Illinois-based Kold-Ban International has made high-pressure diesel engine ether injection systems for over a half-century. In 2026, the company is focusing on the RV industry and keeping RV batteries operational.
Kold-Ban International Vice President James Burke said the RV experience is about freedom. He said being trapped because an engine will not start is the antithesis of that.
“RVs can get heavy use, sit for extended periods and then be expected to start on demand—that is a real challenge for traditional batteries,” Burke said. “After decades of proven success in commercial transportation…we kept asking ourselves where else dead battery anxiety was causing real problems. The answer kept coming back to RV owners. People who may be hundreds of miles from the nearest service center when something goes wrong.”
Burke said Kold-Ban supercapacitors eliminate the problem.
“We knew RV owners would appreciate what that kind of confidence means,” Burke said, “when you are miles from anywhere.”
Kold-Ban’s RVStartPlus is a permanent, on-board supercapacitor engine starting system. The company said the system ensures the RV’s engine starts every time, regardless of battery condition.
“For OEMs, the value proposition is straightforward. You are offering your customers a meaningful upgrade that directly addresses one of the most common RV service complaints: a dead battery at the worst possible moment,” Burke said. “It requires absolutely no maintenance, has no electrolytes or corrosion concerns, installs in any orientation and is rated for over 1 million start cycles. It will outlast the vehicle itself.”
Burke said the RVStartPlus installs alongside the existing electrical system, charges automatically during normal operation and delivers instant starting power, even if the battery is completely dead.
“We have learned over the years that demonstrating this technology is the most powerful sales tool we have,” Burke said. “That is why we offer sample units to qualified OEMs and dealers—because once you see it work on a completely dead battery, the conversation changes entirely.”
Getting Started
Kold-Ban International was founded in 1969 by Burke’s father.
In 1996, Kold-Ban developed its first supercapacitor starting systems.
“That technology has evolved into our KAPower supercapacitor platform—the heart of everything we make today,” Burke said. “Over 55 years later, we’re still family-owned, still hands-on and still pushing the boundaries of engine starting technology.”
Burke said the company is unique in the RV market.
“We do not fit comfortably into any category, and that is part of what makes us interesting,” he said. “Our technology is proprietary, backed by decades of testing and a long list of satisfied customers across multiple industries.”
While RVStartPlus is new to the RV world, Burke said the technology behind the product is proven.
“It will take time to get the word out, but we know that RV owners who experience RVStartPlus will become converts,” he said. “Once you have never worried about starting your engine again, there is no going back.”
