RV University This Week 06/20/2011
- Monday, June 20 2011 @ 12:28 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 #104 - June 20, 2011
"'Nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
Summer officially begins tomorrow and camping season is in full swing. We have three RV trips planned over the summer, and I can't wait to hit the open road. Until then we are continuing to work on the old Yellowstone restoration project and on upcoming episodes of "Mark's RV Garage."
I am no Chip Foose, but the other day I made several renderings of what the old Yellowstone trailer could look like when it is finished. I ran into a snag when I showed the drawings to Dawn and Tyler. We could not agree on the final design. As a matter of fact, we all liked a different version of the finished trailer. We also disagreed on the color combination. We did agree that part of the trailer would be painted silver, but could not agree whether to use red or blue as the secondary color. To help settle the dispute I told them we would let the viewers decide the final outcome.
Below there are two versions of each of our favorite designs. The drawings are labeled 1, 2 & 3 and the color is depicted after the number. We would like you to pick your favorite design and color and E-mail: Mark or E-mail: Dawn with your design number and color choice. We will tally up all of the votes and when it’s time to paint the old Yellowstone the viewer’s choice is what we will go with.
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!
Why Weigh your RV? Weighing your RV can be the difference between a safe, enjoyable trip and a costly, disastrous trip. With multiple slide out rooms, amenities like washers and dryers, large holding tank capacities and the ample amount of storage space available on today’s RVs it’s easy to see why so many are overloaded. Overloaded RVs are extremely dangerous. Actually there are a lot more reasons for weighing your RV than I listed here, but my intent was to highlight some of the most important reasons for weighing your RV.............. Read the article
...with Mark Polk
Q. First let me say thanks for all your hard work and effort that you put forth to produce such an informative site. I own some of your DVD series, and find myself reviewing key features each year to refresh my knowledge....one of the best purchases ever.
I need to replace the tires on my Trail Lite travel trailer and am considering either the Towmaster or the Maxxis tire and was wondering if you had any opinion to offer one way or the other. We pull our travel trailer about 1000 miles a year (at most).
I am replacing the original Goodyear Marathon tires and have decided not use this brand as they are not only much more expensive, but also I have not read many good reviews since they moved their production to China.
The Towmasters are about 80.00 cheaper for the set of 4, but I don't want to let price be the final determining factor. Quality and safety of my family is the most important factor.Thanks you so much for your time.
Mark Says:
For the most part tires are built the same way regardless of the name or brand. Over the years lots of tire manufacturers have experienced some problems at one time or another, but for the most part tires in general will hold up to the rigors of what they are designed and built for.
The important thing with trailers is getting the proper type and load rating of tire. The designation "ST" is used for trailer tires. Load ranges are designated by a letter. "C" would be equivalent to 6 ply, "D" 8 ply and "E" 10 ply.
Both Towmaster and Maxxis brands would work for your trailer as long as the load rating is at least the same or higher than what came on the trailer when it was new.
RV Education Crossword Puzzle
This play and learn crossword puzzle is "RV Roof Care & Maintenance 101", by Mark Polk.
Have fun, play and learn.
Check out this week's poll: "Are you happy with your current RV, or would you prefer a different type or size?"
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top left hand column
by Mark Polk
One golden rule for RV holding tanks is to never dump the black water tank until it is at least two thirds full. You can check the tank levels at the monitor panel. You want the tank nearly full so the weight and the gravity will force the contents of the tank to drain properly. Another golden rule is to never leave the black tank valve open at the campground and expect the toilet to drain or flush like the toilet in your home. It won’t work.
Homes roll, sales rock
Demand for RVs high despite gas prices,
economy........
Thousands without power after thunderstorms hit Upstate
Wednesday night’s severe thunderstorm tossed RVs and large tool boxes around like toys at Bob Ledford’s Adventure Motor Homes in Greer, SC. RVs weighing 7,000 to 11,000 pounds were moved by the wind. A large RV, about 11,000 pounds, was picked up from the lot by the wind and
dropped on Interstate 85..........
For couples in close quarters, squeeze-y does it
If absence makes the heart grow fonder, could time spent together in extremely close quarters make the heart grow ... ummm ...
considerably less fond?
........
Swanton company opens road to handicap
Swanton-based Walters Travel Trailers is opening the road to
wheelchair-bound campers.........
Recent RV Recalls
Get the latest recall information for RVs, campers, trailers and other recreational vehicles. We provide the most current & comprehensive recall information from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Browse or search through our database to find the RV you are interested in
& stay informed.........
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
Station Listing and
Coverage.........
RVAct- Recreational Vehicle Alliance for Camping & Travel
Act Now! Tell Congress to Renew GSP!The expiration of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program is costing the RV industry
thousands of dollars a day..........
Mark's RV Product Spotlight:
6 Shaded Globe Lights: One of the most enjoyable times RVing is when you are sitting outside on a beautiful evening. Whether it’s enjoying a campfire, the company or the sounds surrounding you at night it’s a lot of fun. Nothing adds to the ambiance more than a nice set of patio lights for your awning.
These lights come in all shapes and sizes to suit your personal preference.
Black shade directs light to your campsite, adding a welcoming glow. Uses standard 60-watt or lower bulbs (sold separately). Don't leave home without this great light set ~ Mark Polk
Available at Camping World
Let RV Education 101 help you save money in 2011
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Maintaining your RV roof adds years of life to your RV. Water damage is one of the most common & expensive types of damage to an RV, and much of this damage starts on the RV roof. If there is a way in the RV water will find it. Let Mark Polk show you how to protect your RV roof from water intrusion, how to properly clean the roof, inspect the roof, seal the roof and much more in this informative online RV e-course. This e-course is over 10 minutes in length, and is priced at only $5.99
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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.
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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 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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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.
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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"
Episode #10 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
RV Education 101
150 Bay Ridge Rd
Harrells, NC
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