Welcome to RV UNIVERSITY, Anonymous Thursday, March 28 2024 @ 10:05 am UTC

RV University This Week 05/30/2011

  • Monday, May 30 2011 @ 01:06 am 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 #101 - May 30, 2011

Bookmark and Share

by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

Happy Memorial day!

As we enjoy this Memorial Day weekend in the RV we want to stop, reflect and remember all of those who sacrificed their lives for this great country. Without this ultimate sacrifice, we would not be able to enjoy the freedom that we all take for granted each and every day.

We are releasing the latest episode of Mark's RV Garage, so this will be a condensed version of our weekly newsletter.

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!


See Highlights of Episode 9 Below:
RV Product Spotlight: Install a window awning in six easy steps. It’s really not that difficult and if you’re a "Do It Yourselfer" it can be a fun RV project to tackle. Window awnings are available at Camping World. To learn more about RV awning use, care and maintenance check out our Awning DVD.
Marks RV Mailbox:
Q: Let me get right to the subject: Field Mice. They LOVE my motorhome. I have tried Bounce distributed liberally about the interior, cotton soaked with peppermint oil (interior and basement), electronic sonic noise makers, and "Shake Away" inside and out. I have also used traps with peanut butter and cheese (haven't used them for a year), and rodent poison provided by my Terminix technician (currently in use). I realize that the traps and poison are attractors while the rest are supposed to be repellers and wonder if they are working against each other. So far (knock on wood) no water lines or electric insulation have been on the mouse menu. I do leave several old soft rags in the basement storage which they seem to be happy with. But I am out of airspeed and ideas and would welcome any advice or counsel you could provide. PS I really don’t want to get a cat. Mark says: Well Pete that’s good question and one that I get asked a lot. Mice can cause lots of costly damage to an RV and I think anybody who stores their RV outside has tried most or all of the recommended solutions for keeping mice away from our RVs. Before we had the garage I was a firm believer in the tried and true mouse trap, but like you mentioned the bait used in the trap actually attracts mice. A few fellow RVers have written to me with suggestions that I have not tried, but they swear by the products. One is a product called the ratzapper, and I was told it does the job without poison or messy cleanup. You just go in the RV periodically and if the red light is flashing it indicates there is a dead mouse. You can dispose of the mouse without handling it. The other product I was told about is called fresh cab rodent repeller and it’s an all natural rodent repeller with a guarantee. Keep in mind that I have not personally tried these products.

Trivia question about Mark: What is the largest vehicle Mark ever drove and operated? A) 35 foot type A motorhome B) 5 ton wrecker C) M88A1 Armored Recovery Vehicle ANSWER: is C) M88A1 Armored Recovery Vehicle Mark drove & operated a 56 ton M88A1 Recovery Vehicle while stationed in 3/36 Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Butzbach Germany
Microsoft Streets and Trips Winner: I received lots of great tips and wish I had more copies of Microsoft Streets and Trips to give away, but unfortunately we only have one left. I tried to use tips that would be helpful to the viewing audience. The winner of the last copy of Microsoft Streets and trips is Dan & Pat with this great tip: Mark; Here's and idea that has worked well for us. We didn't want to add a standard metal file cabinet to the RV, but we needed to a way to store important papers and documents. Tossing them into a shoe box or drawer was not the answer. We found one of these storage cube ottomans for less than $40 and purchased a standard hanging file rack and files from the local stationary store. The hanging file rack can be adjusted to fit inside the cube and the files hung inside organize the documents. The top has two sides, one with a tray top and the other upholstered. We have an attractive piece of furniture that serves as file storage, a coffee table or a comfortable foot rest and the surface is easy clean vinyl. It is only 18' square so it takes up little space. The benefit of this particular model is that it included a smaller ottoman nested inside the larger one. It works great to sit one of the grandchildren while they enjoy a snack on the tray top of the larger cube. We have a total of less than $50 wrapped up in the whole thing. We have recently seen the units advertised as low as $25. ****Thanks for the great tip and kep an eye out in the mail for your copy of Microsoft Streets and Trips. The storage ottoman that Dan and Pat are referring too can be purchased online at value city furniture.

Thanks for joining me today in my RV garage. Travel safe and have fun in your RV and remember when it comes to learning about RV’s we’ve got you covered. Be sure to take a minute and visit www.rvconsumer.com and we’ll see you right back here next on our next episode of marks RV garage.
Mark Polk

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


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


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

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.
.