RV Products: January 2003

Cleaning/Polishing System

Meguiar’s Deep Crystal System is a multistep process that cleans and protects the painted surfaces of RVs and other vehicles. According to company literature, the 1-2-3 format eliminates confusion about what products to use together and provides an integrated system that cleans, polishes, and protects a vehicle’s finish. Meguiar’s recommends the use of Deep Crystal Car Wash, a product designed to remove loose dirt, dust, and fresh contaminants before beginning the three-step system.

Step one, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, is used to remove other contaminants, light oxidation, faint scratches and swirls, and to restore damaged and dull finishes. Step two, Deep Crystal Polish, is applied to refresh the paint’s appearance. Described as “different than a wax or cleaner,” this polishing cream is designed to bring out the vehicle’s shine by nourishing and conditioning the paint. The final step, Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax, is said to provide high-gloss, durable protection from environmental hazards and contaminants.

Although these products are designed to work together, each can be used independently. Meguiar’s car care products can be purchased at major retail chains and auto parts stores.

For more information, contact:
Meguiar’s Inc.
17991 Mitchell S.
Irvine, CA 92614
(800) 347-5700
www.meguiars.com

The compact Super Sharpener #1 weighs only two ounces, yet it reportedly will keep knives and scissors “super sharp.” With just a few strokes, the diamond-ground tungsten-carbide inserts sharpen both sides of standard, serrated, and electric knives, as well as V-blade instruments. On the side of the tool is a slot for sharpening scissors. Other features include an ergonomically designed handle and a blade safety guard to protect fingers. The Super Sharpener #1 is available at major retail stores and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $6.95.

For more information, contact:
Creative Sales Company
P.O. Box 111
Elmo, MT 59915
(866) 869-8115
www.supersharpener.com

Bug Magic is a biodegradable bug remover that is said to cut bug removal time by 90 percent. When Bug Magic is sprayed on windshields, fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, acrylic, and paint, dead bugs begin to dissolve on contact. After allowing the spray to penetrate for 20 to 30 seconds, lightly brush the bugs loose and rinse the surface with water. If water is not available for rinsing, the surface can be wiped dry with a clean cloth.

A 32-ounce bottle of the concentrate makes eight 32-ounce spray bottles of Bug Magic. The package includes a 32-ounce bottle of concentrate, a spray bottle, and a measuring cup, and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19.95. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

For more information, contact:
Bug Magic
6841 Amberjack Lane
Hudson, FL 34667
(866) 277-2847
Fax: (727) 861-1693
www.bugmagic.com

The Dog-e-Tag is worn like other dog tags, but thanks to its high-resolution digital display, up to 40 lines of information (10 character spaces per line) help to make sure the pet is returned to its owner as quickly as possible. Using buttons on the 3/4-ounce device, the pet owner can enter information such as the his or her home address, phone numbers, and e-mail address, and a note about any medical conditions the pet has.

A personal identification number (PIN) keeps the information secure but still allows the owner to make quick changes. A backlit display automatically illuminates with the push of a button. A low-battery indicator warns when the 2-year, user-replaceable battery needs to be changed.

The Dog-e-Tag features stainless-steel hardware and a scratch-resistant lens, and it is water-resistant to 165 feet. The Dog-e-Tag has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39.95.

For more information, contact:
Dog-e-Tag
5 N. Pacific Ave.
Ventura, CA 93001
(866) 364-3824
(805) 652-2155
Fax: (805) 477-1755
www.dog-e-tag.com

Anti-sway bars and other suspension enhancements for many type A and type C motorhomes built on a variety of chassis are available from ipd. According to product literature, anti-sway bars are designed to do exactly what the name implies: they resist vehicle sway. Designed as a link between the suspension and the frame to create torsional resistance if the vehicle begins to lean, anti-sway bars can reduce rocking and swaying when going in and out of driveways, over speed bumps, around corners, and when encountering wind wash from passing trucks. They reportedly can reduce driver fatigue and make the coach safer and more fun to drive. Products from ipd are said to be able to turn a coach with acceptable handling characteristics into a “lean, mean, driving machine.” Anti-sway bar kits from ipd come with installation instructions and mounting hardware.

For more information, contact:
Ipd
P.O. Box 20339
Portland, OR 97294
(800) 444-6486
www.ipdusa.com

The 10-piece UniDriver Home Set allows users to experience the “Hand-to-Work Promise” of Link Tools. Link’s locking system technology uses a diagonal pin to automatically lock all tool pieces together, allowing the user to create a customized tool for a specific task.  When it’s time to remove a bit or any of the 1/4-inch drive sockets, the bit or socket can be released simply by pulling on the gold collar.

According to product literature, the Home Set can be assembled into 35 different combinations, can reach up to 15 inches and, with the included locking U-joint, can work around corners. The set features a locking UniDriver — a basic hand drive tool that can be combined with other tools — and also includes a locking extension and seven socket-mounted bits. The bits include a 5-millimeter slot screwdriver, #0 and #1 Phillips screwdrivers, and four hex drivers. Other Link tools also are available in 1/4-inch drive and 3/8-inch drive sizes. The Home Set has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19.99.

For more information, contact:
Link Tools International Inc.
2440 Lakeview
Chicago, IL 60614
(888) 433-4234
www.linktoolsonline.com

Terk Technologies Corporation has introduced two XM Satellite Radio antennas designed specifically for RVs and long-haul trucks. Unlike AM-FM radio stations that fade every few miles, XM Radio offers 101 channels of coast-to-coast music, sports, and talk programming in digital-quality sound to those who have an XM Satellite Radio receiver and subscribe to the service. This means it is possible to have continuous reception throughout the United States.

The Terk clip-mount antenna (XM4-CLIP) installs on top of the RV to be in perfect alignment with the satellite, yet out of sight. The more traditional mirror-mount antenna (XM4-MM) attaches to either a horizontal or vertical mirror support.

Both antennas come with appropriate mounting hardware, cables, and connectors to ensure complete compatibility when connected to XM-ready radio equipment. The XM4-CLIP has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $89.95, while the XM4-MM is priced at $99.95. (Please note that XM Satellite Radio service is purchased separately through XM Radio.)

For more information, contact:
Terk Technologies Corporation
63 Mall Drive
Commack, NY 11725
(800) 942-8375
(631) 543-1900
Fax: (631) 543-8088
www.terk.com

Many sport utility vehicles make wonderful towed vehicles, but some owners worry about the lack of concealed storage space inside. The SUV Cargo Caddy storage system is a drawer that fits into the rear cargo area of midsize and full-size SUVs. The system features a locking latch and two removable dividers, and is built to carry road safety equipment, tools, sports equipment, vacation supplies, and other items. Made of polyethylene and topped with matching automotive-grade carpeting, the SUV Cargo Caddy is available in three colors: beige, gray, and black.

The midsize system measures 37-1/2 inches by 32-1/4 inches by 10 inches and fits most domestic midsize SUVs. A full-size version that fits behind the third seat, and a king-size system that can be used if the third seat is removed, are available for full-size SUVs. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the SUV Cargo Caddy start at $249.99.

For more information, contact:
Elkhart Plastics Inc.
51703 Packard Drive
Middlebury, IN 46540
(800) 762-3625
(574) 825-9797
www.suvcargocaddy.com

The new Ultra Trik-L-Start starting battery charger/maintainer from LSL Products is designed to keep the engine starting battery of any gasoline or diesel motorhome fully charged during periods of inactivity. Features include 5-amp output capability and a set of indicator lights to display the unit’s status. This fully automatic charger can be installed temporarily using the included battery clips, or it can be installed permanently using the crimp-type ring terminals and mounting screws. Other features include an epoxy-encapsulated enclosure that makes the unit waterproof, and a built-in blocking diode to prevent battery discharge while dry camping. The Ultra Trik-L-Start battery charger/maintainter comes with a one-year warranty.

For more information, contact:
LSL Products
5807 Babcock Road #108
San Antonio, TX 78240
(877) 257-4655
(210) 697-9502
www.lslproducts.com

Of all the gauges on an instrument panel, the oil pressure gauge may be the most important. Abnormally low oil pressure, if not caught in time, can quickly result in catastrophic engine failure. The Performance Analog Oil Pressure Gauge from Nordskog Performance Products is said to be extremely accurate and, with through-the-dial LED backlighting, easy to read even at night. Since it is impossible to keep one’s eyes on the instrument at all times, this gauge has a programmable output wire to trigger a low oil pressure warning instantly. A relay that must be used if the warning device exceeds two amps and a sender are available separately. Additional features include bounce-free needle movement, thanks to a servo motor in the unit, as well as high and low oil pressure reading recall.

For more information, contact:
Nordskog Performance Products
1120 Yarnell Place
Oxnard, CA 93033
(805) 483-2411
Fax: (805) 483-2373
www.nordskogperformance.com