Holiday Gift Guide

Three-In-One Cooking

A convection microwave oven with a grilling element gives cooks a way to grill salmon, roast sweet potatoes and bake a chocolate cake all in one appliance.

The Tappan model TC 1050 has two heating elements and a convection fan. The grilling element seals the flavor in meat and fish. In convection mode, warmed air circulates to help baked goods brown and rise evenly. The microwave function can speed up grilling and baking.

The appliance has 10 power levels and jet defrost. It is 20 1/2 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 12 inches high. Retail price is $399. For information, contact InterCon Marketing, 1540 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234. The Web site is www.interconmktg.com.

Gas Grill for RVs

Vitco, an Indiana company that introduced the RVQ gas grill to the RV market, has designed its new RVQ II with more cooking area and other new features.

The RVQ II has an enclosed grill surface covering 200 square inches and a griddle that is 120 square inches in size. Both have nonstick surfaces, and there is a removable drip pan for easy cleanup. The RVQ II is designed to connect with an onboard propane gas source in a motorhome, fifth wheel or large travel trailer. The unit generates 12,000 BTUs of cooking power.

The product is sold through RV dealers or direct from the manufacturer. Cost is about $205, plus shipping and handling. For information, contact Vitco, 900 E. Wabash Ave., P. O. Box 407, Nappanee, IN 46550. Phone (574) 773-3181 or see www.myrvq.com.

Portable Light System

On the theory that a little extra light always comes in handy for RVers and other who camp and travel, Innovative Lighting is offering a portable LED light that can be fastened on a wall, a bike, or a belt.

The light is small enough to fit in a person’s palm and is powered by three AAA batteries. It can be attached to a wall bracket to provide a night-light, extra light for reading, or more illumination in closets, cabinets or bathrooms. With the use of Velcro mounting strips, it can be attached to a dashboard, a bike or a tent. And a clip allows the light to be attached to a belt.

Suggested price for the portable lights is $16.99 to $19.99, depending on the mounting option. For information, contact Innovative Lighting, 109 Progressive Ave., Roland IA 50236. Phone (515) 388-1011 or see www.innovativelight.com.

RV Room Addition

Carefree of Colorado has introduced the Designer Add-A-Room, a new product that allows RVers to increase their living space.

It is available in 55 solid-color Sunbrella acrylic fabrics to match RVs and their existing awnings. The front and sidewalls are custom-made with heavy-duty screening for durability and optimum air circulation. The room comes with sewn-in privacy panels. A three-foot zippered door can be located on the front or the side. Several options are available, including a solar screen panel kit to block the hot sun while maintaining ventilation, a Mylar Weatherview Kit that keeps out wind and rain while maintaining the view, and a storm door that makes it easy to enter and exit the room.

The Designer Add-A-Room is sold through RV dealers. For information, contact Carefree of Colorado, 2145 W. Sixth Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020. Phone (303) 469-1152 or see www.carefreeofcolorado.com.

Voice Road Directions

The Talking Road Whiz is a pocket-sized electronic device that provides distance, directions and driving time to towns, tourist sites and services near interstate highways across the U.S.

The device gives detailed, spoken directions to guide motorists to gas stations, restaurants, hotels, rest stops, hospitals, campgrounds, convenience stores, shopping malls and more. The traveler enters his location in the device along with the service he is seeking, and the Talking Road Whiz provides exit numbers and directions, and calculates the driving time to the desired service.

The device, priced at $39.90, is being sold as an inexpensive alternative to GPS systems. It is available at Office Max stores, some Target stores, and is available online from Ultradata Systems at (800) 274-0971 and www.talkingroadwhiz.com.

Glare Reduction Visor

The Wiser Visor is designed to enable a vehicle driver to cope with glare from the sun or oncoming headlights. It is a tinted shield that attaches to a vehicle’s visor and extends down about five inches. A hinge system allows the motorist to move the Wiser Visor back and forth nearly a foot beyond the vehicle’s visor.

The manufacturer says the Wiser Visor is also effective in reducing the glare of snow or reflections from wet pavement during rainstorms. It also can be positioned over a rear view mirror to reduce blinding lights from behind.

The Wiser Visor ranges in price from $18.95 to $24.95. It is produced by Skunes Manufacturing of Arthur, North Dakota, and can be ordered by calling (888) 353-8567 or through www.wiservisor.com.

Space-saving Soda Maker

A machine that is about the size of coffeemaker and does not require electricity offers a convenient way for RVers to make sodas from concentrated flavorings. Soda-Club’s home soda maker eliminates the need to buy and store soft drink bottles or cans and deal with the empties.

The portable machine can produce carbonated water at the press of a button. To make soda, you add a SodaMix flavoring. There are 20 regular and diet flavors available, including cola, root beer, cream soda, ginger ale and various fruit combinations. Starter kit packages are available at prices beginning at $119.99. For information, call (888) SODA-CLUB or see www.sodaclub.com.

System Monitors Tires

The Doran PressurePro from Doran Manufacturing of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a system that can continuously monitor the pressure levels of RV and trailer tires and display them in a digital readout near the driver. The device can monitor and display the pressure of up to 16 tires, allowing drivers to discover leaks and to repair or replace tires.

The system replaces existing valve caps with sensors, and the monitor can be mounted on a dashboard and plugged into a standard 12-volt receptacle. Audible and visual alerts notify the driver of low-pressure conditions. Systems start at $275. For information about the Doran PressurePro, phone (866) 816-SAFE or see www.doranmfg.com.

Mats for Outdoor Use

J.E.S. Enterprises of Port Orchard, Washington, sells outdoor mats in a variety of colors and sizes. The lightweight mats do not hold water, won’t mildew and are easy to store. Sizes include 9x12, 9x9, 6x8 and 6x15.

The mats have many uses for motorhomes, trailers, patios, decks and hot tubs. For information, contact J.E.S. Enterprises by calling (360) 895-8797.

Mobile Hot Tub

Yacht Products International of Kirkland, Washington, has designed a portable hot tub that RV owners can take along with them on their trips. The inflatable tub can be set up next to a motorhome and be heated and ready to use in one to three hours.

The tub is designed to work with the hydronic heating systems found on larger RVs. An electric version designed for onboard generators will be available soon. The tub weighs 50 pounds and can be easily drained and deflated to store in a container. The tub is equipped with a microprocessor control unit to assure accurate temperature control. There is also a “bubbles” option and a wireless remote system to control filling, heating and circulation. The suggested retail price is $2,195. For information, call (425) 785-6616 or see www.yachtub.com.