RV Products: May 2003

Pivoting Trailer

Tongue Twister trailers are engineered to eliminate the injuries and damage that can occur when backing equipment on and off a trailer. These double-ended trailers do not need to be unhooked from the motorhome or other towing vehicle when loading or unloading. Instead, they pivot to one side to allow motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other equipment to be driven straight onto or off of the trailer.

Tongue Twister trailers come with a choice of three different types of rotation gear: electric, hydraulic, and manual. All front and rear ramps are spring-assisted, and the remote control is said to be simple to use. Other safety features include an audible alarm while the trailer is pivoting, door and ramp alarms, and limit switches to keep the trailer from pivoting with the ramp or doors out of position.

For more information, contact:
Tongue Twister
P.O. Box 40
Mascotte, FL 34753
(877) 925-8265
Fax: (352) 429-4977
www.tonguetwister.net

According to product literature, the Torque-Tube is a tubular socket extension tool that is “all about less twist and more torque.” This “mini-driveshaft” is constructed of a special alloy material, and finished with a black oxide coating. It features male and female hardened end pieces that are precision welded to a high-strength tubular shaft designed to stand up to high-torque sockets and impact wrenches. The 1/2-inch-drive Torque-Tube is available in 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-inch lengths.

Torque-Tube tubular socket extensions are available individually and in sets. A set of all four lengths is available for $119.95 plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
American Torque Tool
P.O. Box 881
Dillingham, AK 99576
(907) 842-5761
www.torque-tube.com

Disk-Store.com offers vinyl inserts that can store computer software, music CDs, and DVDs compactly, easily, and inexpensively in common three-ring binders. Made of 7.5-mil industrial-strength vinyl, these inserts are specially embossed to prevent the disks from sticking, and come with locking straps designed to keep the disks secure no matter what position the binder is in “” an important feature when transporting the binder between the house and the motorhome.

According to product information, CD and DVD collections that formerly took up two or three storage racks can now be kept in a two-inch binder. Other page styles are available for the pamphlets and extras that come with computer software.

For more information, contact:
Disk-Store
401 Rolling Hill Drive
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 278-7550
www.disk-store.com

Product literature regarding the Brake Tru On-The-Car RotorResurfacer indicates that this tool can cut the time that it takes to perform a complete front brake job to 30 minutes or less. The process is designed for front-wheel-drive cars and light trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles, but it cannot be used on continuous four-wheel-drive (all-wheel-drive) vehicles.This new single-use tool eliminates the need to remove the rotors for machining.

After the wheel is raised and removed, the RotorResurfacer pads are inserted into the brake calipers. The engine is then started and accelerated to approximately 3,000 rpm on the tachometer (or 30 mph on the speedometer). The brake is then applied for two cycles of two seconds each to accomplish the resurfacing. The worn brake pads with the RotorResurfacers are then removed and discarded, and new brake pads are installed to complete the job.

According to product literature, circular V- and U-shaped grooves cut by the tool-grade ceramic abrasives on the RotorResurfacer add up to 29 percent more pad-to-rotor braking surface. BrakeTru On-The-Car RotorResurfacers are available for $19.95 per axle plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
Brake Tru Inc.
P.O. Box 21886
St. Paul, MN 55121
(651) 484-4555
www.braketru.com

The Satellite Window Caddy is a portable satellite dish mounting system that is designed for use on windows or any smooth surface on an RV. The mount is suitable for use with DirecTV and Dish Network antennas from 18 to 24 inches in size. In addition to RV use, the device is suitable for use on stationary home or condominium windows, or any smooth surface. Initial installation of the Satellite Window Caddy is said to take only minutes and does not involve any drilling. When needed, positioning and repositioning can be accomplished in seconds. The Satellite Window Caddy carries a list price of $59.95.

For more information, contact:
Satellite Solutions
18335 N.W. West Union #311
Portland, OR 97229
(800) 611-9336
www.satellitesolutionsgroupinc.com

According to product literature, Burn-Jel and Water-Jel have been used by firefighters, paramedics, and others to help treat burns for more than 20 years. Now these first-aid products “” said to cool the skin, relieve pain, and help prevent infection “” are available to consumers.

Burn-Jel, a topical cooling gel, is touted as a painkilling treatment for minor burns. For more serious burns, Water-Jel sterile dressings, which are saturated with gel, can be wrapped around the affected area.

Three different burn kits are available. The smallest can treat four to six burns; the medium-size kit can treat 10 to 12 burns; and the largest can treat 15 to 20. Prices for these kits are $7.95, $19.95, and $29.95, respectively, plus shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
Metis Group LLC
705 Auburn Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(800) 645-6339
www.forburns.com

The Falcon 2 motorhome-mounted tow bar has all the features of the original Falcon plus some new ones. The Falcon 2 includes a new patented storage latch that allows it to be stored on either side of the hitch receiver by simply folding the tow bar toward the coach, where it automatically locks into place. The Falcon 2 also includes new guards to prevent pinched fingers during the fold-up process.

The tow bar is rated at 6,000 pounds and features Roadmaster’s patented Autowlok system. This allows each arm to be independently adjusted during hookup, and locks the arms into position as you begin to drive away, making one-person hookup a reality. Other features include stainless-steel arms with internal safety collars; a storage rod for a coiled electrical cable; and a durable powder-coat finish with new, colorful graphics. The Falcon 2’s motorhome mount inserts directly into the receiver and allows a 6-inch out-of-level buffer via a swivel joint and special bushings.

For more information, contact:
Roadmaster Inc.
5602 N.E. Skyport Way
Portland, OR 97218
(800) 669-9690
Fax: (503) 288-8900
www.roadmasterinc.com

Thetford’s Aqua-Clean is said to be strong and effective enough to remove iron and hard water deposits and soap scum without scrubbing. And while some ordinary household cleaners can damage the delicate water system of an RV, non-abrasive Aqua-Clean will not scratch or harm mechanical RV toilet parts, plastic, or seals. This product was formerly known as Aqua-Bowl, but the name was changed to show that it is, and always has been, a multipurpose cleaner. It can be used on plastic, fiberglass, and porcelain surfaces, such as counters, showers, sinks, and tubs in stationary homes and motorhomes. Aqua-Clean is non-toxic and available in a 32-ounce bottle with a convenient flip-top cap.

For more information, contact:
Thetford/Norcold
P.O. Box 1285
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
(800) 521-3032
www.thetford.com

The ShowerStep is a wall-mounted, height-adjustable shower footrest. The inventor, a longtime RV traveler herself, noted the difficulty and risks involved with washing and leg shaving in narrow shower stalls. So she created this step to make life easier for those showering in such confining places, including those with back problems.

No tools are required to install the ShowerStep. Just mix the included marine epoxy, apply it to the back of the ShowerStep, and press it against the shower wall. After installation, the angled footrest can be raised and lowered as the user sees fit. A locking pin ensures that the preferred height adjustment remains in place. The ShowerStep is available for $19.99 plus $4.50 shipping and handling.

For more information, contact:
Malmon Inc.
13580 Creedmore Drive
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 587-0737
www.showerstep.com

Bully Truck Accessories has added new LED Brake Light Hitch Covers to its line of products. These new oval-shaped hitch cover lights allow owners to show their loyalty to a favorite automotive brand while adding safety and practicality. The covers are designed to fit a standard 2-inch receiver tube and include a neoprene gasket for a “rattle-free,” snug fit. Other features of the $29.99 unit include high-impact plastic construction and long-lasting LEDs.

For more information, contact:
Bully Truck Accessories
768 S. Turnbull Canyon Road
City of Industry, CA 91745
(800) 237-7560
Fax: (626) 937-6993
www.bullytruck.com