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RV University This Week 04/11/2011

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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 #95 - April 11, 2011

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“I am still learning."
~Michelangelo





by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

I have the RV ready to roll, so all that's left is to plan a trip. It will more than likely be a weekend getaway since it's difficult to take more than a few days off at a time right now. I am so looking forward to a one or two week long RV trip with NO work, but right now I would gladly settle for a weekend away with NO work too.

I have a couple of business trips scheduled in the near future, but after that I plan to clear my schedule a bit and take some time to enjoy the RV.

Episode # 6 of "Mark's RV Garage" will be released next Monday, and if you missed any of the previous episodes you can watch them at the links below.

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!


Nitrogen vs. Compressed Air in RV Tires When I was at the National RV Trade show I noticed more and more RV manufacturers advertising that the tires were filled with nitrogen. Nitrogen has been used to inflate tires in racecars, airplanes and over-the-road trucks for many years. What do these people know that we don’t? ............. Read the article





RV Education Crossword Puzzle
This play and learn crossword puzzle is "Avoiding RV Insurance Claims", by Mark Polk.
Have fun, play and learn.





Check out this week's poll: "During an RV trip, do you watch television or do you leave the remote at home?"
To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top



RV Education 101: More Than Filling a Gap
Working in the RV industry since he was 15 years old, Mark Polk had learned a lot about what the RV market had to offer — including what it didn’t......

Show Season Spotlight: Marin Sonoma Concours (1929 Chevy RV)
Also in the spotlight will be the Vintage Trailers/Motorhomes class, where attendees will be able to cast their eyes on the 1929 Raise the Roof Chevy house car ........

Android RV Apps
My smartphone has become one of the most useful tools in my RV travel arsenal. Not only does it have the power to keep me connected to work, family and friends while I travel, but it gives me access to hundreds of apps that help make any RV trip easier. ..........

Concord's RV Storage Ordinance Upheld
The city of Concord has the authority to regulate the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, a state Court of Appeals has ruled..........




by Mark Polk

A few RV Care & Maintenance tips:

Preventive Maintenance is maintenance you perform on your RV before a problem exists. These checks are designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction or failure of a component or system on your RV. Preventive Maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV.

Scheduled or routine maintenance is performed in intervals normally based on time, mileage or hours. Scheduled maintenance is designed to keep your RV in top operating condition and prevent untimely breakdowns and repairs. It is absolutely essential that you read your owner’s manual and warranty information in regards to who is responsible for what when it comes to scheduled maintenance. Scheduled maintenance that is required by the manufacturer and not performed can void your warranty.

Emergency Maintenance is maintenance and / or repairs that are required when you least expect it due to component, system or mechanical failure. In many situations emergency maintenance is required because preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance were not performed.

Windows: Check windows, window locks and window screens for damage and proper operation. Lubricate window latches with light oil. Keep the inside window track clean and free of dirt. RV windows have weep slots in the bottom track to allow water to drain. Inspect the outside weep slots for any debris or obstructions. Clean as required.

Wash the Exterior: Exterior finishes begin to deteriorate over time. To extend the life of the exterior wash the RV frequently using a mild soap and water solution. You should always try to wash your RV after returning from a trip. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners. When washing the RV avoid spraying water directly into any appliance vents. Metal sidewall finishes require routine maintenance to keep black streaks cleaned from the surface. If black streaks remain on metal sidewall finishes for prolonged periods of time it can be extremely difficult to clean or remove them. Use a commercial black streak remover to clean black streaks. Test cleaning solutions on a small portion of the RV’s graphics before using it.

Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Clean the cap off before removing it to prevent dirt from getting in the brake fluid. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper type of brake fluid and add as required, but do not overfill.
Caution: The brake system is a closed system and ordinarily does not require additional fluid. If you have to add fluid it may be an indication of a leak somewhere in the system. Have it checked out and repaired immediately.

Entry Steps: Clean steps periodically to remove dirt, mud and road grime. Inspect steps for rust. Sand, primer and paint as required. Lubricate all moving parts. Consult the step manufacturer owner’s manual for proper lubricant and lubrication points. Check electric steps for proper operation before each trip.


RV Care and Maintenance electronic-book


...with Mark Polk

Q. Dear Mark,
My beloved husband recently passed away. We bought a Class motorhome in 2006. My husband basically took care of everything regarding it. I just cooked, cleaned, and did laundry. I have never even driven it!

Since it was placed on long-term financing, it is imperative that I sell it just to get out from under the debt. I know practically nothing about its operation/maintenance. I am so overwhelmed .. I haven't even been able to pull up a $$ value on it. Is there any assistance or advice you could offer? Any information or guidance you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Read What Mark Says:


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It’s not something any RVer enjoys doing but it is something that must be done. Eventually your RV’s holding tanks must be emptied, and It isn't something any RVer enjoys doing but it is something that must be done. Eventually your RV's holding tanks must be emptied and finding a dump station can sometimes be difficult.

RVer's Guide to Dump Stations makes it easy to find public dump stations, and easy to print only the states you are interested in. Over 2,000 locations across the United States are listed and include places like truck stops and travel centers, city and county parks, gas stations, rest areas, and more. Dump stations easily accessed from Interstate highways are listed by exit or mile marker number, making it easy to find one as you travel. Those in other locations are listed alphabetically by city or town. RVer's Guide to Dump Stations is the perfect companion for boondockers and a valuable resource for all RVers.

NOTE* Flying J is now charging $10 for the use of dump stations. For members of Flying J's Frequent Fueler and RV Real Value clubs, a $5.00 dump station coupon is added to their card based on fuel purchases.

Length: 138 pages, Published: 2011


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Sponsors and Helpful RV Links:

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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........

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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.

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 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....

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"



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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


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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 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.

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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.
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