RV University This Week 12/06/2010
- Monday, December 06 2010 @ 07:21 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 #83 - December 06, 2010
"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm."
~Willa Cather
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
As many of you already know I am a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Growing up I watched the Steelers win four Super Bowl titles in a six year span, and two more since that famous era. As I was preparing to attend the upcoming 48th annual National RV Trade Show I received an invitation to attend an unveiling at the Evergreen RV display. I knew that Terry Bradshaw (four time super bowl winner and hall of fame quarterback) was a spokesperson for Evergreen RV, and the invitation stated that he would be there for the product unveiling.
Needless to say I made it a point to be there, and although I was curious to see the new Evergreen travel trailer I also wanted to get Terry's autograph for my boys who are big fans as well. It was hectic, but I did manage to get the autograph and was fortunate to have my picture taken with him as well.
As for the Evergreen travel trailer unveiling it was a very well designed light-weight unit built exclusively from composite materials. There was no wood used in the manufacturing process and it was "green certified." To see this new high-tech travel trailer (The Element) and to learn more about what it takes for an RV manufacturer to be "green certified" be sure and read this week's feature article.
There was lots to see and talk about at the show. I will be posting information on what I considered to be new and interesting at the show on our Facebook page , so keep checking back.
Several months ago we filmed a new DVD titled "Tow your 5th Wheel Trailer Like a Pro". In October I announced that it would be available soon. We had some issues with our replication company concerning new technology for mastering the DVD. Long story short the new title arrived a couple of days ago. In an effort to apologize to those of you who pre-ordered the DVD and just in time for a great Christmas gift we are offering the DVD for $19.95. This is a limited time offer so get it at the sale price while you can.
Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Mark Polk
**REMINDER! Don't forget to watch my RV Savvy segments on RVTV! I spent time with RVTV's Producer Rob Engeman at the Louisville show and the crew filmed some great stuff to show you in the upcoming episodes!
GREAT RV CHRISTMAS GIFTS or Stocking Stuffers!!!
Our DVDs are on sale for the Christmas holiday season thru 20 December.
NOTE: Make sure you order by 15 December if you want it in time for Christmas!!!! These DVD sets make a great stocking stuffer for your favorite RVer.....So hurry now for some great RV Education at a great price!
We are also offering a 10% discount on our online programs through 25 December.
What is a “Green Certified” RV? I just returned from the 48th annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. There was a good representation of exhibitors and manufacturers at the show and attendance was up from last year’s scaled down show. All good signs that the RV industry is on the rebound. ............ Read the article
by Mark Polk
Mark's RV Quick Tip:
Test the RV LP gas system for leaks by using an approved LP gas leak detector solution. With the main gas supply on swab all LP gas fittings and connections with a non-corrosive bubble solution, available at your local RV dealership. If bubbles are noticeable at any fittings or connections turn the main gas supply off and have the leak repaired by an authorized service center. If you attempt to tighten the fitting yourself always use a back up wrench to avoid damage to the threads, fittings or other components. Recheck for leaks after tightening any fittings.
Caution: Never check for LP gas leaks using an open flame. If you don’t feel comfortable working around LP gas, have these checks performed by an authorized RV service center.
Note:You should take your RV to a qualified RV service center annually to have the LP gas system checked. RV technicians have the equipment required to test the LP gas system for leaks and to test and adjust the LP gas operating pressure so the appliances will operate properly.
...with Mark Polk
Q.
I have a question about batteries. There are four 6 volt house batteries and two 12 volt maintenance free chassis batteries. I keep them properly filled with distilled water and maintain their charge. I also make sure all corrosion is cleaned from the connectors and around the mounts. These batteries are at least six years old and I noticed the last time I serviced the batteries, there was excessive corrosion (which I cleaned) and it appeared that the batteries are slightly bulging. I did not notice this before. The two chassis batteries appear normal. What is the life expectancy I can expect from my batteries? I do plan on replacing them shortly. Would you recommend maintenance free batteries all around?
Thank you.
Mark Says:
Six years is really good for lead acid batteries. I have heard battery company employees say that if a deep cycle battery lasts 7 years you have gotten a long service life from it.
Bulging is not good. I would seriously consider having them replaced before asking too much more from them in the way of heavy usage.
I prefer batteries that I can service over maintenance free type batteries, but that's just me.
The best batteries available (in my opinion) for RV use are absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. They are more expensive but will out perform and outlast regular lead acid batteries.
DEP Warns Landowners About Illegal Recreational Vehicle Sewage Connections
Recent cases in which recreational vehicles, or RVs, used as residences have connected to sewage systems or holding tanks have prompted the Department of Environmental Protection to warn landowners in the Marcellus Shale region such connections are illegal and dangerous without proper approvals ........
GISP to unveil detailed plans
GALVESTON — Two years after Hurricane Ike wrecked Galveston Island State Park, state officials are set to unveil a plan for the park’s
restoration at a meeting Tuesday.
........
Gulf Coast looks to Midwest retirees for post-spill boom
For all the oil spill claims and cleanup work by BP, retirees from the Midwest may be the best survival bet for some
Gulf Coast resort towns this winter........
Take advantage of area's weather with winter camping
Southern Nevada provides varied opportunities for cool-season camping on public lands surrounding Las Vegas. Located within easy driving distance of the city, developed camping areas near Lake Mead and Mojave, on the Colorado River, in desert wonderlands and high in the mountains beckon the adventurous. Additionally,
primitive camping without developed facilities remains an option in many areas.. ........
RV Links:
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Money Saving DVD Sets Available
Travel Trailer Training DVD Sets
5th Wheel Training DVD Sets
Class A Training DVD Sets
Class C Training DVD Sets
17 RV Single DVD Titles in our Library
An Introduction to RV'sDrive Your Motorhome Like a Pro
Tow your 5th Wheel Trailer 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
15 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
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