RV Products
By K. Stephen Busick, F45180

Hitch-Mounted ATV Carrier

The Quad-Loader from Hitch Things is described as a "revolutionary new way to haul an ATV." It also is said to be ideal for hauling lawn tractors, golf carts, and even go-carts. The Quad-Loader features adjustable platform tracks to fit any width ATV; a powder-coated finish; lights; aluminum diamond-plate ramps; and a stowage compartment for the ramps. A high-speed assist wheel is designed to add stability and help with weight distribution. An adjustable mounting bracket allows for height adjustments on different vehicles.

The Quad-Loader is designed for use with Class III and Class IV receivers and is rated for 1,100 pounds. However, check your vehicle's owners manual for exact vehicle ratings and do not exceed its carrying capacity. When not in use, the Quad-Loader folds up to the back of the vehicle and is pinned in place.

For more information, contact:
Hitch Things Inc.
1477 Sheffler Drive
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(877) 734-3920
(717) 263-9982
Fax: (717) 263-6916
www.hitchthings.com

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Waste Removal System

Phase Four Industries has introduced the Waste Master, a product that promises to make one of the most undesirable jobs of the RV lifestyle "uneventful and sanitary."

The Waste Master is a completely enclosed RV waste removal system designed to eliminate the job of hauling out and hooking up a sewer hose to a motorhome's dump valve.

With the Waste Master, the sewer hose remains connected to the motorhome at all times. When it's time to dump, the unit's hose nozzle is removed from its compartment, extended up to 19 feet to the dump station, and connected to the sewer inlet. The user never handles the hose or fittings. After the holding tanks have been dumped and rinsed, the hose and nozzle are automatically retracted with the push of a button, much like the electric cord reels and water hose reels seen on many motorhomes.

For more information, contact:
Phase Four Industries
837 Industrial Drive, 1A
Hollister, CA 95023
(877) 787-8833
www.phasefourindustries.com

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Splendide Washer-Dryer Combos

Four new Splendide combination washer-dryer laundry centers are available with a host of innovative features. These units include soft-touch electronic controls that are said to be easy to operate, and built-in diagnostics to solve problems that may occur. Increased drum capacity enables users to do larger laundry loads, and all models feature a new pump designed to keep foreign objects from damaging it. The improved pump also eliminates the need to clean a filter and simplifies winterization. A foam-control system detects and eliminates excess foam so that clothes are thoroughly rinsed.

According to product literature, the new Express Wash feature enables lightly soiled cotton and permanent-press fabrics to be washed 40 percent faster, while Extra Rinse, Easy Iron, and Low Spin settings allow users to tailor the cycles to their needs. In addition, the wash start time can be delayed by up to 12 hours. Automatic Balance System and Impulse Spin Technology keep the load balanced to maximize performance while minimizing vibration. Splendide combination washer-dryer laundry units fit into a 24-inch-wide space.

For more information, contact:
Westland Sales
15650 S.E. 102nd Ave.
Clackamas, OR 97015
(800) 356-0766
Fax: (503) 656-8829
www.splendide.com

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Electric Bicycle

The eGO Cycle 2 is a rechargeable electric bike that has a top speed of 23 mph and a range of approximately 25 miles. An optional spare battery pack doubles the range.

The bike features large wheels, a low center of gravity, and simple controls. Hand controls apply both the front and rear brakes, while automatic braking is activated whenever the right twist-grip throttle is reduced. The automatic brake increases safety and limits the top speed; it also recharges the battery during deceleration.

The battery plugs into an AC electrical outlet for recharging, which takes approximately three hours from full discharge to 80 percent capacity. Load capacity is 250 pounds on the bike; another 100 pounds can be carried in the optional cargo trailer. The bike complies with federal Department of Transportation safety standards and is street legal.

The eGO is available in four colors and has a retail price of $1,399 plus shipping and handling.

The eGO Cycle 2 and optional equipment can be purchased directly from the company and also can be found at bike dealerships and in specialty catalogs.

For more information, contact:
eGO Vehicles Inc.
765 Allens Ave.
Providence, RI 02905
(800) 979-4346
www.egovehicles.com

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Wrenches And Pliers

JS Products has introduced two new lines of pliers and adjustable wrenches. The Steelcraft line is designed for the serious do-it-yourselfer and includes 37 items that range from heavy-duty wrenches and pliers to smaller precision tools for work in electronics, jewelry repair, and arts and crafts. The wrenches feature black phosphate plating for advanced corrosion protection, while the pliers have double-wall cushioned handles.

The Steelcraft Pro line includes five pliers intended for professionals. According to product literature, ergonomic thermal plastic rubber handles offer superior comfort and control, and Black Iron plating technology provides exceptional corrosion resistance.

Both lines of tools are available at independent hardware stores, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, and national home centers.

For more information, contact:
JS Products Inc.
5440 S. Procyon Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(866) 309-3666
www.steelcrafttools.com

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Barbecue Grill Scrub Brush

The Grill Wizard promises to cut through the built-up "gunk" on stainless-steel, porcelain-coated, and cast-iron barbecue grates. And, unlike wire brushes, the Grill Wizard uses replaceable stainless-steel scouring pads to clean baked-on food and sauce from the grill's cooking surface.

When necessary, the old scouring pads can be removed and new pads attached to the Grill Wizard's stainless-steel head, which is mounted to an 18-inch rosewood handle. The two attached scouring pads normally last one grilling season, depending on the frequency of use.

The Grill Wizard and replacement scouring pads are available at drug and hardware stores or by contacting the company directly. The suggested retail price of the Grill Wizard is $18.99 plus shipping.

For more information, contact:
Golden Gate Alliance Inc.
37569 Enterprise Court, Suite F
Newark, CA 94560
(510) 792-9036
www.ggalliance.com

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Sound And Heat Insulation

Lydall Corporation, a supplier of heat and sound insulation to the automotive industry, now offers three of its products to consumers for online purchase exclusively. This insulation is designed to be especially useful in trucks, boats, and recreation vehicles where the "owner is looking to decrease noise, vibration, and heat, and make a space more comfortable."

LyTherm MAX is designed for heat and noise suppression on interior surfaces, such as under carpet or on the inside firewall. The 3/4-inch-thick material comes in rolls of 60 inches by 77 inches and can be glued or laid in place.

A second product, dBLyte, is made especially for interior noise suppression and has a patented "spring mass" acoustical barrier. This 3/4-inch-thick insulation comes in rolls of 42 inches by 48 inches and also can be glued or laid in place.

ZeroClearance is designed for exterior heat and noise problems, especially where space is limited. Measuring only 1/8-inch thick, it reportedly can withstand temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and provide damping for acoustical vibration and heat. It comes with a peel-and-stick pressure-sensitive adhesive in rolls of 42 inches by 48 inches.

For more information, contact:
Lydall Inc.
P.O. Box 1960
Rochester, NH 03867
(603) 430-9957
www.coolandquiet.com

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Variable-Speed Water Pump

SHURflo now offers the first of its Extreme Series water pumps, the Smart Sensor 5.7. This pump is a micro-controlled, variable-speed unit that delivers more than 5.5 gallons per minute and pressure up to 65 psi with no rapid cycling. The water pressure in the system is monitored and the motor speed adjusted as required, eliminating the need for a pressure switch.

Pump features include a five-chamber design with large inlet and outlet passages to maximize water flow and efficiency; a seamless motor shell; dual O-ring-sealed quick-connect ports; automatic voltage protection; and current limiting at 10 amps maximum.

The Smart Sensor 5.7 has a suggested retail price of $209.99.

For more information, contact:
SHURflo
5900 Katella Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
(800) 854-3218
Fax: (562) 795-7554
www.shurflo.com

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Roof Air Conditioner

The Coleman-Mach 3 P.S. (Power Saver) RV air conditioner is designed to use less power without sacrificing cooling performance. According to product information, the superior cooling performance of the Coleman-Mach 3 P.S. is the result of several design features that work together to produce more cold air while using less amperage.

A high-efficiency compressor, high-efficiency fan motor, and oversized coils maximize the cooling capabilities of the unit. The fan motor is mounted directly to the bulkhead to keep it turning freely. The blower wheel is surrounded by insulation. The specially designed blower wheel moves more air with less power across oversized coils featuring raised lance fins. The fins maximize the surface area and this, in turn, allows the coils to transfer more heat out of the motorhome. The unit incorporates 100 percent copper tubing that has rifling along its interior walls to produce turbulence in the coolant flow and speed up heat removal.

For more information, contact:
RV Products
A Division of AIRXCEL Inc.
P.O. Box 4020
Wichita, KS 67204
(316) 832-3400
www.rvcomfort.com

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Satellite Radio Antenna

Shakespeare Composites and Electronics, a supplier of marine antennas and accessories, has added a line of products for the RV market. The Galaxy SRA-20 Sirius Satellite Radio antenna is designed for the growing number of users of this new service. The compact SRA-20 can be mounted on the top of an RV or other vehicle to provide clear, high-quality reception of digital entertainment channels from Sirius Satellite Radio.

According to product literature, the new Shakespeare C&E antennas are manufactured to the same quality standards used for antennas in the marine environment and will withstand virtually any condition.

The Galaxy SRA-20 has a suggested retail price of $194.95. Shakespeare C&E also offers cellular, AM/FM, and CB antennas, mounts, adapters, and cables.

For more information, contact:
Shakespeare Composites and Electronics
P.O. Box 733
Newberry, SC 29108
(803) 276-5504
www.shakespeare-marine.com

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