New Stuff!
Keeping the Bugs at Bay
Summer is prime RV time — but it’s also when you’re most apt to find the front of your rig covered in bug splat. Don’t let bugs, rocks, diesel fuel, debris and sun damage ruin the nose cap and expensive decals of your fifth wheel. By installing a Bugg Banner onto the front of your RV and locking it into place before traveling, you can easily protect your investment, saving money and time — and resale value. After reaching your destination, simply remove the banner and toss it in the washing machine on cold water with mild detergent. Once cleaned, hoist it back onto your rig, tighten and let it dry. The patented Bugg Banner includes all necessary mounting hardware. Bugg Banner, (864) 381-1655, buggbanner.com
Summer is prime RV time — but it’s also when you’re most apt to find the front of your rig covered in bug splat. Don’t let bugs, rocks, diesel fuel, debris and sun damage ruin the nose cap and expensive decals of your fifth wheel. By installing a Bugg Banner onto the front of your RV and locking it into place before traveling, you can easily protect your investment, saving money and time — and resale value. After reaching your destination, simply remove the banner and toss it in the washing machine on cold water with mild detergent. Once cleaned, hoist it back onto your rig, tighten and let it dry. The patented Bugg Banner includes all necessary mounting hardware. Bugg Banner, (864) 381-1655, buggbanner.com
Ending Sticky Situations
Anyone who has tried to remove old caulk or decal residue knows what a headache it can be. Release Adhesive & Sealant Remover from RV by Life reduces the needed “elbow grease” considerably: Just spray along the edge of the sealant or decal or directly onto the remaining residue, then use a plastic scraper to loosen and remove the debris. It’s said to remove stubborn cured silicone and polysulfide sealants from fiberglass, metal and glass — making it perfect when resealing windows, doors and ventilation seams — and is equally effective in removing decal graphics. With low VOCs, it can be used inside or outside the RV. RV by Life, (800) 382-9706, rvbylife.com
Anyone who has tried to remove old caulk or decal residue knows what a headache it can be. Release Adhesive & Sealant Remover from RV by Life reduces the needed “elbow grease” considerably: Just spray along the edge of the sealant or decal or directly onto the remaining residue, then use a plastic scraper to loosen and remove the debris. It’s said to remove stubborn cured silicone and polysulfide sealants from fiberglass, metal and glass — making it perfect when resealing windows, doors and ventilation seams — and is equally effective in removing decal graphics. With low VOCs, it can be used inside or outside the RV. RV by Life, (800) 382-9706, rvbylife.com
A Hitch for Heavyweights
“Getting away from it all” is nice — but so is camping without having to give up creature comforts. Of course, those residential-style features tend to be quite weighty. CURT, a division of Lippert, recently debuted its new PowerRide 30K fifth-wheel hitch, capable of towing even the biggest trailers. Fully tested with a 30,000-pound rating, the new PowerRide hitch includes a cast head with multi-directional tilt, 7,500-pound vertical load limit, easy-to-use self-resetting handle and enhanced portability — no welding or fabrication is required for installation. CURT Manufacturing, (877) 287-8634, curtmfg.com
“Getting away from it all” is nice — but so is camping without having to give up creature comforts. Of course, those residential-style features tend to be quite weighty. CURT, a division of Lippert, recently debuted its new PowerRide 30K fifth-wheel hitch, capable of towing even the biggest trailers. Fully tested with a 30,000-pound rating, the new PowerRide hitch includes a cast head with multi-directional tilt, 7,500-pound vertical load limit, easy-to-use self-resetting handle and enhanced portability — no welding or fabrication is required for installation. CURT Manufacturing, (877) 287-8634, curtmfg.com
Smarter Plugs
Most RVers don’t check campground power pedestals before plugging in. For the most part, this is fine — but if that pedestal was incorrectly wired, there’s a risk of electric shock. SmartPlug Systems has now integrated LED reverse-polarity indicators into all of its RV cordsets to guard against this. Similar to a residential plug-testing tool, the enhanced SmartPlug has an LED color display that indicates if power is flowing correctly or if the ground wire or neutral wire has been swapped. Owners can then notify campground staff of the problem. Available on 30- and 50-amp cordsets in 25- and 50-foot lengths. SmartPlug Systems, (206) 285-2990, smartplug.com
Most RVers don’t check campground power pedestals before plugging in. For the most part, this is fine — but if that pedestal was incorrectly wired, there’s a risk of electric shock. SmartPlug Systems has now integrated LED reverse-polarity indicators into all of its RV cordsets to guard against this. Similar to a residential plug-testing tool, the enhanced SmartPlug has an LED color display that indicates if power is flowing correctly or if the ground wire or neutral wire has been swapped. Owners can then notify campground staff of the problem. Available on 30- and 50-amp cordsets in 25- and 50-foot lengths. SmartPlug Systems, (206) 285-2990, smartplug.com
SUV Air Apparent
Most automotive sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) suspension systems aren’t really made for hauling or towing. Yes, they can do it — at a cost. Handling and ride are usually compromised. Air Lift Co. has engineered its Air Lift 1000 system to now fit the Chevy Equinox/Blazer/Trailblazer, GMC Terrain/Acadia, Buick Envision/Encore GX and the Cadillac XT5. Working in conjunction with the stock suspension, the kit is said to eliminate squat, unresponsive steering, trailer sway, body roll and bottoming out. Air-adjustable from 5 to 35 psi, the kit requires no drilling. Air Lift Co., (800) 248-0892, airliftcompany.com
Most automotive sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) suspension systems aren’t really made for hauling or towing. Yes, they can do it — at a cost. Handling and ride are usually compromised. Air Lift Co. has engineered its Air Lift 1000 system to now fit the Chevy Equinox/Blazer/Trailblazer, GMC Terrain/Acadia, Buick Envision/Encore GX and the Cadillac XT5. Working in conjunction with the stock suspension, the kit is said to eliminate squat, unresponsive steering, trailer sway, body roll and bottoming out. Air-adjustable from 5 to 35 psi, the kit requires no drilling. Air Lift Co., (800) 248-0892, airliftcompany.com
A Battery for All Seasons
While the performance of deep cycle lithium batteries has made them popular with the boondocking crowd, they can be susceptible to extreme temperatures. Kilovault has introduced its HLX+ Series that, according to company representatives, is the first solar lithium battery made for both hot and cold environments — even down to sub-freezing temperatures. Other benefits include 100Ah cells for double the capacity of the prior version, push-button display for instant state-of-charge readings and long life — 80% of the capacity remains even after 2,000 discharges, according to Kilovault. Available in 1,200Wh-, 2,400Wh- and 3,600Wh capacities. Kilovault, (888) 218-5924, kilovault.com
While the performance of deep cycle lithium batteries has made them popular with the boondocking crowd, they can be susceptible to extreme temperatures. Kilovault has introduced its HLX+ Series that, according to company representatives, is the first solar lithium battery made for both hot and cold environments — even down to sub-freezing temperatures. Other benefits include 100Ah cells for double the capacity of the prior version, push-button display for instant state-of-charge readings and long life — 80% of the capacity remains even after 2,000 discharges, according to Kilovault. Available in 1,200Wh-, 2,400Wh- and 3,600Wh capacities. Kilovault, (888) 218-5924, kilovault.com
Environmentally Conscious Cleaners
Duo Form is more well-known in the RV industry as a manufacturer of heavy-gauge plastic sheet thermoforming products — think RV sinks and shower surrounds — but it stands to reason the company knows a thing or two about cleaning those products. It’s Duo Form Clean Kit features specialty cleaners paired with a shower squeegee and microfiber cleaning cloth. The kit includes DUO PURE Plastic Cleaner — formulated to safely clean plastics with no degradation — DUO PURE Glass Cleaner and DUO Pure Drain Deodorizer. DUO PURE cleaners are non-toxic, eco-friendly, organic and biodegradable. Duo Form Plastics, (269) 663-8525, duoformplastics.com/rvaftermarket
Duo Form is more well-known in the RV industry as a manufacturer of heavy-gauge plastic sheet thermoforming products — think RV sinks and shower surrounds — but it stands to reason the company knows a thing or two about cleaning those products. It’s Duo Form Clean Kit features specialty cleaners paired with a shower squeegee and microfiber cleaning cloth. The kit includes DUO PURE Plastic Cleaner — formulated to safely clean plastics with no degradation — DUO PURE Glass Cleaner and DUO Pure Drain Deodorizer. DUO PURE cleaners are non-toxic, eco-friendly, organic and biodegradable. Duo Form Plastics, (269) 663-8525, duoformplastics.com/rvaftermarket
No More Leaky Seams
There’s nothing more calming than relaxing outside an RV with the awning extended to keep any dew or drizzle at bay. But awnings aren’t impervious to the weather and the first place they tend to leak is at the seams; stretching from wind and overuse and age-related shrinkage take their toll. Seam Sealer, from Iosso Products, eliminates this problem. Just apply the product to both sides of the seam (using the bottle’s built-in sponge applicator tip) and let dry for 24 hours. It’s said to be safe to use on natural cotton, canvas, acrylic, polyester and other coated synthetic fabrics, doesn’t contain silicone, won’t leave an unsightly film and won’t change the color. Iosso Products, (847) 662-9070, iosso.com/clean
There’s nothing more calming than relaxing outside an RV with the awning extended to keep any dew or drizzle at bay. But awnings aren’t impervious to the weather and the first place they tend to leak is at the seams; stretching from wind and overuse and age-related shrinkage take their toll. Seam Sealer, from Iosso Products, eliminates this problem. Just apply the product to both sides of the seam (using the bottle’s built-in sponge applicator tip) and let dry for 24 hours. It’s said to be safe to use on natural cotton, canvas, acrylic, polyester and other coated synthetic fabrics, doesn’t contain silicone, won’t leave an unsightly film and won’t change the color. Iosso Products, (847) 662-9070, iosso.com/clean