Step Attaches to Pickups
AMP Research of Irvine, California, has designed a lightweight bumper step that can be attached to a pickup truck to make it easier to load cargo.

When not in use, the unit, called the BedStep, stows away under the rear bumper. A spring-loaded cam design allows the BedStep to deploy and retract with the push of a foot. The device is manufactured from heavy-duty aluminum.

The BedStep is scheduled to be available this summer for application to Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks, the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram and the 2007 Toyota Tundra.

For information, contact AMP Research, 2552 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614. Phone (888) 983-2206 or visit www.amp-research.com.

Adding Solar Light to Lids
The LidLight is a solar-powered LED light system that can be installed in the lid of a car-top carrier to provide illumination. The device could also work in the toolbox of a pickup truck or with any container that you might open in the dark and need to see inside.

SolLight of Hood River, Oregon, created the device, which consists of five LEDS powered by a battery that is charged by an integrated solar panel mounted on the outside of the box. The device is installed by cutting a small hole in the top of the box (a hole-saw that attaches to any electric or hand drill is included with the LidLight). Sealing gaskets are provided for a no-leak installation.

The light automatically turns on when the box is opened and turns off when the box is closed. The LidLight sells for $39.95 and is available at REI, West Marine and other outlets or from SolLight.

For information, contact SolLight, 1832 Cascade St., Hood River, OR 97031. Phone (888) 557-6464 or visit www.sollight.com.

New Rear Monitor System
Magnadyne Corporation has introduced a new line of rear cameras and monitors for RVs and other vehicles. The flagship package system is the MCWS-750C, which is wireless.

The system uses a color camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens, 18 LEDs to illuminate the area, and a built-in microphone to hear and see possible obstructions. Since the picture and sound are conveyed wirelessly, installation is simplified. The transmitter has a range of 58 feet.

The system has a 7-inch LCD color monitor with flat-panel technology. It can be flush-mounted with a dash-mount kit that enables the driver to adjust the tilt to view in different lighting conditions. As an alternative, it also can be mounted on a pedestal. The monitor can support as many as three cameras to provide thorough visibility on all sides of the vehicle. The unit is priced at $599.95.

For information, contact Magnadyne Corporation, P. O. Box 5365, Carson CA 90749-5365. Phone (800) 638-3600 or visit www.magnadyne.com.

BACtrack Tests for Alcohol
If you have been drinking at a party and are about to head home, you can now use a personal breathalyzer to determine your blood alcohol content. KHN Solutions, which distributes blood alcohol content testers to professional organizations, has developed the BACtrack for personal use.

The device is about the size of a cell phone. Users blow toward the device without using a mouthpiece so it is sanitary to share the device with others. The BACtrack screens exhaled air for the presence of alcohol and produces a diagnosis in about two seconds. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $79.99.

For information, contact KHN Solutions, 1136 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94133. Phone (877) 334-6876 or visit www.bactrack.com.