stores or through the company’s Web site.

For more information, contact:
Iomega Corporation
10955 Vista Sorrento Parkway
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-7000
www.iomega.com

Grate Chef Grill WipesGrate Chef Grill Wipes help clean a grill’s grate and prepare it for cooking. According to product literature, the nonflammable wipes help strip away charred food residue and condition the grate with a layer of restaurant-grade cooking oil. Cooking on a clean, oiled grill is how restaurants achieve those distinct, delineated grill marks on meats and vegetables.

To clean the grate, heat the grill to at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit; remove large particles with a grill brush; place a Grill Wipe on the grate; and, using the grill brush, scrub the Grill Wipe until a coating of oil is visible on the grate.

A six-pack of Grill Wipes has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2.99, which for the average griller should last approximately a month. Look for this product wherever grilling supplies are sold.

For more information, contact:
Grate Chef
P.O. Box 1504
Dacula, GA 30019
(877) 900-8415
www.gratechef.com