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RV University This Week 01/17/2011

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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 #87 - January 17, 2011

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"Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will."
~Vernon Howard





by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

For the past several months I have thrown the idea of producing an RV "how-to" Internet TV show around. I made the decision to move forward with the idea last fall, and have been working on producing the first episode. The weather has not been cooperating with us lately, but I am going to go out on a limb and announce we plan to make the first episode available to viewers on 7 February 2011. That's just a couple weeks away!

The show is titled "Mark's RV Garage" and it will give you an inside look into RV’s, RV Products, product installations, EZ RV upgrades, RV destinations and much more. On each episode of Mark’s RV Garage you will have fun, while you learn more about your RV.

One segment on the show is titled "Mark's RV Mailbox" where I will answer a viewers question. If I use your question on the show you will get a copy of my best-selling book, The RV Book , in electronic format (e-book) absolutely free. Just send your question to Mark@rveducation101.com and include your name and where you live. Then watch the show and see if your question gets asked.

If you have an interest in RV’s there is one thing I can guarantee you; after you see the first episode of Mark’s RV Garage you won't want to miss another one. We will keep you updated on our progress and we will post a link to the first episode in our weekly e-newsletter, so you don't miss it. Archived episodes of Mark's RV Garage will be available at our RV Consumer dot com site.

Needless to say I will forgo this week's feature article so I can finish episode # 1 of Mark's RV Garage.

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!


...with Mark Polk

Q. I will be leaving from Wisconsin, current temp in Wisconsin is 25 degrees, to travel to Florida in my RV. I own a Fleetwood Pace Arrow Class A motor home. I currently have it in a temperature controlled storage facility. I did not winterize the unit in November when I returned from our last trip.

If I add water to the water tank can I safely travel to Nashville TN. for the first night without fearing that the water IN THE TANK WILL FREEZE?

Also concern is, will the water freeze in the lines or the p-traps?

I will be driving all day and I know the water will be sloshing back and forth in the tank. Seeking best advice you can offer.

Mark Says:
Using your RV in cold temperatures can present many interesting scenarios, and would take some time to address each of the concerns. I wrote an article awhile back on this topic that I think will answer your questions. Go here to read Cold Weather RVing


Marks RV Video Tip of the Month

This RV video tip is: "Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro"

Now you don't have to drive across the country in search of a driving school to learn driving skills.
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro is your complete video guide to professional driving techniques for beginners to experienced drivers. It takes commercial driving training techniques and converts them to layman's terms. It explains basic rules so you can apply them to any vehicle you might drive.Driving a motorhome, especially for the first time can be very intimidating.

Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro DVD Buy Now




Study gives Lake Havasu State Park high marks
Lake Havasu State Park is the most efficient state park in Arizona. The park recently received the highest marks among 28 Arizona state parks, ...

Frigid temps hard on full-time RV residents
More people than ever are making their RVs home these days, and with these cold temperatures, it's getting harder to get basic necessities. ........

Camping World Among World Renowned Brands Challenging the Cast on the Upcoming 2011 Season of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice"
Camping World, America's leader in satisfying the retail needs of the RV enthusiast and the most recognized brand in the RV lifestyle, announced their selection in the eleventh installment of NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice" featuring American business mogul Donald Trump........

Big wheels on the move
"The last two years have been terrible for business," said the director of sales and marketing for Marathon Coach Florida. "But we just had the best December that I have seen in 17 years. I really think we have turned a corner. I really think the worst is behind us." ......


Check out this week's poll: " Do you travel in your RV with the propane cylinders, or tank, turned on or turned off?" To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top


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....


Arm Yourself with Qualified RV Buying Information, Before you Buy Your RV! ....
Q: How important is it that an RV Dealer have a service department?

Mark Says: It is important to make sure the dealership you buy from has the capability and facilities to do routine maintenance and warranty work on the units they sell. You wouldn’t buy a new automobile from a dealership without a service department and RV’s should be no different. You will need to have routine maintenance and warranty work done on your RV.

Ask the salesperson to show you the maintenance facilities and to introduce you to the service writer if they haven’t already done so. Ask them if they have certified RV technicians and how long their service department personnel have been employed by the dealership. Long term employment and certified technicians are other indications of a reputable RV dealership.

Insider's Guide to Buying an RV -Printed Book By: Mark Polk
Published by RV Education 101 -..108 pages

Owning an RV is meant to be fun. Making the wrong buying decisions can make it miserable rather than fun. If you follow the steps in this RV buying guide you will be on your way to an enjoyable RV ownership experience for years to come. Learn More


Insiders Guide to Buying an RV
This version is an INSTANT Electronic E-BOOK




by Mark Polk

Mark's RV Quick Tip:
RV Batteries Lead acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns or even blindness. The hydrogen gas that batteries produce when they are charging is very explosive. When you work around batteries you need to wear goggles and gloves, remove all jewelry and do not smoke or use any open flames. If you accidentally get battery acid on your skin, flush it with lots of water and if it gets in your eyes you need to flush with low pressure water for 15 minutes and call a doctor. To prevent arcing always disconnect the negative battery cable first, and then the positive.

RV Dump Stations
Many of the free dump stations available to RVers are closing because of chemicals that are harmful to septic systems and because RVers are abusing these dump stations. If we want to have access to these dump stations it is absolutely essential that we use septic safe chemicals (no formaldehyde), and that we clean up after ourselves and do not abuse dump stations. One golden rule for RV holding tanks is to never dump the black water tank until it is at least two thirds full. You want the tank nearly full so the weight and the gravity will force the contents of the tank to drain properly. Another golden rule is to never leave the black tank valve open at the campground and expect the toilet to drain or flush like the toilet in your home. It won't work.


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

RVers Guide to Dump Stations E-Book 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.
Price $9.95
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




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.


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.......


A product that Mark personally uses: 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.



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.

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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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