RV University this Week
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From the Industry Leader in RV Education:
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #50 – January 25, 2010
“Travel by RV beats travel by automobile, train, and plane… period!”
~ Mark Polk
BY MARK
Hi Everybody,
January is usually a month for planning what we want to accomplish the rest of the year. What projects need to be completed, what trips need to be scheduled and what goals we would like to reach in 2010. It seems as though I blinked my eyes and January is nearly over. We have lots of projects, lots of trips and many goals, but little planning.
In addition to time passing quickly other important matters come up, like the Super Bowl. I told Dawn that she really can’t expect me to concentrate on work when the Super Bowl is only two weeks away. Even with the Steelers out of contention I can’t just not concentrate on the Super Bowl.
My predictions for the AFC and NFC champions were the Colts and the Vikings respectively. Although I was glad to see the Saints finally make it to the Super Bowl, I don’t think they can win it against the Colts.
I told Dawn it’s only for two more weeks and then it’s over. I can get back to work and get some things done in 2010. Oh boy, I forgot, the Winter Olympics start in February!
Until next week, Happy Camping
Mark
Who is that driving the motorhome?
Over the weekend we started planning for an RV trip we are taking later this summer. It’s about 6,000 miles roundtrip. We are on somewhat of a timeline and I wanted an idea on average of how many miles we would travel each day, based on our schedule……. Read the article
BY Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Quick Tip #1:
Radiator & Heater Hoses:
Coolant hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Inspect all hoses for wear, cracks, soft spots, brittle areas and leaks. Inspect any hose clamps for secure mounting. Replace any damaged hoses or clamps as required. Inspect the face of the radiator for bugs, dirt and debris. Clean radiator fins in accordance with the owner’s manual instructions.
Mark’s RV Quick Tip #2:
Spotters:
The most important help you can have when backing a trailer is a spotter. They can watch what is happening behind you, in your blind spots and let you know what corrections need to be made. When you have a spotter you both need to agree on a set of rules. What I mean by this is where will the spotter be located, how will you communicate with each other, and who is telling whom what to do.
Rule number one is: when you use a spotter, whatever happens, it is the spotter’s responsibility. They are your eyes and the driver should do exactly what the spotter tells them to do.
Rule number two is: use only one spotter. If you use two spotters I guarantee you they will both be telling you to do something different.
You should develop hand signals that you both understand. How will you start, stop, turn left, turn right and know when to pull forward. (Some people like to use 2 way radios to communicate with each other.) The spotter needs to be in your view at all times. Note: NEVER continue to back a trailer when you cannot see your spotter
Mark’s RV Quick Tip #3:
The trick to backing without mirrors is to back in so the trailer turns towards the left side (drivers side) of the vehicle. This way you can look out the window over your shoulder and see what the trailer is doing. Backing from the right side (passenger side) is the blind side. It is much more difficult and dangerous to back from the right side. It is very easy for children and pets to suddenly be in your blind spot with out you knowing. If you notice almost every campground you stop at is designed to allow you to back into the site from the driver’s side. Using mirrors or not using mirrors is up to you, but whenever possible, my recommendation is that you should always have a spotter to assist you when backing.
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH LEGEND RECALLS
Coachmen recalls some Sportscoach motorhomes to correct a problem with the air brakes…..
Yellowstone hit by swarm of earthquakes
Yellowstone National Park has been rattled by more than 250 earthquakes in two days following a period of 11 months of quiet seismic activity in the park……
Fuel Cost Calculator …..
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Q.
I’m thinking of purchasing a Honda CRV to tow behind my motor home. My
motor home has a Class II 3,500 lb rated receiver. Since the CRV weights
approx 3,500 lbs, I’m hoping my current hitch will be satisfactory. Can
you provide me your opinion?
Thank you.
Mark Says:
The 3,500 pound rating is the maximum amount of weight the receiver is
rated to handle. Often times RV manufacturers limit the receivers rating
to 3,500 pounds because of the frame rail extensions added to the frame of
the chassis to build the box on, and for various other reasons even though
the motorhome may have a higher tow rating.
If the weight of the towed vehicle, plus any weight you plan to put in the
towed vehicle, will exceed the receivers maximum rating you should not do
it. If it is at or below the maximum rating it shouldn’t be a problem.
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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
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