RV Education 101 Newsletter Jan. 2008
- Monday, January 07 2008 @ 02:55 pm UTC
- Contributed by: RVED101
The RV Education 101 Newsletter
Learning RV's the Easy Way by Video
Volume 47 - January 2008
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CONSUMER FEEDBACK REGARDING RV EDUCATION 101 PRODUCTS
"Hi Dawn:
Just wanted to let you know how happy I was again with your service. I just received confirmation from Mark about my passing the rvuniversity test . And I received the two dvd s that I ordered and I cannot beleive how fast your service is . I have ordered a lot of things off of the internet and have never received such prompt and professional service. You two are the best example of service I have seen in a long time. Loved the dvds. Thanks so much for renewing my faith in humanity . Merry Christmas.
PS..I see you are dog lovers too. ." ....Dave and Gwen Thorpe
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live."
~ Morris Adler
EDITORIAL BY MARK
Hi Everybody,
Ready or not the New Year has arrived. I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas and a good start to 2008.
We closed out 2007 with a five day ski trip to the North Carolina mountains. Dawn's 18 year old nephew Jordan went with us. This was the first time I can remember going on any trip without the RV. We would have used the motorhome but I was a little concerned about the possible road conditions we might encounter on this particular trip. Needless to say mother nature would pose no threat. The elevation was about 5,400 feet and some of the switch backs might have been challenging for the RV but I would have been up for it.
The temperatures were extremely mild and the homemade snow on the ski slopes didn't last throughout the entire trip, but we had a great time. It was the first time the boys went skiing and they both picked it up quickly. They actually went snowboarding while Dawn and I stuck to conventional ski's and beginner slopes. The last time I went skiing was with the military sometime in the 80's. Dawn did better than I did, but we are both still in one piece and are considering doing it again next year! And we enjoyed the cabin we rented, but will definitely try to take the motorhome next year.
We traveled less in the RV in 2007 than in previous years, adding about 3,300 miles to the odometer. Some people asked me if it was because of the higher gas prices, but I contribute it more to not really planning for trips with the RV and getting so caught up in work. We did take some shorter trips and they may have subconsciously been attributed to the cost of fuel, but fuel costs alone did not keep us from traveling in the RV.
I think it's important that you plan your RV trips in advance. When you plan your trips you can save up for the fuel costs and schedule your work around the trip. That is one of my small resolutions for this year, to plan our RV trips better, and in advance, so we can use and enjoy the RV more than we did last year. The more difficult resolution is to lose some excess weight and exercise more in 2008. It was evident during the ski trip that I was lacking some in the physical exercise category.
Now for the big question, what does 2008 have in store for RVers & RVing? Crude oil prices hit $100 a barrel for the first time early this new year. Last year at this time crude oil was about $50 a barrel, meaning it has doubled since this time last year. Experts are predicting a rise in fuel prices at the pumps this year. The question is how much. Early predictions say when demand picks up this spring you can expect to see gas prices hit $3.40 a gallon. The big question remains, will it reach $4.00 a gallon in 2008?
In reality 2007 left us with higher fuel prices, a slumping housing market, a weaker dollar and talk of a recession. On top of all this 2008 is an election year! How our economy rebounds from some of these issues and deals with some of the other issues will have a big impact on the RV Industry. I personally think fuel prices will rise in 2008, but I also think the consumer is more conditioned to accept this too. Higher fuel costs affect everything in our economy and it will affect the RV Industry; but like everything else we will work through it, be more accepting of it, and continue to use and enjoy our RV's. At least that's my plan.
P. S. I know which political party I'll be voting for in November too.
Thanks again to all of you and enjoy the newsletter.
Until next month Happy Camping!
Mark
RVING WITH MARK POLK ~ Feature Article: RV Shows
Each year, around this time, the RV show season starts. RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV’s and to help disseminate RV related information to the consumer. These shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RV’s under one roof, making it the ideal forum to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions...
Arm Yourself with Qualified RV Buying Information, Before you Buy Your RV! ....
Q: Do you need a slide-out or multiple slide-outs for additional living space? If you get slide-outs how is the RV’s interior affected when they are in the stored, travel position?
Mark Says: I would guess that more than 2/3’s of the RV’s built today have one or more slide-outs. They really open up a floor plan and once you see one it is difficult to go back to no slide-outs. Before you buy your RV make sure you and everyone else involved can live in the space it has to offer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with an RV that doesn’t have slide-outs, just make sure it is right for you.
If you get a unit with slide-outs check the floor plan when they are in the travel position. I have seen many floor plans that are not user friendly when the slide-outs are in the travel position. The day will come when you need to use something in the RV and you can’t extend the slide-out. Make sure you can get to the bathroom and things like the microwave or thermostat and other controls. See what is blocked by the slide-outs. Some older and smaller campgrounds or state park facilities cannot accommodate RV with slide-outs on both sides of the RV. It may be necessary to leave one in the travel position.
***To help prepare you for the RV Show season, I have DISCOUNTED my RV Buying books and e-books:
Published by RV Education 101 - 2007..108 pages
Mark Polk is proficient in RV repair and maintenance, and he was the Sales Manager & Finance & Insurance Manager for an RV Dealership for many years, giving him valuable insider information as an expert in the RV buying process. And when you're finally ready to go shopping for the perfect RV, there is one of Mark's valuable RV buyer's checklist included, so nothing is overlooked. You need to slowww down the RV buying process and make some educated, well informed decisions. When you purchase an RV it's easy to overlook something, forget to check something, or most importantly not be properly informed about something. Whatever the case may be, you don't realize it until after you buy it and then it's too late. Owning an RV is meant to be fun. Making the wrong buying decisions can make it miserable rather than fun. If you follow the steps in this RV buying guide you will be on your way to an enjoyable RV ownership experience for years to come. Learn More *******
Published and Edited by RV Education 101 - 2007
Before you take that critical first step in buying any RV, you must read this guide. Written by a "RV Industry Insider", you’ll learn the secrets to making the perfect selection while saving more money than you ever dreamed possible! Anyone about to buy an RV armed with the information in this book stands to save thousands of dollars! Bob Randall was the sales manager for a large RV dealer. He was also the former Director of Sales for one of America’s largest RV manufacturers. In this tell-all book, he reveals how a dealer makes his money, and how low an offer a buyer can make off list price and much more..... Randall offers secret step-by-step instructions that only an RV insider could provide! The #1 rated guide for RV buyers - Over 10,000 copies sold since 2000. Learn More
*************
This version is an INSTANT Electronic E-BOOK
Learn More
******************
This version is an INSTANT Electronic E-BOOK
Learn More
TECHNICAL NEWS FROM CAMPING WORLD
Get the Most from your RV Refrigerator By Mark J. Polk
RV PUBLISHING TEAM FORMS NEW INDUSTRY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Two RV publishing professionals announced today they joined Milo Media Publications to develop a communications group focused on serving the information needs of the RV industry.....
LUXURY RV RESORT LOTS
Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama Bella Terra RV Resort....
RVIA States Some Factors Behind RV Industry Growth:
IRS tax deduction- For the vast majority of RV buyers, the interest on their loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest.
Lifestyle trends continue to spur demand for RVs. In an age of over-scheduled families and busy lives, RV owners overwhelmingly said in recent surveys that their RV makes it easier to take more frequent weekend getaways or mini-vacations. According to a recent survey, 91 percent of RV owners planned three or more short trips (1-4 days) this past summer.
Go RVing ads spur sales.
Seeking to boost the RV sales market, the Go RVing Coalition launched its 2007 ad campaign during Fox’s American Idol broadcasts. The campaign, with the voice of actor Tom Selleck, targets adults age 30-64. Featuring national broadcast and cable television, print, and Internet advertising, Go RVing promotes RV market expansion programs by reaching millions more potential buyers. GoRVing.com
Join RV Scrapbook as a registered member, absolutely FREE, and enjoy tons of fun. Create an online RV travel journal, (RV travelogue), and keep it private - or share it with the world... It's what MySpace is for teens and twenty-somethings... just for the RV community! Imagine it... Creating your own RV camping community online is simple, and our FREE membership gives you an entire world, created by YOU, to enjoy Rving - even when you're at home. For our members' protection and privacy, we do not allow un-registered guests to browse the site. We guarantee you'll love it - and you can cancel any time.....hosted by Happy Camper RV Club.
Come join in on the fun...RV Education 101 did..take a look http://www.rvscrapbook.comStart your half-price discount camping privileges today Not already a member? Join 1/2 price camping today!
Marks RV Video Tip of the Month
Some of our monthly RV Video Tips are designed to provide basic RV information for new RVers and some of the future RV Video Tips will cover more advanced topics. If you have any ideas for future topics you can email me at Mark@rveducation101.com
This months RV video tip is: "RV Buying Tips"
RV EDUCATED? Take the Test and see...
Brought to you by RV Education 101
There are no guarantees that any water is completely safe for us to drink, but if we take certain precautions we can keep our RV water system safe to use. So where do we start? First of all you should always use a white non-toxic drinking hose. Hoses not labeled safe for drinking can contribute to lead and other dangerous chemicals getting in the water. Use the white non-toxic hose for hooking up to the water source and take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses like flushing out holding tanks or washing the RV. When you're not using the drinking hose roll it up and connect the two ends together. This will keep dirt and other debris from getting in the hose. The next time you use the hose, run some water through it before hooking it up to the RV.
1. You basically have two choices on how to filter your RV water system. You can install an inline water filter directly to the water line that you drink from, or you can filter all of the water going into the RV. True or False
2. Water filters can control and remove bacteria, lead and other dangerous contaminants found in drinking water. True or False
...To read the entire article on how to keep your RV water system fresh and to get "answers to these questions"
(Answer towards the bottom of the newsletter)
RV Q & A by Mark Polk
*NOTE: At Mark's discretion, material might be edited to suit a wide audience. Due to the large volume of material and correspondence we receive, individual replies might not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of submitted material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of our RV Education 101 newsletter and on our site. Thank-you for your understanding.
Q.1. For over 6 months I have been trying to get a correct answer to this question, and maybe there is not a correct answer. I have two cars, a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan front wheel drive, auto transmission, and a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am (It can be towed 4-wheels down) . I bought a tow dolly so I can tow either the car or Van. Dodge says not to tow the van on a tow dolly. I called the factory, and their reasoning is because it is so high that the dolly makes the center of gravity higher, not a mechanical problem. The Pontiac is also a auto transmission, front wheel drive car. The steering wheel doesn't lock on either of these car when the key is removed or in place. U-haul in their flyer says the steering wheel must be tied off. Other RVers have said the same for both of these cars. Others say no, you do not have to tie off the steering wheel. Master tow (tow dolly manufacturer) says yes, you do have to tie the wheel off if the steering wheel does NOT lock. Have you any input on this subject?
Q.2. I live in a large 5th wheel full time and I am plugged in at all times. I heard the battery charger kicking in from time to time and the humming of the converter. Do I have to have the converter on all the time? Is it on only to charge the batteries? The manuals are the pits and I am really trying to know all about converters. The more questions I ask from different sources the more answers I get. I read your web site you do explain well. Thank you.
Q.3. We ordered and prepaid for seven new Michelin XPS-RIB tires (six on the ground & one spare) from a large national RV Service Center. The tires were installed, balanced, etc., but the original rubber valve stems were not replaced. When I expressed concern, the center's service manager stated that the original were fine! Every time I walk out to the motorhome, I glance down at the valve stems. Changing the stems out at this time would require a new service schedule (4 - 6 weeks), removal of the new wheel liners, breakdown of the new tires (and possible damage to the tires), balancing, and mounting on motorhome - again. Also, we would need to recheck the wheel lug tightness at 100-150 miles of driving. Mark, based on your experience, What are your thoughts and recommendations?
Click Here to Read Mark's Answers to RV Q&A by MarkLEARN RV"S THE EASY WAY BY DVD AND SAVE MEGA MONEY
with these 10 DVD Value Sets!
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"The RV Book"
By: Mark Polk
is available at:
Camping World
and Wal-Mart in the RV/Auto section
or buy online here.....
by Peggi McDonald, Author of RV Living in the 21st
Century
About RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Also, get lots of great tips from Peggi's instant download e-book RV Packing Tips,
E-book:
Professional Driving Techniques for Beginners to Experienced Drivers
Fascinating and Little Known History
LOCK YOUR DOORS
Always lock RV doors when you're away. It's easy to let
your guard down in a comfortable campground. You only
plan to step out for a short visit or to the clubhouse. You're
certain your new friends would not intrude on your property.
However, there may be a visitor (or a stranger) in the park
who doesn't respect the property of others. And, remember,
the only secure lock on your RV door is the dead bolt. The
lock in the door handle is frequently opened and closed with
a master key — many RV manufacturers use this same lock
in a variety models. My storage compartment lock will open
the locks of most other RV storage doors. Keeping valuables
in these areas is not wise without upgrading the locks.
This book is for the new or experienced RVer. There are
so many tips from “how to” subjects as well as practical advice on "what to do"
when you have medical problems on the road, and how to choose an emergency
roadside service. The security tips for your house while you are away and health
& safety tips are just a couple of subjects out of many that are invaluable
and give you peace of mind! There is so much information we couldn't possibly
list it all. RV Education 101 highly recommends this book: RV
Living in the 21st Century
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro A book that will help people become safer, more confident drivers.
The Fifth Wheel Bible
The first book dedicated to the subject.
Learn to make the right choice when buying an RV in a 50-minute DVD from RV Travel and the Better Business Bureau: Buying a Recreational Vehicle DVD
THE RV INSURANCE CORNER: Learning About RV Insurance Through Stories and Examples
RV Education 101 feels that prevention is the best protection. We would like to help educate you about insurance claims and bring awareness regarding subjects that you may never have considered.
Emergency Vacation Expense coverage is unique for specialty RV policies. This provides coverage to pay for temporary living expenses if your RV is inoperable due to a covered loss and you are more than 50 miles from your home. Coach Care RV Service Centers ANSWER to RV Educated Quiz: 1. True 2. True Brought to you by Explorer Insurance Agency
. Live seminar presentations can't always offer numerous and sometimes cumbersome visual aids to effectively get the point across. That was the thought behind our new RV video seminar series. Seminars in video format allow Mark to present valuable information, using detailed graphics. It is the perfect solution to help educate the RV consumer.
General and Unsubscribe Info
About us:
Our goal with this monthly newsletter 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 11 and Josh 17, 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 our website> www.rveducation101.com
RV Education 101 Newsletter © Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 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
3969 Stedman Cedar Creek Road
Fayetteville, NC
28312
910-484-7615
