Product News

Optima Offers High-Tech Battery

As RVs become outfitted with more electronics and appliances, more demands are placed on batteries. The Group 31 Blue Top batteries from Optima are designed to meet those demands with a high-tech solution, called absorbent glass mat spirocell technology.

The new batteries are more expensive than conventional wet-cell batteries, but have advantages in durability, faster recharging and storage. The manufacturer says its Blue Top batteries are maintenance free, leak proof, resistant to vibrations, and have up to twice the cycle life. Since they have a low rate of self-discharge, they can go unused for up to a year and still maintain a strong starting voltage. They are designed to provide both deep cycle and cranking capabilities. Optima Batteries is a Colorado company owned by Johnson Controls of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For information, contact Optima Batteries, 17500 E. 22nd Ave., Aurora, CO 80011. Phone (888) 867-8462 or see www.optimabatteries.com.

Cordpro Dispenses Hoses, Cords

Cordpro is a doughnut-shaped reel that stores and dispenses hoses and extension cords so that they do not become tangled. The device contains no moving parts and holds up to 100 feet of cord or hose. It can work with water and air hoses, power cords, household extension cords and coaxial cables.

As the user pulls an extension cord from Cordpro, it rotates, dispensing the amount of cord needed and leaving the rest nestled inside the reel. As the user moves, Cordpro travels on the ground behind, continuing to dispense the amount of cord needed. The device is made of high-density polyethylene and is suitable for outdoor use in any temperature. Cordpro is manufactured by BurkTek, P. O. Box 10736, Kansas City, MO 64188. For information, call (800) 700-6784 or see www.cordpro.com.

RV-Friendly Casinos Listed

Casinos that have an RV park or campground as part of their facility or that allow free overnight parking for RVers are listed and described in Casino Camping, a new book by Jane Kenny.

The 256-page book provides maps, descriptions of each casino and campground, a list of discounts, detailed driving directions and parking information for RVs. The book is priced at $14.95. For information, contact Roundabout Publication, P. O. Box 19235 Lenexa, KS 66285. Phone (800) 455-2207. The book is also available online at www.RoadNotes.com.

New Turnbuckle Aids Truck Campers

The Fast Gun from Torklift is a lever-action, spring-loaded turnbuckle designed to make it easy and quick for the owner of a slide-in truck camper to hook up or disconnect the camper.

The new Fast Gun has a revolutionary design that dispenses with the standard twist and turn turnbuckles, chain, shackles and quick links used for generations. Fitted with an Old West-style lever action complete with simulated trigger, the Fast Gun takes all the rigging and most of the time out of the operation.

The turnbuckle requires no wrenches and has a powder-coated stainless steel body and a “set” spring that won’t lose its compression strength or break. An initial adjustment sets the lever to apply the correct spring tension to the camper’s sensitive anchor points. Pull the levers down, click in the safety pins or optional trigger locks, and the camper is ready to go. A quick opening of the four turnbuckle levers and the camper is ready to be dropped at a campsite or in storage. The Fast Gun also has a quick disconnect feature that speeds up the campsite leveling process by allowing electric jacks to level the camper while it is on the truck so there is no need to hassle with leveling blocks under the truck tires.

The Fast Gun comes in two sizes, one for rear bumper or truck frame mounted tie downs, and one for the truck bed (Happi-Jac style) tie downs. The product is backed by a lifetime guarantee. For information, contact Torklift Central Welding of Kent, 315 N. Central Avenue, Kent, WA 98032. Phone (800) 246-8132 or see www.torklift.com.

Road Atlas Charts Scenic Drives

The 2005 North American Road Atlas from Michelin Travel Publications includes 50 scenic driving tours to help travelers plan trips. The scenic drives section lists tourist offices, interesting facts and other information to guide visitors.

The 292-page atlas is spiral bound to make it lie flat when open. The format is 9 inches by 11 inches. Maps are arranged geographically rather than alphabetically to make it easier for travelers to plan their way by going from one map to the next. The atlas is priced at $18.95. It is available in bookstores, automotive outlets or by calling (800) 423-0485.

UV Device Purifies Water

The SteriPEN is a pocket-sized device that uses ultraviolet light to purify water by destroying bacteria, viruses and protozoa. It can purify 32 ounces of water in a minute and a half.

The battery-powered device contains a microcomputer that controls the dose times and shuts the light off automatically. The user submerges the lamp end of the device in a container of clear water and by pushing the on/off button twice can activate it to treat16 ounces of water. Each UV lamp can treat16-ounces of water 5,000 times. The SteriPEN has a suggested retail price of $149.95. For information, contact Hydro-Photon, P. O. Box 675, 262 Ellsworth Road, Blue Hill, ME 04614. Phone (888) 826-6234 or see www.steripen.com.