The RV Education 101
Newsletter
Learning RV's the Easy Way by
Video
Volume 18 - August 2005
RV Education 101 is Endorsed by 
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I am one of those who never knows the direction of my journey until
I have almost arrived.
- Anna Louise Strong
NEW** How to Buy an RV, Before
you Buy it An RV Education 101 E-book, By Mark
Polk
http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
NEW**The Complete Guide to Dinghy
Towing An
RV Education 101 E-book, By Mark Polk
http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
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Hi Everybody, It's hard to believe that another month has already passed by. Why does it seem like summer keeps getting shorter and winter keeps getting longer? It's already August and we have only taken a few trips in our RV this summer. We worked hard in July so we could take some time to relax this month. We have family visiting and we are actually leaving for the beach, in the RV, tomorrow. The weather forecast looks good and I am looking forward to a few days of doing absolutely nothing, except for fun stuff. I told everybody, If it isn't fun we're not doing it. In July I finished a couple of new e-books I have been working on. Both of them are on topics that RVers frequently ask questions about or don't really understand what all of their options are. One is on towing a vehicle behind a motor home, titled "Dinghy Towing" and the other is on how to buy an RV, titled "How to Buy an RV, Before you Buy it." The Dinghy Towing e-book explores all of your options for towing a vehicle behind your motor home and it walks you through what method would work best for your particular situation. It answers all of your questions about tow bars, tow dollies, towing with four wheels down, weight issues, braking systems and all of the equipment you will need to safely tow a vehicle behind your motor home. The e-book on Buying an RV guides you through the entire buying process to help you make the right decisions and avoid making costly mistakes. It covers the different types of RV's, new versus used, RV manufacturers, selecting the right RV dealer, a valuable buyers checklist, finance terms, interest rates and much more. It may not save you thousands and thousands of dollars, but I guarantee it's well worth the low price of $12.95. For more information on these new e-books just click on the links above the editorial. I also added several new articles at our RV University site, http://rvuniversity.com/ They are based on some of the last thirteen RV Savvy segments we filmed for RVTV. It's difficult to cover all of the information on each topic in a four or five minute television segment so I write an article that viewers can go to for more information. While you're at the RV University site don't forget to get started on earning your "Just for Fun" RV Education 101 degree. If you complete all of the criteria listed, and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your authentic certificate to display in your RV and a complimentary U of RV bumper sticker. You may just learn a few things too. Last but not least I would like to thank all of you who wrote in last month and commented on our new look, new packaging, and new logo at http://www.rveducation101.com/ I also want to thank the wonderful people with RVTV for helping us to make it happen.
Mark
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We get so many questions regarding computer access on the road; so this month I am posting a question and answer on this subject from Steven Fletcher, the author of RVers Guide to Internet Access on the Road.
Question: I am in the process of purchasing an RV and trying out this RV lifestyle.
I want to have a computer on board to take care of financial business situations plus of course stay in touch with family, friends, etc. Needless to say I am a novice @ this and any input would be appreciated.
Thanks, prc
Stevens Answer:
There is no reason you can't have a computer and internet access while RVing. Low end laptops sell for at little as $500-600. If you just need the computer for email and web surfing a good used one will do and would be even cheaper.
Most laptops are as powerful as high-end desktops were just a few years ago. 15" screens at 1024*768 pixels are more readable for those of us with older eyes. Bigger screens cost lots more, and can actually display characters that are harder to read, because the pixels are actually smaller.
Make sure the laptop you buy has a built-in modem. Built-in WiFi would be nice too. "G" is the current WiFi standard, and it is backward compatible with the "B" standard still used in many places. If you don't get WiFi built-in, you will need a 40-60$ adaptor. either a
PC card or USB adapter.
Some folks say built-in is better, no protrusions or cords, but others say add-on adapters use an external antenna that have better range. If you have both built-in and external you'll have your choice!
Many RV parks are offering WiFi internet access, sometimes for free. There are a wide verity of venues offering WiFi, includes entire towns, but cafe and coffee shops are most common.
When WiFi isn't available you will need to use a telephone line and the built-in modem to call your ISP. Most RV parks and campgrounds have a phone line available just for internet access and you'll find a local phone number in most cities and towns. When no local number is available you can call an 800 number for around $6 an hour.
For a little more money you can get a laptop with a cd-rom burner in case you want to back up files, digital pictures from you camera, etc. For a little more money you can get a DVD burner. Many low end and most medium range computers include a DVD reader that also reads cds. You can watch movies on them, but they use lots of battery power in dvd playing mode so would often need external power. Often a DC car adapter is extra and fairly expensive at 50-80$.
The cheapest ink jet printers cost the most to use because they give you small ink cartridges for about the same price as larger capacity ink cartridges for more expensive printers. If you only print a few pages a month then it doesn't much matter. If you print a lot of digital pictures it matters quite a bit.
To buy Stevens e-book:
Happy Camping! - Mark
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by Les Doll
Les Doll is a Certified RV Technician and author of "The Dummy's Guide to Buying a Pre-Loved RV" E-book
Emergency Flasher
Let's say you're cruising down the freeway, on your way home from a well-earned and relaxing week-end, with your R.V. in tow. Suddenly, a problem arises, where you have to leave your rig on the side of the road, in the dark of night. Once you disconnect your palace-on-wheels from the tow vehicle, it is invisible to approaching traffic due to a lack of emergency lighting.
A simple device, that can be constructed at very low cost by just about anyone, assures that your rig will be brightly lit in this event. It will flash your trailers clearance lights and will be seen for miles.
You can build this yourself or have your local R.V. supply store make one for you.
Parts required:
- One seven pole socket (same as on your tow vehicle)
- One flasher unit
- Two pieces of insulated automotive wire (14 gauge, 10" long)
- Two crimp on wire connectors(to fit terminals of flasher unit)
Assembly instructions:
- Remove the two phillips head screws on the side of the 7 pole socket, allowing you to remove the terminal block from under the spring loaded cover.
- Insert two of the wires through the back of the socket so that they protrude through the cover and strip off 1/4" of the insulation.
- Attach one wire to the terminal marked "Black" and the other to the terminal marked "Green".
- Reinsert the terminal block in the socket housing and reinstall the screws. Also tighten the clamp at the rear of the socket at this time to hold the wires in place. You might have to wrap the wires with tape so that the clamp will tighten up on them.
- Next, bare 1/4" of the other end of the wires and crimp on the blade type connectors.
- Now simply plug these connectors onto the two prongs of the flasher unit and tape everything up securely.
- Presto, you're done. Try it out on your trailer to make sure you've done everything correctly. Your rig must have a coach battery installed for this to work.
When you plug your trailer cord into the socket, the power from your battery (the "Black" terminal) is sent through the flasher and on through the "Green" terminal to the running lights on your rig, making them flash on and off. Now you can safely leave your rig at night to make an emergency run with the tow vehicle.
Happy (Safe) Camping
Les is the webmaster of
rverscorner.com, the publisher of the RVers Corner Newsletter and founder and
administrator of the The True RVer's Forum bulletin board. Les also has authored
a continuing series of e-books on RV related subjects that
are available for
instant download. -Les' s E-book details
http://www.rverscorner.com/dummyltr.html?hop=rved101
by Dr. Bloomfield
Dr. Bloomfield is on the board of his local humane society in Truckee, Ca and he is their vice president. He also writes a regular column for their newsletter, and helped his wife Jennifer to create the "Emergency First Aid and Travel Kit for Dogs". He and his family are also avid RVers
Dealing With the Lost Pet by Dr. Bloomfield
Losing a pet is a true family emergency and too often a family tragedy. When a pet goes astray on the road it is greatly more challenging. There are steps you can take to minimize the chances of losing your friend and maximize the chances of his or her return.
It may sound obvious but when on the road it takes special steps to keep pets around at all times. Some combination of leashes, tie-outs, baby gates, and playpens is essential and will work for most pets. Strong training and discipline from puppy hood is a must for all dogs. Cats are another story. Their instinctive fear responses don’t always coincide with their reputation for poise under stress. They may go further than the laws of physics allow and higher too; and that includes roofs and trees in strange places. Cats must not be allowed to run free and most do great with a harness and tether under the awning lounging in the shade on a pillow.
We all try hard at physical control of our pets. Screen doors, tie-outs, and all our best efforts are not always enough and sometimes Fluffy goes wandering, or running at great speed. I have chased every one of my animals and a couple quite regularly including in deep snow (they are as disadvantaged if not more than me so I actually have a chance in the snow). Now the job is to start immediately getting your friend back. If possible, following and keeping an eye on him or her is best. Appoint a spotter if you can whose sole job is to watch and follow without chasing or scaring more.
The next steps depend on being prepared in advance. You surely have had your pet microchipped by your veterinarian and actually registered it. You have the number to call and the chip number as well with you in your pet’s records. You also have a couple of sheets of good passport sized or bigger photos on quality paper that you can cut up and put on flyers and give to animal hospitals, humane societies, animal control agencies, and shelters. Having the same photo on CD or DVD means that you have back ups if necessary and can share the photo online as well. Your pet also has a current rabies tag and an ID tag with your phone number on it. You also have downloaded and or printed the names of the veterinarians/animal hospitals at each of your stops or destinations so that you can make quick contact with all the necessary information.
If you can’t get your free spirit back or lose sight it is time to put up flyers and contact all the usual sources pet relocation in the area. The phone book is invaluable and be sure to look in the business section, the government section, and the yellow pages. Because you took all the necessary steps before departure you have a much better chance of being reunited with your family member and you will know that you are doing everything possible. Be careful of people telling you they have or have seen your pet and for money they can tell you where he or she is or will send him or her home. This is not an uncommon scam and the situation is tough enough already. With some effort and luck you will all be together again and can continue on the adventure.
by R Brooks Bloomfield, DVM
Copyright © 2005, R. Brooks Bloomfield, DVM Mountain Moms 2005
Canine Companion - "Emergency First Aid and Travel Kit for Dogs"
Everything a dog might need in an emergency whether at home or on the road. The kit contains 42 first-aid, health care, wound care, bandaging, and comfort/safety items; with easy to follow instructions written by Dr. Bloomfield, specifically for each product. RV Education 101 feels this kit is a smart necessity if you are going to travel with your dogs.
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Routine Care Monthly, top up your RV batteries with distilled water, remove any corrosion on the connections with a stiff brush and a baking soda/water solution. Maintenance free batteries still must be cleaned monthly. House batteries consist of either a series of two to four 6-volt (golf-cart style) batteries or one to two 12-volt deep-cycle marine style. Inverters, converters and generators make it easy to live without hook-ups in our homes on wheels. These components allow the battery(s) to power most appliances. Don’t forget to check tire pressure regularly and if you have dual tires - add stainless steel valve extenders to the inside tires. Outside Care Wash and wax your unit on a regular basis. If it begins to look chalky use products designed to remove oxidation. Occasionally you may need extensive detailing to restore the surface to its original lustre. Do not forget to periodically clean the roof with gentle soap and water to eliminate the oxidization on that surface. Check closely for rips or tears; seek the help of your dealer if required. Add a light layer of protective wax. Inspect all seals on the roof, windows and around vents and roof mounted lights. Remove black streaks regularly with specially designed products or keep your RV highly polished so these unsightly marks are easily rubbed off. Polish all hardware, door locks, vents and windows with silicone-based spray. Never use harsh products to clean your unit, especially your awning. To clean awnings, wet the top and bottom with a gentle soapy solution– dawn works well - roll the awning up and five minutes later unroll it - rinse off with a hose, repeat if necessary. Periodically flush and purge all your holding tanks. Commercial drinking water additives keep the water in your fresh water tanks tasty and only use bacteria/enzyme solution in your black and grey holding tanks. Apply silicone based spray to all caps and valves to prevent sticking. Inside Care (periodic intervals) Vacuum and clean the walls and ceiling with gentle detergents. Wash vinyl floors. If you have a carpeted ceiling white shoe polish will cover small stains. Use vinegar, or mild detergent or add shampoo to a sponge to clean the shower, avoid abrasives. If you have problems contact the manufacturer of whoever supplied the part. Basically look after the inside of your home the same way you would the inside of your stationary home. Enjoy your experience
Tips like those above are only a few of the numerous ideas
gracing the pages of the comprehensive RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY. One review
stated “Peggi provides the answer before you even thought of the question”. This
publication overflows with mega information. It has so much for so
little:
When I first began researching this subject for a seminar for FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) 6-years ago I couldn't believe I ended up with 7-pages of double-spaced differences between Canada and USA. I was surprised to discover how much our two countries differed when most of us feel we are so similar. If you are planning to visit Canada, don't leave home without a copy of RV TRAVEL TO CANADA E-BOOK. BUY NOW !!
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By: Pat Watson 
Pat and her husband, Francis, live in Holland, Ohio, and love cooking and entertaining their friends and family, especially at KOA campgrounds! Her new cookbook, "Campground Cooking", is a collection of more than 200 fun, easy recipes designed for RV cooking. Pat says all of the recipes can be made using an RV oven, crock-pot, microwave or electric skillet. She even has sections on cooking with foil and recipes for grilling. Many of the recipes can be adapted for cooking over an open fire, and it's great for busy cooks at home.
Candy Store Pudding
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant chocolate pudding
- 1 (8 oz) carton whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped, salted peanuts
In a bowl, whisk milk & pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Fold in whipped topping, marshmallows, and peanuts.
Spoon into individual dessert dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Now available as an instant e-book! Cookbook details 77 pages
RV Education 101 strongly supports the sale of these Cookbooks. Pat is donating 10 percent of her profits from the book to benefit the KOA Care Camps Trust for kids with cancer. You can find out more about KOA Care Camps here:http://www.koacarecamps.com/
RV Living in the 21st Century by Peggi McDonald
Peggi has taken the best of her internationally-acclaimed first book and has revamped and updated it to reflect the changing technology and rules in post-9/11 North America. This book is for the new or experienced RVer. There are so many tips from “how to” subjects as well as practical advice on "what to do" when you have medical problems on the road, and how to choose an emergency roadside service. The security tips for your house while you are away and health & safety tips are just a couple of subjects out of many, that are invaluable and give you peace of mind! There is so much information we couldn’t possibly list it all. RV EDUCATION 101 highly recommends this book.
Book Details $16.95 On Sale until 17 August 2005 for $14.95 BUY NOW
Please type: newsletter discount in the: Key Code box of the order form. We will adjust your total when your order is processed. Order Now!Asheville
Big-city sophistication meets Southern hospitality in Asheville, where the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the Biltmore mansion and wildflower-studded valleys beckon photographers, nature-lovers, even llama-trekkers.
Cape Hatteras
Black-and-white, spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has protected generations of sailors from the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," the storm-whipped Outer Banks of North Carolina. Pay your respects at the lighthouse's new home (since 1999), a more protected area, a half mile from its original location. Another must-see: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a feeding and nesting area for more than 265 species of birds.
Sunset Beach
Enter a world of Southern coastal relaxation and adventure at Sunset Beach. This island is the farthest south of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands, and it's also not far from the Myrtle Beach area. Experience a quiet coastal getaway or browse the shops and explore the area's history. Choose from among championship golf courses and play a few rounds. You'll be mesmerized by the vast ocean shore. The Ingram Planetarium and Science Center, an aquarium, museum and lighthouse tours assure many options for an ideal vacation. Launch your boat or rent a pontoon to meander down the coast.
Information packed e-books:
RVers Guide to Internet Access on the Road Confused about staying in touch while traveling? This e-book will clarify things for you!
RV Buyers Survival Guide Looking for your first RV? This e-book is a MUST for you!
How to BUY and SELL RV's on E-bay !! Need to get rid of your RV, or are you looking for one? Learn the insiders tips from an RV dealer with this e-book!
Have you ever thought what it would be like to leave the hectic, corporate lifestyle for the relaxing, full time RV lifestyle? Read more about a couple who did more than just think about it>>
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050802/FEATURES/508020307/1010
"Why It's Rated #1 Camping Club By RVers."
- There are lots of RV clubs you can join, and we are partnered with some of the best clubs in the country, who use Happy Camper as a way to give their members MORE discount options than any other club around!
- Happy Camper Club is different from other clubs because it goes far beyond the usual 10 or 15% discount offered elsewhere! As park owners of two RV parks in Louisiana, who are also RVers themselves, the founders of the club realize that every campground wishes it could fill ALL its camp sites. That usually doesn't happen, so why not rent the empty sites for half price? Most parks agree with that philosophy, and member parks get FREE advertising, while Happy Camper members enjoy the unbelievable rate of 50% off their full hook-up sites. Everybody wins - and everybody's happy. Join us today, and become a Happy Camper! http://www.happycamperrvclub.com/index.php?ref=dawn
How would you like to win $20,000? Well, now you have a chance to. Camping World is offering RVers the opportunity to win the $20,000 "Live Free in their RV" grand prize. Read more about how you can enter to win and what the prizes are>>
http://www.evergladesecho.com/articles/2005/08/01/news/news07.txt
Book Details 
Live Your Road Trip Dream by Phil
and Carol White
Jam-packed with information and guidance on every page to help you turn your dream into reality, your dream vacation is no further away than saying ""Live Your Road Trip Dream"
Onan RV Generators
Are you looking for parts or maintenance tips for your Onan generator? Do you need a manual for your Onan generator? If so, check out the Onan RV Store.
I thought I had heard of everything when it comes to ideas for reality TV programs. I guess it just took a while for them to come up with a reality RV show. Read more>>http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/story.asp?id=14610
General and Unsubscribe Info BACK TO MAIN MENU
About us:
Our goal with this monthly newsletter 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 28-foot Class C motor home. We have two
boys, Tyler 8 and Josh 14, 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 our website
RV Education 101 Newsletter © Copyright 2004, 2005 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 - RV Education 101
RV UNIVERSITY
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