RV Products
By K. Stephen Busick, F45180

8,000-Pound Tow Bar

Roadmaster Inc. has introduced what it terms as the "strongest folding tow bar on the market today." Constructed of steel and stainless steel, the BlackHawk, with an 8,000-pound towing capacity, includes such features as a drop-forged steel yoke, a hardened stainless-steel locking mechanism, specially formulated steel-alloy arms, and built-in channels for routing safety cables and wiring. Hooking up and disconnecting the tow bar, which stores on the coach, is said to be extremely easy. The arms self-extend, center, and automatically lock. The rotating collars and a hardened-steel lock simplify disconnecting. The BlackHawk fits 2-inch receivers and is compatible with all Roadmaster brackets. It has a powder-coat painted finish and comes with a two-year limited warranty.

For more information, contact:
Roadmaster Inc.
5602 N.E. Skyport Way
Portland, OR 97218
(800) 669-9690
Fax: (503) 288-8900
www.roadmasterinc.com

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Side-Mounted Signal Lights

After an installation time of approximately 20 minutes, drivers of most motorhomes can enjoy the safety that side-mounted turn signals provide for large trucks. Mounting the lights on the front cap area of a coach makes it possible for drivers in vehicles alongside the coach to see the turn signal and be alerted to the motorhome driver's intentions. The kit, from RV-Parts Plus, includes all wiring, quick-connect lamp bases, sealing foam gaskets, amber lenses, and complete instructions. The Front Side-Mounted Turn Signal Kit is priced at $42.50 for the pair.

For more information, contact:
RV-Parts Plus
RR #2
Lynden, ON
Canada L0R 1T0
(877) 266-5398
www.rv-partsplus.com

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RV Care Products

Thetford, perhaps best known for its RV toilets and holding tank chemicals, is expanding its line of products to include those needed for RV care. Thetford's new Premium RV Care Lineup includes a Wash, Wax, Wash & Wax, Protectant, Awning Cleaner, Black Streak & Bug Remover, Rubber Roof Cleaner and Conditioner, and Spot & Stain Lifter. The Spot & Stain Lifter comes in a 12-ounce squeeze bottle; all other products are available in 32-ounce and 1-gallon bottle sizes. Most have spray nozzles.

For more information, contact:
Thetford Corporation
P.O. Box 1285
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
(800) 521-3032
(734) 769-6000
www.thetford.com

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RV Water Softener Conversion Kit

The Water Packer RV 1200-E Conversion Kit is designed to convert the TravelSoft Water Softener from manual to semiautomatic regeneration. This kit replaces the manual valve on all Blue and Black Tank Travelsoft units. It can be added in minutes to allow regeneration of the softener without removing it. The brine tank can be set aside between regenerations or left attached to the softener. If desired, the softener can function as a built-in unit. Standard salt crystals, pellets, rock salt, or potassium can be used for regeneration. The RV 1200-E Conversion Kit has a suggested retail price of $249.95 plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
The Water Packer
Tolle RV Water Treatment Products
P.O. Box 1332
Watertown, SD 57201
www.thewaterpacker.com

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Single-Use Holding Tank Treatment

Camco Manufacturing has introduced TST Singles, a one-step sanitation treatment designed to clean, freshen, and lubricate black water and gray water holding tanks. Packaged eight single-treatment bottles to a box, TST Singles are said to simplify treatment by eliminating the need to mix and measure chemicals. The concentrated product breaks down waste and toilet tissue, and its coconut oil formula reportedly aids in the lubrication of drain valves to prevent future buildup and sticking. Other holding tank products from Camco include liquid, granular, tablet, and water-soluble-packet formulas in addition to special gray water tank odor control and probe cleaner products.

For more information, contact:
Camco Manufacturing Inc.
121 Landmark Drive
Greensboro, NC 27409
(800) 334-2004
(336) 668-7661
Fax: (336) 665-2792
www.camco.net

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Grip Fasteners

Whether used in an RV, on a boat, or for earthquake protection, Thumb Lock safety fasteners from FSI (Fastening Systems Inc.) can help protect electronic equipment and other fragile items from damage. Originally developed for the United States Navy for securing high-tech equipment at sea, these fasteners feature a high-strength, quick-release fastening system that is said to be versatile and easy to use. While 3M Marine Adhesive pads are included, the fasteners also can be screw-fixed for additional strength and for use on surfaces not suitable for adhesive bonding. Thumb Lock kits have suggested retail prices beginning at $9.99 and are available in black and white. Now, to complement the decor of many RVs, boats, and homes, the company's TV Grip and Super Grip fasteners are available in a rich teak color, along with matching leather-colored straps.

For more information, contact:
FSI
19458 Ventura Blvd., Suite 6
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 996-1977
Fax: (818) 996-7835
www.fasteningsolutions.com

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Air Fresheners

Mirror Clips automotive air fresheners from Eagle One dispense a long-lasting fragrance and are designed to stay out of sight behind the rear-view mirror on vehicles so equipped. Available in four scents -- vanilla, rain forest, Pacific breeze, and clean car -- these air fresheners are said to feature a unique airflow design. They are made of a special polymer that is impregnated with pure fragrance concentrate before the clips are molded. The suggested retail price for a resealable package of two Mirror Clips is $2.99. The clips are available at discount store chains.

For more information, contact:
Eagle One
5927 Landau Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(800) 432-4531
www.eagleone.com

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Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant

Evans Cooling Systems offers NPG+ Waterless Engine Coolant, which is said to virtually eliminate concerns about engines overheating and boiling over. NPG+ is designed as a lifetime coolant that is poured into the cooling system after the old antifreeze and water mixture has been thoroughly evacuated and the system flushed with a small amount of NPG+ coolant; no water is added. According to product literature, this patented waterless coolant allows any gasoline or diesel engine to tolerate running hotter without boiling over or stressing the engine. It also reportedly allows the cooling system to run at very low pressure, greatly reducing the strain and wear on hoses, pumps, gaskets, and seals. NPG+ is a proprietary blend of propylene glycol and additives and corrosion inhibitors. It boils at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and freezes at 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. NPG+ is available in 1-gallon and 5-gallon containers.

For more information, contact:
Evans Cooling Systems Inc.
Attn: Steve Pressley
255 Route 41 N.
Sharon, CT 06069
(888) 990-2665
www.evanscooling.com

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Marine Trailer Jack

The Quick Change Trailer-Jack and the Jack Junior are designed to simplify changing a flat tire or performing maintenance on boat trailers. These semi-circular jacks, which are made of high-strength aluminum, use the vehicle's movement to lift the trailer. To use the jack, place it under the trailer's axle and then move the tow vehicle a few inches forward or backward. During this movement, the jack rotates upward and raises the trailer. The jacks are said to work on all surfaces and with most round or square trailer axles. Designed for boat trailers with 10-inch to 15-inch wheels, the Quick Change Trailer-Jack has a 4,000-pound capacity. The smaller Jack Junior can be used with 8-inch or 10-inch wheels and has a 3,000-pound capacity. Suggested retail prices are $39.99 for the Quick Change Trailer-Jack and $34.99 for the Jack Junior.

For more information, contact:
Springfield Marine Company
P.O. Box 588
Nixa, MO 65714
(417) 725-2667
www.springfieldgrp.com

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Folding Pet Pen

The RV Kitty Kondo attaches to a motorhome window and is designed to allow a cat or small dog to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the inherent dangers there. Constructed of galvanized wire, the 26-¾ inch by 34-¼ inch by 16-inch enclosure is designed to fit the most common type and size of RV window. Small stainless-steel hooks are installed on the side of the RV using stainless-steel screws, all of which are included. For easy storage during travel, the RV Kitty Kondo folds to measure only 26-¾ inches by 34-¼ inches by 2-½ inches. It has a suggested retail price of $124.99 plus shipping and handling, and carries a limited 90-day warranty.

For more information, contact:
Purrfect Place Pet Products
8002 N.E. Highway 99 #222
Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone/fax: (360) 258-1225
www.purrfectplace.com

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