RV Products: December 2002

Jeep Suspension Kit

A replacement suspension kit from Holbrook Specialties promises to improve the ride and towability of a Jeep CJ. The asymmetrical springs of the Holbrook LongLeaf spring kit are approximately 10 inches longer than the vehicle’s stock springs. These new springs are designed for superior flex characteristics and to provide approximately 3 inches of extra ground clearance. The LongLeaf spring kit also is said to improve the Jeep’s stability while the vehicle is being towed and to improve its steering by increasing the front axle caster setting. Some drilling and welding are required for installation. However, the Jeep’s stock brake lines and driveshaft usually can be retained.

For more information, contact:
Holbrook Specialties
115 E. Arlington
Gladstone, OR 97027
(503) 655-4747
www.holbrookspecialties.com

A new compact freezer, the TF10 Tundra, is specifically designed to offer additional freezer space for RVs, boats, and even trucks. Approximately the size of a microwave oven, this new unit adds 1 cubic foot of freezer space when needed for storing extra ice cream, frozen pizza, or other “necessities.” The freezer is designed to operate on either 12-volt or 24-volt power and features a low-voltage cutoff to protect the compressor from damage. Other features include a Danfoss 12-volt compressor, environmentally friendly R134A refrigerant, and a unique condensing unit design that uses forced-air ventilation to ensure better heat transfer and longer compressor life.

For more information, contact:
Taylor Made Environmental Inc.
P.O. Box 15299
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 746-1313
www.tmenviro.com

Bonney’s Bison Tuff Hinges for bus baggage doors are reinforced and guaranteed for as long as you own your bus. These hinges are designed to replace the non-reinforced solid rubber hinges found on some older GM buses and newer Eagle-type buses. The narrow hinge is priced at $6 per foot, while the larger hinge — more than 1 inch wide — is $7 per foot. For orders of more than 30 feet, the price includes free shipping to any U.S. address. Company representatives request that a 2-inch-to-3-inch-long piece of the old hinge be included with the order, if possible.

For more information, contact:
Umatilla Buffalo Ranch
P.O. Box 302
Hermiston, OR 97838
(541) 567-2833
www.bonneysbisontuffhinges.com

The SPT Inflatable Lumbar Support conforms to the lumbar region of the spine to give customized back support where needed. According to product literature, this additional support can improve disc mechanics, increase flexibility and movement, decrease muscle stiffness, and increase blood circulation to facilitate the healing of injured backs. The support can be installed under a vehicle’s seat covering or placed on the seat when and where needed. A palm-sized pump and a release valve control the firmness of the lumbar support. It is small enough to be deflated and carried when not in use. The SPT Inflatable Lumbar Support is available for $48 each or two for $82.

For more information, contact:
Superior Panel Technology
8337 Telegraph Road, Suite 207
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
(562) 776-9494
Fax: (562) 776-0094
www.sptpanel.com

Aqua Lather body gel and shampoo from Davis Instruments promises to “clean and freshen, and counteract salt, sun, and wind damage” while leaving skin smooth and hair tangle-free. According to product literature, Aqua Lather is formulated for salt, hard, brackish, or chlorinated waters and is pH-neutral so it won’t harm hair or skin no matter how often it is used. The dispenser’s flip spout eliminates lost caps or spills. If desired, the product also can be used for washing dishes and clothing. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a 5-fluid-ounce bottle of Aqua Lather is $4.95.

For more information, contact:
Davis Instruments
3465 Diablo Ave.
Hayward, CA 94545
(510) 732-9229
www.davisnet.com

The 3-in-1 Elite Foot Care System from McNaughton Incorporated is designed to promote healthy, happy, good-looking feet when a professional foot massage isn’t possible. According to product literature, this foot care system can help ease stress after a day of hiking or sight-seeing by stimulating reflex areas in the feet and releasing muscle tension. The Elite fastens to the floor of a tub or shower using suction cups and offers three revitalizing options: the grasslike surface gently cleans the feet; a more tactile surface provides a foot massage and increases circulation; and the center oval surface offers deep stimulation to ease tension in the heel and the ball of the foot. The center oval is detachable and can be replaced with a pumice stone to exfoliate dry and calloused skin. The Elite Foot Care System is available in pearl blue or pearl silver and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24.95.

For more information, contact:
McNaughton Incorporated
236 Girard Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(800) 423-5487
www.gadjits.com

A flag can be a popular and patriotic addition to any campsite or home. According to product literature, the eight-page “AFAB Flag Pole Building Guide” provides complete instructions for building a 20-foot mobile or permanent flagpole for less than $50 using materials purchased locally. The guide includes material and cutting lists, plus directions for assembling and installing a permanent flagpole, and instructions for creating and assembling a mobile flagpole and base. The permanent flagpole can be fabricated and installed using hand tools. Building the mobile flagpole, however, requires the use of metal cutting tools and some welding work. Materials are not included with the plans.

For more information, contact:
AFAB Computer Solutions
P.O. Box 7674
Cave Creek, AZ 85327
(480) 575-5677
www.afabonline.com

Nikon has introduced the StabilEyes 14×40 dual-mode, digitally stabilized marine binoculars. These binoculars can give outdoor enthusiasts and others an ultra-steady view under less than ideal conditions. When used in the “Onboard” mode, these professional-grade binoculars offer vibration reduction for shake and roll when used in a moving vehicle, a boat, an airplane, etc. In the “Land” mode, they are optimized for handheld use in fairly stable conditions. The waterproof and fogproof StabilEyes 14×40 binoculars are available for $1,099.99.

For more information, contact:
Nikon Sport Optics
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747-3064
(800) 248-6846
www.nikonusa.com

Recon Automotive Remanufacturers Inc. offers a full line of remanufactured motorhome engines. The engines are remanufactured using special procedures and motorhome-specific parts. Features include new pistons and moly piston rings, lifters, cam bearings, push rods, valve springs, extra clearance rod and main bearings, Stellite alloy hardened valves, and high-volume oil pumps. The heads on these engines are remanufactured from premium cores, and the crankshafts are ground standard .010-inch/.010-inch under and then polished for optimum bearing clearance.

The engines are supplied with an oil pan, valve covers, and a timing cover along with Champion Platinum spark plugs, a Fram oil filter, and Castrol Syntec 10W-30W oil. Each engine is dynamometer tested and carries a 12-month, unlimited nationwide warranty in normal motorhome service.

Available motorhome engines include the Chevrolet 7.4-liter V-8 (454 cid), the Chrysler 7.2-liter V-8 (440 cid), and the Ford 7.5-liter V-8 (460 cid). Recon also offers an extensive line of remanufactured automobile, truck, marine, and high-performance engines.

For more information, contact:
Recon Automotive Remanufacturers Inc.
3250 S. 76th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
(800) 817-3266
www.reconengines.com

Firetrace International has introduced an automatic fire detection and suppression system designed to detect and extinguish fires inside engine compartments and other small spaces. These self-contained systems do not require an external power source. The Firetrace system features polymer tubing that can be routed in an engine compartment or other enclosed space of 250 cubic feet or less. When exposed to open flame, the tubing ruptures and disperses the fire suppression agent. Cylinders containing various types of fire suppression agents, including FM-200, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powders, and foam, are available.

For more information, contact:
Firetrace International
7898 E. Acoma Drive, Suite 106
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(866) 607-1218
Fax: (866) 315-1316
www.firetrace.com