RV Products: April 2002

Pet Heat Alarm

The Pet Safety Heat Alarm System was developed to protect unattended pets in RVs from heat hazards due to air conditioning malfunctions. Malfunctions may be the result of a power failure, a circuit breaker tripping, a cord being unplugged, or a problem with the air conditioner itself. In any case, pets left in the coach can become overheated in a matter of minutes.

According to product literature, the Pet Safety Heat Alarm System will place a call to a cell phone or regular phone if the temperature inside reaches a preset level. The system will continue to call until someone enters the coach and turns off the switch, or until the temperature returns to normal and the alarm automatically resets. The electronic dialing system can be programmed to call as often as every two minutes or as infrequently as once an hour if a problem occurs. The heat sensor can be adjusted to activate the alarm when an unsafe interior temperature — usually 80 to 90 degrees — is reached.

The system uses quick-disconnect wiring for ease of storage when driving. The Pet Safety Heat Alarm System comes with all necessary components, including wiring and a circuit breaker. A cell phone is not included. An audible exterior alarm for the motorhome can be added to the system if so desired.

For more information, contact:
Pet Safety Heat Alarm System
3005 Thoroughbred Drive
Washington, MO 63090
(636) 239-1362
Fax: (636) 390-8720

The Remora Mini, a fully enclosed hitch-mounted carrier for motorhomes or towed vehicles, offers 20 cubic feet of lockable, secure storage. The carrier, which is constructed of weather-resistant, impact-resistant, UV-protected ABS plastic, can be ordered with a 1-¼-inch or a 2-inch frame to fit the vehicle’s receiver class and size. According to product literature, the Remora Mini’s cargo capacity is 160 pounds with a Class I receiver; 200 pounds with a Class II receiver; and 300 pounds with a Class III receiver. A limited tow-behind capability is included for Class III receiver ratings. The Remora Mini telescopes away from the vehicle for easy access to drop gates, swing doors, or rear hatches. Included with the Remora Mini are two of the company’s Silent Hitch Pins.

For more information, contact:
Let’s Go Aero
6950 S. Tucson Way, Suite C
Centennial, CO 80112
(877) 464-2376
(303) 660-6113
www.letsgoaero.com

Reese Products Inc. has introduced the Anti-Wobble Kit. The basic kit (part #13609) fits any 2-inch-square ball mount and hitch-mounted accessory. According to company literature, when the kit is inserted into the ball mount or accessory, rattling is virtually eliminated from the mount or accessory. This can result in more secure towing and reduced rattling of items such as mountain bikes or additional cargo. A special version of the Anti-Wobble Kit, part #13613, comes complete with a lock for additional security of towing accessories.

For more information, contact:
Reese Products Inc.
51671 State Road 19 N.
Elkhart, IN 46514
(219) 264-7564
www.reeseprod.com

VDC Electronics offers the BatteryMINDer automatic three-stage maintenance chargers plus desulphator conditioners. These units can handle up to six batteries at a time, including 12-volt and 6-volt deep-cycle batteries, as well as maintenance-free, AGM, gel, and sealed-valve regulated batteries.

According to product literature, units for 12-volt (model 12041), 24-volt (model 24021), and 36-volt (model 36131) batteries produce high-frequency pulses that cause the sulfuric acid crystals (sulphation) to unbond and return to the cells’ electrolyte. With desulphated plates, the batteries charge more quickly, are capable of delivering full power, and have an extended life. The second stage of the unit “floats” the battery at full charge without overcharging it. During the third stage, the battery is automatically desulphated to prevent sulphation, which company literature notes is the number one cause of early battery failure and diminished capacity or power. Battery test circuitry is included to predetermine the battery condition and state of charge.

Retail prices for the BatteryMINDer begin at $127. However, special pricing is available to callers who identify themselves as FMCA members. The units are covered by a 5-year “no-hassle” warranty.

For more information, contact:
VDC Electronics Inc.
P.O. Box 5537
Englewood, NJ 07631-5537
(800) 379-5579
Fax: (631) 423-8029
www.vdcelectronics.com

Extreme Extended Life antifreeze/coolant by Zerex is said to provide “optimal protection against liner pitting and corrosion, hard-water scale, and other deposits.” According to information from The Valvoline Company, this product meets the Cummins CES 14603 specifications and the Caterpillar EC-1 specifications for heavy-duty applications without the need for silicate additives at first fill.

The addition of one bottle of Extreme Extended Life Extender at 300,000 miles (or 7,000 hours) is said to allow the coolant to be used up to 600,000 miles without draining. For optimum protection, concentrations of 50 percent to 70 percent are recommended. The complete Extreme product line, consisting of six different products, is marketed by The Valvoline Company, a division of Ashland Inc.

For more information, contact:
The Valvoline Company
Attn: Kimberly Schumate
P.O. Box 14000
Lexington, KY 40512
(800) 255-3533
(859) 357-7777
www.valvolinehd.com

The SafetyAlert from AlertStar Corporation features three safety devices in one compact product.  Powered by six AA alkaline batteries, the SafetyAlert can be used as a 24-inch flashing safety baton to help alert or divert traffic; as a flashing safety triangle with 11 high-intensity lights and four reflective Lexan support legs; or as an adjustable hands-free flashlight that can be directed to wherever light is needed. The SafetyAlert stores in a compact plastic case and, according to product literature, can be activated in less than five seconds when needed. The batteries, which are not included, can provide up to 50 hours of continuous use. The SafetyAlert has a suggested retail price of $49.95. Special pricing is available for FMCA members.

For more information, contact:
AlertStar Corporation
3873 Airport Way
P.O. Box 9754
Bellingham, WA 98227-9754
(888) 823-7243
Fax:  (250) 386-0515
www.alertstar.com

Derri-Air, manufacturer of ergonomic cycling accessories, offers a line of bicycle seats that company literature says are designed to help reduce injuries, improve performance, and add pleasure to bicycling. Derri-Air seats have two adjustable air-filled chambers that cradle the “sit bones” on a cushion of air.  Between these two chambers is a deep groove that Derri-Air calls the “comfort zone.”  The two chambers of each seat function separately so that compressing one chamber does not push air into the other. A small air pump that can fit in the palm of one’s hand is included with each seat. If necessary, the nylon air cushions can be replaced without tools. Models are available for everyone from aggressive mountain bikers to those who prefer stationary bikes. Prices range from $49.95 to $59.95.

For more information, contact:
Derri-Air
P.O. Box 1750
Whitefish, MT 59937
(888) 855-3545
www.derri-air.com

Shurhold Industries produces a line of handcrafted, soft-bristle brushes that are designed to clean motorhomes and other vehicles while helping to protect the vehicle’s finish. Rustproof nickel/silver stapling wire is used to fasten the bristles of the company’s 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch brushes into quality hardwood. Each brush also has a wraparound safety bumper to help guard against scratching curved surfaces and corners. The soft-bristle line of brushes includes versions with either blue nylon or yellow polystyrene filaments. These models are said to be ideal for windows, wheels, and other hard-to-reach places. Shurhold brushes and other care tools attach securely to any of the company’s fixed-length or telescoping handles with the built-in Shur-Lok quick-release adapter. Suggested retail prices of the soft-bristle brushes start at $24.88.

For more information, contact:
Shurhold Industries
3119 S.W. 42nd Ave.
Palm City, FL 34990-5558
(800) 962-6241
Fax: (561) 286-9620
www.shurhold.com

The Portable Porch is an alternative to the conventional screen-mesh zippered enclosure. Each lightweight porch is custom-designed to fit the specifications of any size motorhome with a roll-up awning. The frame and hinges of the Portable Porch are made of anodized aluminum to eliminate oxidation and rust, while the hardware is crafted of stainless steel. The screens are framed aluminum with a fiberglass mesh. Product literature states that one of the product’s most attractive features is its ability to stand alone. A Portable Porch owner can take a side trip and leave it behind without dismantling it. Prices begin at $1,695. Estimated assembly time by one or two people is approximately two hours.

For more information, contact:
Portable Porch
P.O. Box 91
Crystal, MI 48818
(989) 235-3888
www.portableporch.com

Gen-Tran generator transfer switches are said to offer a safe, convenient way to provide electrical power from a motorhome’s generator to a home or other building when needed. In the past, many unsafe and illegal methods of making an electrical connection have been used, but now, according to product literature, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that an approved transfer switch be used when a generator is connected to a second source or dwelling. Gen-Tran offers UL-listed transfer switches for generators from 1.7 kilowatts all the way up to 45 kilowatts. The new Gen-Tran model 30114 is designed for generators up to 3,750 watts. It comes completely pre-wired with two wires per circuit plus a neutral wire and a ground wire. The compact unit measures 7½ inches high by 7 inches wide by 4½ inches deep.

For more information, contact:
Gen-Tran Corporation
P.O. Box 1001
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(800) 275-9037
Fax: (770) 552-7756
www.gen-tran.com