Travel and outdoors product reviews and trips


Automotive product reviews

For more product reviews, please see our main product review page.

AUTOS - TRUCKS - ATVs & MOTORCYCLES

UNIQUE FUEL FILTER AVAILABLE 

Water, dirt and other debris are unavoidable in stored fuel.  They can cause engine damage and compromise efficiency.  The Mr. Funnel Fuel Filter separates these harmful contaminants from fuel in order to keep engines operating properly.  This one-of-a-kind fuel filter is now easy to buy through Amazon.com, one of the world's leading e-commerce web sites.

Allowing only clean fuel to exit the funnel, the Mr. Funnel Fuel Filter improves performance and protects engines, fuel injectors and tanks.  Fast-flowing, the funnel filters gas, diesel, 2-cycle mixed gas, kerosene and heating oil. Crafted from industrial-strength polypropylene, the funnel is lightweight and portable.  Easy to use, it's self-cleaning and requires no maintenance or replacement parts.  As safe as it is effective, the funnel is conductive.  Its built-in, specially-coated filter is crafted from non-stick stainless steel.

The Mr. Funnel Fuel Filter comes in four models.  For transferring less than 5 gallons, the F1 and F3 are perfect, while the F8 is best for jobs over 5 gallons.  Employing dual filters, the F15 can be used at a fuel pump.

The Mr. Funnel Fuel Filter is available at Amazon.com and retails from $14 to $59.95.

For more information contact Mr. Funnel, 3119 SW 42nd Ave., Palm City, FL  34990.  sales@mrfunnel.com;  www.mrfunnel.com.

BLACK BOX STEREO OFFERS DIGITAL MUSIC ON THE MOVE

A new, two-piece stereo makes listening to downloaded music while on a motorcycle or ATV possible. Compatible with modern technology, the state-of-the-art JBL MBB3 Black Box from Prospec Electronics was designed to play digital audio files.

Able to be used with headsets and helmet headphones, the innovative system features iPod, USB 2.0 and aux-in connections. Offering a built-in hard drive, the portable media edition Black Box provides 1GB of storage—the equivalent of up to 20 CDs worth of songs.

Designed for harsh weather conditions, the resilient Black Box features rust-proof, splash-resistant housing. Measuring just 8-1/8"W x 6-9/16"H x 1-5/8"D, including brackets, the compact unit can be mounted in a more secure location separate from its corresponding faceplate. This protects further against water damage.

The versatile JBL MBB3 provides a subwoofer output. A 4 channel x 45 watt stereo, it functions as an AM/FM receiver with European tuning and CD changer control. It is also Sirius Satellite Radio ready.

A convenient chrome JBL MC19-CH faceplate supplies simple control of the unit, as well as any attached electronic devices. An easy-to-read screen has a unique, two-line display.

With little depth, the sleek JBL MC19-CH measures only 6.73"W x 3.97"H and easily mounts where traditional stereos can't. Underwater submersible, the chrome commander/remote has full control features. A silver JBL MC19 or classic JBL REM45 faceplate is also intended to operate the Black Box.

Suggested retail price of the JBL MBB3 Black Box from Prospec Electronics is $299.95. The chrome JBL MC19-CH faceplate costs $149.95, the silver MC19 is $129.95 and the REM45 retails for $119.95. The JBL MBB319 package includes both the MBB3 and MC19 and retails for $349.95. Sirius Satellite Radio and a CD changer are available options.

For more information contact Prospec Electronics, 3325 Hwy. 17 N., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. www.prospecelectronics.com.

TUNDRA FULL-SIZE TRUCKS

Significantly bigger, more capable and more technically advanced in every metric of comparison, the Tundra is available in 31 models. The Tundra offers a wide choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. Tundra is for 'true truckers' and is versatile enough to be a highly capable truck for work or for personal use.

The 2007 Tundra offers three levels of power. In Regular and Double Cab models, a standard 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and a healthy 266 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 4.0-liter engine achieves city/highway fuel economy ratings of 17/20 mpg.

The mid-grade option for these models - and standard on CrewMax models - is the proven 4.7-liter i-Force V8, producing 271 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 313 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 4.7-liter engine feature city/highway fuel economy ratings of 15/18 mpg.

Under the hood is the all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that features Dual Independent VVT-i and is available in every model configuation. Specifically designed for full-size pickup applications, the i-Force 5.7 puts out an impressive 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and unleashes 401 lb.-ft of peak torque at 3,6000 rpm. 4x4 models equipped with the 5.7-liter engine achieve city/highway fuel economy ratings of 14/18 mpg, while the 4x2 models achieve 16/20 mpg.

Towing equipment is standard on all V8 models and includes a hitch receiver, 4.30 rear differential, supplemental transmission cooler, transmission temperature gauge, 7-pin connector, and a trailer brake controller prewire. Fourteen of Tundra's 31 models are capable of towing over 10,000 lbs and the Regular Cab 5.7L 4x2 Long Bed model features a towing capacity up to 10,800 pounds.

Tundra will provide the most comprehensive standard safety equipment in the full-size pickup market and is the first full-size pickup to offer standard front seat side airbags and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags on every model. All Tundra models also feature the STAR safety system as standard equipment which includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (BBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). It also offers 18 x 8 inches wheels with 255/70 R18 tires as standard equipment on every model to accommodate 13.9 inch front rotors.

All models come standard with an easy lower-and-lift tailgate, dual-zone climate control system, AM/FM CD with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, tilt wheel, two power points, tachometer, digital clock, coolant temperature gauge, and dual glove box.

CAR SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Britax Child Safety Inc. Offers Limited Edition Mossy Oak® Car Seat

Britax Child Safety Inc. is proud to offer a special limited edition convertible child seat featuring Mossy Oak Break-Up®.

The Britax Marathon™ is the number one selling Britax convertible child seat and is ideal for parents seeking premium comfort and a higher, forward-facing harnessed weight capacity (up to 65 pounds). The Marathon starts with the premium cover made from Microfibres® fabric that is washable and the ultimate in soft, plush comfort.

Unique features include the tangle-free, five-point harness with four harness heights for a snug and secure fit. Premium push-button LATCH connectors and convenient harness adjuster make it easy to ensure a quick, simple and tight installation.

The Marathon features the patented Versa-Tether® energy managing top tether, which anchors the child seat to the vehicle, reducing movement in the event of impact or a sudden stop.  The Marathon is fully lined with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam that gently cushions and distributes energy away from the child.

The Britax Marathon fits children rear facing from five to 33 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 65 pounds and is approved for aircraft use.

The Marathon featuring Mossy Oak Break-Up® is sold through select independent retailers nationwide. To find a retailer near you, log on to www.BritaxUSA.com and find out how you can own the Mossy Oak Break-Up limited edition car seat.

Note: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 is a set of strict standards to which child restraint systems must adhere. To read more about the regulations, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Britax Child Safety Inc. produces official licensed products of Mossy Oak/Haas Outdoors Inc. Haas Outdoors Inc., headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions and Mossy Oak Properties.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

PUROSOL® UPGRADED MICROFIBER CLOTHS FOR EFFICIENT CLEANING

If you want to use safe products for cleaning the inside of your car, PUROSOL (www.PUROSOL.com ) has an upgraded microfiber cloth to efficiently supplement its product line of advanced, enzyme-based green cleaning products. 

The new cloth represents months of research and field testing and utilizes a new ultra-fine microfiber thread representing the next generation of refined microfiber fabric technology.  The cloth composition and weave is designed to deliver the proper absorbency and softness to insure proper delivery of the PUROSOL solution without harming the surface being cleaned.   The new cloth has a silk-like feel and can withstand repeated washings without the need for replacement.  Fabric softeners are not recommended when washing the cloth.  The new cloth is 6" x 6" and comes in a clear reusable vinyl envelop.  For larger cleaning application or commercial use, the Origin Labs also offers its large 12" x 16" commercial microfiber suede cloth. 

"Using an improper or unclean cloth to clean can cause as much damage and using the wrong solution," said Origin Laboratories, LLC vice president Steven D'Antoni.  "One of the most common mistakes is to use a cloth that was previously used with a solvent based cleaning agent or a fabric not designed for cleaning.  Extensive research and field testing was undertaken for our new cloth to insure it complemented our unique product formula."

The small PUROSOL microfiber cloth is sold separately from their environmentally safe cleaning solution and priced at $6.50 and the large cloth is sold for $9.95.  The small cloth is available on the company's web site www.PUROSOL.com or at leading retailers throughout the country.  The large microfiber cloth can be ordered by request at customerservice@PUROSOL.com. 

Unlike ordinary off-the-shelf cleaners, which are made up primarily of alcohol, ammonia, harsh solvents and colored dye, the PUROSOL line of products is completely organic and environmentally safe.  This advanced cleaner is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, contains no CFCs, no detergents and no solvents of any kind (including alcohol, ammonia and chlorine) which can subtly eat away at porous electronic screens and strip away the crucial anti-glare coatings of today's high-priced glasses lenses.

As part of its unique formula, PUROSOL neutralizes the molecular charges on the lens surface, which normally attracts dust and dirt particles, thereby extending the life of the cleaning.  While this effect diminishes over time, the particles which do come to rest on the lens can be easily repelled by blowing or wiping (without the solution) following a recent cleaning.  Without having to clean as frequently, the surface remains protected longer and the life of the product (and solution) is extended.

 PUROSOL Optical is available at fine retailers. PUROSOL can also be purchased by visiting www.PUROSOL.com .

GARAGE FLOORING

trafficMASTER™ Garage Flooring Can Outfit Any Garage Within Hours!

Millennium Modular offers a new garage flooring option for car enthusiasts and homeowners - trafficMASTER™ Garage and Drain Tiles. For the first time in the flooring market, modular garage flooring is available for in-store purchase sold exclusively at The Home Depot®.

trafficMASTER™ Garage and Drain Tiles deliver the performance of commercial grade flooring at a great value. The availability of two designs garage (solid) and drain (open grates for flow-through), along with a variety of colors: silver, charcoal, red, blue, yellow, white and black provides consumers with endless options when it comes to personalizing their garage floor.

trafficMASTER™ Garage and Drain Tiles are easy to install using a simple overlap and tap process. No adhesives and minimal floor preparation are needed. These durable tiles are made from high impact polypropylene and can support up to 10,000 lbs with a 10 year residential guarantee. These 12" X 12" tiles retail for $2.49 per square foot. Now transforming the garage floor is a do-it-yourself project that takes as little as two hours and can be used immediately, unlike epoxy floor coatings.

Garage Tiles by trafficMASTER™ are the perfect solution to transforming your undressed floor to enhance your car, retail showroom, auto dealership, workshop or patio.

For more information, call 866-380-6481 or visit www.tmflooring.com

GAUGES

Accutire Pressure Gauge

The Accutire Pressure Gauge is perfect for any year or make car, for it provides superior accuracy; has an easy-to-read digital display; an ergonomic grip handle; and its lithium battery is guaranteed for life.

To order, call L.L. Bean, Freeport, Maine, at 800-809-7057.

L.L. Bean's Digital Compass

Can’t tell where you are by the sun’s position? Neither can I, and that’s why L.L. Bean’s Deluxe Digital Vehicle Compass is so handy. It mounts on the dashboard and features large, easy-to-read display; has a trip timer displaying the hours, minutes and seconds; automatically avoids the car’s magnetic field; displays the outside air temperature; and automatically turns off and preserves battery power.

To order, call L.L. Bean, Freeport, Maine, at 800-809-7057.

HITCHES

BECKSON MARINE'S HITCH-SAFE TRAILER HITCH & BALL PROTECTIVE TRAILER HITCH COVER HELPS PREVENT INJURY

Exposed trailer hitches can cause a myriad of harm, from torn clothes to bruised and cut legs. These injuries are easily avoided with Beckson Marine's Hitch-Safe™ Trailer Hitch & Ball Safety Covers. Molded of soft, PVC plastic, they fit over the bar and ball to shield drivers and passengers from the protruding hitch.

Available in two styles, the black safety covers are UV-resistant. The convenient HH-TRB model protects 2" rounded hitch bars, while the HH-TSB is made for 2-5/8" squared bars. Both versions can be used with 1-7/8" and 2" trailer balls.

Beckson's Hitch-Safe Trailer Hitch & Ball Safety Covers have a suggested retail price of $14.95.  Beckson Marine also manufactures an array of high-quality pumps, ventilators, deck plates, ports, hatches and equipment holders.

Contact Beckson Marine, 165 Holland Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605. sales@beckson.com; www.beckson.com.

UNIVERSAL TOW HITCH AIDS IN ICE FISHING 

Clam Corps Universal Tow Hitch is popular with owners of flip-over shelters, such as the Fish Trap. Once the heavy-duty spring loaded hitch is mounted to the sled, it attaches to the flipper/pin receiver on your snowmobile or ATV. Receivers are available through snowmobile and ATV dealers.

The Universal Tow Hitch, item #8241, is available at auto and sporting supply dealers for $59.99.

MAPS

MYTOPO.COM Releases A New Product -- A navigation-Ready TopophotoTM Map

Landowners and outdoor enthusiasts who have for years relied on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map series now have a new option. MyTopo.com, an innovator in the mapping industry, has created a TopoPhotoTM map, which combines information from the reliable USGS topographic map with a recent color aerial photograph, creating a navigation-ready hybrid map.

"The TopophotoTM maps take the best available topographic data and aerial photographs and combines them to create a more updated map, which we think will replace or at least be a useful supplement to the aging USGS topo maps we have relied upon for years," said Toohill. The maps are available now to order via the company’s online ordering system, and, like the company’s other maps, can be centered any place in the US, printed on large sheets of waterproof or glossy paper, personalized with a name and title, and shipped to the customer’s doorstep within 24-48 hours.

The maps provide the ability to see the elevation contours, roads, buildings, and geographic features labeled on a color aerial photograph taken in 2003-2006. "The TopoPhotoTM maps reveal recent changes on the landscape, including vegetation and development, but they maintain the traditional reliability of the USGS topographic maps," added Toohill.

MyTopo.com specializes in providing an easy and convenient process for outdoor enthusiasts to order large-format printed maps, including topo maps, aerial photos, and the new TopophotoTM maps. Customers use a five step process to customize their maps online; the maps are printed and shipped within 24-48 hours. The ordering process allows the customer to center their map any place in the US, chose the map’s scale, provide a title, and personalize further with the map owner’s name. The maps can be printed in several size choices and on waterproof, glossy or laminated paper. They range in price from $9.95 to $59.95, depending on map type and paper size.

The new TopophotoTM maps are available in more than 25 states, with the remaining states becoming available over the next several months. Current customers can reorder previously ordered topo or aerial photo maps in the TopophotoTM format by logging into their accounts and selecting the option to "start a new map here." The TopophotoTM maps are available in all three sizes and paper types and start at $29.95.

MyTopo.com is a private company based in Billings, MT. The company sells maps directly via web site www.mytopo.com, and also resells its maps via many popular websites including Topozone.com, MapTech.com, Cabelas.com, Remington.com, Realtree.com, the Digital Map Store and many more mapping and outdoor-related sites.

To learn more about the company, visit www.mytopo.com or call 866-587-9015.

TRAILERS/LIGHTS

INNOVATIVE BRIGHT LED TAIL LIGHTS MAKE TRAILERS STAND OUT

Often, the key to preventing highway accidents is having trailer lights that are easily seen by other drivers.  Innovative Lighting's 250 series Slim Line LED Stop, Tail and Turn Light features a distinctive optical and lens design in a 15", 11-LED configuration for maximum visibility.

The advantages of LED technology are many. Brighter than incandescent bulbs, the 250 Slim Line can provide drivers following a trailer an extra 24' of stopping distance at 60 mph. Drawing 90% less power than incandescent bulbs, LEDs reduce the load on electrical systems. The Slim Line LED is rated for 100,000 hours, compared to 3,000 hours for an incandescent bulb, and it will last over 20 years.

Innovative Lighting's Slim Line is particularly appropriate for trailer and RV applications. With no brittle metal filaments to break, it stands up to shock and vibration. Having the electronic chip inside an epoxy substrate thoroughly protects the LEDs from the elements.

The unique design of Innovative Lighting's 250 Slim Line LED meets SAE/DOT specifications and Class A reflectance standards, minimizing the need for additional reflectors on a trailer or towed camper. Innovative Lighting has long been on the forefront of LED technology. Using sophisticated lens software, scientists collect, measure and redistribute the light energy to a calculated surface. A virtual modeling system optimizes the lens design so the light output loses the least amount of energy, assuring an accurate and reliable optical system.

The 250 series Slim Line LED Stop, Tail and Turn Light operates on 9-16 volt DC systems and draws 250 milliamps. The 15.5" L x 1.6" W x .8" D Slim Line can be mounted vertically, horizontally or at a 45˚angle.  Innovative Lighting offers a choice of red or clear lens in a sealed polycarbonate housing. It retails for $32.99.

For more information ontact Innovative Lighting, 109 Progressive Ave., Roland, IA 50236. 515-388-1011; Fax: 515-388-5549. sales@innovativelight.com.



Please note: All information is copyrighted and may not be used without permission

For more product reviews, please see our main product review page.



Home | Biography | Books by Arline Zatz | Outdoor Tips |Travels | Product Reviews | Book Reviews | Features | Contact Me |

Please note: All information is copyrighted and may not be used without permission