Maxxair's back--with more lid stability

If you've ever tried the Maxxair vent system, you probably love it in a lot of ways. Maxxair provides a powered roof vent system, that definitely moves a high volume of air through your rig without chewing up a lot of battery power. The fancier systems even provide thermostatic control, and even rain detectors to shut off and close your roof vent at the first hint of precipitation.

We've got Maxxair systems in two of our rigs, and we find them great--to a degree. When the wind blows, those old vent lids start to rattle, and stomachs begin to tie up in knots, wondering if the whole shebang is going to cut loose and head for Kansas. The same emotional gripping occurs when you roll down the highway with the roof vent open: That persistent flapping just jars the nerves, and soon, you'll be shutting the vent lid out of a sense of self-preservation.

Well Maxxair is working on a solution for those of us without nerves of steel: The new generation of MaxxFan arrives on scene with two (not one) lifting arms to eliminate those nasty fluttering noises, and hopefully eliminate the butterflies from your road trip stomach. It also comes with a shiny 10 speed control, giving you far more choices in how fast to vent in (or exhaust out) than we've got on our old school three speed models. All this and promised ease of installation in a standard 14 x 14 inch roof openings.

We're not about to say these are inexpensive: The standard model, the 4000K (without the self-closing when it rains setup) runs $230 suggested retail; add on the automatic rain sensor (and "smoke colored" lid) for an additional seventy bucks by getting model 4500K. Visit www.maxxair.com for more information. Sorry, no field test on this model--we'll let you know if we can lay our hands on one.

ATV wheel add-ons add traction, flotation

Seems like many RV folk are also ATV folk. Once you get your RV out to the boonies, there's nothing quite as fun as being able to cruise around in the back country. Here's an aftermarket add-on that says it will not only improve your off-road traction, it could save your neck if you wind up in water.

The J-Wheel product bolts up to your ATV's existing 23 to 26 inch wheels, giving your wheels a wider profile, adding to traction and stability. Built out of a material similar to what plastic auto bumpers are made of. Containing marine-grade foam, a set of four J-Wheelz will add 310 pounds of floatation ability to your rig. A company spokesman tells us this is enough to float many ATVs currently used in the US. "It won't turn your ATV into a Jetski," he says, "but it will keep you afloat." A particularly useful thing should you take your ATV out ice fishing and (perish the thought) the ice breaks away under your off-roader.

While the company is building up a network of retailers you can still order your J-Wheel set from the company direct on the Internet. A set of four of these fabulous floaters runs a suggested retail of $590. More information is available at j-wheelz.com.

Portable combination heater/stove for emergencies

When a heater or stove fails, life on a boat, in an RV, or at home when a winter storm knocks our your power, can get mighty uncomfortable. The HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure International provides a safe source of warmth that doubles as a stove. Conture also manufactures space saving products bot boat and RVs like cook tops, microwaves, and 12-volt LED lights.

As an addition to your emergency supplies, the HeatMate produces 5200 BTU of heat. When the lid of the compact and efficient heater is removed, HeatMate transforms into a cook top that is capable of boiling a quart of water in just nine minutes.

The non-pressurized canister system contains a nonflammable wick material that absorbs approximately 1-1/4 qts. of environmentally-friendly alcohol fuel. Even if turned completely upside down, its unique design prevents fuel from leaking.

Extremely reliable, the HeatMate canister system eliminates the hoses and valves of pressurized systems, as well as the tiresome pumping, priming and pre-heating. Alcohol fuel is easily extinguished with water.

Made of aluminum, the compact HeatMate measures just 11-3/4" H x 11-1/2" W, comes with a carrying strap, and weighs just 5 lbs. 3 oz. The suggested retail price of the HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater retails for $169.95 but is available for less at Amazon.com.