RV Products: October 2002

Safety Cables

Roadmaster Inc. has added EZ Hook safety cables to its line of tow bars, tow dollies, and other towing accessories. Once the cable anchors are installed, no tools are ever needed for hookup. Simply insert the small ball end of the cable into the cable anchor (attached to the towed vehicle end of the tow bar) and slide the ball end into its slot. The drop-forged steel hooks that connect to the towing vehicle are said to be stronger and more secure than “S” hooks. The galvanized-steel aircraft cables are vinyl-coated to prevent them from scratching and chipping the tow bar and to keep them from fraying.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the new 6,000-pound EZ Hook safety cables is $75 per set. Roadmaster also offers straight, coiled, and 8,000-pound safety cables.

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

The Beanstalk Ladder has been described as “a new concept in RV ladder design.” The lightweight unit, which has a Type I, heavy-duty (250-pound) rating, can be configured for a variety of RV cleaning and maintenance jobs. It is said to be easy to use and can be stored securely in most motorhome storage compartments.

Constructed of aircraft-quality aluminum, the Beanstalk Ladder consists of three 4-foot sections that can make a 4-foot, 8-foot, or 12-foot straight ladder. By using a separate back brace section, a freestanding 4-foot stepladder can be made also. Since each 4-foot section weighs only 8 pounds, the full 12-foot ladder weighs an easy-to-manage 24 pounds.

The Beanstalk Ladder, complete with the stepladder back brace, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $289 plus shipping and handling. The retail price for the straight ladder only is $239 plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
Beanstalk Ladder Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 26432
Yuma, AZ 85367
(866) 342-0411
www.beanstalkladder.com

Thales Navigation has developed the Magellan SporTrak series of hand-held GPS receivers. The SporTrak Map model delivers a combination of mapping capabilities, easy operation, and rugged design that is said to make it the ideal “go anywhere, do anything” GPS receiver.

The unit features a built-in 2-megabyte database of major roads, parks, waterways, airports, and cities that makes the receiver usable right out of the box. There are also 4 megabytes of built-in memory available for additional points of interest and map downloads from the Magellan MapSend software family.

A new nine-key, user-friendly design provides access to nine advanced navigation screens. The most used features can be accessed with the touch of a button rather than by scrolling through menu screens. The large backlit display is designed for easy readability in all light conditions. Accessory options include a vehicle mounting bracket, a bicycle mounting bracket, a swivel mounting bracket, a canvas carrying case, and various cables, including a cigarette lighter adapter.

The SporTrak Map has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $229. Thales Navigation also offers The SporTrak Pro with advanced features and capabilities for $299, as well as the basic SporTrak for $199.

For more information, contact:
Thales Navigation
960 Overland Court, Dept. P
San Dimas, CA 91773
(800) 669-4477
Fax: (909) 394-7050
www.magellangps.com

The Harvester from Solar Dynamics promises portable power that is clean, noiseless, and renewable. This 12-volt DC, 750-watt AC portable power source is a complete system bundled together for easy transport and use. The system can be assembled and disassembled in minutes.

The Harvester can be recharged by its maintenance-free 50-watt solar panel, which is covered by a 10-year guarantee, or with an optional wall charger. The unit is equipped with a charge controller to protect and prolong the life of the 104-amp-hour battery.

Accessories, including a light stand, podium, desktop, or trailer hitch, can be added to the Harvester. Charging power can be doubled or tripled with the addition of one or two solar panels. The Harvester has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,399.

For more information, contact:
Solar Dynamics Inc.
17A Herman Drive
Simsbury, CT 06070
(877) 527-6461
www.solar-dynamics.com

The new STA-BIL fuel stabilizer formula from Gold Eagle Co. reportedly makes clogged fuel lines and sluggish starts a thing of the past. STA-BIL keeps fuel from oxidizing and forming gums and varnishes that can clog fuel lines, injectors, and fuel filters. And, according to product literature, fuel treated with STA-BIL is said to stay fresh for up to 12 months.

In addition, STA-BIL now includes a water remover and a fuel system cleaner. The new formula STA-BIL disperses water in the gas tank by reacting with the water molecules to form a combustible compound that is burned during normal engine operation. Using the product regularly helps keep the gas tank and fuel system free of water and reduces the likelihood of rust and corrosion.

The fuel system cleaner is designed to remove power-robbing deposits that can reduce power and mileage in a motorhome. STA-BIL also can be used to prevent fuel oxidation and corrosion in gasoline-powered generators.

For more information, contact:
Gold Eagle Co.
4400 S. Kildare
Chicago, IL 60632
(800) 367-3245
www.goldeagle.com

PawSteps lightweight pet ramps are designed to provide “easy, pain-free access to RVs, cars, beds, couches, and chairs for smaller, older, arthritic, or disabled pets.” These ramps not only make it easier for pets to get up and down from elevated surfaces, but they also help pet owners who may have difficulty lifting their pets onto higher surfaces.

PawSteps ramps are made of lightweight molded plastic but can support up to 120 pounds. A high-quality carpet strip (available in a variety of colors) is included or an indoor-outdoor carpet strip may be chosen instead. These carpet strips snap on and off for easy cleaning. Each PawSteps ramp arrives completely assembled and is covered by a lifetime warranty.

For more information, contact:
PawSteps
P.O. Box 3655
Laguna Beach, CA 92654
(877) 472-9783
www.pawsteps.com

Kincor Corporation’s RV Electric Step Rebuild Kit costs less than what a new automatic step or a replacement motor would cost, yet it often is all that is needed to put the step back into working order. The kit contains parts needed for repairing the step motor gear assembly — a replacement gear, three bushings, a packet of grease, and instructions for rebuilding the step. Directions include the important precaution of making sure that power is shut off to the step assembly, and remind the user which factory parts to keep.

According to product literature, the original bushings made for the electric step motors were designed to give way if something is caught in the step. However, heat and age fatigue also can cause these parts to fail and stop the step from working. The Kincor RV Electric Step Rebuild Kit is made to maintain these built-in safety features while repairing the step easily and economically. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Kincor RV Step Repair Kit is $29.95.

For more information, contact:
Kincor Corporation
P.O. Box 780217
Sebastian, FL 32978-0217
(561) 589-2100
Fax: (561) 589-4581

A-MAZ is described as a non-toxic paste material that can be used to clean a variety of glass surfaces. According to product literature, A-MAZ does not contain acids or harsh chemicals, and it is easy to use. After applying A-MAZ to the glass surface and rubbing it in, one simply wipes it off, with no rinsing required. The product’s mild polishers and cleaning detergents remove hard water stains, lime scale, calcium, rust rings, soap scum, salt spray, and other stains. A-MAZ also is said to be excellent on fiberglass, but it is not recommended for smooth, shiny paint or soft plastics. A-MAZ is available in an “Introductory Special” combination package that includes enough cleaning paste for approximately 500 square feet and two light-duty non-scratch pads. Also included is A-MAZ sealant, which coats the surface to give long-lasting protection against future stain buildup. This special package is priced at $30 plus $6.95 for shipping and handling. The manufacturer offers a risk-free, money-back guarantee.

For more information, contact:
Pacific Sun Makers
671 El Camino Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(800) 921-6861

The Rear Trac Bar from Super Steer promises more responsive steering on Ford F-53 and Workhorse W20 and W22 type A motorhome chassis. According to product literature, the installation of the Trac Bar keeps the rear axle from moving side to side but does not limit normal suspension travel. This improvement in steering response and control helps when driving on the open highway or on winding two-lane roads. According to company literature, eliminating the side-to-side movement also helps spring bushings last longer.

The bars are made of heavy-gauge steel and are powder-coated to prevent rust. Polyurethane bushings further reduce movement. Installation is said to take just one or two hours.

For more information, contact:
Super Steer
417 S.W. Marion Lane
Grants Pass, OR 97527
(888) 898-3281
(541) 479-2882
www.hendersonslineup.com

HomeRight’s new Ezi Dry squeegee is designed to dry all smooth areas quickly and easily without the use of towels or chamois. The unit’s flexible head contours to the surfaces to be dried, while the squeegee’s twin blades whisk away water without scratching or streaking. The ergonomic design of the non-slip grip is said to make the Ezi Dry great for drying large surfaces such as shower walls and doors, mirrors, windows, boats, cars, and even RVs. Because the Ezi Dry can be easily disassembled, the unit can be stored in a kitchen drawer, a glove compartment, or almost any other convenient location. The Ezi Dry complements the Auto Wash Stick from HomeRight.

For more information, contact:
HomeRight
1661 94th Lane N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55449
(800) 264-5442
Fax: (763) 785-5727
www.homeright.com