Hands-Free America
Now that in California and most other states it is legally required to talk hands-free while driving, plenty of companies have come out with Bluetooth devices. Funkwerk Americas, a leading provider of in-vehicle Bluetooth hands-free mobile communications, multimedia, and entertainment solutions, offers the EGO CUP FM, an upgraded plug-and-play model to Funkwerk Americas' EGO CUP. It provides all the benefits of quality hands-free communication by connecting to mobile phones via Bluetooth. It also comes with such features as a Caller ID display, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a stereo auxiliary input for iPods. The built-in FM transmitter allows calls to be heard over the integrated speaker or the car speaker system, as with professionally installed devices.
The EGO CUP FM Bluetooth car kit is designed for self-installation. It can fit into any cup holder or mount on other surfaces. Powered either through the 12-volt lighter adapter or its built-in rechargeable battery, the device streams both music and conversations directly through the car speaker system from a cell phone, an iPod, or an MP3 player. Details: www.funkwerk.com
Greener View
G-Glass Anti-Fog is a patent-pending, hydrophobic formula made from American-grown base oils that now puts the power of nanotechnology into the hands of the consumer. Nano-sized particles penetrate deep inside the windshield's interior side and form a chemical bond, preventing fog buildup inside the vehicle. The product is biodegradable and environmentally safe, according to the manufacturer. G-Glass Anti-Fog is the "green alternative" when treating interior glass surfaces.
To use, clean the windshield or glass surface first with G-Glass Glass Cleaner. Just spray on liberally over the surface then wipe with a clean, dry paper towel. G-Glass Anti-Fog will treat several cars and last up to six months. Green Earth Technologies offers a full lineup of products. Details: www.getg.com
Diesel Exhaust
The Aero Turbine XL 5050XL was designed specifically for diesel trucks and motorhomes. The 5050XL features a resonated 5-inch inlet and outlet. The muffler is composed of high-quality 304 stainless steel, embossed with the Aero Turbine XL signature logo, and polished to a mirror finish. Inside is a high-temperature ceramic acoustic material followed by the patented airfoil, providing the deep throaty tone that every diesel owner loves.
The 5050XL is the latest breakthrough in diesel performance exhaust technology. Designed for high-output diesel engines, it ensures that your performance diesel truck, motorhome, or semi performs more efficiently. With a built-in resonator and patented airfoil cone, the 5050XL will not only increase fuel mileage, but can improve your horsepower and torque while decreasing unwanted noise and exhaust gas temperature. Details: www.aeroexhaust.com.
Slow It Down
Whether you have a performance car or a tow rig, having rotors that run cooler is vital to achieving a superior pad bite and improved braking performance. With one of the largest vehicle application selections in the industry and incredibly competitive pricing, Arret Brakes has your performance disc brake needs covered. Each Arret Brakes rotor is zinc-plated for rust control and precision-machined for the ultimate in quality and performance. Arret Brakes carries three rotor lines, beginning with the AB Sport line, which features slotted and cross-drilled rotors for performance street applications. Details: (562) 945-4440, www.arretbrakes.com
Hummer Gets Brighter
The folks at N-Fab just introduced a light bar that creates a mounting location for four auxiliary lights, and it simply bolts onto the factory D-ring mounts of the H3. It will not interfere with the function of the factory D-rings. It is made from zinc-coated 0.096-wall tubing that has been powdercoated glossy black.
N-Fab has also introduced Nerf-Steps for the H3. They're made from 2-inch-diameter 0.084-wall tubing and have a weight rating of 465 pounds, which N-Fab says is the highest in the industry. They're designed to mount high and tight for a clean and much desired factory look. Details: www.n-fab.com
A Quiet Ride
Softride, innovator of patented hitch mounted bike racks and towing accessories, debuts the world's first solid-aluminum tightening ball mount this spring. The patented QuietRide Tightening Ball Mount with lock eliminates the clank that occurs while towing and makes for a safer, more secure towing experience. "QuietRide ball mounts were designed to eliminate the annoying clank and improve the overall towing experience," says Ryan Allsop, copresident of Softride. "Our new solid aluminum ball mounts offer the same three-axis tightening functionality of our steel ball mounts, along with great looks, making it a cut above."
The aluminum ball mount has two critical components that work together to ensure that you have the safest and quietest ride possible. A threaded stainless steel hitch pin tightens securely to an internal nut within the ball mount's solid inner wall.
"The magic lies in the way the ball mount is pulled into the corner of the receiver tubing by the tightening action of the 'gold wedge' and hitch pin," says copresident Jim Allsop. "This three-axis tightening eliminates all of the side-to-side, up-and-down, and forward-to-back movement that causes that annoying clanking sound." Details: www.softride.com.
High-Tech Tie-Downs
Steelcore has designed new security tie-downs for the evolving off-road, ATV, and sand-sports markets. Its design makes it easy and fast and will accommodate anything the owner wants to secure both for transport and from theft.
Steelcore has added a neoprene cover to the locking buckle to seal out dust and dirt off-road. No need to worry about how big or small the load is; the two-part tie-down strap adjusts to the desired length. Also included is one zipper lock per strap to lock the contents inside the bag.
The Secure Rack Strap is versatile enough to secure and lock all your gear to any of these racks: standard crossbar racks, basket racks, the popular hitch carriers, soft-top cargo carriers, and even fuel-can holders. Depending on the type and size of gear, the straps are sold in pairs or singles.
All Steelcore products are key-locking security tie-downs made with cut-resistant, steel-encased webbing, a new strap material made with steel that is harder to cut than a security cable. Details: (714) 879-7999, www.steelcore.com
Top Security
The Series II and Deluxe Stereo Security consoles from Tuffy provide convenient, heavy-duty, secure storage for valuables in many full-size trucks. The consoles have a lockable 16-gauge steel storage compartment, which incorporates a hemmed 1/8-inch lid for extra protection and Tuffy's Patented Pry-Guard II Locking System.
In addition, the Deluxe Stereo Security consoles have a separate compartment for mounting and securing a stereo, CB, or other electronic equipment. Each console has a comfortable padded vinyl armrest and is finished with a durable powdercoat. Each console is FedEx/UPS shippable. Details: (800) 348-8339, www.tuffyproducts.com
Diesel Fuel Improver
Amsoil has introduced a premium diesel fuel additive that provides improved efficiency and maximum cold-weather performance. Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver (DFC) combines the superior detergency of Diesel Concentrate and the excellent anti-gelling properties of the company's Cold Flow Improver in one convenient package, without sacrificing performance.
The new dual function product eliminates the need for carrying two diesel additive products, especially for Canada and Northern tier states. According to Amsoil, DFC is formulated with excellent detergency properties to help keep injectors, rings, and piston crowns lubricated and free of soot for improved fuel economy and operational efficiency. The benefits of fuel economy, efficiency, and convenience make this a must-have product for diesel vehicle owners everywhere.
For more details visit your local auto parts store or go online at www.amsoil.com.
Satellite Radio Upgrade
With the merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio services, subscribers can access an expanded world of station options. Shakespeare's Galaxy SRA-40 Satellite Radio Antenna is type-approved by the engineering departments of both Sirius and XM, so RV owners can now have the best of both worlds. It can connect to either Sirius or XM receivers.
Housed in sleek, white ASA plastic, this compact antenna measures only 3.5-inch in diameter by 1.35 inches high. The SRA-40 easily installs on any surface up to 1 inch thick. If direct access under the mounting surface is difficult, such as on RV rooftops, Shakespeare's SM-30 Mounting Kit solves the problem. This versatile antenna also works well on boats and includes a pedestal mount.
The SRA-40 antenna has a limited one-year warranty and a suggested retail price of $109.95. The mounting kit costs around $20. Details: (803) 227-1590, www.shakespeare-marine.com
On-Board Ice
A boat or RV's décor and appearance can be as important as its performance. Adding a sleek edge to any galley, bridge, or aft deck with its fresh look, U-Line's new SS1095 stainless steel icemaker is designed for interior and exterior applications. This model is available in three installation options to satisfy a range of personal tastes. With three flange options to choose from, any boater or RV enthusiast can add an individual touch to his home away from home.
Small but powerful, the SS1095 produces up to 23 pounds of ice a day and stores up to 12 pounds at a time. This icemaker's positive-catch latch keeps the door securely closed and can be opened with one hand. Hardware components on this model are UV- and corrosion-resistant to keep it in top shape through all types of weather.
Front-vented for built-in installation, it requires no special venting on top, sides or rear. U-Line's SS1095 has a starting retail price of $1,199. Details: www.u-line.com
Gallons to Go
Increase your tow-rig's range and save money at the pump with a 50-gallon auxiliary fuel tank from Transfer Flow.
In these times of rapidly fluctuating fuel prices, Transfer Flow fuel tanks allow you to fill up when prices are lowest and drive more than twice as many miles before you purchase fuel again. Plus, Transfer Flow 50-gallon fuel tanks fit under a cover to protect your investment from prying eyes.
Made from either black powdercoated 14-gauge aluminized steel or polished 1/8-inch aluminum diamond-plate, these Transfer Flow fuel tanks function via the company's patented Trax-II operating system, which transfers fuel to the OEM fuel tank automatically and displays fuel status on an LCD screen in the cab.
The tanks are fully baffled to prevent fuel "slosh" and include necessary mounting hardware and instructions. The 50-gallon auxiliary tanks are available for fullsize Ford, GM, and Dodge pickups. Visit the website for available makes and model years. Details: (800) 442-0056, www.transferflow.com