RV University This Week 10/31/2011
- Monday, October 31 2011 @ 01:46 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® - also known as: RV 101™
U of RV Journal #117 - October 31, 2011
RV Education 101®, the premier provider of educational videos, books and RV information for the RVing public, was founded over a decade ago by Mark Polk, who started in the RV industry as a teenaged apprentice technician. "I really enjoyed working around RVs and performing basic service on customers’ units”, Polk explained. “You could say I was bit by the RV bug early on.”
RV Education 101 quickly established themselves as THE go to resource for RVers. With hundreds of thousands of training and informational DVDs and books sold, along with his many TV appearances as the RV Savvy Guy, Mark Polk is recognized as THE authority for everything RV.
“When you know something, say what you know.
When you don't know something,
say that you don't know.
That is knowledge." ~ Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius)
by Mark Polk
Hi Everybody,
As another month goes in the history books it occurred to me that we didn't use the RV as much this year as we normally do. For the past five years we logged about 5,000 miles per year on the RV. This year I don't think we traveled half that. I contribute much of this to not planning our RV trips. I don't mean planning each and every trip we take, sometimes we just load up and go. But these trips are normally just weekend excursions. Longer trips need to be planned in advance. A block of time needs to be set aside for the trip, and you need to plan where you want to go.
I don't want to make the same mistake next year that I made this year, so I think I'll start planning our next RV trip now. Planning a trip early gives you time to budget money for the trip and it gives you something to look forward to. The hard part is, out of all the great places to go, figuring out where your next RV trip will take you.
This is a sign we saw at a scenic view we stopped at in the RV last year. Needless to say we didn't venture too far from the RV.
Start planning now for a great 2012 camping season!
Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!Mark Polk
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RV Safety Resources
The better educated we are, especially on RV safety matters, the easier it is to properly and safely use our RV’s. Have fun exploring these interesting and insightful RV safety related sites. Our goal with this page is to offer you some RV safety related links & sites you can visit to explore and learn more about important RV safety topics. Click Here to go to our RV Safety Resources Page
"RV Buzz" Tips by Mark Polk
RV Buzz is our mascot here at RV Education 101. When you see RV Buzz pay close attention, he offers some great hints, tips and helpful explanations:
RV Tip #1
Make sure you have the required couplings and connectors to make wastewater connections at the campground. It may be necessary to attach two sewer hoses together to reach the sewer connection. I recommend you only use heavy duty sewer hoses. They’re not that expensive and they hold up much better. Keep a 15 foot hose and a 20 foot hose available. Do not pull or drag the sewer hose on the ground. This will cause it to tear or get pin holes in it.
RV Tip #2
Stabilizer jacks are designed to stabilize the trailer, not to support the weight of the trailer. Do not use stabilizer jacks to lift or level the RV. Crank the jacks down using the handle provided until they make contact with the ground and go about one more full turn to snug the jacks against the ground.
RV brings fans and wounded veterans together
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A tailgating RV is helping injured troops
one game at a time.........
Camping World Announces Nationwide Retail Expansions
"Camping World is poised for growth in every segment of our business with a goal of 100 stores by 2014. A larger store base will allow us to better serve our 4 million customers nationwide and our
1.3 million Good Sam members........
Myrtle Beach landmark getting new owners
After nearly 37 years running the bar-restaurant off Ocean Boulevard, Marvin McHone, 65, is retiring to hit the road in his new motorhome and enjoy some leisure time
while he's healthy.........
York denies Flagg's bid for reconsideration of ‘RV' order
YORK — The Board of Appeals on Wednesday, Oct. 26, denied Flagg's RV and Cottage Resort LLC a reconsideration of a September decision upholding a town order for the company to remove six new units it moved into the York Beach camper park
this past spring. .. ........
Englewood RV battle goes to the polls
While city council has worked on parking rules for the big recreational vehicles for some time, opposition from RV enthusiasts and others has resulted in a citizen-generated initiative on the Nov. 1 election ballot, which would prohibit virtually any regulation on parking them
on private property.......
Check out this week's poll: "Have you ever weighed your RV?" To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top
...with Mark *NOTE: At Mark's discretion, material might be edited to suit a wider 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. I was watching an episode of "Mark's RV Garage" and have a question about the cooling fan used for the fridge. Could a fan like this be used on a roof vented fridge also? I've noticed on some of the hottest and most humid days the fridge seems to struggle a little and this looks like a good idea.
Mark Says: Yes, there are aftermarket fans that are designed to be mounted at the refrigerator roof vent or at the back of the refrigerator. The idea is to draft the hot air from the back of the refrigerator up and out, making the refrigerator work more efficiently. Click HERE to see a universal cooling fan by Valterra Products.
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Watch the RV Cooking Show: A virtual cooking class on wheels with an RV travel component, The RV Cooking Show takes viewers on adventures to some of the most sought-after or interesting but little-known RV locations in the country and then creates a healthy, easy, delicious destination-related dish in host Evanne Schmarder’s RV kitchen.Each less-than-10-minute episode - part travelogue, part cooking show - shares travel tips, ideas and recommendations on popular RVing locales and products then walks viewers through the preparation of a delicious destination-related dish. Past episodes include a tour of Albuquerque’s 505 Chili Factory and Huevos Rancheros, Mojitos and the Fabulous Florida Keys and a salmon dinner in conjunction with the spectacular Olympic National Park.Viewers have the option of watching the RV Cooking Show on YouTube, various RV-related websites such as http://Camping.com and RVDreamRadio or on the RV Cooking Show website. So as not to miss a single savory episode, viewers may subscribe to the show on YouTube or on this website. An RV industry insider, full-time RVer Ms. Schmarder connects with viewers in part by "living the (their) RV dream". She is a professional speaker, writer, foodie and unabashed explorer.
Sponsors and Helpful RV Links endorsed by RV Education 101:
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MBA Rental Insurance for Dealers and Consumers: MBA Rental Insurance for Dealers and Consumers:
Specializing in RV Rental Motorhome Insurance Since 1978. MBA Insurance has grown into the premier Rental Insurance Agency in the country writing insurance coverage for Motor Homes, Travel Trailers, Pop-up Campers, Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Utility and Cargo Trailers, Conversion Vans, Boats and other Watercrafts.An "A" Rated Insurance Company Insuring over 2,000 Rental Dealers Nationwide.
Explorer RV Insurance Since 1997, Explorer RV Insurance Agency has been providing custom-designed RV insurance programs for RV owners. The agency represents leading RV insurance carriers that offer products in 48 states. Explorer RV Insurance is underwritten by companies with A.M. Best ratings of "Excellent" or higher. 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......
KOA camping is different Our Great People make sure of that. We’re near most every attraction and national park in America. Wherever you want to go. At every one of our over 475 locations our focus is you. KOA is by far the largest group of affiliated campgrounds on the continent.
From Wi-Fi and cable to fire rings and food service, KOA has you covered. Your experiences. Your enjoyment. Your memories. Your camping.
Camping World
Camping World began with one small store and a mail order business in an old farmhouse heated by a wood-burning stove. A tobacco barn served as their first warehouse. Since then, Camping World has grown into America’s leading RV accessories and service experts, bringing you everything you need for your RV, with Nationwide SuperCenters, an award-winning website, and full-color catalogs.
The Original Equal-i-zer® Sway Control Hitch
with 4-Point Sway Control™, helps the driver be in control and the passengers be at ease. It has been specially designed to tackle the three biggest problems found with conventional trailer hitches: trailer sway, weight distribution, and complicated hook-ups We continually strive to move forward and be innovative in all our activities
FOR MEDIA & ADVERTISINGMedia Kit Contact Dawn Polk for Pricing
RV Education 101® is your premier online source for learning about your RV. We are the largest online digital training provider available, offering numerous online training courses, downloads and programs. Get the RV information you want, when you want it. Happy RV learning!
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
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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
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"
Episode #10 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #11 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #12 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #13 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #14 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #15 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #16 of "Mark's RV Garage"
Episode #17 Season 1 Finale of "Mark's RV Garage"
In addition to being available on YouTube, Mark's RV Garage is available for viewing with full episode details at RV Videos On Demand
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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 21, 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
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RV Education 101
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