Camera-Mirror System
ClearCam Camera Mirror SystemThe ClearCam Camera Mirror System from Velvac Inc. combines the functionality of a side-body camera with a VMax or VMaxIII mirror head to provide drivers with a more complete view of the side of the motorhome.
The camera mounts in the Lower Electronic Module housing under the mirror, is wired through the mirror arm into the motorhome, and can be calibrated to the individual vehicle for an optimized field of view. The camera position is independent of the mirror, which can be adjusted for each driver. The ClearCam is said to provide superior clarity and color to ensure excellent visibility in all light conditions. The images reportedly are very close to real time, and the camera view is optimized for depth perception and object recognition, eliminating the fish-eye view provided by many conventional cameras.
The ClearCam Camera Mirror System, which also includes a bright LED turn signal light in the lower corner, is priced depending on the motorhome model. Contact Velvac for more information.
Velvac Inc.
2405 S. Calhoun Road
New Berlin, WI 53151-2709
(800) 783-8871
(262) 786-0700
www.velvac.com
Day-Night Shades
American Duo Day/Night Shade System — “day” shade
American Duo Day/Night Shade System — “night” shade
According to literature from MCD RV Innovations, the American Duo Day/Night Shade System is a proprietary dual-roller shade system that allows owners to replace troublesome curtains and pleated day-night shades in their motorhomes. This is the same system found on certain 2008-model motorhomes and is now available as an aftermarket product for existing coaches.
The “day” shade utilizes the company’s ClearView Solar Screen technology for complete daytime privacy while providing improved outward visibility and reduced heat and ultraviolet ray transfer inside the motorhome. The shade also creates a reflective look to the windows when viewed from the outside. The “night” shade is said to block 100 percent of outside light and is available in a range of materials, patterns, and colors.
The shades are available in switch or remote-powered configurations or can be manually operated. Windshield shades can be used in a partially lowered position to serve as a sun visor when driving.
The American Duo Day/Night Shade System has manufacturer’s suggested retail prices starting at $150 per window.
MCD RV Innovations
410 Industrial Blvd.
McKinney, TX 75069
(800) 548-1850
(972) 548-1850
www.mcd-rv.com
Power Awning Plus Shade
WeatherPro Plus power awning plus shadeThe WeatherPro Plus from Dometic Corporation combines a state-of-the-art patio awning with an automatic drop-down shade.
The WeatherPro Plus includes a wind sensor that automatically retracts the awning in sustained winds, a knee-action arm design that prevents damage from sudden wind gusts, and a rain shed feature that dumps accumulated rain. It also includes a motor-driven drop shade that can be lowered to the desired height and then remain in place thanks to an aluminum bottom runner and adjustable tie-down straps. The shade’s fabric-weave material reportedly filters out horizon sunlight, optimizes outward visibility, and increases privacy. The shade’s self-stow feature completely retracts inside the roller tube when closed.
The WeatherPro Plus, which operates via a wireless remote, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,966.
Dometic Corporation
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
(800) 544-4881
(574) 294-2511
www.dometicusa.com
Fire Safety
Fire Detection and Suppression SystemThe Fire Detection and Suppression System from RV Safety Systems is said to automatically detect fires in engine and generator compartments and extinguish them before they spread to the rest of the motorhome.
The system includes two components. The EG-400 detection system continuously monitors the temperatures in the engine and the generator compartments and can give an early warning of a possible problem. Should a fire be detected, the system triggers the RValve suppression system, which dispenses Cold Fire fire-suppressing material via swirl-head nozzles (two in the engine compartment, one in the generator compartment).
The Fire Detection and Suppression System has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $865.
RV Safety Systems
7043 S. Silverhorn Drive
Evergreen, CO 80439
(888) 349-0704
(303) 670-7239
www.rvsafetysystems.com
Suspension Stabilizer
RollGard Suspension StabilizerThe RollGard Suspension Stabilizer from Amtech Corporation is said to reduce side-to-side sway and other handling issues that affect heavy leaf-spring-equipped vehicles.
The stabilizer mounts above and parallel to the vehicle’s leaf spring pack to counteract the motion of the leaf springs and improve vehicle stability. The stabilizer also reportedly shortens braking distances by preventing “brake dive.”
The Rollgard Suspension Stabilizer is said to take less than 30 minutes to install using only a floor jack, C-clamp, and common hand tools. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranging between $495 and $549.
Amtech Corporation
3120 Venture Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(888) 880-8949
(702) 312-6124
www.amtechsprings.com
Compact Coffeemaker
Contoure CMM1000 compact coffeemakerThe compact Contoure CMM1000 coffeemaker from InterCon Marketing reportedly brews up to 10 cups of coffee in a unit that is small enough to be installed under a cabinet or mounted to a wall.
The coffee maker measures 12 inches wide, 11 inches high, and 9½ inches deep, and weighs 11½ pounds. It includes a 1,000-watt heating element and a double-insulated stainless-steel carafe that is said to keep coffee hot for four hours without a hot plate. The carafe, water reservoir, and brewing basket are designed to remain in place when the motorhome is under way. The coffeemaker also features a programmable 24-hour LED digital clock and timer, and the unit shuts off when it’s finished brewing.
The CMM1000 coffeemaker, which comes with mounting brackets, hardware, and helpful installation templates, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.95.
InterCon Marketing
1540 Northgate Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 355-4488
www.123icm.com
Compact Knife
Transport knife From Buck KnivesThe Transport knife From Buck Knives is small enough to fit on a key chain but tough enough to handle many small cutting jobs. The knife measures 2-7/8 inches long when closed and weighs less than 1 ounce, and it features a 1¼-inch drop-point blade that locks open and closed to prevent accidental deployment when in a pocket or purse. The locking system is activated by a button on the side of the handle for one-hand operation. The nylon handle comes in a range of colors and includes a lanyard/key chain hole at the butt end.
The Transport knife has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $20.
Buck Knives
660 S. Lochsa St.
Post Falls, ID 83854
(800) 326-2825
www.buckknives.com
Water Bottle
Pal-Around from Paws Down water bottleThe Pal-Around from Paws Down is a great way to carry water for you and your pet while on a hike or walk.
The Pal-Around includes a heavy-duty plastic water bottle with a detachable cup for your pet and a sport-top spout for you. The Pal-Around pack is a waterproof canvas cover that fits around the top part of the bottle and has a polyester band that holds it all together and serves as a carrying strap.
The Pal-Around with pack is available in three colors; or the bottle and cup can be purchased without the pack to carry in a car or backpack. The product has manufacturer’s suggested retail prices ranging between $6.99 and $13.99.
Paws Down
1901 N.E. 162nd Ave.
Suite D105
Vancouver, WA 98684-9346
(360) 798-8424
www.pawsdownpets.com
Cellular Internet
AirBox CM3 cellular routerAccording to product literature, the AirBox CM3 cellular router from WAAV Inc. enables users to enjoy broadband Internet connectivity in remote or mobile environments, and can turn any vehicle into its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
The device utilizes a cellular signal and is said to maintain a broadband-speed connection in a moving vehicle similar to what users would find with stationary cable or DSL. Users can plug directly into the router via the Ethernet port, or can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi. When the vehicle is stopped, the wireless signal is available up to 300 feet away, allowing folks to access the Internet from both inside and outside the motorhome.
The AirBox CM3 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499. A separate cellular service plan is required.
WAAV Inc.
One Canal Park
Cambridge, MA 02141
(888) 438-9228
www.waav.com
FM Transmitter
iTrip Pocket FM transmitterThe iTrip Pocket FM transmitter from Griffin Technology Inc. makes it possible to wirelessly listen to the music stored on an iPod through a vehicle’s FM radio.
To set up the transmitter, users find an unused FM frequency on their radio; tune the iTrip Pocket to the same frequency; and begin listening. The device includes three user-definable preset buttons that make it convenient to preselect open FM frequencies and call them back, and all information is displayed on the iPod’s screen.
The small transmitter, which plugs into the iPod’s dock connector, is designed to match the profile of the second generation iPod nano, but will work with other dock connector iPod models.
The iTrip Pocket has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $49.99.
Griffin Technology Inc.
1930 Air Lane Drive
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 399-7000
www.griffintechnology.com