Product News

Heated Hose Aids Winter Camping

The Winter Fill Hose from DewPoint of Dillon, Colorado, is designed to eliminate freeze ups in cold weather when a motorhome, trailer or other RV is hooked up to the water supply at an RV park. When temperatures fall, the thermostatically controlled heater inside the Winter Fill Hose is automatically turned on.

The hose eliminates the problems campers have had with messy wrap-around heat tapes and bulky insulation. It utilizes a heavy-duty heating cable that is made entirely of metal and mineral insulation for long life. The clear, non-toxic PVC braided hose is insulated, and the insulation is protected with a vinyl sleeving. The ends are heat-shrinked to prevent fraying. The 18-foot hose is priced at $279.95, and the 26-foot hose is $349.95, plus shipping and handling. For information, contact DewPoint, P. O. Box 6, Dillon, CO 80435. Phone (970) 513-9189 or see www.winterfillhose.com.

Directory Lists State Park RV Sites

RV Camping in State Parks is a new directory that lists more than 1,600 state park and recreation areas with camping facilities for RVers. The directory covers every state except Hawaii.

The 256-page book includes a map and park locator chart for each state, an overview of each state’s park system, and information about reservations and fees, with telephone numbers and Web addresses. Descriptions of each campground list the number of campsites and note the sort of facilities that are available, including hookups, showers and dump stations. The book is available for $14.95 from the publisher, Roundabout Publications, P. O. Box 19235 Lenexa, KS 66285. Phone (800) 455-2207 or see www.roadnotes.com.

Antenna Pulls in Satellite TV

The RoadTrip LP-1000 Mobile Satellite Television System from Winegard is a six-inch- high antenna that can be mounted on the roof of an RV to receive more than 300 television channels while traveling.

The unit can receive DIRECTV and DISH network signals throughout most of the continental U.S., using GPS technology. The RoadTrip LP-1000, which comes completely assembled, is constructed of impact-resistant plastic and is rust proof. It is designed to be easily mounted on a motorhome, travel trailer or conversion van without interfering with other equipment installed on the vehicle’s roof. The RoadTrip is available at RV dealers and retailers. For information, contact customer service at the Winegard Company in Burlington, Iowa, by calling (800) 288-8094, ext.1, or see www.winegard.com.

Swabs Incorporate Antiseptics

Swabplus products make it easy to apply everything from iodine to nail polish remover by incorporating the liquids in cotton swabs. The products are ideal for traveling, since they eliminate the need for separate bottles and cotton balls.

At first glance, Swabplus products look like ordinary swabs. But each contains a pre-measured solution. By snapping one end of the swab, the user releases the solution to fill the cotton applicator tip. Swabs are available with solutions to remove eye makeup, mascara, lipstick and nail polish and to nourish cuticles. Other swabs contain antiseptics, iodine and solutions to relieve dental pain, ease baby teething and provide relief from insect bites. Swabplus products some in boxes of 72 or travel-size packages of 12 or 24. The new Swabplus First Aid Kid contains antiseptic swabs, iodine swabs and bandages. The products are available at drugstores and supermarkets. For information, contact Swabplus in Rancho Cucamonga, California, by calling (877) SWABPLUS or visiting www.swabplus.com.

GoClaws Offers New Traction System

GoClaws is a new traction system that can be outfitted over tires in tough driving conditions to keep vehicles from being stuck in snow, mud or sand. The manufacturer says that GoClaws can be installed easier than chains and can be put on tires in minutes without moving or jacking up the vehicle, even while stuck. Systems are available for vehicles ranging from compact cars to tandem tractor-trailers.

The design uses high-performance polyurethane material with hydraulic gripping chambers. Advanced engineering prevents side-skidding and the device is continually self-cleaning to provide better traction, according to the manufacturer, Flex-Trax of Bristol, Tennessee. GoClaws is sold in sets for two tires. Prices range from $169.95 to $269.95 per set for the consumer market and up to $349.95 for commercial trucks. In Canada, the product is marketed as SnoClaws and is available through Canadian Tire, a chain of 450 stores. For information, see www.goclaws.com.