PARTS DEPARTMENT

Sleep in a rooftop nest

For campers who would prefer sleeping above ground level, Roofnest has a number of solutions. For example, the Sparrow pop-up hard-shell tent attaches to the roofs of most small and midsize utility vehicles and station wagons. And its 200-centimetre length, 135cm width and 95-cm height when opened means it will comfortably sleep two adults. When closed, the low-profile 52-kilogram Sparrow’s profile is a mere 27 cm tall, so there’s minimal wind resistance. Order yours in black or white for US$2,300, including telescoping ladder, mattress and mounting hardware. The company sells other smaller and larger tent styles at roofnest.com.

Trunk won’t rattle

There are simple solutions to prevent your groceries, paint cans, plants and other items from rolling loose in your trunk or utility vehicle’s stowage area. Stayhold sells a variety of plastic cargo holders designed to keep all your stuff secure. The line includes Velcro-backed organizers plus straps specifically designed for carpeted surfaces. There are also similar items with “teeth” that are designed to dig into rubberized floor mats.

Prices start at about US$8 for mini holders and top out in the $17 range for larger versions. Two, four and eight packs of each are also available. See stayhold.com.

Steam clean your car

Removing dirt and grime from all of your vehicle’s surfaces can be difficult without using a high-pressure steam-cleaner. The Auto Right Steam Machine is designed to loosen and dissolve unsightly gunk from inside and outside, including glass, leather, vinyl and carpeting. It’s also handy for cleaning alloy wheels, especially in places that are often missed when spray washing.The product’s lightweight, compact size and handy rollers make it easy to move around. A variety of nylon brushes and nozzle attachments give you the right to for each job. Order the Steam Machine for US $130 at www.homeright.com.

Go back in time

Along with Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) and Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown), the car star of the Back to The Future movies was the DeLorean time machine. Now you can own a highly detailed 1:20scale model that can be set up so it appears as if it’s suspended in mid-air (actually it’s being held up by magnets built into the LED-lit stand. Purchase for US$300 at bigbadtoystore.com.