RV Products: November 2004

Spirally Cut Cable Wrap

Heli-Tube Spirally Cut Cable Wrap from M.M. Newman CorporationM.M. Newman Corporation offers a full line of spirally cut, expandable cable wrap. Heli-Tube Spirally Cut Cable Wrap can be used to bundle, protect, organize, and even decorate wires, cables, hoses, and tubing. It also can be used to provide a strain relief for hoses and to add a gripping surface to tool handles. This polyethylene product is available in ultraviolet-resistant black, natural clear, red, yellow, blue, and green colors in various outside-diameter sizes and lengths.

For more information, contact:
M.M. Newman Corporation
24 Tioga Way
P.O. Box 615
Marblehead, MA 01945
(800) 777-6309
Fax: (781) 631-8887
www.mmnewman.com

Smart Cat Box cat litter boxCat owners know that conventional kitty litter is heavy when purchased, and even heavier when being disposed of. Motorhomers who travel with their cats realize this downside even more, as they must carry fresh litter with them and find a spot to dispose of the old. The new, patented Smart Cat Box promises to make this chore easier and less expensive.

Using dust-free, nonabsorbent cat litter pellets that last for six months or longer, the litter box is said to be always dry and odor-free. The cat’s urine passes through the litter pellets and the box’s slotted floor and is collected in a removable covered reservoir. The urine then can be poured down the toilet in its natural state instead of being carried along with the litter to a garbage can. Because all of the urine is collected, urine samples and urine output amounts easily can be obtained if needed. Feces do not stick to the litter pellets and also can be disposed of in the toilet.

The Smart Cat Box system, including a scoop and litter, is available for $49.95 plus shipping.

For more information, contact:
Providence House Mfg. Inc.
P.O. Box 180
Seal Rock, OR 97376
(541) 563-4443
Fax: (541) 563-4058
www.smartcatbox.com

Self-adjusting wheel balancer from Sun-Tech Innovations LLCSun-Tech Innovations LLC, the manufacturer of Balance Masters Active Balancing Systems, offers self-adjusting wheel balancing products for most classes of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses, motorhomes, and vans. These wheel balancers employ a patented liquid material that works with centrifugal force to stop the cupping of tires. According to product literature, using the balancers can increase tire life by up to 50 percent.

For more information, contact:
Sun-Tech Innovations LLC
P.O. Box 9154
Canoga Park, CA 91309
(800) 786-8324
Fax: (818) 882-7859
www.balancemasters.com

AMSOIL AMS-Oiler prelubrication systemEngine wear during startup can be a major concern, especially for vehicles that frequently sit idle for long periods of time. Upon engine startup, the AMSOIL AMS-Oiler prelubrication system injects 160 cubic centimeters (cc) of oil directly into engine bearings and other sensitive surfaces to reduce wear.

According to product literature, this self-contained system is designed to perform reliably under the most extreme conditions and to have a mechanical life cycle of more than one million engine starts. The AMS-Oiler is available for both bypass and non-bypass filtration systems on gasoline and diesel engines with up to 500-cubic-inch displacement (8.2 liters). The system is said to be self-lubricating and to require no maintenance.

For more information, contact:
AMSOIL Inc.
AMSOIL Building
925 Tower Ave.
Superior, WI 54880
(800) 777-8491
www.amsoil.com

Loctite S.O.S. Repair Super Glue from Henkel Consumer Adhesives Inc.Loctite S.O.S. Repair Super Glue is a small (1.5-gram) bottle of superglue in a convenient, take-along foil pouch that can be slipped into a glove compartment, toolbox, or even a fishing tackle box. The pouch is designed to keep the glue fresh and safe, and to prevent accidental leaking. The see-through container features a twist-off cap that does not require a pin to puncture the nozzle and a plastic applicator that reportedly will not deform or squirt out glue.

According to product literature, Loctite S.O.S. Repair Super Glue works on fabric, metal, rubber, leather, wood, and most plastics, and can be used to make emergency repairs on just about anything from shoes to fishing lures to backpacks.

Loctite S.O.S. Repair Super Glue has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1.49.

For more information, contact:
Henkel Consumer Adhesives Inc.
32150 Just Imagine Drive
Avon, OH 44011
(800) 321-0253
Fax: (440) 937-7077
www.loctiteproducts.com

Lil’ Stanker MK-IV stainless-steel holding tank deodorizer fan from LSL ProductsThe Lil’ Stanker MK-IV stainless-steel holding tank deodorizer fan replaces the original plastic vent pipe cap that is located on top of the motorhome. The unit, which measures just 4 inches high and 6.75 inches in diameter, features a quiet, low-current 12-volt-DC motor that powers the fan in the unit to create a slight vacuum and prevent tank odors from seeping into living areas.

The MK-IV is designed for quick, simple installation and can be secured with silicone adhesive or with the included stainless-steel mounting screws. The universal mounting base fits any diameter vent pipe, and the wiring can be routed either down the vent pipe or through the roof.

The MK-IV comes with a two-speed toggle switch with enclosure and power indicator light, as well as installation hardware and instructions. It is available for $39.95 plus shipping and is covered by a one-year warranty.

For more information, contact:
LSL Products
5807 Babcock Road, No. 108
San Antonio, TX 78240
(877) 257-4655
www.lslproducts.com

Fresh Cab scent pouchesFresh Cab scent pouches are filled with corn cob chips infused with essential oils and spices, and zeolite to absorb and neutralize odors. Originally designed to prevent the stale odors that developed in farm equipment stored over the winter, it was found that the fragrance, while “pleasantly fresh to humans,” was “as strong as an onion” to mice looking for a winter home. The product is not a repellent, rodenticide, or pesticide, as there is no one ingredient that repels pests; however, the combination of natural ingredients used in the pouches offers folks who wish to keep mice out of RVs, boats, autos, and other enclosed small spaces another pest prevention option.

During the winter, the pouches typically last three months in an enclosed vehicle, but after a month it is suggested that the vehicle be checked to determine whether the pine and cedar scent is still strong to the human nose. Two to four pouches are recommended when used in large vehicles such as motorhomes. A pack of four pouches has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of approximately $12.50.

Product literature points out that while Fresh Cab is all-natural and safe, the strong scent of the product can cause headaches, especially for children and pets, if used indoors.

For more information, contact:
Crane Creek Gardens
17 Third Ave. S.E.
Stanley, ND 58784
(800) 583-2921
Fax: (701) 628-1320
www.cranecreekgardens.com

CycleStat DC Multipurpose Event Counter water pump monitorWithout the reminder of hearing the water pump cycle frequently, small leaks in a pressurized water system can go unnoticed, especially if the motorhome is not constantly occupied. The longer the leak goes undetected, the greater the potential for water damage to the motorhome. To help prevent such problems, ESC Products offers the CycleStat DC Multipurpose Event Counter, which monitors the water pump and warns of potential leaks by counting the number of times the pump runs.

According to product literature, the monitor features a highly visible “Count” light that shows that the pump has cycled. By pressing the “Read” button, the cycle count is displayed. By not having a constant display of the number, electrical power is conserved.

The monitor comes with color-coded wires to simplify installation. A remote indicator with 10 feet of cable is included. CycleStat models are available for 12-volt and 24-volt DC systems and are priced at $99.95 and $104.95, respectively.

For more information, contact:
ESC Products Corporation
P.O. Box 3998
Sequim, WA 98382
(800) 404-6904
Fax: (360) 681-8540
www.escproducts.com

eartStart Home Defibrillator from Philips Medical SystemsAccording to product literature from Philips Medical Systems, a division of Philips Electronics, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming 340,000 lives each year. And with each minute that passes, the chance of a victim’s survival decreases by approximately 10 percent. To help increase the chances for survival, Philips has introduced the HeartStart Home Defibrillator.

The HeartStart Home Defibrillator is manufactured with the same underlying defibrillation technology used in the more than 100,000 Philips automated external defibrillators (AEDs) found in airports, workplaces, and communities worldwide. However, the HeartStart unit features design refinements that make it possible for even untrained individuals to help resuscitate someone who has suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

The HeartStart Home Defibrillator provides clear, calm voice instructions “” more comprehensive than those offered by defibrillators used by trained first responders “” to guide the operator through every step of the process, including a reminder to call for emergency help. SMART Pad technology senses the responder’s actions and automatically adjusts the pace of the instruction. Voice coaching for adult and infant/child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) also is included. The unit conducts daily self-tests of multiple system components, which is said to make the device virtually maintenance-free.

The HeartStart has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,995. The Food and Drug Administration recently gave approval for consumers to purchase the devices for home use without a prescription.

For more information, contact:
Philips Medical Systems
3000 Minuteman Road, MS 180
Andover, MA 01810
(866) DEFIBHOME (333-4246)
www.heartstarthome.com

SureSet Load Controller System for monitoring and adjusting air pressure in air helper springsAir Lift Company has introduced the SureSet Load Controller System for monitoring and adjusting air pressure in air helper springs. This all-new digital electronic air management system features a set-point memory that automatically maintains the driver-selected pressure. When the load changes, the air pressure can be reset using the dash-mounted control unit and the new pressure is then automatically maintained. The unit’s plug-and-play quick-connect design eliminates the need for air-pressure lines to be run into the vehicle’s cab; instead, a single electric cable is used. Installation time is said to be approximately one hour. An illustrated installation manual is included.

The SureSet system has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399 and includes the 12-volt compressor, the solenoid block, the cab control unit, and all lines and fittings.

For more information, contact:
Air Lift Company
P.O. Box 80167
Lansing, MI 48908-0167
(800) 248-0892
www.airliftcompany.com