Welcome to RV UNIVERSITY, Anonymous Friday, March 29 2024 @ 06:32 am UTC

RV University This Week 02/21/2011

  • Sunday, February 20 2011 @ 03:13 pm UTC
  • Contributed by:
RV News and Stories


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 #91 - February 21, 2011

Bookmark and Share

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe





by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

Today we released episode number two of Mark's RV Garage . This episode is packed with great information on a variety of RV topics, and we take our vintage project trailer back to the garage to start the restoration. What did I get myself into???

If you missed the first episode of Mark's RV Garage, it's archived HERE

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!




Berkshire Closes Out Its Bank of America Stake
Warren E. Buffett's investment company, Berkshire Hathaway, sold off its remaining five million shares in Bank of America last quarter, according to regulatory documents filed on Monday...........

On June 22, 2005, Warren Buffett, head of Berkshire Hathaway made an offer to purchase Forest River over the telephone while speaking to Pete Liegl. This offer came just one day after he had first learned about the company from a fax received at his office which detailed why Forest River would be a solid acquisition for Berkshire...........

Recalls
UNITED SPECIALTIES IS RECALLING CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1200-SERIES NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS..........

Barking dogs scaring horses out of state park
ARAPAHOE COUNTY - Forget cats, at Cherry Creek State Park, the fight is between horses and dogs. It has even escalated to the point that one man claims it is hurting his 40-year-old business and could force him to close. ........

Revamping camping in Jackson
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-The Teton County Board of County Commissioners last year gave the Snake River Park KOA franchise permission to follow the lead of its parent company by bringing in as many as 20 recreational park trailers...........

Climate change keenly felt in Alaska's national parks
(Reuters) - Thawing permafrost is triggering mudslides onto a key road traveled by busloads of sightseers. Tall bushes newly sprouted on the tundra are blocking panoramic views. And glaciers are receding from convenient viewing areas, while their rapid summer melt poses new flood risks..........


Check out this week's poll: "Was Your First RV Purchased From:"
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top


...with Mark Polk

One of the questions from today's show- Q. Hi Mark: I’ve been trying to find information about orphan RVs and if they will be supported in some way or another. So far, I’ve come up with nothing concrete. In particular, I’m talking about Fleetwood Discovery, 2006-08 model years. We understand that Fleetwood has been bought by another company and I’ve written them asking this very same question. Have you heard if people are having difficulty finding parts for their orphaned RVs? We are getting closer and closer to selling our house to go fulltiming so we are honing in on which RV will work for us. I’m pretty much focused on the Fleetwood Discovery because of its floor plan and side aisle bathroom. However, we want to be armed with as much information as possible so that our choice is a smart one.
Kind regards, Vickie

Mark Says:
Good question Vickie. Let me start by explaining what an orphan RV is for those of you not familiar with the term. An orphan RV is an RV that was built and sold and at some point after the sale the RV manufacturer went out of business , leaving the consumer with no warranty, parts or service network. Unfortunately this happened with lots of RV manufacturers across the country during the recession.

Orphan RV’s have been a problem for lots of RVers as more manufacturers have closed their doors. Fleetwood however will continue to support RV owners in warranty, parts and service. If a person owns a motorized Fleetwood product, built prior to the new Fleetwood ownership, warranty work and service work will be honored at current Fleetwood dealerships.

This isn’t to say they will all be happy to do the work (it’s sad but some dealerships don’t like to work on units they didn’t sell) but they are supposed to work on Fleetwood products. So, its safe to say there is a pretty strong network regardless of where your travels may take you.

One other thought is to consider a good service contract on the unit so it will still be covered after any factory warranty expires. Just do your home work and make sure it is a reputable company with a good network of dealers around the country who will honor the contract.

There are many orphaned RV owners who can’t get any support whatsoever and that is a sad fact, but motorized Fleetwood products do not fall into that category. I hope this helps answer your questions and concerns and thanks for writing.




by Mark Polk

Mark's RV Quick Tip:

Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. If you’re going to take 40 gallons of fresh water, you just added over 300 pounds of additional weight to the RV. Take just enough water to get to your destination.


RV Education Crossword Puzzle
This play and learn crossword puzzle is "Lead Acid Batteries".
Have fun, play and learn.





Let RV Education 101 help you save money in 2011
This weeks featured product:

RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks E-book *NOTE: This electronic file is to be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.You can read it on your computer, Kindle, Nook and other e-readers or print it for reading later. You can also save this instant download to a memory stick or disc and take it to a print shop to have it printed and/or spiral bound. *It is a copyright violation to share these files with anyone other than the purchaser.

RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks *NOTE: This electronic file is to be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.You can read it on your computer, Kindle, Nook and other e-readers or print it for reading later. You can also save this instant download to a memory stick or disc and take it to a print shop to have it printed and/or spiral bound. *It is a copyright violation to share these files with anyone other than the purchaser. By: Mark Polk It is extremely important that RV owners understand all of the safety features on their RV, and how to properly use this safety equipment. The majority of RVers don’t know that there are between 6,500 and 20,000 reported RV fires each year, and that an RV can burn completely to the ground in as little as six minutes! These same RVers need to know what type of fire extinguisher to use on what type of fire, and how to properly use a fire extinguisher? Another disturbing fact is that carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States each year? RVers, in particular, need to understand what the symptoms for carbon monoxide poisoning are, and what to do if somebody is exposed to it? Other important RV safety topics covered in this e-book include; LP gas system safety, water system safety & electrical system safety, RV emergency escape plans, RV emergency weather planning, getting there safely, RV travel security and more.


BUY NOW


RV Links:

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




RV Insurance-Consignment Coverage: In today’s economy more and more RVers are looking at consignment contracts with RV dealerships as an option to sell their RV. The typical RV insurance policy may not provide coverage for your RV while it is in the possession of an RV dealership; in fact, many policies specifically exclude coverage for RVs being sold on consignment.......

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. ........

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.

The Itasca Reyo® made a splash last year as the first full-size Class A coach built on the nimble Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter chassis. For 2011, the Reyo adds a third model to take full advantage of the improved fuel-economy and power of the Mercedes-Benz turbo-diesel engine. A whole new Class A revolution continues to grow. Join in the fun today with your very own 2011 Itasca Reyo.

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


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


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



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 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

RV University This Week © Copyright 2010 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

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



RV University, a site providing Recreation Vehicle safety, RV maintenance information, RV tips, RV advice and RV instruction for using and maintaining an RV by Mark Polk.
Our best selling "how to" RV walk through orientation videos and e-book titles.
.