A Great Camping Companion and Perfect for at-home Backup in the Off-Season

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From small power tools to appliances such as a refrigerator or microwave oven, the new Yamaha EF2400iSHC starts appliances quicker thanks to High Current technology and special Field Effect Transistors in the electronic controller. These features combine to increase the surge output, helping the new EF2400iSHC respond more quickly for greater big-appliance starting capacity and longer run time for all uses. A powerful 171cc engine and Yamaha’s industry leading Smart Throttle, which automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the load, allowing the EF2400iSHC to run at a slower engine speed resulting in quieter running and maximum fuel efficiency – up to 8.6 hours at 1/4-capacity load on one tank of fuel.

To ensure the EF2400iSHC retains its portability – small and lightweight (merely 75 pounds) – without sacrificing strength or reliability, a die cast aluminum frame and aluminum flywheel was used. Additionally, the EF2400iSHC has an actual noise level range of only 53~60 decibels (quieter than normal speech) – giving consumers a lightweight, quiet running and durable generator.

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The EF2400iSHC will see most of its work done RVing, tailgating, at the hunting cabin, and during other recreation or leisure activities, but its real mettle is proven at-home during a power outage. The EF2400iSHC uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to produce high-quality electricity, which is as clean if not cleaner than the power supplied by public utility companies. PWM means consumers can use this generator with confidence as a power source for computers, variable speed power tools and appliances with built-in computer functions – perfect for charging cell phones and other sensitive electronics.

With a single side-mounted control panel that puts all controls on one surface and a detachable rear panel for easy access to service and maintenance points, the new EF2400iSHC is simple to use and easy to maintain. Like all recently introduced Yamaha generators, the EF24000iSHC meets the strictest emission standards in the country making it legal in all fifty states including California.

The EF2400iSHC will be available for purchase in January at local Yamaha generator dealers; retail price is $1,479.00. To see Yamaha’s entire generator model lineup or to find the closest dealer, visit www.yamaha-motor.com/generators or call 1-800-88-YAMAHA.

RVers know to open roof vents aboard their rig to keep temperatures down and musty air out. However, they may not always remember to close them, which may lead to a soaked interior if it rains. With MaxxAir Vent Corporation's Original MaxxAir Vent Cover installed, owners can leave their roof vent open all the time, while still protecting the cabin from rain damage. Having a roof vent open lets fresh air in and allows odors to escape.

America's first choice for RV ventilation, the MaxxAir vent cover provides constant airflow and prevents heat build-up. It also lets musty air, smoke and cooking odors escape for a more pleasant indoor environment.

It easily installs over all popular, 14" x 14" standard roof vents. Featuring an exclusive Zero-Leak Mounting System, there's no need to drill any holes in the RV's roof surface. The MaxxAir Original features a proven, tough one-piece design and carries an industry-leading six-year warranty.

Each unit measures 19.5" L x 18.5" W x 9" H. These vent covers are available in six colors, champagne, almond, white, black, smoke and silver, to match any rig.

The Original MaxxAir Vent Cover from MaxxAir retails for $29.95.

For boaters, RVers, home owners and outdoor enthusiasts who need a convenient, portable supply of plastic bags, Knot-A-Bag from Davis Instruments is the perfect solution. This handy bag dispenser enables users to make plastic bags in any length for different needs. Knot-a-Bag is ideal to stash wet swimsuits, trash, diapers, recyclables and food while camping, traveling, boating or on the go.

Holding 32.5' of tightly wound polyethylene film, the versatile Knot-A-Bag is simple to use. Just pull the plastic bag material from the center of the dispenser, cut the length required with the built-in safety cutter and tie a knot in the end. Completely waterproof when tied, the bags have a circumference of 24".

Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, compact Knot-A-Bag easily clips to belts, backpacks, dog leashes or wherever it's needed. Measuring just 4" H and weighing only 3 oz., it comes with an extra roll of plastic film. With a thickness of 0.36 mil., the blend of high- and low-density polyethylene provides unmatched strength.

The suggested retail price of the patent-pending Knot-A-Bag from Davis Instruments is just $7.99. A refill pack with three, 32.5' polyethylene rolls is also available for $7.99.

Contact Davis Instruments, 3465 Diablo Ave., Hayward, CA 94545. 510-732-9229; Fax: 510-732-9188. info@davisnet.com; www.davisnet.com.

Proper ventilation is always important on an RV, but it's needed even more when the weather is less than ideal. Allowing ceiling fans to run despite rainy weather, MaxxAir Vent Corporation's improved Fan/Mate models 850 and 950 rain covers completely enclose a roof fan or roof vent. They provide fresh air while also offering excellent rain protection for the rig's interior.

With a vent area 20% larger than the previous version, the new Fan/Mate models 850 and 950 ensure even better fan performance by allowing high-volume air-flow. Their redesigned louvers and protective, galvanized screens serve as a superior safeguard against rain and keep wind-blown leaves and debris out of the fan's blades. Due to the covers' convenient, hinged mounting brackets, opening the Fan/Mate cover doesn't require any tools and allows easy access for servicing the fan.

Designed for use with high-powered ceiling fans, such as a Comfort Air Fan and Fan-Tastic Vent, the Fan/Mate is offered in white or black to accent custom-painted RVs. Constructed from high-strength polyethylene with UV inhibitors, it's built for years of service.

Each unit comes with a three-year limited warranty and measures 32.5" L x 20.5" W x 9.93" H. MaxxAir's Fan/Mate has a starting retail price of $79.95. The black 950 model starts at $109.95.

Contact MaxxAir Vent Corporation, 5513 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33634, USA. 800-780-9893; Fax: 813-876-2550. [ e-mail ]; www.maxxair.com.

Next Generation Platform (NGP), a new class in RV platforms

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new class of RV - a specialty chassis integrated with a custom cap or cockpit - debuted at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), debuts the company's latest innovation, the Next Generation Platform (NGP), a new class in RV platforms. Spartan has filed a patent for the first-of-its-kind highline RV cap and chassis design which provides the quality and performance of a premium automotive platform with increased flexibility for fully customizable interiors and exteriors. Spartan said optional Coach-Ready Platforms are also available featuring a variety of OEM options for chassis integration.

The development of the NGP was based on research conducted by Spartan which provided insights into the RV buying process. The research confirmed that the exterior of a vehicle excites the potential buyer and draws them inside the unit, but it is the features of the interior floor plan that typically closes the sale. In addition, the primary decision maker for the purchase is the female - like with many premium consumer products - and, not surprisingly, her main focus is on interior styling and features.

The NGP integrates more components into the chassis configuration with an emphasis on functions that are critical to operating the vehicle but that are unimportant to the buyer. This reduces chassis-prep and engineering for RV OEMs and allows them to concentrate on customer-facing priorities such as the exterior design and interior floor plan. By offering OEMs the ability to choose from an extensive menu of available options for the front, middle and rear sections, motorhome makers have the freedom to design a vehicle to their exact specifications, yet still achieve faster model changeovers and increased speed to market for new designs and product features.

"Like every other consumer category, the RV marketplace is constantly evolving as customers look for the latest body styles and new approaches to interior layouts, making it more important than ever to adapt quickly as styles, trends and desires change," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of Spartan Motors. "The front driver's section, everything below the floor, and rear-engine sections all require a significant amount of engineering time, but the research has shown these things don't drive the purchasing decision. The NGP moves the non-floor plan area to the chassis builder, enabling the OEM to focus on the areas important to the customer."

The final step of the buying process is the test drive, where ride performance and drivability are keys to confirming the buyer's decision. Inspired by Spartan's popular Furion fire truck chassis design, the Spartan NGP features a powerful rear diesel engine chassis and independent front suspension. Options including a smart wheel, tilt/telescopic steering column, adjustable pedals and six-way adjustable electric seats ensure a premium cockpit experience. Spartan said it expects to introduce a front engine configuration of the NGP in the fourth quarter of 2010, adding an even greater level of customization.

"In a marketplace where there are more than 100 OEMs, a low cost to enter, and the business is hyper-competitive, products must and will change fast," said Gorman. "With Spartan absorbing a significant amount of responsibility, the NGP enables an OEM to enter and compete within the motorized segment with a minimal time and financial commitment. This new approach even makes it possible for a dealer to partner with an OEM to create their own private-label product, something that previously would have been extremely difficult due to the costs involved."