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RV University This Week 05/30/2011

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RV University this Week
Your weekly source for interesting
RV articles, tips, tricks, video clips and advice

From the Industry Leader in RV Education:
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #101 - May 30, 2011

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by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

Happy Memorial day!

As we enjoy this Memorial Day weekend in the RV we want to stop, reflect and remember all of those who sacrificed their lives for this great country. Without this ultimate sacrifice, we would not be able to enjoy the freedom that we all take for granted each and every day.

We are releasing the latest episode of Mark's RV Garage, so this will be a condensed version of our weekly newsletter.

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!


See Highlights of Episode 9 Below:
RV Product Spotlight: Install a window awning in six easy steps. It’s really not that difficult and if you’re a "Do It Yourselfer" it can be a fun RV project to tackle. Window awnings are available at Camping World. To learn more about RV awning use, care and maintenance check out our Awning DVD.
Marks RV Mailbox:
Q: Let me get right to the subject: Field Mice. They LOVE my motorhome. I have tried Bounce distributed liberally about the interior, cotton soaked with peppermint oil (interior and basement), electronic sonic noise makers, and "Shake Away" inside and out. I have also used traps with peanut butter and cheese (haven't used them for a year), and rodent poison provided by my Terminix technician (currently in use). I realize that the traps and poison are attractors while the rest are supposed to be repellers and wonder if they are working against each other. So far (knock on wood) no water lines or electric insulation have been on the mouse menu. I do leave several old soft rags in the basement storage which they seem to be happy with. But I am out of airspeed and ideas and would welcome any advice or counsel you could provide. PS I really don’t want to get a cat. Mark says: Well Pete that’s good question and one that I get asked a lot. Mice can cause lots of costly damage to an RV and I think anybody who stores their RV outside has tried most or all of the recommended solutions for keeping mice away from our RVs. Before we had the garage I was a firm believer in the tried and true mouse trap, but like you mentioned the bait used in the trap actually attracts mice. A few fellow RVers have written to me with suggestions that I have not tried, but they swear by the products. One is a product called the ratzapper, and I was told it does the job without poison or messy cleanup. You just go in the RV periodically and if the red light is flashing it indicates there is a dead mouse. You can dispose of the mouse without handling it. The other product I was told about is called fresh cab rodent repeller and it’s an all natural rodent repeller with a guarantee. Keep in mind that I have not personally tried these products.

Trivia question about Mark: What is the largest vehicle Mark ever drove and operated? A) 35 foot type A motorhome B) 5 ton wrecker C) M88A1 Armored Recovery Vehicle ANSWER: is C) M88A1 Armored Recovery Vehicle Mark drove & operated a 56 ton M88A1 Recovery Vehicle while stationed in 3/36 Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Butzbach Germany
Microsoft Streets and Trips Winner: I received lots of great tips and wish I had more copies of Microsoft Streets and Trips to give away, but unfortunately we only have one left. I tried to use tips that would be helpful to the viewing audience. The winner of the last copy of Microsoft Streets and trips is Dan & Pat with this great tip: Mark; Here's and idea that has worked well for us. We didn't want to add a standard metal file cabinet to the RV, but we needed to a way to store important papers and documents. Tossing them into a shoe box or drawer was not the answer. We found one of these storage cube ottomans for less than $40 and purchased a standard hanging file rack and files from the local stationary store. The hanging file rack can be adjusted to fit inside the cube and the files hung inside organize the documents. The top has two sides, one with a tray top and the other upholstered. We have an attractive piece of furniture that serves as file storage, a coffee table or a comfortable foot rest and the surface is easy clean vinyl. It is only 18' square so it takes up little space. The benefit of this particular model is that it included a smaller ottoman nested inside the larger one. It works great to sit one of the grandchildren while they enjoy a snack on the tray top of the larger cube. We have a total of less than $50 wrapped up in the whole thing. We have recently seen the units advertised as low as $25. ****Thanks for the great tip and kep an eye out in the mail for your copy of Microsoft Streets and Trips. The storage ottoman that Dan and Pat are referring too can be purchased online at value city furniture.

Thanks for joining me today in my RV garage. Travel safe and have fun in your RV and remember when it comes to learning about RV’s we’ve got you covered. Be sure to take a minute and visit www.rvconsumer.com and we’ll see you right back here next on our next episode of marks RV garage.
Mark Polk

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This online RV training program includes an RV orientation video similar to the walk-through class you receive at the RV dealership. The RV Orientation video is 54 minutes long and is packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, wastewater system, electrical system, RV appliances, RV accessories and much more. We even added a bonus chapter on RV safety features, and some bloopers to make it more entertaining. The video is generic and covers all types of RV’s including motorized and towable RV’s. If your RV dealer does not offer this online RV training program you can purchase it here

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Money Saving DVD Sets Available

5th Wheel Training DVD Sets
Travel Trailer Training DVD Sets
Class A Training DVD Sets
Class C Training DVD Sets


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


15 RV Instant Download E-Book Titles in our Library

The Original Checklists for RVers
Winterizing 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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Episode #1 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #2 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #3 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #4 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #5 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #6 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #7 of "Mark's RV Garage"

Episode #8 of "Mark's RV Garage"


Episode #9 of "Mark's RV Garage"



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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 14 and Josh 20, both avid RVers and three dogs, Roxie, Gracie and Buck. If you would like to learn more about us and RV Education 101 feel free to visit http://www.rveducation101.com

RV University This Week © Copyright 1999- 2011 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

http://www.rveducation101.com

RV Education 101
150 Bay Ridge Rd
Harrells, NC 28444-8896
910-484-7615

mark@rveducation101.com

dawn@rveducation101.com

Copyright 2011 by RV Education 101



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