RV Products: May 2002

Bike Protector Bags

The Bicycle Protector Bag from Rome Bike Bags is designed to protect bicycles from salt air, snow, rain, dust, and dirt that can cause corrosion and rust. While being protected in the bag, the bicycle also is out of view of potential thieves. The bag is made of 600-denier poly-canvas lined with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make it waterproof, but breathable, and is equipped with heavy-duty dual nylon zippers that allow for easy opening and closing. The bicycle can be stored in a normal standing position or suspended using the bag’s hooks and handles. The bag weighs 5 pounds and measures 70 inches long by 41 inches wide by 24 inches deep when opened, but folds to a compact 12 inches by 10 inches by 4 inches. The Bicycle Protector Bag has a suggested retail price of $69.95. Rome Bike Bags also offers the Bicycle Travel Bag for transporting bicycles.

For more information, contact:
Rome Bike Bags
3870 W. 234th St.
Torrance, CA 90505
(888) 766-3245
(310) 791-6366
www.bikebags.com

The New Dimensions S-Series refrigerator from Dometic features a futuristic stainless-steel design that can bring the look of a professional chef’s kitchen into an RV. The exterior promises to eliminate the worries of messy fingerprints while making a tasteful addition to any galley. Thanks to vacuum insulation panels, the 10-cubic-foot double-door model has slightly more interior storage capacity than Dometic’s traditional side-by-side models, yet it will fit into the same cabinet opening as comparable units. Other features include Dometic’s Versatile Racking System, which allows the customization of the interior, and a three-position adjustable freezer shelf. Dometic Shelf Guards in the fresh food compartment and patented Magic Fingers on the door shelves help to keep food and bottles from falling over while the motorhome is in motion. Among the options is an absorption ice maker that is heated to prevent freeze-up during cold weather. The New Dimensions S-Series refrigerator is covered by Dometic’s three-year Protection Plus Limited Warranty.

For more information, contact:
Dometic Corporation
P.O. Box 490
Elkhart, IN 46515
(219) 294-2511
www.dometic.com

The Quilt Finder can custom-design and then capture in quilt form any scene you’d like — be it a picture of your stationary home or your motorhome. According to product literature, Home Quiltraits are an “antidote for homesickness — a happy reminder that home will always be there.” Quilt Finder artists can replicate just about any home scene desired, and even include details such as the family dog sleeping on the porch or the motorhome parked by the barn. Home Quiltraits range in price from $500 to $2,500, depending upon size and intricacy.

For more information, contact:
The Quilt Finder
P.O. Box 182
Mount Dora, FL 32756-0182
(800) 642-3312

The Strapless Tow Car Shield from Coastline Cover Company reportedly can be installed in minutes on any of more than 170 vehicles to provide protection from road debris, exhaust, and the elements. Constructed of flame-resistant and mildew-resistant flannel-backed vinyl, these covers store compactly when not in use. The covers come with a limited lifetime warranty, and the company will repair the cover at no charge if damaged. The Strapless Tow Car Shield is available for $252.80, plus shipping.

For more information, contact:
Coastline Cover Company
P.O. Box 1058
Guasti, CA 91743
(800) 216-1664
(909) 390-5341
www.coastlinecover.com

The Thermoil RV battery, made by InstaFreeze, contains a layer of oil that acts as a barrier between the battery fluids and exterior elements. Product information explains that the oil layer prevents water from escaping and causing corrosion, and also reduces the risk of battery explosion. The battery is said to recharge faster, hold a charge longer when unused for periods of time, and require less water to be added. The oil has a freezing point of 70 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and a boiling point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making the battery usable in severe climates. Thermoil batteries are available in 6-volt and 12-volt sizes and as a deep-cycle or starting battery. The Thermoil battery is fully warranted for a year in North America.

For more information, contact:
InstaFreeze L.L.C.
An AIRXCEL Company
2989 W. S.R. 434
Suite 200
Longwood, FL 32779
(877) 588-2653
(407) 786-7479
Fax: (407) 786-7467

The Flexsteel 1215 RCH reclining leather chair and ottoman combination is patterned after one of Flexsteel’s high-end residential designs, but is scaled for use in RVs. Designed in leather with solid wood bases, this chair and ottoman combination is 4 inches narrower than its home furnishing counterpart. The reclining back of the chair operates with an easy-pull release lever. Other features include an auto-tilt headrest and base rotation, which is said to provide greater stability than the standard floor rotation style.

For more information, contact:
Flexsteel Industries Inc.
P.O. Box 877
Dubuque, IA 52004-0877
(800) 685-7632
flexsteel.com

TDI Products has expanded its RV product line to include 30-amp and 50-amp power cord reels and a potable water hose reel. According to company literature, these products are 50 percent smaller than other cord or hose management systems and can be installed in virtually any coach. The hose or power cord spools freely from the reel; retrieval is accomplished by pushing a rocker switch to power the 12-volt-DC motor located inside the hub of the reel. This type of switch prevents the unit from inadvertently being left on.

The potable water hose reel with 50 feet of hose weighs 20 pounds, and has a retail price of $299. The 30-amp reel with 50 feet of cord weighs 30 pounds and carries a $359 price tag. The 50-amp reel with 36 feet of cord weighs 51 pounds and retails for $685. All Shoreline Reels are backed by a three-year warranty.

For more information, contact:
TDI Products Inc.
740 S. 10th St.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 242-0742
Fax: (904) 242-0752
www.tdiproducts.com

Bully Truck Accessories has added the excitement of NASCAR racing to its line of die-cast chrome hitch covers. These officially licensed hitch covers carry the colors of some of today’s top racing teams and are engraved with the chrome signatures of many of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, including Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Tony Stewart. Because the covers are designed to fit both 2-inch and 1¼-inch receivers, they are ideal for use on a towed vehicle or on a motorhome. The NASCAR hitch covers have a suggested retail price of $29.95.

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

The seamless polyethylene hull of the Bass Baby fishing boat is designed to withstand impacts with underwater objects, bumps against a dock, and even accidental dings while being transported. This 8-foot boat weighs just 143 pounds and, with its 54-inch beam, can fit into the bed of a full-sized pickup truck. Swivel seats and heavy-duty seat frames that slide the full length of the boat provide room for two passengers, plus their gear and a trolling motor battery. Features such as no-tip beverage holders, tackle and equipment compartments, a ruler, and carrying handles are molded into the boat. Built-in wheels simplify transportation from the vehicle to the water. If desired, the boat can be stored in an upright position to save space. The Bass Baby has a suggested retail price of $499, plus shipping.

For more information, contact:
Connect-A-Dock Inc.
1000 Flag Road
Adair, IA 50002
(877) 742-3071
Fax: (641) 742-3624
www.bassbaby.com

Changing a flat tire on a towed vehicle may not be as big a problem as changing one on a motorhome, but finding the spare tire missing from your pickup truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or van due to theft is a major inconvenience. The new Black Max Series Spare Tire Winchlock may help prevent your spare tire from being stolen. Offered in two distinctly different maximum-security styles, these locks fit many pickup trucks and SUVs. A bar-type winchlock is used for most applications. However, a universal cable-type lock also is offered. This model features a vinyl-coated 5/8-inch solid wire with one end permanently attached to the lock.

For more information, contact:
Motive Service & Supply
15371 Stony Creek Way
Noblesville, IN 46060
(800) 843-5701
www.sparetirewinchlock.com