Gear, Gadgets, And Gifts
Practical accessories and assorted goods designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for RVers.
Bug Removal Pads
Once known as Love Bug Erasers, the newer name for these simple but effective cleaning pads – Bugs Off – signifies that they can be employed to remove the pesky remnants of insects of all types from RVs and other surfaces. Suitable for use on paint, clear coat, plastic, glass, graphics, and metal, the reusable pads do their job via regular car wash soap and water. Not only do they help to remove bugs, but they also eliminate dirt, grime, bird droppings, and minor road tar. Bugs Off pads cost $9.49 each or $18.98 for a three-pack. Kits that include pads and holders also are available.
Bugs Off
(904) 280-1499
www.bugsoffpads.com
Mini Bonfire
Two Maryland dads who found themselves with lost income and time on their hands during the pandemic created a new sensation: personal and portable fire pits they dubbed City Bonfires. The 4-inch-by-2-inch round metal tins are filled with nontoxic soy wax. Unlike other soy-wax-based products, City Bonfires’ entire surface becomes the flame, thereby creating a mobile heat source — a mini bonfire that comes with a lid that can be used to extinguish it. You can even light one and roast marshmallows for s’mores. A single City Bonfires tin provides three to five hours of burn time and costs $24.95. Order a two-pack ($19.95 each) and receive free shipping. Per-item discounts also are available for packs of five or 10.
City Bonfires
support@citybonfires.com
www.citybonfires.com
Universal Tow Bar Adapter
Motorhome owners who want to mix and match different tow bar and base plate brands may experience frustration trying to find the right adapter to make that possible. Roadmaster has developed a simpler solution. With the company’s new Universal Tow Bar Adapter (part number 039-2), a Blue Ox, Demco, or Curt tow bar simply pins onto late-model Roadmaster base plates. The patent-pending adapter inserts into the Roadmaster base plate and auto-locks in place when rotated 90 degrees. According to company literature, it takes less than 10 seconds to connect and requires no tools or hardware. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $150.
Roadmaster Inc.
(800) 669-9690
www.roadmasterinc.com
Mirrorless Digital Camera
Travel photography can be a rewarding and even lucrative pursuit. For those who have reached the point where they want to step up their shutterbug game, Canon offers the EOS-R6 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. This mirrorless camera is designed to meet the demands of photographers and video content creators as well. It features a Canon-developed 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels, and it is engineered with an imaging system designed to capture sharp and detailed images, even in low-light scenarios. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $2,499.
Canon
(800) 652-2666
www.usa.canon.com
Travel Towel
Lunatec Inc. describes its Microfiber Travel Camp Towel as lightweight, super absorbent (up to three times its weight), and quick drying. Made of soft woven fabric that is 80 percent polyester and 20 percent nylon, the body towel measures 24 inches by 48 inches and comes with a snap loop for hang-ing and storage. A utility size that can be used as a face towel or dish towel measures 11 inches by 18 inches. Color choices are blue, forest green, light green, purple, and sunny orange. The bath towel costs $12, and the utility size is $6.
Lunatec Inc.
(858) 433-6560
www.lunatecgear.com
Wireless Charging Stone
Add a touch of class to your technology with the Einova wireless charging stone – made of natural stone and designed in Italy. It works with smartphones that are compatible with Qi wireless charging. A list of compatible devices appears on the company’s website. Stone types include white marble, black marble, lava, travertine, sandstone, wood marble, and cream marble. The cost is $59.99 or $69.99, depending on the stone.
Einova
(866) 488-3141
www.einova.com
Adjustable RV Bed
Missing out on a good night’s sleep in your RV because of a bed that leaves you tossing and turning? Axel Bloom, maker of German adjustable beds, may have the solution you seek. The company offers five types of custom-size electric adjustable bed systems, as well as mattresses to pair with them that can be configured to fit most RVs. The bed systems incorporate what the company refers to as flexible three-dimensional suspensions, which can be adjusted for individual comfort. They can be installed on top of existing wooden platforms in all types of RVs, and configurations are available to allow access to storage underneath without changing the platform. All motors are integrated into the side of the 5-inch-thick frame. Bed system prices start at $898, and mattresses start at $1,053. Discounts are offered for veterans and seniors.
Axel Bloom
(866) 696-8387
luxuryrv.axelbloom.com
Jack Pads
Bigfoot is a family-owned U.S. manufacturer of wooden and custom composite pads for RVs and more. The RV pads use the same material as those designed to support 200-ton cranes. Composite pads come in black or safety orange colors and are guaranteed for life (officials cite zero returns since the company’s inception in 1995). The pads have built-in rope handles to facilitate placing them and retrieving them from under RV jacks or levelers. Available sizes are 12 inches by 12 inches, with thicknesses of 1 inch, 1.5 inches, or 2 inches; 15 inches by 15 inches by 1.5 inches; or 18 inches by 18 inches by 1.5 inches. Weights and weight capacities of the pads vary by size. The cost ranges from $34.48 for the 12-inch-by-12-inch-by-1-inch pad to $94.85 for the 18-inch option. Customized pads also are available.
Bigfoot Construction Equipment Inc.
(888) 743-7320
www.outriggerpads.com/for-rvs/
Radio Communications
Even in today’s uber-connected world, RV travelers sometimes find themselves in areas with poor or nonexistent cell phone service. For those times and others, the Midland X-Talker Extreme Dual Pack T77VP5 makes a great way to stay in touch with family members while enjoying outdoor life. The kit includes a pair of T71 X-Talker FRS two-way radios, with a maximum range of 38 miles, combined with some of Midland’s most popular extras in a soft-shell carrying case. The package also includes belt clips, rechargeable battery packs, a desktop charger, an AC wall adapter, a micro-USB charging cable, two boom microphone headsets, and a 12-volt adapter. Price: $124.99.
Midland USA
(816) 241-8500
www.midlandusa.com