Odor Remover
No Stink Inc. offers a variety of odor-eliminating products under the brand name of ODORZOUT. Blended from natural zeolite minerals, the product line includes All Purpose Granules, designed to be sprinkled onto carpets and rugs and used to control odors and mildew on furniture, in refrigerator/freezers, and luggage, closets, and other locations. Pet Powder can be used directly on pets, in litter boxes and sleeping areas, and also to remove skunk odors. Foot Powder can be sprinkled in shoes and on feet, or used in a foot bath to eliminate odors and help control athlete’s foot.
According to Barry Reifman, better known as Dr. Stink and owner of No Stink, “ODORZOUT doesn’t just mask odors; it absorbs and eliminates them.”
For more information, contact:
No Stink Inc.
2252 N.W. Grand Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(800) 887-8465
www.odorzout.com
Supplemental Braking System
With the Vase supplemental braking system, no additional connection between the coach and towed vehicle is required. The system includes an auxiliary vacuum kit and the brake actuator.
The vacuum kit is installed in the engine compartment of the towed vehicle. It includes a pump that is powered by the towed vehicle battery and produces vacuum when the engine isn’t running. A small hole is drilled into the existing brake booster and filled with a rubber orifice plug into which a barbed pipe from the vacuum pump is inserted. This pump produces slightly less vacuum than is normally produced by the engine, and it runs only after the vacuum has been lowered by depressing the brake pedal. After restoring adequate vacuum, it automatically shuts off until needed again. For extended periods of nonuse, an on-off toggle switch completely isolates the pump.
The brake actuator consists of a 45-pound slanted-face steel block that is positioned on a 6-inch-by-10-inch platform equipped with ball bearing slides. As the brakes in the coach are applied, the deceleration causes the block to slide forward and apply the brakes in the towed vehicle proportionally. A built-in spring between the slides assures actuator return and prevents unnecessary brake drag when going down hills. Adjustments can be made when needed for driving in mountainous areas.
When the towed car is being driven, the actuator can be rotated 90 degrees and stored in front of the driver’s seat, or it can be completely removed by lifting it out.
The complete Vase brake system is available for $695, including an emergency breakaway system.
For more information, contact:
Vase Brake Systems
348 Robin Road
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 759-2900
Fuel Stabilizer
New formula STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer from Gold Eagle includes a water remover and a premium fuel injector and carburetor cleaner. Motorhomes often sit for extended periods of time, especially those not used during the winter. Gasoline can oxidize during this idle time and form gums and varnishes that clog the fuel system. STA-BIL is said to keep fuel fresh for up to a year.
According to product literature, there are advantages to adding STA-BIL each time the tank is filled. Because water is often formed in the gas tank by condensation, even during brief storage, the chance of rust and corrosion in the fuel system is increased. STA-BIL reacts with this water to form a combustible compound that is then burned during normal engine operation. In addition, while STA-BIL can remove power-robbing deposits from the fuel system, continual use is said to prevent initial deposit buildup. STA-BIL also can be used in gasoline-powered generators and other seasonal equipment.
Depending on where the product is purchased, a 16-ounce bottle of STA-BIL, which treats 40 gallons of gasoline, retails in the $5.99-$6.99 range. A 32-ounce container, which treats 80 gallons of gasoline, ranges in price from $8.99 to $11.99.
For more information, contact:
Gold Eagle Co.
4400 S. Kildare
Chicago, IL 60632
(800) 367-3245
www.goldeagle.com
Hitch Safety/Security Lock
The new Trailer Guardian from Safety Products Inc. promises to increase safety and security for those who tow by preventing theft and accidental decoupling.
According to product literature, the Trailer Guardian prevents decoupling even with a mismatched coupler and ball mount, a nonsecured coupler, or loss of the ball nut. This is especially advantageous for those who tow more than one trailer and use different ball sizes for the couplers. The patent-pending design includes an antitheft lock that secures the trailer coupler to the vehicle’s ball mount.
The Trailer Guardian is available in single-arm, dual-arm, and equalizer models, each of which is offered in all ball-mount widths. Installation with a wrench is said to take just seconds.
The suggested retail prices for the Trailer Guardian range from $29.95 to $39.95.
For more information, contact:
Safety Products Inc.
P.O. Box 7608
Kalispell, MT 59904
(800) 861-7416
www.trailerguardian.com
RV Surge Protector
YachtGard, an advanced power surge protector, is now available to RV owners as a cost-effective way to protect the equipment connected to an RV’s electrical panel. TVs, CD players, microwave ovens, and other expensive electronic systems are susceptible to damage from transient power problems caused by lightning-related events, generator problems, campground common power feed problems, and other sources.
According to product literature, once the Yachtgard is installed in the motorhome’s AC electrical distribution panel, it stops surges from entering the vehicle and moving throughout the wiring system. This creates a clean and safe electrical environment for the coach.
The YachtGard is ANSI/IEEE-tested, UL-listed, ISO 9001-manufactured, CE-compliant, and backed by a 10-year warranty. The YachtGard AC panel surge protector retails for $399, and panel protectors for 12-volt DC systems are available for $299.
For more information, contact:
YachtGard
P.O. Box 2908
Bay St. Louis, MS 39521
(888) 200-7460
Fax: (228) 466-4553
www.yachtgard.com
Tossing Game
Chuckers is described in company literature as “a game kids, teens, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents can enjoy playing together!” Since the game involves 50 percent skill and 50 percent luck, all that is required to play is the ability to toss an 8-ounce disk approximately 10 feet onto a stationary board. The game can be played practically anywhere “” all that is needed is a flat area about 20 feet long and six feet wide “” and can be set up in less than a minute. When playing on a hard surface such as a gym floor or concrete, throw rugs can be placed under the target boards to keep them from sliding.
The Chuckers game kit consists of two tethered target boards with three scoring holes and five peg-like hobs; a scoreboard/disc caddy; and six low-impact disks. The total weight of the entire game kit is approximately 20 pounds, making it easy to transport and always available.
Chuckers is available to FMCA members for $79.95, a discount of 20 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.95; or $69.95 each for two or more sets, a 30 percent discount. Shipping to addresses in the continental United States is $13.95 per set. A limited one-year warranty covers any components found to be defective as a result of factory workmanship.
For more information, contact:
Chuckers LLC
3879 Andes Drive
Redding, CA 96001
(888) 248-2537
Fax: (530) 246-8300
www.chuckers.com
12-Gallon Water Heater
Suburban Manufacturing has introduced a 12-gallon-capacity water heater for RVs. Designed to supply enough hot water for laundry and longer showers, the water heater is expected to be especially popular with full-timers and others who have washer-dryer combos in their motorhomes or often need more hot water.
According to product literature, the new water heater is only 1.75 inches deeper than a 10-gallon unit, making it easy for coach manufacturers and dealers to install. A variety of options are available, including a direct-spark ignition model with an optional electric element. A motor aid option that uses heat from the engine coolant to warm the water also is offered.
For more information, contact:
Suburban Manufacturing Company
676 Broadway St.
Dayton, TN 37321
(423) 775-2131
www.rvcomfort.com
Tow Bar With Built-In Braking
Night Shift Auto has introduced the Ready Brute Plus, a tow bar with a built-in Readybrake surge-activated braking system. The 47-pound aluminum tow bar boasts a tow rating of 8,000 pounds and is available in both self-locking and manual models. Vehicle mounting ends are available for several other manufacturers’ base plates. An emergency breakaway system, an in-dash monitor, and a brake-circuit disconnect also are available. The suggested retail price for the Ready Brute Plus ranges from $918 to $1,239, depending on add-ons.
For more information, contact:
Night Shift Auto Inc.
P.O. Box 861
Iola, KS 66749
(800) 933-3372
(620) 365-7714
www.readybrake.com
Beltable Case For Laptop Computer
Many people are reluctant to allow the use of laptop computers in moving vehicles because of the possible danger to occupants or the computer should an accident or emergency braking occur. The Braatpaq is a specially designed laptop computer bag with straps that fit over the front seat headrests to secure the laptop in the bag when being used by rear seat passengers.
The Braatpaq allows the laptop computer’s screen to extend outside the bag so backseat passengers can watch movies or play computer games while the computer is securely fastened in place. For children who are used to riding in the comfort and convenience of a motorhome and are sometimes bored when they must ride in the towed vehicle or even the family car, the case might just be the solution to those dreaded words, “Are we almost there?” The Braatpaq can be transferred from one vehicle to another and also can be used as a regular laptop carrying case.
The Braatpaq is available for $69.99 plus $6 shipping and handling.
For more information, contact:
Braatpaq Inc.
16 N. Main St., Suite 212
New City, NY 10956
(866) 692-7228
www.braatpaq.com
Hose Caddy
The Hose Caddy from Moonglow Enterprises provides a simple, inexpensive way to keep the drinking water hose off the ground. Not only does this help to keep the hose clean, it also makes the campsite less cluttered and more safe.
The Hose Caddy is made of heavy-duty wire that is plastic-coated to help prevent scratching the coach. An industrial-strength suction cup makes it possible to attach the product to the coach and remove it when no longer needed. According to company literature, the device can accommodate one 25-foot hose.
The Hose Caddy is available for $14.99 plus shipping and handling.
For more information, contact:
Moonglow Enterprises
200 Main St., #1
Sullivan, WI 53178
Phone/Fax: (262) 593-5177