RV University This Week 06/06/2011
- Monday, June 06 2011 @ 05:38 am 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 #102 - June 06, 2011
"In its broadest sense, learning can be defined as a process of progressive change from ignorance to knowledge, from inability to competence, and from indifference to understanding....In much the same manner, instruction-or education-can be defined as the means by which we systematize the situations, conditions, tasks materials, and opportunities by which learners acquire new or different ways of thinking, feeling, and doing."
~Cameron Fincher, "Learning Theory and Research"
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
I hope everybody enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time on our first RV trip for 2011, with the exception of a wicked sunburn and wishing the weekend would last longer than it did. The good news is our next RV trip is only a few short weeks away.
Over the weekend Tyler and I were down in South Carolina looking for parts for my old Ford Torino. Gas prices averaged about $3.36 per gallon. Needless to say I filled the truck up before heading back to NC. It was a welcome site after enduring the ridiculously high prices we have been paying for fuel, for much too long now.
Tyler is going on 15 years old and all he talks about is driving, and what kind of car he wants. His eyes got wide as he stood next to the gas pump, watching the dollars add up, while I filled the truck with gas. He said, "I won't even make that much if I get a job!" His next response was that maybe he'll start looking for a VW.
I think future generation RV buyers will have the same mentality as Tyler when it comes to buying RVs, smaller, lighter and much more fuel efficient than many of today's models.
"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!
Polk’s Top 7 Steps to Maintain a Rubber RV Roof About 20 years ago, RV manufacturers began using rubber roofing membrane on RV roofs as opposed to other roof coverings such as aluminum. Among the reasons for the industry's shift to rubber roofing: It was lightweight, seamless, easy to install, easy to maintain, cost-effective, and ozone- and UV-resistant. ............. Read the article
...with Mark Polk
Q. I have been RVing for 5 years now in my Keystone Everest 5th wheel and love to watch your videos. Your ideas have been very valuable to me and maybe you can help. My awning is starting to get spots that are peeling away I guess due to the sun and the outdoor elements. I read your solutions for using awning repair tape, which I will be using as soon as I can, but can you recommend an awning cover that I can put on when, unfortunately, I have to store the RV outside. Thanks for your help
Mark Says: There is an aftermarket product that is easy to install and might be helpful. Read about it HERE
RV Education Crossword Puzzle
This play and learn crossword puzzle is "RV Buying Considerations", by Mark Polk.
Have fun, play and learn.
Santa Maria Tri-Tip BBQ at Flying Flags RV Resort - Buellton, CA From my RV kitchen
Known as California's BBQ, Santa Maria Tri-Tip turns out to be easy and delicious...as long as you know a few basics about cooking this iconic cut of beef. Watch as Flying Flags RV Resort* BBQ master Richard Boucher makes quick work out of this
highly prized main dish........
Beaches pass test
Osage Beach, Mo. — A week after the Missouri Department of Natural Resources was forced to shut down the two public beaches at Lake of the Ozarks,
both re-opened for recreational use..........
Elkmont entrance road at Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed at night this week
The Elkmont entrance road at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed to motor vehicles and pedestrians every night through June 12.
It’s to accommodate transportation service for visitors to view synchronous firefly beetles at Elkmont. An exception will be made for
registered campers at the Elkmont campground.
........
Check out this week's poll: "Do you conduct a spring check up on your RV before the taking your first RV trip of the season?"
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top left hand column
by Mark Polk
The National Fire Protection agency requires that RV’s have emergency escape windows. Make sure everybody knows where the escape window is located and how to use it. It’s a good idea to practice using it so you are familiar with how to get out of the RV in case of an emergency. You should have an emergency escape plan for the front of the RV and the rear of the RV. Time is your biggest enemy if there is a fire. It only takes one minute for smoke to fill the RV.
Something I never leave home without is a quality tire pressure gauge. Like everything else these days’ things are switching from analog to digital. Analog tire pressure gauges were the standard for many years, but advancements in digital technology have improved on that standard. In numerous tests comparing different type gauges digital gauges proved to be the most accurate tested. Regardless of the type of gauge you choose there are high quality and low quality tire gauges available. Buying a cheap digital gauge would be the same as buying a cheap pencil type gauge. I never leave home without this digital tire pressure gauge by Tire Minder available at Camping World
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to tire pressure gauges:
1) Spend a few more dollars and get a quality pressure gauge.
2) If the gauge will be used for checking dual wheels on a motorhome the chuck end of the gauge should have a dual foot design to make the job much easier.
3) Always select a gauge rated higher than the inflation pressure of the tires you are checking. Applying more pressure than the gauge is rated for can damage the gauge and affect the accuracy. If you over-pressure a gauge have it tested for accuracy. This gauge is rated up to 150 psi.
4) Try not to drop or jar the gauge. Store the gauge in some type of protective covering or case and in an area where it won’t be hit or damaged.
5) Periodically have the gauge tested for accuracy. At a minimum compare it to another quality gauge to see if both read the same, or close to the same pressure.
6) Most importantly, once you purchase a quality pressure gauge use it on a regular basis to check your RV and automobile tires.
Let RV Education 101 help you save money in 2011
This weeks featured product:
ONLINE RV Driving Skills E-Course
Driving a motorhome can be intimidating until you understand how to properly maneuver the RV. To understand maneuvering you need to understand where your pivot point is, what tail swing is and how to properly set up to make a maneuver. That’s what host Mark Polk demonstrates in this online e-course. It doesn’t stop there. As an added bonus Mark also demonstrates setting your reference points and how to properly adjust your mirrors. This might be the best $5.99 you ever spent. Total Run Time is 10 minutes.
BUY Mini Online Course NOW
Sponsors and Helpful RV Links endorsed by RV Education 101:
Own a motorhome?
Membership in FMCA brings with it a wealth of benefits and services
— all specially designed to meet the needs of motorhome owners.
The value of these benefits and services far exceeds the cost of the annual dues.
Benefit highlights
Explorer RV Insurance: An auto policy can’t begin to cover the complexities of an RV. You need specialty coverage like vacation liability, total loss replacement, personal effects and much more........
MBA Rental Insurance for Dealers and Consumers: Specializing in RV Rental Motorhome Insurance Since 1978. An "A" Rated Insurance Company Insuring over 2,000 Rental Dealers Nationwide. .......
MaxxAir : The best way to describe MaxxAir is to say it’s in the air moving business -- RV ventilation to be more specific........
DirecLink: Stop relying on brake controllers that use devices to sense what’s happening. DirecLink gets its information direct from the source - your tow vehicle. ........
KOA: KOA camping is different. Our Great People make sure of that. At every one of our over 475 locations our focus is you. Your experiences. Your enjoyment. Your memories. Your camping. ........
Camping World: Placing your order with Camping World is easy with knowledgeable crew members ready to assist with questions, or find just the right product you need. ........
Progressive Dynamics Inc. The source of bright ideas since 1964 Progressive Dynamics offers quality Recreational Vehicle products to the RV industry.
Dicor Corporation is a leading supplier of innovative products to the OEM and component manufacturers for recreational and conversion vehicle industries, as well to distributors in the recreational vehicle and automotive aftermarkets.
The 2011 Via® With its introduction, the Winnebago Via® created the exclusive Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter-based Class A category and revolutionized the definition of what a Class A coach could be with unparalleled fuel economy and eye-catching styling. For 2011, the revolution continues and the Via shines even brighter with a host of improvements, including the all-new double-slide 25Q floorplan, an improved design of the Flex Bed Sleeping System featured on the popular 25T and a more powerful Mercedes-Benz diesel engine that provides improved fuel economy. The Class A revolution is here. Join in with your very own 2011 Winnebago Via.
Camping/RV Battery Chargers- BatteryMINDers® are the new generation of SMART, pulse type "computer-on-a-chip" chargers, that safely charge and maintain all size / type / brands of batteries including starter, deep cycle and sealed types including AGM “dry” made by OPTIMA, ODYSSEY, EXIDE, INTERSTATE, et al. They do all of this without ever overcharging, no matter how long they are left on charge – days-weeks-or even months. Dubbed the chargers with "brains," they are the first to fully-automatically reverse the primary cause of early battery failure known as "sulfation". Sulfated batteries once considered beyond recovery can now be brought back to long-term useful condition. Certain models of BatteryMINDers® can more than double the useful life of new batteries.
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....
Are you an RV dealer? RV Education 101 created a program just for your customers! The RV Orientation Online Training Program.
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
We also offer RV Dealer bulk discounts on our training materials. Our Walk through DVDs have helped tens of thousands of RV consumers learn how to properly operate and maintain their RVs. Hundreds of RV dealers across the country are benefiting from what our program has to offer the customer oriented RV dealership. Contact Dawn today for your RV dealership pricing: dawn@rveducation101.com
RV Education 101 & RV University went mobile!
Check us out on the go
http://www.rveducation101.mobi
&
http://www.rvuniversity.mobi
from your phone!. .....
Share your thoughts & experiences with other RVers and Campers
Where to buy RV Products featured in Mark's RV Garage episodes
Don’t know where to buy? Check out our list of RV Consumer endorsed places to buy
RV parts and accessories...........
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 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
Go for the RV Gold Program
The Go For the RV Gold program is loaded with one-on-one RV training videos, feature articles, RV tips, crossword puzzles, member discounts for RV services and RV products, quizzes, and much more. This is the only online RV training program that will teach you everything you need to know about your RV at such a reasonable cost, and totally at your leisure with no deadlines. There are customized worksheets provided for navigation, so nothing is missed or overlooked. There is a space provided for you to make notes for each topic and then a feature to print the worksheet when completed.
At the end of the program there is a 25 question final exam. If you pass the final exam (you need a 72% or higher score) you will receive your “Go for the RV Gold” training certificate that you that you can proudly display in your home or RV. P.S. If you don’t pass the final exam, you will be given an opportunity to take it again until you do pass, so you can receive your Go for the RV Gold certificate.
National Interstate Insurance company offers a 5% safe driver discount when you successfully complete the “Go for the RV Gold” program. Just present your “Go for the RV Gold” certificate of completion to an authorized National Interstate Insurance agent.
The membership fee is only $49.95 per month for 3 months. Billing is on a 30 recurring basis until the final payment is made. This equates to only $12.49 for each in-depth weekly RV training course. When you select the recurring billing payment option you receive the a new RV training module each month. You can’t beat this low pricing for one-on-one RV education training in the comfort of your own home or RV. There is no driving to get to the training location, no packed classrooms and no time restraints.
Note: There is second payment option available where you can pay the full $149.85 program price in one payment. If you select this payment option you will receive all 3 RV modules (12 weekly courses) at one time, after payment and registration.
This program compliments our current line of RV Education 101 training dvds!
3 payments of $49.95 or a 1 time payment of $149.85 Buy Now
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"
General and Unsubscribe Info
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.
To subscribe, please go to: http://rveducation101.com/email/
To unsubscribe, please go to: http://rveducation101.com/email/unsubscribe.asp
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
RV Education 101
150 Bay Ridge Rd
Harrells, NC
28444-8896
910-484-7615
Copyright 2011 by RV Education 101
