Make that road trip even more enjoyable

By JUDI DASH

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 12, 2000

Ah, the luxury of hitting the road without the hassles of airport lines and baggage limits. A number of new products make motoring safer and more convenient. Items may be available in area stores. Unless stated otherwise, price does not include shipping.

UP FOR GRABS: Grabbamat provides a simple solution for keeping sunglasses, maps, keys and other objects from sliding off the car dash. The 8- by 9-inch, waffle-weave rubber mat clings to the dash; objects cling to its non-skid surface. The mat uses no adhesives and can be trimmed to fit.

Grabbamat (item AA113) is $4.85 from Magellan's; (800) 962-4943; Web site: http://www.magellans.com.

MAKING SCENTS: Why should air deodorizers be limited to home use? The Sila Auto Air Purifier/Deodorizer plugs into a car's cigarette lighter outlet and emits ions that are said to break down airborne contaminants and neutralize odors. (Yes, it really seems to work.)

A pivoting arm allows the unit to be pointed in any direction. As a fun bonus, the auto purifier comes with a built-in "fragrance chamber" and absorbent pads that can be soaked with scented oils (not included) for a little aromatherapy on the road.

Sila Auto Air Purifier/Deoderizer is $19.95 (including shipping) from Lentek International; (888) 353-6835; Web site: http://www.lentek.com.

OUTER SPACE: Not enough room in your RV for all your stuff? Here's an alternative to inconvenient and often hard-to-load rooftop carriers.

StowAway2 Cargo Carrier mounts onto the standard 2-inch rear hitch found on most SUVs, minivans and recreational vehicles. Measuring 49 by 21 by 24 inches, the carrier holds 12.5 cubic feet and up to 200 pounds of gear within easy reach.

Each unit comes with four-way tail lights, a locking latch with two keys, a weather gasket for protection from the elements, a drain plug and carrying handles for easier installation and removal.

The StowAway2 is available either in fixed frame or swing-away models. The swing-away version has a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the unit to pivot 180 degrees, providing access to the rear cargo doors or lift gate.

StowAway2 Cargo Carrier is $399-$549, depending on frame model, from camping stores. For information, contact the distributor, Ironwood Pacific Inc.; (800) 261-1330; Web site: http://www.stowaway2.com.

GLARING OMISSION: A hot, sunny day should make for a great ride, not a menacing one. Kel-Gar's brightly colored Side Shades are transparent nylon sunglasses for your car. Shaped like -- what else? -- a car, they twist open from a compact 6.5-inch diameter, wire-rimmed disk shape to an 18- by 13-inch form, and they attach to the window by two rubber suction cups (included). Once in place, the shades ward off the sun's heat as well as glare. Also available in a rear shade, which comes with four suction cups.

Side Shades (12126) are $6.99 a pair; rear shade (12128), $5.99, in stores. For information, contact Kel-Gar; (800) 388-1848; Web site: http://www.kelgar.com.

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