RV Products: August 2002

Portable Inflation System

Product information from Advanced Air Systems states: “Vehicle handling, load capacity, mileage, and tread life can be seriously compromised if tire pressure is allowed to drop below recommended levels.” The Powershot ERS portable air inflation system promises to make this important part of coach maintenance a little easier, even when traveling in areas with service stations that lack adequate air compressors, air chucks, and access for large RVs.

The Powershot ERS system includes a lightweight aluminum carbon dioxide bottle equipped with an aluminum handle and a special Powershot Superflow 150-psi regulator. A 20-foot coiled hose connects the regulator to a trucker-style twin-head air chuck and gauge combination that is designed to reach recessed valve stems on dual wheels. An inexpensive 10- or 15-pound carbon dioxide charge is said to fill multiple full-size RV tires from 0 to 120 psi quickly, and to perform routine pressure corrections.

For more information, contact:
Advanced Air Systems
2214 Babson Drive
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 691-6806
Fax: (916) 691-6809
www.powertank.com

The new FulKrum automatic trailer hitch is said to eliminate the need to repeatedly back up and pull forward when trying to hitch a trailer to a motorhome. The guiding walls of the FulKrum’s patented pivoting hitch align the trailer coupler over the hitch ball. When the trailer coupler is within a few inches of the ball’s center, the ball cuff automatically pivots into place and rotates the ball up into the coupler. A variety of Class II and Class III hitches can be ordered for $154.95 plus shipping, and a Class V unit also is available for $199.95 plus shipping.

For more information, contact:
ValTech Corporation
P.O. Box 1969
Madison, TN 37116-1969
(866) 385-5786
www.fulkrumhitch.com

The 18-speed DX Crossover bike from Montague Corporation is touted as a full-size, high-performance bicycle that can be folded for storage or travel in less than 30 seconds without the use of tools. The DX can be folded to 36 inches by 28 inches by 12 inches, and weighs just 29 pounds. This means it can be stored in many motorhome bays that could not accommodate a standard bicycle. The DX also can be stored in a closet or even shipped without the hassle often associated with other bicycles. The DX Crossover incorporates Montague’s patented Folding Integrated Technology, which is said to preserve the structural integrity and strength of the frame design and geometry; no frame tubes are broken or cut.

Other features include 26-inch-by-2-inch semi-slick tires on alloy rims with stainless-steel spokes; Shimano grip-shift shifters; and alloy V-style brakes with alloy levers.

The Montague DX Crossover bike is available in three frame sizes and has a suggested retail price of $399.

For more information, contact:
Montague Corporation
P.O. Box 381118
Cambridge, MA 02238
(800) 736-5348
www.montaguebikes.com

According to company literature, the Bone Rough Rider mechanic’s creeper is designed to “go where no other creeper has gone before … outdoors and off the pavement.” The shape of the molded one-piece body is said to allow the 25-pound unit to maneuver on specially designed 5-inch-diameter wheels and still cradle the user closer to the ground than many conventional creepers. The extra-wide, high-flotation tires are designed to roll easily on gravel, dirt, and broken pavement. Each wheel has a heavy-gauge steel frame with 2-1/2-inch swivel bearings. The ribbed co-polymer body resists many common solvents and wipes clean.

The creeper measures 47 inches long and 25-1/2 inches wide. Ground clearance is approximately 2 inches. The wheels are warranted for the life of the creeper, while the body has a limited one-year warranty. The Bone Rough Rider is available nationwide at auto and truck tool and equipment dealers and from many tool catalog outlets.

For more information, contact:
Pegasus Products Company
315 Gougler Ave.
Kent, OH 44240
(888) 677-5949

The compact UC-2 water filtration system from Watts Pure Water is small enough to fit into tight spaces where other systems won’t, yet promises to remove unwanted elements, tastes, and odors from the water coming from the fresh water tank. Measuring 14 inches high, 11 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep, the UC-2 will fit under most galley sinks. The system is NSF International tested and certified to Standard 53 for the reduction of lead and cysts, and is also California Proposition 65 certified.

The unit features two stages of filtration. The first stage removes dirt, sand, and rust particles as small as 5 microns; the second stage, a 1-micron carbon block, reduces lead cysts and objectionable tastes and odors. The company suggests changing both filters every six months or after 1,350 gallons of use. A dedicated faucet is included, but the system can be connected to an existing cold water line if desired. A heavy-duty 10-gauge bracket is designed to withstand the effects of vibration. The UC-2 has a suggested retail price of $99.

For more information, contact:
Watts Pure Water
815 Chestnut St.
North Andover, MA 01845-6098
(888) 774-7405
Fax: (602) 588-0356

Roc-lon TLC (Total Light Control) blackout fabric drapery liner is said to attach to the back of any existing drapery. A hidden magnetic center closure snaps the liner shut and prevents outside light from filtering through. According to product literature, this creates a perfect sleeping environment and also makes great privacy curtains for the separation of sleeping and living areas in a motorhome. In addition, the blackout curtains insulate against heat and cold for comfort and energy conservation.

The drapery liners are available in white or ecru polyester/cotton fabric and can be used alone or attached to the back of existing window treatments. The blackout liners have loops for instant attachment over drapery hooks and can be used with any window treatment, including pinch-pleat, tab-top, and pole-top draperies.

For more information, contact:
Roc-lon TLC Division
P.O. Box 17293
Baltimore, MD 21297
(888) 880-7533

An enhanced version of the Rostra Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS) is designed specifically for RVs. The device helps to eliminate blind spots within 12 feet of the rear of the vehicle, providing increased safety for those behind the vehicle and for the vehicle itself. The ROSS system uses microwave technology to alert the driver when an obstacle is in the path of the vehicle. A series of audible beeps increases in intensity as the vehicle draws closer to the object. The ROSS is said to work in all weather conditions and even darkness. The suggested retail price, including the recommended professional installation, is less than $500. The system is covered by a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty.

For more information, contact:
Rostra Precision Controls Inc.
2519 Dana Drive
Laurinburg, NC 28352
(800) 782-3379
www.rostra.com

The SlenderLight from Outwater Plastics is designed to fit into hard-to-light places such as furniture, cabinets, and even displays. The small profile of the lamp enables it to be hidden within the decor while shining like a much larger light. The lamp is available in four sizes ranging from 11 inches to 24-13/16 inches. Features of the lamps include installation with modular plug-in capability for continuous lighting; an individual on-off switch with instant starting; and an easy-to-clean bulb cover. The included fluorescent bulb has an approximate life of 6,000 to 8,000 hours. Prices for the SlenderLights range from $13.50 to $25.40.

For more information, contact:
Outwater Plastics Industries Inc.
4 Passaic St.
Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075
(800) 631-8375
www.outwater.com

Buck Knives celebrates 100 years of knife-making by offering 11 special knife models through the end of 2002. Buck’s most popular fixed-blade knife, the Model 119 Special, and the Model 444 Bucklite II each have the company’s special centennial logo etched on the blade. These knives carry manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $69 and $24, respectively. The Model 525 “gentleman’s knife,” with a suggested retail price of $26, has the centennial logo etched on the brushed stainless-steel handle. The Model 110 production knives each have a centennial medallion inset in the wood handle. For serious knife collectors, limited-edition knives, including one with diamonds totaling 1/3-karat and another with a black buffalo-horn handle, are available.

For more information, contact:
Buck Knives
P.O. Box 1267
El Cajon, CA 92022
(800) 326-2825
www.buckknives.com

Justice Brothers offers JB Radiator Cleaner as a quick, simple way to clean the tiny passageways in a radiator and engine. The gradual buildup of rust, scale, and other deposits in the radiator can cause overheating problems that can be both inconvenient and expensive. According to product literature, non-toxic JB Radiator Cleaner comes with simple directions and does not require cutting hoses to add permanent “T” fittings or handling acidic chemicals or neutralizers. Touted as a great addition to a preventive maintenance program, JB Radiator Cleaner is said to be completely harmless to the rubber, plastic, and metal components in the cooling system.

For more information, contact:
Justice Brothers
2734 E. Huntington Drive
Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 359-9174
Fax: (626) 357-2550
www.justicebrothers.com