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The RV Education 101 Newsletter
KOA campgrounds are excited to team with the leader in RV education and show their support for the RV industry by endorsing RV Education 101! Quote of the Month
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do. ~ Goethe
THE RV BOOK by Mark J. Polk NEW in 2006!
The RV Book is your personal guide to understanding and enjoying your RV. "RV Expert" Mark Polk turns complex into easy, making all of your experiences safe, fun & stress free. RV's give us the freedom to go wherever we want, whenever we want. But, nothing will ruin a trip or a vacation quicker than not understanding how to properly use and maintain your RV.
Mark Polk, the author of The RV Book said "Buying an RV is a major investment and it can be overwhelming when just starting out. In the book I tried to touch on all aspects of RV ownership; from selecting and buying the right RV to setting it up at your favorite campground. What type of RV is right for you? How do you tow or drive an RV? How do you safely use an RV? How do you take care of your new RV? I have researched and gathered all of this information, into one place, to simplify the entire process of RV ownership. Whether you own an RV now, or you are getting ready to purchase one in the future, I know that by reading The RV Book you will feel more comfortable about using an RV."
Read a PDF excerpt from "The RV Book"
$19.95 BUY NOW
Hello Everybody,
I don't know about anybody else but I feel as though I'm in some kind of time warp. It seems like just yesterday I was working on last month's newsletter. I don't have much news to report for the rest of January. My new book, The RV Book, and our new DVD, Towing behind a Motorhome, were both received quite well. I would like to thank all of you who purchased one or both of these new RV Education 101 products. I don't think you'll be disappointed, but then again, I say that from a biased standpoint.
We finally parked, winterized and covered the RV for the winter. It's always disappointing to park the motorhome for the winter. To help make the time pass I'm in the planning stages for our second RV trip of 2006, an early spring fly-fishing trip to Pennsylvania. I can hardly wait to hit some of the small trout streams I fished as a kid!
Something else we are considering this winter is whether to upgrade to a new motorhome, or keep our current one for a while longer. We have been completely satisfied with our Class C, but feel as though we are out growing it now. The boys are getting bigger and we would like something that we can work out of easier when we travel.
With that said our plan is to attend a couple of RV shows this month. I always enjoy going to the shows but it's even more exciting when the possibility exists that you might be buying a new RV. Even if you don't plan on buying an RV you should attend some RV shows. There's a lot to see and do at RV shows, and it helps pass the time and gets you excited about this years camping season. That's why I decided to write this month's feature article on what else, RV shows. I'll update you next month on where we stand with the RV upgrade situation.
I almost forgot, GO STEELERS! I have been a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan for as long as I can remember, and have waited for this game since Super Bowl XIV. Good luck to all of you Seattle fans.
Enjoy the newsletter & happy camping,
Mark
Feature Article by Mark RV Shows, Your Fix for the Wintertime RV Blues
We took one last camping trip in our RV before parking it for the winter. We had a great time and when we returned I cleaned it, winterized it, and prepared it for storage. When I got the RV cover out, the reality finally sank in that there would be no more RV adventures until sometime this coming spring. It's always a bit depressing to park the motorhome, with no plans to use it for two or three months. It's sort of like when football season ends, or Survivor ends and you need to wait several months for the next season to begin.
What I discovered will help you through these rough times is to attend some RV shows. You might need to park the RV for the winter but that doesn't mean you can't think about RV's, look at RV's, or plan the next trip in your RV. RV shows offer the avid RVer a fix to get through the wintertime blues. You don't need to be in the market for a new RV to attend an RV show. It's a lot of fun to just look at all the new RV models coming out, and to dream a little bit. If you're not shopping for an RV just be careful and keep reminding yourself that you're only there to look. With all of the excitement, not to mention a good salesperson, it's easy to make a hasty buying decision.
There is a lot of ground to cover at an RV show and a wealth of information available. RV shows aren't just for RV dealers to showcase their new products. RV shows are a great source of information from knowledgeable representatives, on every aspect of the RV industry. You will find lots of information on campgrounds, RV resorts and new destinations you can visit. You will get to see a wide variety of RV aftermarket products and accessories available for RVers, and many times there will be some great RV seminars you can attend. RV shows are a good place to talk to RV manufacturer representatives and other industry experts. Many of the RV manufacturers send knowledgeable representatives to assist RV dealers with their products. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have about a particular RV brand or model. RV shows are also a great place to just talk with other RVers. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different RV related products.
If you are a new RVer, or if you are in the market for a new RV, these shows are a great place to start your research. RV dealers come from miles away to attend RV shows. When you attend an RV show don't be afraid to ask questions about the RV dealership and the products they have to offer. Not only will you find a good selection of RV dealers to check out, but there will be every make and model of RV imaginable too. RV shows are a great place to do some comparison shopping too. Keep in mind that RV's are available in entry, mid-line, and high-end models. When comparing prices, make sure it is apples to apples. One RV may look like another one, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment and features they both have to offer. If you are in the market to buy an RV you should have some idea of what your needs are, what you want, and how you plan to use the RV. This is extremely important. Here are a few things to consider before you buy at an RV show.
This is just a partial list, but it should help you make a more informed decision before you purchase an RV. Another important consideration is the options on the RV. When a dealer orders an RV they order the options that they feel will help sell the RV based on their experience. On the other hand they can limit the options to make the price more appealing, but it may be some options that you really want or need. Sit down with a sales person and review what options are on the RV and what options are available. If you found a floor plan that you really like but it's not equipped the way you want talk to the dealer about ordering one for you. Do not rush into anything. I know that waiting is difficult, but remember slowww down, it will be worth the wait to get the RV you really want.
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA, offers a very good, searchable database to assist you in locating upcoming RV shows. Just click on this link to find an RV show close to where you live, http://rvia.org/rvshows/index.cfm RV shows are usually advertised on local television and radio stations too.
So what are you waiting for? Find out when the next RV show will be in your area and make it a point to attend. This can be just the RV fix you need until it's time to take your RV out of storage for another great camping season. Oh, and don't forget to wear some comfortable walking shoes too! Click here for more Information on an instant download e-book I wrote to help you through the entire RV selection and buying process.
Happy Camping, Mark
Secret to a Successful Marriage:
Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson recently offered a valuable piece of marriage advice: Take your spouse on frequent recreation vehicle (RV) vacations. “One of the nicest things about RVing is my wife actually smiles at me when we get inside... she's always in a good mood in our motorhome,” Gibson said, sharing his firsthand experiences with an audience of RV industry executives. Read More... http://www.rvia.org/media/newsreleases/breakingnews/p0561.htm
Marks Tip of the Month
The tires on your RV are the most vulnerable component affected by overloading the RV. There are numerous reasons for this. First and foremost is when the tires are not inflated properly for the load. Failure to maintain correct tire pressure can result in fast tread wear, uneven wear, poor handling, and excessive heat build up, which can lead to tire failure. Another problem is when you weigh your RV the total weight of the axles may be within the axles weight rating but it may be overloaded on one side of the axle or the other. For example, let's say you have an axle that is rated for 6,000 pounds. When we weigh the RV the weight on that particular axle is 5,950 pounds. We are with in the weight rating for the axle, but when we weigh each axle end separately we discover that one end weighs 3,400 pounds and the other end weighs 2550 pounds. We are still within the 6,000- pound axle weight rating, but the tires are rated for 3,000 at 80 PSI. This means the axle end that weighs 3,400 pounds is overloading the tire by 400 pounds, even if the inflation pressure is correct.
Taking Care of your RV Tires
Maintaining the tires on your RV has always been one of those things you always think about but would rather not have to deal with. This is partly because you don't have a good understanding of what to do or where to begin.
Bridgestone/Firestone has made it much easier to take care of and maintain your RV tires. To download two very informative brochures on caring for your tires and how to weigh your RV go here> http://www.trucktires.com/us_eng/library/publications/index.asp To make the job of weighing your RV easier they include charts you can take with you to the scales. Just fill in the blanks that apply to your RV and/or tow vehicle and make sure your RV is not overloaded.
As stated by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA:
Strong RV Market Growth Forecasted/ Demand for RVs will continue to grow during the next decade, due to favorable population trends and purchase intentions, the study found. By 2010, RVs will be owned by 8.5 million households—an 8 percent increase, outpacing overall U.S. household growth of 6 percent, In addition, purchase intentions are higher now compared to what the study found in 2001 and 1997. Two-thirds of current owners plan to purchase another RV. Among households that have never owned an RV, more than one in six expressed interest in buying one in the future. Among all U.S. households, nearly one quarter (23 percent) intend to purchase an RV in the future.
So, how can you be one of these 8.5 million RVers? Here's a thought; escape the rat race and hit the road. It might be easier than you think. Read the whole story> http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/20060131a1.asp
The Wireless Trips WiFi Finder
Now that you're out there enjoying the open road how do you find over 1,400 WiFi locations; especially the ones in the direction you are traveling? It's just a mouse click away> http://hotspots.wirelesstrips.com/?m=L
Now Available- Better Business Bureau: Buying a Recreational Vehicle DVD
Learn the biggest mistakes RV buyers make in this 50-minute DVD from RV Travel and the Better Business Bureau, so you can avoid making them yourself. Information for this program was developed through extensive research; examination of consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau; and interviews with industry leaders, dealers, RV repair professionals and actual RVers. Viewing this Better Business Bureau DVD is the very best insurance you can get to avoiding making some of the classic and often costly mistakes new RVers make.
Released in October 2005.
BUY NOW DVD$19.95
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Campground Cooking 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.
Stuffed Pasta Shells
12 jumbo pasta shells
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Brown ground beef & 1 med. onion; drain. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese, and 1/4 cup taco sauce into meat mixture. Heat 2-3 minutes until cream cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill shells with beef mixture, using about 2 Tbsp for each shell. Place in pan and pour 1/2 cup taco sauce over shells. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with Colby-Monterey Jack cheese and corn chips. Bake uncovered for about 10 more minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with sliced green onions & sour cream.
TIP: Prepared shells can be refrigerated in a covered container up to 24 hrs. When baking, increase time to 25 minutes instead of 20 minutes. 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% 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/
Contributed by Peggi McDonald, Author of "RV Living in the 21st Century"
No matter how old we get our education never stops. Understanding a very valuable lesson was part of this week's education - exact details are unimportant. We have always thought that when you had a stone chip repaired it was an inexpensive way to stop a large claim - so the insurance was happy to pay the minor fee as a preventive measure. It sounded like a good idea at the time. BUT what we did not know is each window chip counts as a glass insurance claim on that vehicle. If you have two chip repair claims plus a serious glass replacement that means you have three claims. Any follow-up claims could be at a much higher deductible. Moral of the story is DO NOT PUT YOUR STONE CHIPS THROUGH YOUR INSURANCE UNLESS IT'S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Pay for them yourself - it is much less costly in the end. You never know when you will need the support during a claim for a serious window/windshield replacement.
Do you have your copy of Peggi's RV Packing Tips e-book? It's really like getting “Three E-Books in One” http://rv101.rvliving.hop.clickbank.net/
About RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY 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: "RV Living in the 21st Century" Details
Kentucky Shuts Down Florida Woman's Performing Chimps Show
Kentucky authorities say chimpanzees can't perform at a boat show, and their owner from Florida is outraged. The Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps had been performing at the Louisville Boat, RV and Sportshow. It represents eight generations of animal trainers and performers who have acted on television, in movies and had appearances before presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon....
Read More... http://www.wftv.com/news/6655472/detail.html?rss=orlc&psp=irresistible
Load Management Basics To understand how battery chargers, automatic generator start systems and other base loads affect your generator, you need to be aware of three things:
1. Your generator's power capability Learn more http://www.funroads.com/service/loadmngbasics.jhtml
Campground Attractions by KOA - New York campgrounds
New York is a Great Place to Visit! There is so much to see and do in New York that you will never get bored, from the excitement of New York City and the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Art Museum, and Central Park to the history of Ellis Island and the natural splendor of water falls and scenic byways in the Adirondack Mountains. Catch a Yankees or Mets game while you're there or view the amazing New York fall foliage on the many scenic drives throughout the state. There are new experiences waiting all over New York.
And when you are looking for places to camp in New York look no further than KOA. Offering all the best camping amenities, KOA campgrounds feature fabulous RV sites, spacious tent sites, and comfortable cabins. Many campgrounds feature our exclusive discount camping "hot deals", or use your KOA Value Kard to take advantage of some great camping savings.
Take some time, explore each campground and even make your camping reservations online! Your family vacation or weekend get-a-way is only a click away.
Camp for FREE on May 12! at Lake George / Saratoga KOA
All New, 2006 KOA Campground Directory - The 2006 KOA Directory is all you'll need to plan your family's camping fun, whether your trip takes you across North America or just down the road from your home. Order your copy today! http://koa.com/orderadirectory/
RV Glossary by Les Doll a working certified RV technician and author of: How to inspect and evaluate a used motorhome the "PAINLESS" way e-book ANODE ROD - an anode rod, when used in a water heater, attracts corrosion causing products in the water. These products attack the anode rod instead of the metal tank itself. The anode rod should be inspected yearly and changed when it is reduced to about 1/4 of its original size. The rods are used in steel water heater tanks - an aluminum tank has an inner layer of anode metal to accomplish the same thing. Anode rods should not be installed in an aluminum tank!
Brake Actuator - a device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the braking system of the trailer. Most Brake Actuators are based on a time delay, the more time the tow vehicle brakes are applied the "harder" the trailer brakes are applied.
British Thermal Unit, BTU- A measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F. RV air-conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.
DSI IGNITION - direct spark ignition - this term refers to the method of igniting the main burner on a propane fired appliance. The burner is lit with an electric spark and the flame is monitored by an electronic circuit board. This ignition system is used in refrigerators, furnaces and water heaters. There is now a version of stove tops that light the burners with a DSI ignition.
SELF CONTAINED - RV which needs no external electrical, drain or water hookup. Thus, it can park overnight anywhere. Of course, self-contained units can also hook up to facilities when at campgrounds.
TOAD - A "toad" is an RV'ers term referring to a vehicle that is towed behind a motor home. Some vehicles can be towed without any modifications - others cannot be towed at all, or at least without extensive alterations.
WHEELBASE - Distance between center lines of the primary axles of a vehicle. If a motorhome includes a tag axle, the distance is measured from the front axle to the center point between the drive and tag axles.
How to inspect and evaluate a used motorhome the "PAINLESS" way This e-guide was written by Les Doll, a working Certified RV technician, with years of RV construction and maintenance experience. In this guide you will find many little-known secrets and methods used by professional buyers to evaluate a used RV. This one of a kind electronic guide is your step-by-step road map to the selection of a trouble free used RV. BUY NOW $14.95
Happy Camper Half Price Camping Club is excited to announce that their 2006 Camping Guide is now available both in print - and on CD-Rom!
Features include: * The entire fully-detailed 2006 Camping Guide * A 30-day FREE trial membership - which makes it a great GIFT * RV Education 101 Sampler: Safety Articles, Tips, Hints * Classic RV Essays by Chuck Woodbury * Recipes * Camping Tips * and MORE! * Self-contained, with bonus-features available online:
For more information on this unique CD for RV travelers read a recent Press Release > http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb329119.htm
Join 1/2 price camping today at http://www.camphalfprice.com/index.php?ref=15
Take a glimpse into the future of modern RV's. I think it's some kind of RV, you decide.
How about a diesel-electric hybrid driven RV for the modern city dweller! Commuting is what other people do. Take a look> http://www.laautoshow.com/2006/designla/popGmc.html
Information packed, RV Education 101 instant download e-books
The Three Primary Systems of an RV How does an RV work? How do you get hot water, cold food and satellite TV when you're out in the middle of no where. How is it possible to use a microwave when you're driving down the road and what makes the shower work when you aren't even connected to a water source? This e-book has these answers and more!
How to Buy an RV, Before you Buy it Looking for your first RV? Don't buy it before you have read this e-book. Take control of your RV buying experience, not to mention saving thousands of dollars.
The Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing This e-book will explain everything you need to know about towing behind a motorhome in an easy to understand format. Our goal with this e-book is to help you learn how to properly tow a dinghy, and to assist you in making the right decisions to meet your particular towing needs.
A Collection of RV Tips Recently updated, with over thirty new tips added. There are tips that will save the RVer time and money, and some that will prevent untimely, costly repairs to your RV. Some of the tips are common sense, some you learn from experience, and some were passed on from other RVers.
What you need to Know, Before you Tow This e-book is packed with information on subjects like properly matching your tow vehicle and trailer, trailer weights, backing techniques that really work, proper hitch work, towing tips, driving tips, controlling sway, weighing your RV and much more.
What, you would rather watch a video than read a book. Well you're in luck, we have videos covering all of the information you will get from the e-books at> http://www.rveducation101.com/trainingvideos.htm?siteID=0 Not really sure where to go on an RV trip this year. Check out our RV travel videos and start planning that big trip now> http://www.rveducation101.com/travelvideos.htm?siteID=0
Parkway Stats Show Decline in Visitors
A decline in the number of visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway has led to some concern about trends in parkway usage.
Read more.... http://www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly/2006/0126/parkway.php3
Filmmaker John Holod is currently filming "Gulf Coast RV Adventure". This new film will be released in January 2007.
Check out John's latest release, Natural Wonders of the SE Coast -
When you think of the East Coast you usually think of big cities, but there are many natural areas that have been set aside as well. Our adventure begins in Virginia Beach as we follow the coast south through the Outer Banks of North Carolina. One-third of all the s_alt marshes along the East Coast are located in Georgia. An eco-tour explains how important the marsh is to the creatures that inhabit it, like oysters, crabs, wading birds, and manatees. The Everglades is the place to visit for natural wonders. The national park is one of the most unusual in the country. The East Coast contains many natural wonders that most people are not aware of, come along for the ride!
...Available in DVD $26.95 & VHS $21.95 Video details Order Now! Other Popular Products at RV Education 101
Travelers Guide to the Firearms Laws
Everything a dog might need in an emergency whether at home or on the road. The Canine Companion 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. Canine Companion - "Emergency First Aid and Travel Kit for Dogs"
Just a few facts about LP gas
Here are a few interesting facts about LP gas you might be interested in reading> http://www.dcs1.com/articles/lpgasfacts.html The RV Book, a newly released guide to understanding and enjoying RV's
If you do enjoy reading as opposed to watching a video, and you are interested in learning more about RV's this is the book for you.
This is a link to a Press Release about my new book if you would like to read it. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb328373.htm
$19.95 BUY NOW
Rest Areas and Welcome Centers by William C. Herow
This is a very popular title and now it has been completely updated and revised! Quickly and easily locate rest areas, welcome centers, roadside turnouts, and scenic vistas along America's Interstate highways. Find out where these areas are and the facilities available such as restrooms, phones, picnic tables, vending machines, RV dump stations, and designated pet walk areas.
Rest Areas & Welcome Centers also includes Cracker Barrel locations and discount stores like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, K-Mart, and Target. Easily find travel centers like AmBest Truck Stops, Flying J Travel Plazas, Love's, Petro, Pilot, and TA Travel Centers. These places welcome RVers with services such as propane, diesel fuel, restaurants, and dump stations. Some even offer free overnight parking!
Also included is state tourism contact information, a convenient list of toll-free numbers for hotels and motels across America, and an RV dump station locator. Rest Areas & Welcome Centers is a valuable resource for anyone that travels America's Interstate highways. 240 pages, a must have book for every RVer.
Select this link to view a sample chapter (Adobe Reader PDF, 184KB)
$12.95 BUY NOW General and Unsubscribe Info
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 9 and Josh 15, 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> www.rveducation101.com RV Education 101 Newsletter © Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006 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 contact us with feedback or questions, email to: info@rveducation101.com To subscribe, please email http://rveducation101.com/email/ To unsubscribe, please email 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
RV Education 101 Last Updated: Monday, February 06 2006 @ 05:03 PM EST|Hits: 4'171 |
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