Fastening Device
MiniShockles, from Davis Instruments, have been described as bungee cords on steroids. In other words, they’re touted as a stronger alternative for holding gear securely in place.
MiniShockles are made by sewing a UV-resistant nylon webbing over a marine-grade elastomer. Each end has a stainless-steel gate snap hook rated for a safe working load of 300 pounds. The hook’s edges are rounded to protect finished surfaces. MiniShockles are available in black in these lengths: 12 inches ($13.99); 18 inches ($14.99); and 24 inches ($15.99).
Davis Instruments
3465 Diablo Ave.
Hayward, CA 94545
(510) 732-9229
www.davisnet.com
Lighter/Opener
Even though the “RV Products” staff never made it to the Tenderfoot rank, the Scout motto still rings true for us: Be prepared. And so we can imagine scenarios in which the Stormproof Torch & Bottle Opener, from UCO, could come in handy.
Its main feature is a refillable butane lighter with an adjustable flame height. The waterproof case is topped with a silicone cap and an attached carabiner. The lighter will start your campfire, and the bottle opener on the bottom of the lighter will liberate your favorite beverage. The Stormproof Torch & Bottle Opener has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
UCO/Industrial Revolution Inc.
5835 Segale Park Drive C
Tukwila, WA 98188
(888) 297-6062
www.ucogear.com
Electric Grill
Grillmeisters have long debated the merits of charcoal grills versus gas grills. But for some RVers, the flexibility of a portable electric model may make sense.
The Revolution All Seasons portable electric grill, from Kenyon, is a smokeless and flameless grill that can be used indoors or outside. The stainless-steel grill heats to 600 degrees in seven minutes and offers 155 square inches of cooking space. The lid detaches for easy storage and cleanup. The grill weighs 27 pounds and measures 21 inches by 12 inches by 9 3/8 inches. The price is $475.
Kenyon
P.O. Box 925
8 Heritage Park Road
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 664-4906
www.cookwithkenyon.com
Electric Bike
You can pedal it if you want. But after buying a Latch, the new folding electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes, chances are you’ll be twisting the throttle and motoring your way up hills and through headwinds.
The Latch is made of rust-resistant aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs 50 pounds. When ready to ride, it measures 60 inches by 23 inches by 45 inches. In less than a minute, it folds to 33 inches by 18 inches by 32 inches. Features include adjustable handlebar height and pitch, front and rear lights, and five levels of pedal-assist mode. Color choices are black, lime green, and blue.
When equipped with a 36-volt, 10-amp-hour lithium-ion battery, the cost is $2,595; the version with a 36-volt, 15-amp-hour lithium-ion battery costs $2,895.
Pedego Electric Bikes
1751 Langley Ave.
Irvine, CA 92615
(800) 646-8604
(949) 336-8333
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com
Satellite TV Antenna
Looking for a way to catch your favorite TV shows while you’re on the go? One option is the new Carryout G2+, an automatic, portable satellite TV antenna from Winegard. It automatically finds orbiting satellites that transmit Dish, DirecTV, and Bell (Canada) programming.
The antenna is powered over coax through an included power inserter, so no 12-volt power is needed. Customers can switch providers at the power inserter without having to remove the antenna dome. Temporary installation options include a window mount, a tripod mount, and a ladder mount, or the antenna can be affixed permanently on the roof. The antenna weighs 10 pounds, measures 14.3 inches by 13.5 inches, and is available in black or white. The retail price is $649.
Winegard Company
3000 Kirkwood St.
Burlington, IA 52601
(800) 288-8094
www.winegard.com
Metal Detector
Hidden underground treasures are out there. Will you find any? We can’t say. But a metal detector, such as the newly introduced ACE 300 from Garrett Metal Detectors, certainly increases your odds.
The ACE 300 operates on a frequency of 8 kilohertz. Features include a 7-inch-by-10-inch search coil (the apparatus that you sweep back and forth over the ground); a large digital target ID (which reflects an object’s conductivity on a scale of 0 to 99); a search coil cover; headphones; and a cover to protect the box from the elements. The ACE 300 weighs 2.8 pounds, measures 51 inches when fully extended, and can be broken down into two pieces for storage. The suggested retail price is $299.95. Final note: Be sure to follow local laws when digging up items.
Garrett Metal Detectors
1881 W. State St.
Garland, TX 75042
(800) 527-4011
www.garrett.com
Tick Remover
Ticks, those icky little insects that can spread diseases, must be removed from people and pets. The Tick Nipper, from Adventure Medical Kits, is designed to do that safely.
It’s a pair of pliers with thin jaws that slide under a tick without squeezing it or cutting it. That’s important. Squeezing can push a tick’s infected fluid into a person or pet, and you don’t want to break the tick’s mouth parts and leave them in the skin. Once Tick Nipper grasps the tick, the insect can be pulled straight out until its mouth lets go of its victim. A built-in magnifying glass can help in identifying a tick.
The price of the Tick Nipper is $5.95.
Adventure Medical Kits
7700 Edgewater Drive
Suite 526
Oakland, CA 94621
(800) 324-3517
www.adventuremedicalkits.com
Bug-Repellent Clothing
Nobody wants to be a mosquito’s next meal. One way to protect yourself from the bloodsuckers — as well as from ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges — is to wear clothing treated with permethrin, an insect repellent.
Insect Shield’s line of clothing for men, women, and children is said to offer odorless repellency for 70 washings. For men, options include the long-sleeve Sportsman shirt, made of 100 percent cotton poplin. Features include a hidden button-down collar, a utility and sunglasses loop, mesh lining, a vented back, front cargo and sunglasses pockets, and embroidered eyelets on the left-chest pocket. The price of the Sportsman shirt is $64 for all sizes except 3XL, which is $67.
Insect Shield
3201 First Ave. S.
Suite 350
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 624-9307
www.insectshield.com
Back Bag
Sight-seeing and shopping can literally be a pain if you’re hauling around a heavy bag. The Healthy Back Bag’s ergonomic shape is designed to evenly distribute weight across your back, thereby relieving stress on the neck, back, and shoulders.
The bag features ample interior and exterior pockets, including a padded and zippered interior pocket big enough for most tablets. A main zipper faces against the wearer’s body, so items can be retrieved without taking the bag off, and a silver lining reflects natural light, making it easy to find things. The bag is available in various sizes, styles, and colors, with prices ranging from $20 to $250.
AmeriBag Inc.
5 Ameribag Drive
Kingston, NY 12401
(888) 758-1636, ext. 320
(845) 339-1292
www.ameribag.com