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RV University This Week 08/08/2011

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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 #109 - Aug 8, 2011


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“It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning.”
~ Claude Bernard





Mark's RV Garage Internet TV show - Total Run Time 30:35

Episode #14 Released Today:
This episode of Mark's RV Garage is sponsored by:
Explorer RV Insurance , KOA Campgrounds , Camping World , Precision Temp and RV Education 101

On this episode of Mark's RV Garage:
* Mark tests the electric system
* Installs the water heater
*installs LP gas lines
*installs a couple 12 Volt lightsnd some metal
All of this and more on this episode of Mark's RV Garage


The “Mark’s RV Garage” Series is presented by RV Education 101 -
They offer a full line of RV Educational and RV walk through dvds.
See Highlights of Episode 14 Below:

RV Buzz Quick Tip: You should never add air to tires when they are hot. Hot air expands and you get false tire pressure readings. Adding or letting air out of a hot tire can lead to over or under-inflation. Always check and add air to tires when they are cold, before traveling more than one mile.

Trivia question :
What is Tyler’s favorite kind of RV?

A) Fleetwood Discovery Motorhome
B) Airstream Travel Trailer
C) Lance Truck Camper

Answer: B) Tyler's favorite type of RV ia an Airstream Travel Trailer


Steer Safe If you drive a motorhome you probably experience issues with the steering from time to time. Steering issues can result from a passing truck, high winds, soft shoulders and from road wander to name a few. Some of these issues can be white knuckle driving experiences.

I discovered a product that can prevent all of these steering issues when you’re on the road. It is called Steer Safe. Steer Safe is installed on your vehicle's front steering arms and simply clamps onto the front axle. There is no welding required, you just bolt it on. Once it is installed the Steer Safe's patented oscillating fulcrum bar makes it the only true steering stabilizer on the market.

It provides up to 400 lbs. of preset tension on each front wheel working against any outside forces. Steer safe keeps your front wheels pointing straight, even during a blowout. Steer Safe protects you against front tire blowouts, potholes, soft shoulders, high winds, wandering, accidental encounters with curbs and high medians. It also reduces driver stress and fatigue. There is no maintenance required because Steer Safe is equipped with Delrin bearings which never require servicing.

Available at Camping World. Don’t leave home without it. ~ Mark Polk


Don’t miss the next episode when Mark tests the plumbing system for leaks and starts installing more metal.


BY Mark Polk

Inverters
Inverters are nice to have at times when you are dry camping and/or when you don’t have access to 120-volts AC. Batteries produce power in Direct Current (DC) that run at low voltages. Power companies and AC generators produce sine wave Alternating Current (AC), which is used to operate 120-volt appliances and electronic equipment. An inverter takes 12-volt DC power from your RV batteries and electronically changes it to 120-volt AC. Some RVers use an inverter just to watch TV or for their personal computer. Other RVers use an inverter to operate microwaves, coffee pots or other larger appliances. When you purchase an inverter the inverter’s output capacity must be capable of operating the loads that will be placed on it.

Inverters have two different capacity ratings. Continuous output rating and surge capacity rating. Continuous output is the maximum wattage the inverter can output for a long time period. Surge capacity is the maximum wattage the inverter can output during initial start up. All appliances require more power when they start, compared to what they use when they are running. They can use as much as two or three times the amount to start then what they use to run, so the starting power required for any appliance that you plan to use with the inverter must be within the surge capacity rating. There are modified sine wave inverters and true sine wave inverters. A true sine wave inverter is more expensive, but they are capable of producing power as good as the power company and all appliances and electronic equipment will run as they are intended to. Keep in mind you are drawing the power from your RV batteries and any power used has to be put back in through some type of effective charging system.


...with Mark
Q. In your E-book you say to never back up a motorhome when you are towing a vehicle. My question, you see lots of motorhomes pulling boats, if you can't back up pulling a toad how do they launch their boats without backing up. Thanks in advance

Mark Says:
The reason you can back a boat trailer, but not a toad is that the boat trailer doesn't have a set of steering front wheels.

A while back an engineer at Blue Ox experimented backing several towed vehicles. The results weren't good. One person would drive the motorhome and another would attempt to steer the front wheels of the toad. The problem was, in every test, the front wheels would unexpectedly turn drastically to one side making the steering wheel violently spin out of control. If a person has their hands or arm caught in the steering wheel the results could be a broken finger, hand or arm. Even when they attempted to back straight back the wheels would turn, and it was with other manufacturers tow bars too. You should never attempt to back a toad!

Here is how the engineer explained it:

"The reason this happens is not the tow bar but rather the caster angle in the front end of the towed vehicle. Caster is the forward tilt of the steering axis versus vertical. It provides steering stability, steering returnability and cornering ease. In reverse, the caster angle makes the wheels want to turn around the other direction like "casters" on your office chair or shopping cart. We all know they can't turn all the way around on a car, but they will turn off to the side as far as the steering mechanism will let them. This is virtually undetectable from the driver's seat in the motorhome making this a very scary situation. If you continue to back up, after the wheels have turned, the tires "scrub" or slide sideways causing damage to the tires. Other things caused by this are; severe stress to the steering components, suspension and towing system components."

I hope this helps answer your question.


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 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.

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
FOR MEDIA & ADVERTISING Media Kit Contact Dawn Polk for Pricing

Sponsors and Helpful RV Links endorsed by RV Education 101:

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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.


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.



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.




Dometic RV products are designed with your comfort in mind. With over 80 years in the RV industry, Dometic has become a leader in manufacturing innovative, high-quality RV products that enhance the living space in your RV, motorhome or coach.




RV-500 Space and Water Heating Systems for Recreational Vehicles The RV-500 delivers on demand hot water efficiently and conveniently with up to 55,000 BTU’s of power. The RV-500 is quiet and efficient.




ASA Electronics brings you the high quality electronics that mobile applications require. ASA works side by side with your designers, engineers, and sales team to develop and provide customized solutions through exclusive engineering, thorough testing, and tailor made product designs


Progressive Dynamics Inc. The source of bright ideas since 1964 Progressive Dynamics offers quality Recreational Vehicle products to the RV industry. And in recent years has developed several new products for the RV Industry




MaxxAir The best way to describe MaxxAir is to say it’s in the air moving business -- RV ventilation to be more specific





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.


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
&
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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"

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"


In addition to being available on YouTube, Mark's RV Garage is available for viewing with full episode details at RV Videos On Demand



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.

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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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