Route 66 Shirt
U.S. Route 66 — also known as Main Street of America, Will Rogers Highway, and the Mother Road — holds a revered place in American culture. We can’t guarantee you’ll be revered when you wear a Route 66 Landmarks shirt, but we’re pretty sure you will be noticed.
The shirt, one of about 60 novelty prints offered by High Seas Trading Co., is made in the United States of 100 percent combed cotton. Features include matched pockets, real coconut buttons, double-stitching, and side vents. The price is $49.95 for sizes small to XL; $51.95 for XXL; $53.95 for XXXL; and $55.95 for 4XL.
High Seas Trading Co.
23482 Peralta Drive, D-2
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(888) 941-4147
(949) 380-8641
www.highseastrading.com
Folding Step
When you have a hard time reaching a storage area in the motorhome, resist that urge to stand on a chair or box and instead use something made to support you, such as the Folding RV Step from Tower Stool. It’s described as a sturdy, light, and compact step that opens with the flick of a wrist.
The step is made of birch wood, with brass-plated metal hinges and fasteners, and weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces. Its feet are sealed with a hardcoat plastic finish to help prevent slipping and chipping, and the platform has safety treads. Each step is 20 inches long and 15 inches wide, and folds to less than 3 inches wide. The price is $62 for steps that are 6 inches, 7 inches, or 8 inches high; $64 for a 10-inch-high step.
Tower Stool Company
219 Main St.
Faith, SD 57626
(605) 967-2418
www.towerstool.com
Satellite Antennas
New automatic satellite TV antennas from King can be used as portable systems or mounted on an RV roof. Each antenna weighs 8 pounds and is 13.5 inches high.
The King Tailgater antenna (VQ4500) works exclusively with Dish HD and SD programming; the antenna is compatible with any Dish HD Solo receiver. The suggested price is $379.
The King Quest antenna (VQ4100) works with DirecTV SD programming; an optional controller accessory makes the system compatible with Dish HD and Bell TV services. The suggested price is $549.
King
11200 Hampshire Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN 55438
(952) 922-6889
www.kingconnect.com
Bike Carrier
Writer William Saroyan described the bicycle as “the noblest invention of mankind.” To which we’ll add, it’s downright fun, too. Swagman makes a variety of motorhome-suitable bike racks, including its newest model, the Dispatch (64684). It carries up to two bikes and accommodates most frame sizes, shapes, and styles.
Adjustable hooks secure the bike frames to the rack, and wheel ratchet straps help hold the bikes and secure the wheels. The carrier fits a 2-inch receiver and weighs 54 pounds. A locking hitch pin and cable are included. The maximum load is 45 pounds per bike. The suggested price is $320, or $340 in Canadian currency.
Swagman
300-1880 Government St.
Penticton, BC V2A 7J1
(800) 469-7924
(250) 490-8883
www.swagman.net
Receiver Hitch
Proper positioning of a tow bar is important; a towing system failure can occur if the tow bar is not level with the motorhome hitch. Roadmaster makes high-low receiver hitches with solid steel shanks that can be turned up or down as needed to level the towing system. These 2 1/2-inch receivers join the line of 2-inch receivers already offered by the company.
Company officials say the new products fit nearly all 2 1/2-inch receiver hitches, eliminating the need for an adapter. The shank is rated for a 10,000-pound capacity and a 400-pound tongue weight. The 2 1/2-inch hitches are available in 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch sizes, with prices that range from $114 to $132.
Roadmaster Inc.
6110 N.E. 127th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98682
(800) 669-9690
(360) 896-0407
www.roadmasterinc.com
Solar Stove
One way to keep on the sunny side of life: Get the GoSun Sport, a portable solar stove developed by solar energy expert Patrick Sherwin of Cincinnati, Ohio. It captures 80 percent of solar rays entering its reflectors, converts those rays into heat inside a solar vacuum tube, and can cook a meal in 20 minutes (in full sun). According to GoSun’s website, the vacuum tube is so efficient at capturing and holding heat, solar cooking is possible even on overcast days (although cooking times will be longer).
Even while baking bread, roasting meat, or cooking vegetables at temperatures of 550 degrees or more, the GoSun remains cool to the touch on the outside. The seven-pound stove sets up in seconds. It folds up compactly so it can be carried using the built-in handles. The suggested price of the GoSun Sport is $279.
GoSun Stove
2146 Spinningwheel Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45244
(513) 273-5595
www.gosunstove.com
Compact Grill
When it comes to grills, bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes a portable, compact model wins out.
The medium-size Quick Grill from Fox Outfitters measures 13 inches by 13 inches by 8.5 inches when set up and provides a 12-inch-by-12-inch grilling surface — easily enough space for a couple of burgers and some hot dogs. When the last charcoal ember is out, the grill folds to 13.5 inches by 7.25 inches by 2.25 inches. The Quick Grill is made of premium food-grade stainless steel. A carry bag is included. The suggested retail price is $39.99.
Fox Outfitters
750 S. Main St.
Suite 150, #54
Keller, TX 76248
(682) 777-4224
www.foxoutfitters.com
Electric Broiler
Most people love the flavor of food that’s been grilled outdoors. But when nasty weather or other circumstances dictate that you cook inside, it’s still possible to get that grilled taste using the Smokeless Electric Broiler from Lifetime Cookware, a brand of Regal Ware.
The broiler is made of stainless steel inside and out, and it has handles that stay cool during cooking. At cleanup time, the heating element and electric cord can be removed so the broiler can be immersed in water. The broiler measures 20.4 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 4.8 inches tall. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $442.
Regal Ware Inc.
1675 Reigle Drive
Kewaskum, WI 53040
(262) 626-2121
www.lifetimecookware.com
Stove-Top Liner
The best cooks make the biggest messes. Or maybe the biggest cooks make the best messes. Regardless, to cut down on the need to wipe spills and scrub splatters, Atwood partnered with a supplier to introduce a washable and reusable stove-top liner called Stove Wrap.
It’s made of nonflammable material that is precut and sewn to fit Atwood and Suburban three-burner ranges and cooktops. The product is held in place on a stove or cooktop surface by the feet of the grates. An added benefit: Stove Wrap hides scratched and blemished areas.
The suggested retail price is $37.75.
Atwood Mobile Products
P.O. Box 1627
Elkhart, IN 46515
(574) 264-2131
www.askforatwood.com