RVBusiness, March/April 2019

Xantrex Mission Critical Electronics FREEDOM eGEN Lithium Ion System With several judges noting that the FREEDOM eGEN Lithium Ion System pushes the envelope on RV power Xantrex a division of Mission Critical Electronics is the winner of the RISE Award in the OEM category Said to eliminate the need for a portable generator the FREEDOM eGEN is actually seven separate components incorporated into a single cohesive system that offers the most reliable AC and DC power to run an air conditioner and other high power loads in all climate conditions Its most compelling benefit company officials claimed is the freedom and confidence it offers to RVers Like the name states Freedom to go anywhere without the worry of batteries or power said one judge while also noting the battery management system can charge the lithium ion batteries from multiple sources and can be controlled and monitored via an app Another judge said the FREEDOM eGEN system advances the field of lithium battery technology in RVs because it reduces run times for internal combustion generator engines and is lighter in weight than other battery systems with equivalent power density Aftermarket Judging Panel OEM CATEGORY WINNER AFTERMARKET CATEGORY WINNER Truma Corp VarioHeat Nearly a unanimous pick for the top spot the VarioHeat by Truma Corp a luxury furnace perfect for smaller RVs travel trailers and truck campers will revolutionize the process of heating recreation vehicles with amazing efficiency one judge said A change was long overdue with very little improvement in furnaces in the last 20 years he added With silent operation and intelligent fan control the VarioHeat is equipped with a three stage burner system and special night mode The lightweight furnace offers flexible installation with multiple configurations and minimal sidewall penetration When combined with the Truma AquaGo company officials noted the VarioHeat creates a world class hybrid system for heating and on demand hot water Digital integration of a central control panel ensures minimal variation in room temperature and can also incorporate the Truma AquaGo Truma has terrific products and this one will fill a definite need for manufacturers or users who want to upgrade from the same old noisy inefficient furnace thats been used for decades noted another judge While judges in the OEM category will remain anonymous each is a high ranking manager from a crosssection of manufacturers the panelists in the Aftermarket category are familiar names to the RV industry They include in alphabetical order Bill Gehr After owning and operating Bills RV Service in Ventura Calif for 34 years Bill Gehr and his wife Jenn are now living the fulltime RV lifestyle Gehr is a Master RV Technician and has starred in the DVD series The ABCs of RVs and RV Today on RFDTV In addition Gehr is a contributor to and technical advisor for Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines and also shares his knowledge with fellow RVers each month in his Ask RV Bill Q A column for Thousand Trails Trailblazer Magazine Jeff Johnston In 2016 Jeff Johnston was honored with the RVIA Award for Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism for his 30 year career as technical editor and contributing journalist at enthusiast magazines including Trailer Life and MotorHome and most recently as a producer and contributor for Rollin on TV where he is frequently seen reviewing RVs parts and accessories on the nationally televised program Bob Livingston A 45 year veteran of RV publications and 2014 inductee into the RV MH Hall of Fame Bob Livingston is now consulting in the industry after retiring as Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines A prolific author of RV technical articles and books including the Trailer Life RV Repair Maintenance Manual Livingston also created and produced the popular RV cable television show RVToday and played a major role in the creation of the Great American RV Rally He has served on the National Fire Protection Association technical committee on RVs and the RVIA Standards Committee Mark Polk Since founding RV Education 101 in 1999 Mark Polk has produced more than 400 educational online videos and DVDs and written 15 E books three paperback books and more than 1500 articles to help RV consumers learn how to use maintain and repair their RVs A U S Army veteran who worked as a vehicle maintenance technician Polk also worked for many years at a local RV dealership as a service technician and following his military service as the sales and F I manager RVB M A R C H A P R I L 2 0 1 9 RVBusiness 37