RV University This Week 10/04/2010
- Tuesday, October 05 2010 @ 12:47 pm UTC
- Contributed by: RVED101
RV University this Week
Your weekly source for interesting
RV articles, tips, tricks, video clips and advice
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #77 - October 4, 2010
"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival."
~W. Edwards Deming (1900 - 1993)
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
When I attended the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show a couple of weeks ago I felt reassured that the RV industry was bouncing back. Attendance records were up, there was a flurry of activity throughout the show and I saw lots of sold signs posted on the outside of RV's.
Since returning, I keep thinking about how this is a great time to purchase an RV if you are in the market to buy. Manufacturers and dealers alike are motivated to sell product, which translates into great deals for the RV consumer. With less demand for RV's and low interest rates it really is a buyers market.
The key to buying an RV is to be well informed and to do your homework. In an effort to help anybody in the market, who is ready to buy, this week's feature article is titled, 7 Step Process to a Wise RV Buying Decision.
Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Mark Polk
...with Mark Polk
Break-away Switch –
A switch that is wired into the trailers brake system. It is attached from the trailer to the tow vehicle by a cable lanyard. In the event that the trailer and vehicle separate, the cable pulls a pin from the switch and the trailer brakes are activated. The switch must have a 12-volt source to operate.
7 Step Process to a Wise RV Buying Decision Buying an RV is a major purchase decision. We don’t take the decision to buy a house lightly, and buying an RV is no different. You need to do your research and be well informed to make the best buying decision possible. Let’s take a look at my 7 step process to a wise RV buying decision......... Read the article
by Mark Polk
Mark's RV Quick Tip:
Tip 1:
Every time you stop to refuel there are certain precautions you need to take. It’s easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or a truck stop. I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on the console of our motorhome. The door isn’t locked and your spouse is taking advantage of the time to walk the dogs. This is how quick it can happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors whenever you or someone else is not physically in the RV.
Tip 2:
Before you leave on a trip make sure your Emergency Roadside Service Plan is current. If you breakdown on the road try to pull off in as safe a place as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives.
...with Mark Polk
Q. We could really use your help/advice. We found a used RV that looks to be in good condition and the asking price seems fair. What do I need to consider when buying a used RV?
Mark Says:
If you decide to purchase a used RV make sure that all of the systems and appliances operate properly. Replacing an RV appliance, or repairing a major system in the RV can quickly even out the great price you paid for the RV in the first place.
Inspect the RV for any hidden damage that can't easily be seen. Damage caused by water leaks can be hard to detect and extremely costly to repair. If you are not knowledgeable about RV’s you should take someone with you who is, to inspect the unit you are considering purchasing. If it's a motorized RV be sure to thoroughly inspect the automotive portion as well.
If you are buying from a dealer they should give you a walk through orientation of the RV and demonstrate that everything is operating properly. If you are buying from a private owner you may want to hire somebody (like a mobile RV technician) to thoroughly inspect the unit for you, before you buy it. This could be money well spent!
In either case I recommend you purchase an RV training video on the type of RV you are considering buying and view it prior to using the RV. You will have a much better understanding of how everything works and you can watch it and often as you need, until you are comfortable using the RV.
Backers say Pennsylvania's parks need more volunteers
Pennsylvania's state parks have earned national accolades but need more volunteers to keep them running as the state cuts spending, supporters say.......
South Daytona gets 1st RV park
SOUTH DAYTONA -- This city is about to get its first park for recreational vehicles and RV fans are about to gain one more site where they can park for the night or the month. .......
Why Camp & RV? ** Now on iPad
If you've gone camping, you've probably used a lot of books and websites, maybe some info on GPS units. And you've probably been frustrated. The goal of this app is to be the best camping app made for the iPhone. It is made by a full time travel website where lodging is a focus. It is not made by just a full time app developer company that is looking for a way to make a quick buck. If you've bought other camping apps, you may have noticed that most have come and gone, to never be updated again or even work right at all. The only way to do it well is with a passion. So yeah, there will be glitches or mistakes once in a while. The scope and ambition of the info provided is large. But any issues will be corrected, usually as fast as the app review process will allow it. ...
RVs' Return May Indicate Consumer Recovery
Following a sales plunge in 2008 and 2009, recreational vehicle manufacturers are finding some traction this year with cheaper, greener models. Towables outpace motor homes .......
Check out this week's poll: "Did you attend any RV shows prior to purchasing your RV?"
did the RV show have an impact on your buying decision?
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top
...with Mark Polk
Axle Ratio –
The number of times the drive shaft must turn to turn the axle one time. If you have a 3.73:1 axle ratio, the drive shaft turns 3.73 times for each full turn of the axle. The higher the numeric value of the axle ratio, the better the vehicle will tow; and the higher the numeric value the more gas you will use.
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RV Links:
Own a motorhome?
Membership in FMCA brings with it a wealth of benefits and services
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Benefit highlights
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Share your thoughts & experiences with other RVers and Campers
16 RV Single DVD Titles in our Library
An Introduction to RV'sDrive Your Motorhome Like a Pro
RV Awning Use, Care and Accessories
RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
Pop Up 101
Travel Trailer 101
Class A Motor Home 101
Class C Rental / Owner
Winterizing & Storing your RV
EZ RV Add Ons and Must Have RV Products
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
Motorhome Towing
RV Campground Basics
Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items
Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance for RV's and Boats
RV Care and Maintenance
Money Saving DVD Sets Available
Travel Trailer / 5th Wheel Training DVD Sets
Class A Training DVD Sets
Class C Training DVD Sets
14 RV Instant Download E-Book Titles in our Library
The Original Checklists for RVersWinterizing and Storing your RV
THE RV BOOK now available as an ebook
The Three Primary Systems of an RV
Insider's Guide to Buying an RV
RV Buyers Survival Guide
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
A Collection of RV Tips
Pop-Up Basics 101
Dinghy Towing
Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
RV Awning Use and Care
RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
RV Care and Maintenance
RV Campground Basics
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About us:
Our goal with RV University This Week is to provide you with helpful information to make all of your RV experiences more enjoyable. I left my position as an RV Sales and F&I manager in 2000 to start my own company, RV Education 101. We produce educational videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. The reason I left my job was due to my concern about the lack of educational and safety awareness material available to the RV consumer, in other words, you. We are a small company. My wife Dawn left her position in RV sales to help start the company and is our Sales and Marketing Director. We currently have a 35-foot Class A motor home. We have two boys, Tyler 13 and Josh 19, both avid RVers and two dogs, Gracie and Buck. Gracie is the good one. If you would like to learn more about us and RV Education 101 feel free to visit http://www.rveducation101.com
RV University This Week © Copyright 2010 Mark J. Polk, except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective owners. All contents provided as is. Advertisers are solely responsible for ad content.
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Happy Camping,
Mark & Dawn
RV Education 101
150 Bay Ridge Rd
Harrells, NC
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