RV University This Week 10/03/2011

RV University this Week
Your weekly source for interesting
RV articles, tips, tricks, video clips and advice

From the Industry Leader in RV Education:
RV Education 101® - also known as: RV 101™
U of RV Journal #114 - October 03, 2011

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"The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another."
~Marva Collins

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by Mark Polk

Hi Everybody,

It feels odd not going to the garage nearly everyday, since releasing the season finale of "Mark's RV Garage" last week. We worked on the show for almost seven months, so filming, editing and working on the restoration project was part of our daily routine. Originally our plans were to produce eight episodes (season one), take a short break and produce eight more episodes (season two). When we reached the mid-way point we decided to keep the momentum going and work through to the end, calling the entire series season one.

It does feel good to take a break from the show, but as I mentioned a bit odd breaking our seven-month-old daily routine. Now there is a lot of office work to catch up on, and we need to consider the feasibility of a season two.

One thing I do know for sure is we will be taking the "Old Yellowstone" on it's first camping trip very soon, so we can enjoy all of the hard work that went into the restoration project.

Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Mark Polk

**REMINDER! Like the RV Education 101 Facebook page. We post helpful RV information often and would also appreciate feedback, tips, RV related photos and comments from you!

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Pre-winter RV Checks
As we head toward colder temperatures, I would like to suggest a few preventive maintenance checks to prepare your RV for the fall and winter camping seasons. Please don’t confuse these checks with winterizing your RV or preparing it for winter storage........ Read the article on Pre-winter RV Checks

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Check out this week's poll: "Is purchasing a new or used RV in your plans for 2012?" To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top

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Comments sought for Denali Park fee proposal
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — National Park Service officials say they're looking for public input on proposed entrance-fee changes at Denali National Park and Preserve. Under the proposal, it would cost $10 per person, so if there were four people in a car, the fee would be $40........

Business venture promotes ‘yoga on the go’
Just because you’re on vacation, your fitness regime doesn’t have to suffer. ........

Family asks hunters for help searching for missing seniors
EDMONTON — The family of a missing Alberta couple is once again asking hunters to scour the bush west of Edmonton this fall for any sign of their loved ones.........

Los Padres Recreation Area Reopens to Vehicle Traffic
Goleta - A section of the Los Padres National has reopened to traffic. Los Padres National Forest officials say the remainder of the Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area has been reopened to vehicles. Winter and spring rainstorms caused damage to the roadways and required repairs.........

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RV Savvy Tips by Mark Polk

Charging RV Batteries

13.5 volts has always been the threshold of what I consider acceptable for a continuing float charge for lead acid batteries. 13.6 volts is at the upper limits. (2.25-2.27 per cell) Of course this also depends on ambient temperature. The float charge level should be lowered at ambient temperatures above 85 degrees F. I have seen hundreds of RV batteries ruined in less than 4 years because of older style converter chargers (not 3-stage chargers) overcharging the batteries when the unit is plugged in for periods of time, usually during storage.
Charging a lead acid battery above the acceptable levels creates heat and the battery starts gassing resulting in a loss of water. Even with a 3-stage charger I have always had to water my RV batteries over time.

Heating an RV

To assist you with heating your RV during cold weather camping, and to save a significant amount of LP gas that your RV furnace uses, purchase a portable electric ceramic heater. They work extremely well and many models available on the market come equipped with thermostats.

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...with Mark

Q.1 I have a Fleetwood Niagara popup camper which is in need of being re-caulked around all the exterior items such as the water hookup, refrigerator vents, etc. What type of caulk do you recommend I use? So far in my limited research, I've seen Proflex RV caulk and Sikaflex recommended. Any advice will be appreciated.

Mark Says: Proflex would be a good choice for caulking around all the fixtures on you pop up. Just make sure the areas are clean and dry and remove any loose or damaged caulking prior to using the Proflex.

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Q.2 We are looking to purchase a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Is this a good choice for towing behind our Class A motorhome?

Mark Says: I have always been partial to Jeeps as tow vehicles. Of course you need to look at weights to make sure it is within your motorhome's tow rating and I think the Grand Cherokee needs to be a 4WD version to be towable with all four wheels down.

If you know what year you are considering you can go to Motorhome Magazine and click on the Dinghy Towing tab at the top of the site. Then you can search for the year and model in the towing guide and it will give you all the information. Pay particular attention to any footnotes or towing restrictions listed in the towing guide.

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Money Saving DVD Sets Available

5th Wheel Training DVD Sets
Travel Trailer Training DVD Sets
Class A Training DVD Sets
Class C Training DVD Sets

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17 RV Single DVD Titles in our Library

An Introduction to RV's
Pop Up 101
Travel Trailer 101
Class A Motor Home 101
Class C Rental / Owner
RV Awning Use, Care and Accessories
RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
Winterizing & Storing your RV
EZ RV Add Ons and Must Have RV Products
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro
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

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15 RV Instant Download E-Book Titles in our Library

The Original Checklists for RVers
Winterizing 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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