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RV Education 101 December 2008 Newsletter

  • Wednesday, December 03 2008 @ 08:33 am UTC
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RV News and Stories

The RV Education 101® Newsletter
Learning RV's the Easy Way by Video

Volume 55 - December 2008


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Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
proudly sponsor and are happy to endorse
RV Education 101, the leaders in the RV education arena.


Explorer RV Insurance Agency also
Proudly Endorses & Sponsors RV Education 101


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UNLIMITED Plays for a low $19.95



QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - John Powell

The perfect solution to help educate the RV consumer:
RV Seminar DVD 6PACK
Thanks for the help! My husband is active duty and will be deploying in a couple of months. We recently purchased a brand new 5th wheel for our son and I to live in for the year that he will be gone. While we are very excited about our new adventure, we are novices and are thirsty for any and all information about rving.

Thanks so much for all the information. Your videos are precise, to the point and are a pleasure to watch. All too often, there are folks who simply enjoy hearing themselves talk and don't get to the point (any educational video) quickly. I've watched several of your videos and all of them are informative and direct.....Rick and Leigh - Fort Drum, NY


EDITORIAL BY MARK

Hi everybody,
There is no doubt that 2008 was a slow year for the RV industry, and for most other industries as well. Gas prices earlier this year, the collapse of the banking industry, unemployment rates, the recession and tighter lending criteria have all affected the industry and our economy as a whole. We can't let this get us down. Things WILL rebound! Stay focused and remain posititve.

From a small business owners aspect when times get tough you need to try to come up with a plan to help weather the storm. As a result of the slowdown in business, and in our quest to continue promoting education, we have decided to run a product promotion that will benefit everybody involved.

We are taking one of the most popular DVD titles in our library (previously only available to RV Dealers), and giving it away free. The name of the DVD is "The RV Orientation." The RV Orientation is 54 minutes long and it’s packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. We even added a bonus chapter on RV safety features and some bloopers to make it more entertaining. It applies to all types of RV's, with the only exception being a pop-up.

Our thought behind this free product offer is that it will benefit you, the RV consumer, especially right now during the holiday season, and it will benefit us by showcasing our information packed products which will in turn get our name out to more RVers and let them know about our other educational DVDs and books.

For the Christmas holiday season we are offering two separate promotions for the RV Orientation DVD available for a limited time.
1) Get the RV Orientation DVD by itself, a $24.95 value for free plus $5.95 for S/H.
2) Get the RV Orientation DVD free with the purchase of our RV 6PACK DVD set. The RV 6 Pack includes, RV Campground Basics, RV Care & Maintenance, EZ RV Upgrades, RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks, Deep Cycle Batteries and RV Awning Use, Care & Accessories. The RV 6 Pack Set is a great Christmas gift idea for any RVer.

Have a great holiday season & happy camping,
Mark


RVING WITH MARK POLK ~ Feature Article: Carbon Monoxide Safety

I know I have written about this topic before, but I feel that it is extremely important that everybody understands the danger surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning.....

Read the Rest of the Story


Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance for RV's and Boats Cold weather can contribute to more battery problems. Don't let your deep cycle RV batteries die before they should. Check out our Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance DVD, On Sale NOW for only $19.95 while supplies last.


Free RV DVD Offer

The name of this free DVD is The RV Orientation. The RV Orientation is 54 minutes long and it’s packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. We even added a bonus chapter on RV safety features and some bloopers to make it more entertaining.This DVD retails for 24.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling, but it’s yours for FREE. Only for a limited time.

ORDER your FREE RV DVD NOW!







RV NEWS BITS WORTH READING!

FEMA spends $28M storing trailers and mobile homes ...

RVIA and RVDA Urge Feds to Free Financing for RV Loans...

The RIGHT Places: RV and Camping Life in Texas ...


**RV Education 101 E-book! Library, Economical Instant RV Knowledge

The following electronic files will be available for you to downloaded immediately after purchase and are delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.You can read it on your computer or print it for reading later. You can also save this instant download to a memory stick or disc and take it to Staples, Office Max or Kinkos to have it printed and/or spiral bound. .*It is a copyright violation to share these files with anyone other than the purchaser.

RV Checklists, the Original, is our NUMBER 1 SELLER!
Insider's Guide to Buying an RV
RV Buyers Survival Guide
Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
RV Awning Use and Care
RV Campground Basics!
RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
The Three Primary Systems of an RV
Dinghy Towing
Trailer Towing: What to Know Before You Tow
Pop-Up Basics 101
RV Care and Maintenance
A Collection of RV Tips


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

Park Trailer Insurance (also called Park Models)
Park Trailers are becoming an increasing popular form of recreational trailer. Park Trailers are welcome in RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts across the country. Models are frequently diverse and creative in their design. Park Models are most often insured as stationary trailers on recreational vehicle policies.

Explorer RV Insurance Agency offers multiple insurance options for Park Trailers that are 400 square feet or less in size. Explorer staff members are knowledgeable about these unique units and how to insure them. We have even worked with insurance companies in the creation of their guidelines for Park Trailers.

Explorer is also a proud member of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA), which is an excellent association that helps promote the Park Trailer industry. An additional function of the RPTIA is that it oversees quality programs to which manufacturers of Park Trailers strive to adhere.

Explorer supports RPTIA in its mission. Explorer was the first insurance agency to join RPTIA and is now the insurance agency with the longest active membership.

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

"The RV Book"
By: Mark Polk
is available at:
Camping World
and Wal-Mart in the RV/Auto section
or buy online here.....



Cleaning RV screens and blinds.
by Peggi McDonald, Author of RV Living in the 21st Century

Staying on top of dust is a constant challenge. We clean slat-style blinds and window/door/vent screens by dampening an anti-static disposable dusting cloth or glove with Fantastic cleaner or Mr Clean, etc. Changing cloths frequently ensures there is no transfer of dirt from one area to another. Always test in a small area before using any type of cleaner. Since we do not have day/night blinds in our motorhome I asked Mary Findley of goclean.com for advice. These blinds are best cleaned with a dry sponge available on her website and also from Bed Bath and Beyond. Use it dry and wipe over the blinds. These sponges are machine washable with towels, but air-dry them. They also work great for cloth ceilings, lampshades and fabric furniture as well. To remove a stain, take a damp Q-Tip and dab it in a bit of liquid dish soap. Dampen the stain and let it set 20 minutes. Then gently blot with a barely damp cloth. NOTE: One of my tricks to hide a stubborn ceiling stain is to cover it with a dab of white liquid shoe polish

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


IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro DVD
Now you don't have to drive across the country in search of a driving school to learn driving skills. Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro DVD is your complete video guide to professional driving techniques for beginners to experienced drivers. It takes commercial driving training techniques and converts them to layman's terms, and it explains basic rules so you can apply them to any vehicle you might drive. It will save you a lot of money and frustration!

Want the Book AND the DVD as a SET? You will really learn how to Drive like a Pro!


Arm Yourself with Qualified RV Buying Information, Before you Buy Your RV! ....
Q: What is a Hybrid Trailer?

Mark Says: A version of the travel trailer is called a Hybrid Travel Trailer. The concept is a small, light weight trailer with pull-out or drop-down bed ends similar to a pop-up. These hard-sided trailers can be easily towed with today’s smaller SUV’s and provide much more space inside when they are set-up, without having to raise and lower the roof. Hybrids are equipped with most of the same amenities found in conventional travel trailers. Hybrid trailers can sleep up to six people and prices range from $8,000 to over $25,000.

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

RV Manufacturers List Approximately 140 manufacturers across the nation produce motorhomes, conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, truck campers, sport utility RVs, expandable travel trailers, and folding camping trailers.

RV Buying Preference Worksheet This worksheet can simplify the RV buying process for you by helping to define the RV that fits your individual needs perfectly.

RV NADA Guide

RV Loan Calculator Before you get to the buying part, it's always a good idea to see what your qualified for. We recommend you contact your bank or credit union and obtain from them the rate they charge for new or pre-owned units, the maximum term (length of loan) they will carry and amount they will loan you. This way when you are approached to purchase or find the right unit you will be in a position to negotiate rate and term with the dealer for your best buy if you are financing..

RV Buying Frequently Asked Questions Buying a RV can be the worst part of the RV experience If you let it be so. Some RVs can be as costly as the homes we reside in, and the buying process should not be a short-cut verdict any more than any other major financial decision should. The RV ownership experience is a great way to escape the realities which surround us and let us take a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyles of our forefathers, explorations of our great land and the wonders that abound and surround us. Enjoy it!


Subscribe now to RV Education 101 Free Video Tips that are posted on Youtube. You will automatically be sent a notice each time we post a new video. Currently there are 16 free video tips to watch. If you have a website or blog, you can even get the video code to embed whichever free video tip you want, directly on your site. Just click on each video to get the subscribe or embed codes.


MORE RV NEWS BITS WORTH READING!

Tiffin Motorhomes Introduces Economical Diesel Pusher ...

Colorado RV park gives way to gravel pit amid code violations...

Girl dies after being hit by truck in RV park...


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

Last months poll "Do you travel with your refrigerator turned on?"
17.90% said: No.....
82.10% said: Yes

This months poll is "Do you RV in the Winter??"
To participate in the poll look on the left hand column of RV University towards the top


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. Mark I have had some problems with the auxiliary batteries in my motorhome and when I began researching batteries the term equalizing kept coming up, but there was no explanation as to what it means. Can you explain it to me in layman's terms?

Q.2. I check the water levels in my RV battery frequently, but it seems like when I leave our RV plugged into shore power for any time at all the water levels in the cells gets low in a short period of time. Any ideas as to why this happens would be appreciated.

Q.3. I have replaced 2 sets of batteries in my motorhome in less than 4 years. This doesn't seem normal to me, but I don't know what the cause of this problem is. Can you help?

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


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

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

Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items DVD.Our training videos have helped tens of thousands of RVers over the years; but we realized that even though we were showing you how to use your RV we weren't telling you what you would want or need to take with you to make your RV experiences more enjoyable. Length - 10 min. 30 sec.

The Fifth Wheel Bible Book
Learning, buying, towing or camping: If you have an interest in fifth wheel travel trailers, you need this book.

Pop Up 101 DVD
Make your camping experience simple, easy and safe "Currently owners of a 1980's model pop up, we watched the Pop Up 101 DVD as Mark took us step by step through the pop up from making sure you haven't overloaded it which can be dangerous, to backing it in at the campground, and how to hook everything up. He includes do's and dont's that not everyone may realize are important. Mark does not speak over your head, he speaks in everyday, easy to understand language. He speaks slowly, but not too slowly making it easy to follow him and repeats a few things in a variety of ways to help the viewer completely understand. Watching the video, it seems as though he is a neighbor, friend, or family member with RVing experience who has come along with you for your first trip in the pop up. -Jason & Michelle Faust..ecampsite.com

RV Safety Features, Tips and TricksLearn all about LP gas, water & electrical system safety, RV fire safety, carbon monoxide safety, RV emergency escape plans, RV emergency weather planning and more in this easy to understand video format

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


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.

We had to use it on an RV trip in the mountains. Buck our Terrier had a really bad cough and was not able to rest at all. We found a Pet clinic in the directory and had him there within the hour. Buck was diagnosed with Trachial Bronchitis and given antibiotics and cough medicine. The trip was saved and Buck was very grateful! Learn More


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

Have some spare time on your hands? Do a play & learn RV Crossword Puzzle!

Coach Care RV Service Centers


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 18, 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.

To contact us with feedback or questions, email to: info@rveducation101.com

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RV Education 101 Newsletter is an opt-in ezine available by subscription only. We neither use nor endorse the use of spam. Your email address will ONLY be used to distribute this newsletter and will NEVER be sold or given to any other entity!!

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



RV University, a site providing Recreation Vehicle safety, RV maintenance information, RV tips, RV advice and RV instruction for using and maintaining an RV by Mark Polk.
Our best selling "how to" RV walk through orientation videos and e-book titles.
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