RV Products: September 2003

Wheeled Holding Tanks

Barker wheeled holding tankBarker Manufacturing has added two models to its line of Tote-Along portable gray- and black-water holding tanks. The 16-gallon 4-Wheeler Tote-Along measures 11.5 inches high, 17 inches wide, and 37 inches long and weighs 25 pounds empty. The 4-Wheeler provides the convenience of towing and dumping without lifting, since all four wheels stay on the ground. This model is said to store easily in moderate-sized RVs that do not have large storage areas. The 4-Wheeler also is available in 25-gallon and 32-gallon tank sizes.

The 15-gallon Tent Camper Tote-Along is designed specifically with a low-profile silhouette that allows it to fit under RVs that have minimal ground clearance. This unit measures 7.75 inches high, 33 inches wide, and 30 inches long and weighs 19 pounds empty.

Both Tote-Alongs are constructed of heavy-duty polyethylene. Each comes with a 3-inch bayonet adapter and cap; a 3/4-inch outlet for cleaning and gray water entry; a 3/4-inch cap; a 3-inch clamp; an 18-inch gray water drain hose; a 5-foot sewer hose; and a tow handle.

For more information, contact:
Barker Manufacturing Company
H&H Engineering Company Division
P.O. Box 460
Battle Creek, MI 49016-0460
(800) 537-9940
(269) 965-2371
Fax: (269) 965-2389
www.barkermfg.com

RV Guardian wireless alarm systemThe new RV Guardian (RVG5) is a wireless alarm system that provides both security capabilities and the ability to activate devices onboard without having to install a hardwired system.

According to product literature, RV owners can install the RVG5 unit and its wireless sensors in less than an hour. Upon installation, the unit connects to the secure RV Guardian server and immediately begins monitoring the vehicle. If an alarm is triggered, the server immediately notifies the vehicle owner of the problem by calling up to three programmed telephone numbers of the owner’s choice. If desired, daily status reports can be sent via e-mail to inform of any changes in the vehicle’s systems. Immediate status reports can be obtained by logging on to the RV Guardian Web site at any time.

Monitoring capabilities include the location of the RV; intrusion; smoke and fire; and low battery voltage. It even is possible to activate systems such as the air conditioner to assure that the RV is comfortable upon arrival.

The RV Guardian alarm system is priced from $895 and is completely expandable, upgradable, and transferable. The RV Guardian network reportedly provides coverage to 98 percent of North America.

For more information, contact:
Guardian Wireless Inc.
P.O. Box 633
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(800) 330-7413
(920) 769-0066
www.rvguardian.com

Compact DRYAIR dehumidifierAccording to product literature, the DRYAIR dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture and odors from confined areas not efficiently served by other types of equipment. The DRYAIR is said to be engineered for economy. The power it uses is equivalent to that of a 150-watt light bulb, and its compressor uses a high-efficiency refrigerant.

The unit features a rustproof and corrosion-proof stainless-steel cabinet and evaporator; a humidistat to adjust drying levels; and a circulation rate of 150 cubic feet of air per minute.

Measuring slightly more than a cubic foot in size, the DRYAIR can be moved from one place to another as needed and requires minimal storage space when not in use.

For more information, contact:
Arrow Pneumatics Inc.
2111 W. 21st St.
Broadview, IL 60155
(708) 343-9595
Fax: (708) 343-1907

Pacbrake exhaust brakePacbrake has introduced the MCXB microprocessor-controlled exhaust brake, which currently is available in a 4-inch exhaust pipe version. (A 5-inch version will be added in the future.) This new brake electronically adjusts to close off more exhaust at lower rpm. This provides supplemental braking without the need to downshift to keep engine speed high and can result in reduced driver stress and lower expense for brake relining services.

According to product literature, the MCXB is quiet enough to use in city driving and is virtually maintenance-free. Priced at less than $1,500, the MCXB can be ordered as an option on many new motorhomes or retrofitted to existing coaches.

For more information, contact:

Pacbrake Company
P.O. Box 1822
Blaine, WA 98231-1822
(800) 663-0096
Fax: (604) 882-9278
www.pacbrake.com

Cordless Alkaline Drill/DriverThe new Black & Decker 6-Volt Cordless Alkaline Drill/Driver is powered by four AA batteries, making it ready to use right out of the box. The small unit fits snugly into the palm of one’s hand, putting the hand close to the work for greater control. A spindle lock allows the drill/driver to be used to turn screws manually for greater ease in starting and finishing.

The Quick Connect bit change system allows hex-shank drill bits and screwdriver tips to be changed simply by pulling and releasing the collar. A forward-reverse rocker switch provides added control.

The 6-Volt Cordless Alkaline Drill/Driver comes with four AA batteries; 1/16-inch and 3/16-inch drill bits; Phillips and slotted screwdriver bits; and 10 plastic anchors with 1-inch screws. It is covered by a full two-year warranty and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $14.99.

For more information, contact:
The Black & Decker Corporation
701 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
(800) 544-6986
www.blackanddecker.com

Pen Caddy pen caseThe Pen Caddy is a durable, hard-plastic pen case with a convenient clip that makes it ideal for use in any type of vehicle. By using the Pen Caddy, you should never have to search through a drawer or glove box for a pen to write with. The patented Pen Caddy can be clipped to a visor, placed in a drawer, even slid into a pocket to assure that a pen is close at hand when needed. This is especially helpful for those who seem to never put a pen in the same place twice.

The Pen Caddy is available in a variety of colors and comes with two Zebra-brand Sarasa retractable gel pens. The suggested retail price of the set is $3.99.

For more information, contact:
Hope Rose Inc.
103 S. Pine St., Suite 201
Spartanburg, SC 29302
(800) 881-0885
www.hoperose.com

Super Voltage BoosterLow voltage, which RVers may encounter at campgrounds with inadequate wiring, can cause expensive damage to electrical appliances. Frank’s Electronics offers voltage boosters that are designed to alleviate this problem, including the new Bypass Voltage Booster and the Super Voltage Booster. Both models have a low and high boost of 8 percent and 16 percent as needed, and a bypass circuit that ensures that no boost will occur when the park voltage is normal.

In addition, the Super Voltage Booster includes a low-voltage and a high-voltage cutoff feature. Should the voltage drop to 105 volts or lower, or rise to 130 volts or higher, the unit will shut off the power.

All voltage boosters from Frank’s Electronics feature soldered connections, LED indicators, and surge and spike protection. Both 30-amp and 50-amp units are available. Prices start at $379 for the FA 30-amp, 3,600-watt Bypass unit.

For more information, contact:
Frank’s Electronics
10221 Green St.
Temple City, CA 91780
(888) 624-3347
Phone/Fax: (626) 443-4281
www.voltagebooster.com

K&N Replacement FilterchargersAccording to company literature, K&N Replacement Filterchargers are designed to allow more air to enter the engine intake system and give measurable increases in horsepower while providing filtration for the life of the vehicle. The Filterchargers use a specially formulated oil to attract and suspend dirt on the cotton-gauze filtration surface. Over time, however, dirt accumulates on the filter and reduces airflow.

To help restore the Filtercharger’s effectiveness, K&N has introduced the Recharger Filter Care Service Kit, which includes a cleaning solution and dirt-attracting oil, both of which are formulated specifically for K&N’s cotton-gauze filter surface. Using the kit is said to be surprisingly easy and involves just six simple steps.

Two types of K&N Recharger Filter Care Service Kits are offered. Both include a 12-ounce bottle of cleaning solution; one kit (Part #99-5000) comes with a 6.5-ounce aerosol spray oil container, while the other (Part #99-5050) has an 8-ounce squeeze oil container. The typical filter-service interval is approximately 50,000 miles in normal operating conditions, but more often in off-road or dusty environments.

For more information, contact:
K&N Engineering
1455 Citrus Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507
(800) 858-3333
Fax: (909) 684-0716
www.knfilters.com

Dr. Shrink’s UV-protected shrink-wrapAccording to company literature, Dr. Shrink’s premium UV-protected shrink-wrap can cover an entire RV in just a few simple steps. With the company’s application tools, the wrap can be installed quickly to provide protection from dust, grime, and weather.

Various lightweight, cost-effective shrink-wrap sizes are available, which reportedly allows any RV to be covered with one piece of material. An optional 72-inch zippered door provides access to the RV at any time. The company’s white shrink-wrap is described as having 93 percent opacity and maximum UV inhibitors for protection against sun damage. To keep condensation and mildew to a minimum, self-adhesive vents are available to promote cross-flow ventilation under the cover and throughout the vehicle.

Dr. Shrink carries a complete line of heat tools, tapes, shrink-wrap, and other supplies.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Shrink
1606 State St.
Manistee, MI 49660
(800) 968-5147
Fax: (231) 723-9586
www.dr-shrink.com

Torx and Ball End Hex driversWiha Tools has added Torx and Ball End Hex drivers with ComfortGrip T-handles to its line of 3,000 professional tools. The ergonomic soft-grip handle design of these new L-key drivers means that there are fewer pressure points and less strain on the user. The molded-on handles give a full T-handle grip and through-the-handle torque drive. The integrated side blade is said to be especially useful when loosening screws that are rusted, glued in, or just particularly hard to move.

Both the Torx and Ball End Hex driver blades are made of hardened chrome-vanadium-molybdenum steel. The Torx driver blade has a satin chrome finish while the Ball End Hex blade has a black oxide finish. The Ball End Hex drivers are available in inch and metric styles.

For more information, contact:
Wiha Quality Tools
1348 Dundas Circle
Monticello, MN 55362-8434
(800) 494-6104
www.wihatools.com