RV University This Week 03/07/2011
- Monday, March 07 2011 @ 12:15 pm UTC
- Contributed by: RVED101
RV University this Week
Your weekly source for interesting
RV articles, tips, tricks, video clips and advice
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #93 - March 07, 2011
“The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand."
~Frank Herbert
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
For some people the weather is improving every day and we have our sights set on an early spring RV trip. For others winter still has a firm grasp and just won't let go. My mother and nephew live in North Central Pa., and just yesterday had a flood scare along with cold temperatures, snow and ice. I have been through my share of floods over the years and to say the very least was extremely happy to see the water levels descend from flood stage overnight.
Eventually the weather will improve for everybody and we can all get back to the fun business of RVing.
Today we released episode # 3 of "Mark's RV Garage". We post it on our RV Videos on Demand site and also on You Tube for your preference in viewing. In this episode we get busy with the demolition of our vintage trailer project and we cover lots of other good RV stuff too, so don't miss it. If you haven't viewed episodes one and two they are posted towards the bottom of this newsletter for easy retrieval and viewing.
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!
Mark's RV Garage Episode #3:
Also available for viewing on our RV Videos On Demand Site
Check out this week's poll: "
Will rising gas prices change your current plans for an RV trip in 2011?"
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top
Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly
Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.......
RVing with Mark Polk - RV Tire Tips for Safer RV Trips
It seems as though I talk about tire safety all of the time. The reason I do is because tires are an important safety topic concerning RVers that are often times overlooked.........
Parks Closure List Raises Questions
Lawmakers Seek Answers On How To Avoid Closures -
Two California lawmakers are seeking answers concerning a list of state park closures that has yet to be released............
Camping and casting at Idaho’s favorite destinations
Camping season is fast approaching, so mark your map with these scenic and fishy spots....
Increased seat-belt use underway
State law requires that all passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt. All children under the age of sixteen (16) must wear a seatbelt while in the back seat. Children from birth to age eight (8) are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system, and for those children riding in recreation vehicles, motor homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.....
by Mark Polk
Water Leaks:
Road vibration, twisting and flexing, improper winterizing procedures and high water pressure at campgrounds can all contribute to water leaks. Every spring when you take the RV out of storage you need to check the water system for leaks. Start by adding water to the fresh water holding tank. With all of the faucets and drains completely closed turn the 12-volt water pump on and allow it to pressurize the system until the pump shuts off. If the water pump cycles on and off when the system is pressurized, even for a short period of time, there is a leak somewhere in the water system. Water leaks are normally found around threaded fittings. Sink and shower water connections should only be hand tightened, do not over tighten or use wrenches. Some RV water line connections are made with special connecting clamps. Note: When repairing these areas it may be possible to replace special clamps with regular type hose clamps. Attempt to locate any leaks and repair them, or take it to an authorized RV service center to be repaired. Check all repairs for leaks
...with Mark Polk
Q.
Hi there Mark, I am planning an RV trip and I'll have to deal with several 10% grades, I have never taken my travel trailer on any grade like that before, should I look for another route or is 10% not bad?
Thanks
Mark Says:
If another route is available that won't put you too far off course that is a consideration. Steep down grades and travel trailers are not a good mix, but it can be dealt with if necessary.
Brakes, speed and trailer sway are all concerns when towing down steep grades. To avoid trouble there are a few things to keep in mind.
When you start your descent always take the vehicle out of overdrive and put the transmission in a lower gear. The key here is, if you want to go down the grade at 35 mph and you need to keep pressing the brake pedal to maintain 35 the gear you are in is too high. If this happens go to the next lower gear.
Try not to overuse the tow vehicle brakes. If they overheat they can begin to fade and if used way too much they won't work when you need them. Use the vehicle engine and transmission gear selection to help control your speed and between using the brake pedal use the manual over ride on the brake control to help maintain speed during your descent. Just give it short pulses using the trailer brakes to help maintain your speed.
Try to avoid letting the trailer push the truck by controlling your speed down the grade. Sway is always a concern going down a grade too fast. If you are going too fast and attempt to slow down the trailer can start to sway making it difficult to control.
Go slow, and don't worry about other drivers. They will pass you if you are going slow. Use the truck lane on steep grades, control your speed and don't overuse the tow vehicle brakes.
Lastly, make sure the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating properly before leaving on your trip.
RV Education Crossword Puzzle
This play and learn crossword puzzle is "Fuel Economy".
Have fun, play and learn.
Let RV Education 101 help you save money in 2011
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Whether you are brand new to the RV experience or a veteran of the traveled road, learn step-by-step, all the facets of RVing - from the obvious to the “I never realized that”... Go HERE to find out....
Episode #1 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #2 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #3 of "Mark's RV Garage"
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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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The Original Checklists for RVersWinterizing 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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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 you would like to learn more about us and RV Education 101 feel free to visit http://www.rveducation101.com
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RV Education 101
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