by Dicor Corporation

ELKHART, Ind. - Dicor Products is giving RV manufacturers a crisp new style option with manufacturing efficiencies for creating popular Euro-style cabinetry with superior quality. It is introducing the Innova™ cabinet component line, which provides a range of design choices that simplify the Euro-style build process.

"The panels are made in Italy and are some of the best we've found in the European market," said Dwayne Nickel, director of marketing for the Dicor Corporation. "Innova panels help provide an alternative style to grab the RV customer at the point of sale. Virtually any design can be custom built for different floorplans and tastes.

Distinctive and lightweight
"The cabinet components are also very lightweight, which makes them ideal in terms of aiding fuel efficiency and bringing a distinctive look to small RVs, with the marketing cache of modern Italian design and quality. Our Italian partner supplies many of Europe's leading caravan manufacturers, and has done so for 50 years."

"The Euro look is an emerging trend here in the U.S. market, but it has needed a local source to help with efficient design concepts because of challenges in the production process," said Nickel. "We think our Innova panels are a real answer to those challenges."

Meeting the challenge
RV manufacturers have found that curved and flat-panel doors/panels require very different designs and manufacturing techniques. "RV manufacturers typically don't have the experience required with Euro-style products to achieve consistent, well-fitting results without a very time-intensive effort," said Nickel. "With Innova panels, we can help manufacturers with an easier, more foolproof way to achieve this popular look without the headaches."

Dicor Products also takes care of the import paperwork and logistics. Its design support can create a custom program for each manufacturer to help them make best use of the materials.

For more information, go to www.dicorproducts.com.

by Seal Design LLC

New Nitrogen-Infused Window-Door Hot Melt Sealant Introduced to Replace Putty and Caulk

ELKHART, Ind. - Seal Design LLC continues to lead the charge for improved sealing of RVs with an enhanced version of its new Seal-Tite™ hot melt sealant for RV windows, doors and hatches that can reduce manufactures' sealant cost by 30 percent. The new sealant process was introduced at the National RV Trade Show Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

The new Seal Design offering for RV manufacturers principally involves the infusion of nitrogen gas into the sealant material, volumizing it and enabling the material to spread farther and seep better into the tiniest gaps to create an impervious seal. Because the material can be spread farther, manufacturers save on material costs. Yet the nitrogen-infused material is just as durable as the non-infused material. The new closed-cell, gas-sealant mixture is easier to compress when solid, while also even less likely to over-compress, retaining good rebound or reflexive qualities. It also reduces sagging to maintain uniform thickness.

Seal-Tite is a caulk and putty replacement. It is a highly stable sealant that can be applied by the manufacturer very quickly and accurately with a hot-gun or robotic process that keeps bleed waste and cleanup to a minimum. Also, unlike caulk and putty tape, Seal-Tite does not crack, shrink or deteriorate over time, maintaining a solid, worry-free seal. It is a green product manufactured in accordance with Energy Star and American Architectural Manufacturers Association specifications.

RV manufacturers have found over the past year that they can seal RV windows faster and better with Seal-Tite by using a simple applicator gun. The improved, new volumized product will now let RV manufacturers do more with less material, and take advantage of a newly developed robotic application option that applies the sealant with consistent automotive quality faster than ever, said Greg Kelly, general manager of Seal Design, a Dicor Corporation affiliate. "We're talking a fraction of the time it would take for an assembler to seal a fixture with standard caulking. It can replace the manufacturer's inventory of several different kinds of caulks and sealants."

"With nitrogen infused Seal-Tite applied robotically, you get a consistent, automotive quality result - a precisely placed, solid, durable seal that's going to stand the test of time and weather," he said.

The infused sealant also sets up faster for increased line speeds and production rates. "This is a great product because both RV manufacturers and RV consumers stand to benefit so much from it," said Kelly. "It directly addresses manufacturers' concerns about time, costs and quality, and it gives RV consumers more energy efficient windows and hatches that won't leak air or water, not just for the first 5,000 miles, but for 50,000 miles and beyond."

"We're all about continuous improvement," said Kelly. "And we listen to our customers. When we found a system that would both reduce the RV manufacturer's cost and do a better job, we grabbed it. That's a terrific twofer."

For more information, visit www.sealdesignllc.com, call toll free 877-262-0954, or email gkelly@dicor.com.

Cole Hersee, the Commercial Vehicle Products division of Littelfuse, Inc., announced that it has launched a new line of switches with a sealed engineered-plastic body that helps fleets endure the extremely corrosive effects of winter road salt brine. The line includes the 75920 Master Disconnect Switch and the 95060 Series Ignition Switch.

"Municipal and state fleets preparing for winter operations now have some great options for withstanding rust and corrosion," said Graeme Marsden, marketing communications manager for Littelfuse CVP. "The durable switches definitely help them extend equipment service life during harsh winter conditions."

The high amperage capacity 75920 Master Disconnect Switch protects vehicles from tampering, theft and battery drain. Made of a sturdy, composite-engineered polymer housing, the switch has been tested in accordance with SAE J1455 for salt corrosion. Designed to withstand full immersion and keep working, the 75920 has an integral lockout feature that helps with lockout/tagout compliance. The heavy duty switch can be used at300A continuous or up to 3000A intermittent duty

The 95060 Series Ignition Switches include multiple electrical configurations, the single key code model 95060-23, and the 95061 lever ignition switches. Each of the switches is made with an engineered plastic body that prevents corrosion from attacking the switch. Also designed to resist adverse conditions and keep working, the series comes with an integral sealed connector and an available pigtail harness. The UL approved switches are rated for 12V to 48V applications.

Cole Hersee is a brand name of Chicago, IL-based Littelfuse, Inc., the worldwide leader in circuit protection, offering the industry's broadest and deepest portfolio of circuit protection products and solutions. Cole Hersee is now Littelfuse's Commercial Vehicle Products division.

by MaxxAir Vent Corporation

Serving the needs of RVers looking to upgrade their cabin ventilation, MaxxAir Vent Corp introduces the unique MaxxFan Standard, Model 4500K with Remote Control and the MaxxFan Standard manual opening Model 4000K. The MaxxFan Standard series has several exclusive features like its twin-arm, lid-lifting design that prevents lid flutter in high winds or when driving.

Both models feature a flush-mounted Keypad fan control located on the fan at the ceiling. This Keypad allows the user to select any of 10 fan speeds, set and adjust the built-in Thermostat and change the air direction from exhaust to intake if desired. In addition, the MaxxFan Standard series allows the fan motor to run with the lid closed for ceiling fan mode.

Model 4500K includes a Hand Held Remote Control that allows the user to adjust all fan operations from bedside or couch. The MaxxFan Hand Held Remote Control displays all fan features with a large LCD screen and all commands are answered at the fan with an audible beep. When not being used the Hand Held Remote enters sleep mode and shuts off to conserve battery life. Touching any key brings the LCD screen back to life.

Contact MaxxAir Vent Corporation, 5513 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33634, USA. 800-780-9893; Fax: 813-876-2550. CustService@maxxair.com; www.maxxair.com. The website has a listing of RV dealerships that carry MaxxAir Products.

by LG Hausys

Photo courtesy of Redwood RV

Click Illustration for Larger Image

Bergamo (pictured left) Parma (pictured right)

“The Marmo line is a unique collection that we predict will be very popular in both kitchen and bathroom recreational vehicle applications,” said Mike Morici, sales director for LG Hausys. “Our goal is to provide RV customers with limitless design choices that they’ll love looking at for thousands of miles.”

HI-MACS provides a stylish solution for modern RV owners who desire a contemporary style, and is a practical upgrade for those interested in durability without sacrificing visual appeal.

The Marmo collection of six exclusive colors is available immediately in ½ inch thickness.

Most HI-MACS acrylic solid surface products are thermoformable, meaning they can be designed in virtually any size or three-dimensional shape. HI-MACS surfaces are stain-resistant, easy to clean and hygienic.

For detailed product information or to receive a sample of the new solid surface options visit, www.lghausys.com.

by Dicor Corporation

Click Illustration for Larger Image

The three sealants are Perma-Fit™ extrusions, Seal-Tite™ hot melt sealant, and Touch-N-Seal™ spray foam insulation. "These three component products can literally seal and insulate every single application in a recreational vehicle," said Greg Kelly, general manager of Seal Design. "They can replace most all of the SKUs now used by manufacturers. We're aiming for nothing less than a simple but complete solution for water leaks and other sealant failures."

All three sealants are tested and proven performers in other industries but have never been used for RVs.

So far, prototype work for Seal-Tite and Touch-N-Seal has gone well with several manufacturers, said Kelly. Seal Design is also working closely with manufacturers to efficiently integrate these products into their production processes. "We've always been a leader in not only finding innovative products for the industry, but in working closely with manufacturers on the best way to integrate our products into their production processes," said Kelly. "We don't just drop them off at the loading dock and disappear. If we sell it to you, we're going to make it work for you."

Seal-Tite comes from the architectural glazing industry as a hot melt application that replaces putty, rubber, tapes and other such sealants. It is made of 97 percent solid cross-link polymer to create a long-lasting seal that does not bleed, sag or shrink. Applied with a hot gun, manually or robotically, it cures quickly and can significantly reduce application time and waste for the manufacturer.

Touch-N-Seal is from the construction industry as a spray-in foam insulation that replaces fiberglass to provide better R-Value (7.12 per inch vs. 3.2) and a tighter seal against water infiltration, while also improving the unit's structural integrity. Additionally, it takes up little storage space compared to the rolls of fiberglass material needed for the same job.

Perma-Fit is a non-cellular extrusion from the automotive industry that is a much more durable extrusion seal for baggage-utility doors, slide-outs, moldings and molding substrates than the foam rubber that's used today. It is a solid thermoplastic that will not shrink, become brittle or loose its elasticity and shape over time. So it will seal as well 10 years from now as it does on day one.

"These products are prime examples of the way Dicor companies seek out innovative solutions from other markets to help build a better RV - in this case more energy efficient and leak-proof units - while also working with manufacturers to create better production processes," said Kelly. "Our work with these products has confirmed that they can provide a new level of RV quality that the RV consumer will appreciate. That bodes well for all of us in the industry. It's as simple as one two three."

For more information about Seal Design and its sealants, call 574-970-4841.

by Dicor Corporation

Compact, adjustable wall mount and pedestal tables may be one of the new features found in RVs this year as a number of RV manufactures are integrating these amenities into their product lines. Dicor Products introduced several versions of these tables at the National RV Trade Show in December and they garnered a lot of attention, said Dwayne Nickel, director of marketing for Dicor Corporation, parent company of Dicor Products.

Dicor Table Systems

"Everybody loved the tables," said Nickel. "We called them our 'Dancing Tables' because of the multiple ways they can move, all of which provides a brand new level of flexibility for this common RV feature." The tables are designed to make efficient use of space in smaller RVs while retaining the comforts of a larger dinette or table. Wall mount

The wall mounted tables, typically used for dinettes, include the Quick-Flip Leaf Wall Table, which quickly deploys a flip up leaf near the wall that extends the table 12 inches with one easy action. Once deployed, the table can also be moved from side to side along the wall mount for easier seat access.

The Up-Down Wall Table also slides from side to side as needed for comfortable seating and uses a hinging system that allows it to be lowered to bed height. The RV owner never needs to lift the full weight of the table when changing heights. The wall mount tables are all supported by steel and aluminum hardware for durability and safety.

The wall mount tables are flexible, complete table systems that also combine a choice of attractive aluminum single and double legs with table tops that fit the specific décor needs of manufacturers. Pedestal mount The Cosmo Round Table Pedestal provides the mount for another table system. The single, telescoping leg can raise and lower the table to two levels from 13 to 28 inches high, aided by a smooth, single-lever auto lift.

The Four-Way Directional Tabletop System can move the pedestal table top in four directions, side-to-side and lengthwise. The tables also use steel and aluminum hardware. "Additional table top systems may be offered in the future as we get a better feel for manufacturer desires in this area," said Nickel.

"The various ways the tables move and extend make them adaptable to a variety of floorplans. The dinette can have a smaller footprint, for example," said Nickel. "They make table adjustments quick, easy and safe for RVers and help them make better use of limited space in smaller RVs."

Currently the tables are being integrated into prototypes for new RV models. "The manufacturers need a little time to work with them, but we expect them to be dancing in public before long," said Nickel.

by Dicor Corporation

ELKHART, Ind. - RVs that stay weathertight longer could soon be on the way with Seal Design's introduction of a new insulation product and two other products designed to create better, more durable seals for windows, doors, slideouts and exterior hatches - in essence, everything it takes to build a watertight RV. Seal Design is one of several leading RV suppliers affiliated with Dicor Corporation.

A first for Touch-N-Seal™ spray foam insulation

For insulation, Seal Design's Touch-N-Seal™ spray polyurethane foam is an opportunity for RV manufacturers to be the first to use expandable foam insulation in their RVs. It provides some exceptional advantages for both the RV buyer and the RV manufacturer.

Presently, rolls of fiberglass insulation that are rolled over studs or tucked around windows, doors and hatches typically leave small gaps for air to enter. Touch-N-Seal can be sprayed into the same places, where it immediately starts to expand to fill any gaps, no matter how small, and then quickly hardens into a solid, lightweight structured insulation, with a significantly better R-value of 7.2 per inch, compared to 3.2 per inch for the fiberglass used in RVs. It also provides better insulation for sound.

Another important benefit is the closed cell structure of the solid foam, which makes it an excellent sealant with an ability to limit water intrusion, damage and interior mold growth from potential leaks because of the tight interior wall seal it achieves. "Unlike fiberglass batting, water cannot penetrate the closed-cell foam, and the foam will not hold water inside the walls like fiberglass, reducing the chance of serious damage if an exterior seal fails, allowing water intrusion," said Greg Kelly, general manager of Seal Design.

The polyurethane foam also strengthens the walls as it solidifies, while weighing less than fiberglass. "So you're strengthening the wall while reducing weight at the same time," said Kelly.

An advantage for the manufacturer is that a single worker can more quickly spray in Touch-N-Seal than he or she could install the fiberglass. Touch-N-Seal also takes up significantly less storage space.

Seal-Tite™ sticks around

Seal-Tite™ is a caulk replacement for doors, windows and hatches. It is a very stable sealant that can be applied by the manufacturer very quickly and accurately with a hot-gun or robotic process that keeps bleed waste and cleanup to a minimum. Also, unlike caulk and putty tape, Seal-Tite does not crack, shrink or deteriorate over time, maintaining a solid, worry-free seal. It is manufactured in accordance with Energy Star and American Architectural Manufacturers Association specifications.

Perma-Fit™ thermoplastic extrusions stay forever new

Perma-Fit™ extrusions provide a more durable, higher-performance material for the rubber-like, depressible strips most commonly found sealing door thresholds and slideouts. It is made of non-cellular Thermoplastic Vulcanite (TPV). It offers durable memory or bounce-back properties and remains reliably supple without shrinking, stiffening or becoming brittle.

"We know our customers have been looking for better insulation and sealant solutions, so Seal Design looked at some of the best performing sealing technologies in other industries and we determined these could very practicably and efficiently be used in the manufacture of RVs," said Kelly.

Green solutions, too

"The energy saving properties of these products are a clear plus for the environment as well as for RVers," said Kelly. "We are very pleased to note that green and health-preserving production and installation materials and processes are used with these products." For example:

• No toxic or carcinogenic materials used in production or installations.
• No rainwater or soil contamination (no runoff).
• No off-gassing in either production or application.
• Zero chemical migration.
• No specialty disposal requirement.
• No specialty freight regulations or restrictions.
• Zero volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
• Biodegradable materials.
• Non-allergic materials.
• No HCFC's or CFC's - chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, which increases skin cancer, cataracts, and potential damage to some marine organisms, plants and plastics.
• Recycling: Waste from Seal-Tite applications is reprocessed, and TPV extrusions are 100 percent recyclable.

Haverhill, MA - APEM Components, Inc., a leading manufacturer of quality switches and joysticks, introduces its Q-Series of LED indicators. Offering a vibrant selection of colors, long life expectancy and durable design, the Q-Series is an ideal complement to APEM's broad range of existing panel-mounted switches. The Q-Series is intended for multiple applications including: industrial control panels, automation equipment, medical equipment, construction vehicles, trucks and buses and marine instrument panels.

Offered in red, green, yellow, blue and white, the Q-Series indicators are also available with bicolor, tricolor and flashing LED's. Unique features include solder lug/quick-connect terminals, wire terminations and 200mm elongated wires. There are 3 different package sizes: 6, 8 and 14mm; 3 bezel styles: prominent, recessed and flush; and 3 bezel finishes: bright chrome, black chrome and satin grey.

Integral resistors allow for direct connection to 12VDC, 12VAC/DC, 24VDC, 24VAC/DC, 110VAC and 220VAC. Additional specifications include viewing angle ranging from 70° to 100° (depending on model), a life expectancy of 100,000 hours and operating temperatures of -40°C to +85°C. Special options include high brightness LED's (sunlight readable) and panel sealing to IP67.

APEM Components Since 1952, APEM has been a leading manufacturer of high quality miniature and industrial switches. Offering one of the broadest product lines in the industry, APEM's switch offering includes pushbutton, rocker, slide, snap-action, DIP, rotary, tact, keylock, pushwheel and toggle switches. APEM also produces a wide range of industrial controls, joysticks, membrane switches and switch panel assemblies. For more information about APEM or its broad line of products, contact APEM Components, Inc., 63 Neck Road, Haverhill, MA 01835 at 978-372-1602 or visit the company's website at www.apem.com

by Cole Hersee

Cole Hersee introduces its SureStart™ Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Switch 48513. The Cole Hersee SureStart™ Low Voltage Disconnect Switch electronically senses battery voltage and conserves starting power by disconnecting non-critical loads, prolonging battery life by preventing battery damage due to excessive discharge.

This switch is ideal for utility and delivery vehicles, as well as vehicles with ancillary on-board equipment, such as snowplows, hoists, pumps, floodlights, etc., as well as in-cab amenities such as A/C. When battery drain occurs, there are substantial costs associated with downtime, vehicle recovery, and battery damage due to over-discharge. These costs can be eliminated when a Cole Hersee’s SureStart LVD switch is used.

The switch has a rating of 100A at 12V or 24V DC. Its service life exceeds 1,000,000 on/off cycles, and it also features a manual override that allows users to connect or disconnect the switch when needed, regardless of voltage.

The SureStart LVD switch features a compact size (4.5 x 4 x 4.27”) which makes it easy to install into a new or old vehicle. Unlike many voltage monitoring devices, the SureStart LVD switch does not require a separate solenoid to control high current, increasing reliability, and simplifying installation. The switch’s resistance to moisture, salt spray, vibration and shock make it a versatile device that can be implemented into any vehicle or environment.

About Cole Hersee

Since its founding in 1924, Cole Hersee has been a pioneer and leader in the development of heavy-duty electrical products for the vehicle industry and has earned a reputation for quality and value. Cole Hersee collaborated on many basic industry standards and today is a preferred supplier of over 2,000 dependable vehicle products and accessories. Cole Hersee products are available as standard or custom designed products to meet customer needs. Cole Hersee is ISO 9001:2000-certified.