RV Products: June 2004

Oil Mat

Abzorb Oil MatThe Abzorb Oil Mat from PCI Products Company is said to keep oil and fluids that leak from a vehicle from staining the garage floor or driveway. The gray-colored mats are available in three sizes: 3 feet square, 3 feet by 5 feet, and 3 feet by 8 feet. They not only look aesthetically pleasing but also feature a non-penetrable vinyl backing to prevent permanent stains on concrete.

Acting like a sponge, the polypropylene mats offer the ability to hold oil or other fluids until the fluids can be properly disposed of or evaporate into the air. According to company literature, over time the midsized mat can absorb more than one gallon of oil or other fluids. The Abzorb Oil Mat also can be used under barbecue grills, lawn equipment, and when changing oil.

The mats are guaranteed for three years against tearing, cracking, and oil leaking through the backing of the mat.

The smallest mat has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15.95; the midsized mat, $19.95; and the largest mat, $31.95. Prices do not include shipping.

For more information, contact:
PCI Products Company
4195 Chino Hills Parkway #360
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(800) 869-9633
www.cleanupstuff.com

Suburban Manufacturing supplies RV cooktopsSuburban Manufacturing supplies RV cooktops, both slide-in and drop-in, and RV ranges, which, according to company literature, offer “a high level of quality and attractiveness formerly found only in residential appliances.”

The gas ranges and slide-in cooktops both feature match-light top burners or optional piezo ignition; optional flush-mount or bi-fold covers; a high-output 9,000-Btu/hour front burner with variable flame settings; and a choice of conventional or optional sealed burners.

The drop-in three-burner cooktops have a 6,500-Btu/hour front burner and two 5,200-Btu/hour rear burners. The ranges have ovens that heat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ranges and the cooktops are available in white, black, or stainless-steel finishes.

For more information, contact:
Suburban Manufacturing Company
A Subsidiary of AIRXCEL Inc.
676 Broadway St.
P.O. Box 399
Dayton, TN 37321
(423) 775-2131
www.rvcomfort.com

Battery Pal battery saverThe Battery Pal promises to eliminate the headaches of a dead chassis battery for less than the cost of replacing the battery.

The chassis battery has a current draw even when the ignition key is turned off. Since the chassis battery on many coaches does not charge when hooked up to shore power, the likelihood of experiencing a dead battery situation multiplies. And since chassis batteries are not deep-cycle batteries, they may need to be replaced if completely discharged even a few times.

The Battery Pal offers a solution to these problems by keeping the chassis battery charged when hooked up to shore power and preventing it from running down even if the house batteries lose their charge.

Installation of the $59.95 device is said to be simple and can be done by most owners in just a few minutes by following the included instructions. The Battery Pal is available for inspection and purchase at many RV dealers.

For more information, contact:
Titan R/V Products
552 Fairways Drive
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 258-4111

Plush toy RV pets from White Bear Enterprises LLCRV Pets are just waiting to go for a ride in your coach, or to wait patiently with a child until you return. These new 7-inch plush toy animals are designed for each type of RV and include M.H. Muttley, the type A motorhome; C.C. Barkums, the type C; and C.V. Van Pupper, the camper van. Toto the tow car has a front tow bar that attaches to the tail of M.H. Muttley or C.C. Barkums. Also available are a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, a pop-up camper, a truck camper, and a toy hauler. For non-RVers, the company offers Petey Pupinski, the pup tent.

RV Pets are embroidered with applique details and are priced at $14.99 each, except the pop-up camper and the pup tent, which are $10.99 each. Smaller plush key chain pets with silk screen detail are available for $5.50.

For more information, contact:
White Bear Enterprises LLC
3245 White Bear Road
Sedona, AZ 86336
(877) 4RV-PETS (478-7387)
www.rvpets.net

Genesis Series folding boat from Porta-Bote International On its 30th anniversary of continuous production, Porta-Bote International has introduced a larger, high-performance folding boat. The 14-foot Porta-Bote eXxstream weighs only 96 pounds but reportedly will hold a total weight of 807 pounds. It has four seats and is rated to carry up to five people.

The Genesis Series Porta-Botes are still available in 8-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot models. The hulls of both the eXxstream and the Genesis Series boats fold to a 4-inch-flat size for transportation on the roof or side of a vehicle, and all are available in Pacific Pearl, Aluminum, and Olive Drab colors. The hulls carry a manufacturer’s 10-year limited warranty and are said to never need painting and to be unaffected by salt water, fuel, and even battery acid.

For more information, contact:
Porta-Bote International
1074 Independence Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(800) 227-8882
www.porta-bote.com

Electronic Salt TesterA special part of any travel experience is eating the regional cuisine of the area where you’re stopped. However, for those who must limit their intake of salt, this can be a risky venture.

According to product literature for the Electronic Salt Tester, this device “is for those who want to be in control of their daily intake of salt, and maintain good health.”

The battery-powered monitor, which works by dipping the wand end of the device into liquid food, is said to measure and indicate the salt concentration with LED indicators.

The Electronic Salt Tester, including four 6-volt button batteries, is available for $24.95, postage paid.

For more information, contact:
First American Trading Company
18653 Ventura Blvd. #317-B
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 704-8999

RV Log-it SystemThe new RV Log-it System is described as a complete, convenient, and “at your fingertips” system to help you keep track of everything you do in, on, and around your motorhome. It provides an easy way to document information such as scheduled maintenance, trip details, and comments about places you have visited and people you have met.

The RV Log-it System also is useful for recording insurance information, emergency contacts, and even credit card information that can be difficult to locate quickly if it is not organized.

The system’s eight sections fit into any standard-size three-ring binder. The complete RV Log-it System is available for $15.95; shipping and handling included for orders in the United States. Refills for individual sections also are available.

For more information, contact:
Career Life Publishing
P.O. Box 787
Harrah, OK 73045
(877) 322-9484
www.rvinfocenter.com

ThermaCELL Mosquito RepellentThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent is said to be very effective for protecting people from mosquitoes, sand flies, and no-see-ums.

According to research results included with the product, the unit is 95 percent to 98 percent effective against mosquitoes at a distance of 7.5 feet and extends protection up to 25 feet away. The ThermaCELL unit creates an odorless cell of protection that repels the insects. It also repels friendly bugs such as butterflies and ladybugs instead of killing them.

The unit operates by using a butane cartridge to heat a 1-inch-by-2-inch repellent mat that releases a chemical copy of a naturally occurring insecticide into the air. Each mat is said to protect a 15-foot-by-15-foot area for up to four hours.

The unit is available in six styles, with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices ranging from $9.99 to $24.99. ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent and refill kits can be purchased at most mass merchants, hardware stores, and drugstore chains.

For more information, contact:
The Schawbel Corporation
100 Crosby Drive
Bedford, MA 01730
1-8-NO SKEETERS (866-753-3837)
www.mosquitorepellent.com

Hand-Held Signaling HornInnovative Lighting’s Hand-Held Signaling Horn can be used to attract attention in the woods, on the beach, or even when on the water. Measuring just 7 inches high and powered by a single 9-volt battery (not included), the horn is said to produce such a powerful noise that it is hard to believe the sound came from such a compact device. It has no moving parts, contains no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hazardous materials, and is buoyant if accidentally dropped into the water. It also meets United States Coast Guard requirements.

The Hand-Held Signaling Horn has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24.99.

For more information, contact:
Innovative Lighting
109 Progressive Ave.
Roland, IA 50236
(515) 388-1011
Fax: (515) 388-5549
www.innovativelight.com

Bug Blast bug remover from WaxamaniaBug Blast from Waxamania is described as “the ultimate bug remover” for RVs and other vehicles. It is said to work on every surface, including windshields and grilles, and to be safe to use on all painted surfaces. According to product literature, Bug Blast is simply sprayed on, and the bug residue wipes away.

Bug Blast is covered by a money-back guarantee and is available in a 22-ounce spray bottle for $9.95 or two bottles for $14.95, plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
Waxamania
8287 San Ramon Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89147
(800) 660-4096
www.waxamania.com