RV Education 101 April 2008 Newsletter

EDITORIAL BY MARK

Hi everybody Welcome to our 50th RV Education 101 newsletter,
Last month we introduced a new RV poll on our RVUniversity.com site with this question; Will a recession in the economy change your plans for using your RV this year? 64% of the respondents answered "No" while 36% answered "Yes". I was part of the 64% group. I can honestly say a recession will not change our plans for using the RV, but I will say that we have looked at taking more trips closer to home this year with the higher gas prices. We are heading out on a 200 mile round trip to the beach next week, our first RV trip of the season.

This months RV poll question is: Do you conduct a spring check up on your RV before the taking your first RV trip of the season? Hopefully the answer is yes. Be sure to head over to RVUniversity.com and participate in the poll. For those of you who want to make some spring checks on the RV, but aren't really sure what to look for I am including a checklist from my "Checklists for RVers" E-book in the feature article this month.

We were so busy last year that we couldn't provide any RV Savvy segments for season 4 of the RVTV program on the Outdoor channel, but the RVTV crew was just here a couple of weeks ago and we filmed several RV Savvy segments for season 5.

Last but not least we have been working on a DVD project that we get lots of requests for, titled "Drive your Motorhome like a Pro" RV Education 101 teamed up with Lorrin Walsh, author of the book, Drive your Motorhome Like a Pro, and we will finish filming later this month. The DVD should be available in early to mid June. We'll keep you posted.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter
Until next month Happy Camping!
Mark

RVING WITH MARK POLK ~ Feature Article: Spring Preparation Checklist

After a long winter sleep we finally decide that spring is here for good and it is safe to prep our RV for this year’s camping season. Now that the decision is made we need to figure out what steps to take to prepare the coach and the chassis for camping and traveling. If you’re like me, you want to have some type of logical sequence to follow rather than haphazardly checking the unit out. This is a simple checklist to use so that nothing is overlooked. I prefer to do the majority of spring preparation myself. If you’re more comfortable having someone else do it contact a reputable RV dealer and schedule an appointment to have it done.....

Read the Rest of the Story

NEW Every month we will include a poll on RV related issues. The poll will remain on our RVUniversity.com site until the next poll is posted in the following newsletter.

Last months poll "Will a recession in the economy change your plans for using your RV this year?"
35.79% of you said Yes.....64.21% said no

RVTV Introduces a New RV Forum
The folks at RVTV have added a new forum to their web site and they're inviting all RVers to join in. There are lots of suggested forum topics or you can create your own. You can register for the forum at www.myrvtv.com

RV Friendly Program Needs Your Support — Learn how to submit your comments

Read the latest in US National Park News

RV EDUCATED? Take the Test and see...
Basic RV Safety 101 quiz..Brought to you by RV Education 101

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PLANNING THAT RV TRIP TO ALASKA?

Request a free DVD featuring the Alaska Marine Highway

Request a free copy of North To Alaska This colorful, full-size publication will show you exciting ways to travel to Alaska through Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon on the road trip of a lifetime.

John Holod is an internationally recognized cinematographer who has filmed all over the world and has presented his documentaries to audiences across North America. John will share an adventure of a lifetime by showing you his favorite places and the best routes to save you time and money on your next Alaska adventure. Alaska: RV Adventure of a lifetime DVD

RV travel experts Joe and Vicki Kieva tell you what to expect and how to prepare for an RV trip to Alaska Joe and Vicki Kievas RVing Alaska DVD

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RV SAFETY

RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks Do you have questions concerning RV safety? If so we have the answers. RV Education 101 offers an RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks DVD that covers all aspects of RV safety and more.

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Arm Yourself with Qualified RV Buying Information, Before you Buy Your RV! ....
Q:How much information should I give my salesperson right off the bat?

Mark Says: Don’t be afraid to help the sales person help you. By this point in time you have a basic idea of what type of RV you want. Tell them what your needs are, what you want, your price range and how you plan to use the RV. A knowledgeable sales person can be a real asset, especially if you are new to RVing. They know the products, prices and what is in the inventory, and can be very helpful if they have some idea of what you want. If you prefer to look by yourself, ask for their business card and keep notes so you can ask any questions you have when you talk with the salesperson later.

RV salespeople should be knowledgeable about the products they sell. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the products they offer. How is it constructed? Why should you buy one brand rather than another? What are some of the unique features and benefits of the product? Remember, you are the one taking it home, using it and paying for it, not the salesperson. This is a major investment and you need to know that you are buying the right RV from the right person and the right RV dealership.

Also keep in mind: It is extremely important that you feel comfortable, and trust the sales person. If you don’t feel comfortable ask to speak to some body else.

Insider's Guide to Buying an RV -Printed Book By: Mark Polk
Published by RV Education 101 - 2007..108 pages
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

Insiders Guide to Buying an RV
This version is an INSTANT Electronic E-BOOK

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RV Buyers Survival Guide PRINTED BOOK 3rd EDITION By: Bob Randall
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! The #1 rated guide for RV buyers - Over 10,000 copies sold since 2000. Learn More

RV Buyers Survival Guide
This version is an INSTANT Electronic E-BOOK

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Don't Leave Home without these great products from RV Education 101

Professional Driving Techniques for Beginners to Experienced Drivers
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro A book that will help people become safer, more confident drivers.

Fascinating and Little Known History
The Fifth Wheel Bible The first book dedicated to the subject.

Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance for RV's and Boats A DVD by Mark Polk that is guaranteed to save you money and headaches. Take care of your deep cycle batteries and they will take care of you.

RV Care and Maintenance A DVD for the Do-It-Yourselfer by Mark Polk

How to Buy a Used RV Instant Download E-book By: Les Doll

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 Seminar DVD 6PACK. 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.

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Newsletter Archives:
To read past issues of the RV Education 101 newsletter, go to our newsletter archives

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SEARCHING FOR RV SERVICE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A PROBLEM
by Peggi McDonald, Author of RV Living in the 21st Century
When you are close to home in familiar territory and your RV needs repair usually your dealer or an in-park mobile RV tech service is close at hand. However for problems many miles away from home the scenario can be much different. Don't despair, help is never far away. Ask your park how to contact in-park service. Their hourly rate can be as much as 50% less than a dealer rate. When your unit is no longer under warranty, most problems can be repaired by any knowledgeable RV tech. In-park service is the economical way to go.

Seeking service at a nearby Camping World is another viable solution. If a problem re-surfaces down the road, the next Camping World will make it right. FYI, the appliances they install include a lifetime installation warranty.

All RVers should purchase to an Emergency Road Service policy. When you encounter breakdowns en route you simply call an 800 number and help is on the way. Be sure your policy includes a 'sign and drive' option and unlimited towing distances without restrictions on the number of calls allowed.

About RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
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

Also, get lots of great tips from Peggi's instant download e-book RV Packing Tips, E-book:

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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: "Carbon Monoxide Safety "

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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.....

Pet E.R. Guide -Printed Book By: Melinda Lord
Published by Trailer Life Books-
Do you travel with pets? If so this book is a MUST have. RV Education 101 Endorses this directory of 24-Hour and After-Hour veterinary facilities in the United States. It was written by a good friend of ours. Mark and Dawn Polk HIGHLY recommend this Guide. Learn More

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THE RV INSURANCE CORNER: Learning About RV Insurance
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.

Brought to you by Explorer Insurance Agency

Bodily Injury

Bodily Injury is third party coverage. This means it provides protection for claims due to injuries to a passenger in your vehicle (other than you or a family member) or passengers in another vehicle, or pedestrians. It provides you, the owner/operator of a motor vehicle, with protection for your legal liability due to the ownership, maintenance or use of your RV. It is very important to select a limit that is high enough to protect your assets. You may be responsible for any amounts, related to injuries received to the third party, over and above the limit on your insurance policy. You can also purchase a separate umbrella policy that sits over all of your liability limits on your cars, your house and your motorized RV. This type of policy is not discussed in detail here, but provides protection above your Bodily Injury limit and up to the limit of the umbrella.

Your RV insurance can and should fit your RV. To get a free RV insurance quote with absolutely no obligation from Explorer RV Insurance Agency, Inc. call 1-888-774-6778. http://www.explorerrv.com

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Coach Care RV Service Centers

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RVers (and Wannabes) enjoy the most exciting social community online - FREE!

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. 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.com

Start your half-price discount camping privileges today Not already a member? Join 1/2 price camping today!

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LEARN RV"S THE EASY WAY BY DVD AND SAVE MEGA MONEY
with these 10 DVD Value Sets!

Travel Trailer / 5th Wheel 10 DVD Bargain Set A $244.50 Value, for $155.00

Class A 10 DVD Bargain Set A $244.50 Value, for $155.00

Class C 10 DVD Bargain Set A $244.50 Value, for $155.00

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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. I am trying to gather important safety information for our trailer club and I hope you can help us. Basically, here is the theory: A travel trailer may appear to be safely loaded because the total weight on the axles is within factory specs. But, because the travel trailer has one or two slide-outs on one side, that side of the trailer is carrying, say, 500 to 1,000 more pounds that the other (lighter) side. And that could mean that the tires on the slide-out side are over-loaded and prone to a blow out. Now, I know that all a person has to do is weigh the trailer at each tire position and then check that weight against the carrying capacity of that tire. But what I need from you is the motivation for club members to do that. Have you read, or have you any experience, or even a feeling, that there are lots of trailers out there with over-loaded tires because of such bad weight distribution left to right?

Q.2. We like to go camping in early spring and late fall and are wondering if there is a list of trailers, fifth wheels, and or motor homes that are best suited to cold weather and also being exposed to road salt as we live in Wisconsin and often encounter salted roads in early spring and late fall. We currently have a travel trailer without insulated heated tanks but have been told even the ones with the insulated heated tanks are only good down to about 15 degrees F.

Q.3. I have a 1992 Toyota pickup V-6 with a manual transmission and a manual transfer case with a neutral. I want to know if I can tow this pickup behind my 2006 Itasca Spirit 29' motor home on a Ford chassis (E-450, V-10). If I put the transmission in neutral and the transfer case in neutral can I tow it? Also if I can tow it what do you do about the locking steering?

Click Here to Read Mark's Answers to RV Q&A by Mark

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RV NEWS BITS WORTH READING!

Manufacturers Issue Recalls If you own a motorhome check this list of some recent motorhome and chassis recalls

Frying potatoes blamed for RV blaze Lesson #1 in cooking, don't use water to put out a grease fire!

Drug-toting RV crisscrosses country... If you owned a $500,000 motorhome how would you plan to use it? Check out this RV owners plans for using his half-million dollar rig. Be sure and check out the pictures too.

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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, 2008 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

www.rveducation101.com

RV Education 101
3969 Stedman Cedar Creek Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
910-484-7615

Copyright 2008 by RV Education 101