"Funky Colored Flames" a Flame-Out

We see a lot of--shall we say--"interesting" products as RVers. In the end, it's kind of reminiscent of a Clint Eastwood movie. You know the one, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

Some time back we were asked to evaluate a new product called Funky Colored Flames. The press release had this to say, "This new innovative product creates a brilliant display of blue, green, and purple. It can be used in indoor/outdoor wood fireplaces, bonfires, campfires and backyard fire pits." When our sample arrived, we tucked it away on the shelf waiting for "just the right moment" to try this "innovative product" out.

Last night, a crowd gathered around our fire. This just had to be the time! Without saying a word, we tossed one of the unopened packets in the fire (as the instructions told us) and waited. Sure enough, we could vaguely see some green and purple flames--sort of. Another packet was tossed in with similar results. No one else around the fire said anything about the flames, until we finally had to ask, "Hey, what color are those flames?" And after squinting for a half minute or so, one of our test subjects ventured that perhaps he was seeing a little bit of blue.

Later, as our test fire flames came down in height, we tossed the third and final packet in. We got a bit more of a show here, but really it was nothing like that represented by the photos provided on the Camping World website touting this product. At over $5.00 a box of three, our feelings--and those of our ersatz focus group were you'd be better off buying a bag of marshmallows.

Still, if you have a gaggle of three-year olds, you can find Funky Colored Flames at Camping World, Target, and Walmart.

photo courtesy Camping World

How Much Does it Weigh? Balanzza Tells All

In some areas it's not uncommon to run across a propane seller who fills, not by volume, but by weight. The LP tank is scaled empty, then again when full, and the purchaser buys propane by the pound (or kilo, depending on your whereabouts). Some wonder if they can trust the scale. Or perhaps you're not sure how much LP you've left in your bottle, but have no way to weigh (Oy vey!).

With the appropriate equipment you can put to work on those thorny gas weight questions, or to ensure your luggage is within airline carrier weight limitations. But wait there's more! How about "the big one" that didn't get away? Your buddy's fish-stories can finally be put to rest, and all these other scaly issues too, with the help of the Balanzza digital luggage scale.

This handy device is in itself, lightweight--a great thing in these fuel conservative days--but isn't a lightweight when it comes to accurate reporting. Not much bigger than the palm of your hand, the Balanzza is easy to use. Simply slip the handy nylon strap through the propane tank yoke, snap the locking clasp, pick up the scale and tank. When you hear the beep, the weights displayed in either pounds or kilograms. A handy tare weight function also allows display of the actual contents weight without the need of mental calculations.

Powered by two AAA batteries, the Balanzza retails for $24.95, and can be purchased online at balanzza.com or locally in many Target stores. The device weighs up to 100 pounds or 44 kilos.

Coil n’Wrap brings RVers the “InstaHanger”

RVers are appreciative of new and innovative products that make RVing more enjoyable. Long time RVers Ken and Judy Wilton are always on the lookout for these products for RVers to enjoy. Perhaps you’ve met them at one of the many RV shows across the country where they demonstrate and sell RV products under their company name “Coil n’ Wrap.”

Now they’ve done it again, bringing RVers another great product called the “InstaHanger”. Whether it’s hanging up ironing or hanging up laundry fresh out of the dryer the InstaHanger will save you time and effort.The great thing about this device is that it folds-up when you’re finished using it.The InstaHanger is 18” by 3” and the metal hanging rod is 12” long when extended. When folded the device is approximately 1 ¾” thick.It comes in the “Country Classic” wooden model or the white plastic model. The InstaHanger is easy to install and holds up to 50 pounds when firmly attached to the wall with the provided screws. If you don’t want to screw it into the wall you can use the supplied high temperature hook & loop as an alternative installation.If you are a part-time RVer you may also want a few of these for your house. One for the laundry room and one in the bedroom. They come in handy when you need to air dry a shirt or a blouse or when you're sorting out clothing while packing for a trip.

You’re sure to find many uses for this new product. You can purchase this and other fine products at their website by clicking here: Coil n’ Wrap. You can also check their website to see when they will be at an RV show near you. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing