June 2005

The RV Education 101 Newsletter

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Issue # 16  In This Issue:

• Quote of the Month
• Editorial by Mark
• Feature Article **
• Tip of the Month
• RV Vet Corner
• Peggi McDonald's RV Nook
• RV Campground Cooking
• Monthly Product Discount
• RV Campgrounds and Attractions **New**
• Classified Ads and Informative RV Links
• Be A Happy Camper
• Subscribe / Unsubscribe Information

NEW- Natural Wonders of the SE Coast DVD 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 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! by John Holod. Order Now!

**Quote of the Month**
The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor. --Unknown

Education is not a form of entertainment, but a means of empowering people to take control of their lives. Editorial by Mark --Unknown

Editorial by Mark Back to top.

Hi Everybody,

We are in Colorado Springs, Colorado as I write this. It is absolutely beautiful here and if you ever have the opportunity to take a trip here in your RV, DO IT! There is so much to see and do, I would have to write several chapters to cover everything. It is actually a working trip for us, but as I have said before, whenever we are in the RV it really doesn't seem like work to me.

The trip was just under 2,000 miles one way and fortunately, about one week before we left, gas prices dropped almost ten cents a gallon. The price at the pump averaged $1.93 a gallon while we traveled, and the only time I saw it above $2.00 was here in Colorado. We didn't have any problems with the motor home,  other than we seem to be out growing it when we bring some of our inventory along with us.

I did manage to take Memorial Day off and go fly fishing at Eleven Mile Canyon, which is the South Platte River. The scenery was spectacular and I caught six beautiful trout. We were fishing the top half of the canyon, which is catch and release, so nobody actually believed I caught them, except Fred, my friend who took me on the trip and supplied all the gear. I haven't fly fished since I was seventeen years old, so the truth is I missed about twelve trout trying to catch the six I managed to get. I told Dawn that I'm hooked on fly fishing again, like I was when I was a kid, and that she should start planning some weekend RV trips to the North Carolina mountain streams when we get home.

Our NEW second edition Travel Trailer / Fifth Wheel DVD should be available for sale on our web site in about 10 days or so. It has been a time consuming project but well worth the effort.

We also filmed a 10 minute DVD available now titled "Mark's Recommended RV Essential Items." If you're brand new to RVing and not sure what essential items you need for your RV to make your camping experiences more enjoyable, this DVD is for you. It's only $4.95 plus S&H and I cover over 25 essential items.

Happy Camping,

Mark 

**Feature Article** - LP Gas

With prime camping season and prime grilling season quickly approaching I thought it was appropriate to talk about LP gas. LP gas is a camper's best friend. It provides us with warmth on a chilly day, hot water to shower with, cold food in the fridge and the capability to cook on the road the same way you do when you're at home. When we need it it's there, instantly providing us with all of the amenities and creature comforts we are accustomed to. We don't really even think about it, it's taken for granted that when you push that button, almost like magic it responds to your demands.

But what is LP gas? Should we be afraid of it, or just continue to take it for granted? Liquid propane, more commonly known as LP gas gets its name because it is stored in a liquid state. When LP gas is manufactured it is compressed and stored under pressure, which causes it to liquefy. When the pressure is released the liquid turns back into a vapor. LP gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. To assist you in detecting a leak an odorant is added to it when it is manufactured.  If you are not familiar with the odor of LP gas, the next time you go to a qualified fill station ask the attendant to let you smell it. Most people describe the smell as being similar to rotten eggs, or as having a garlic odor.

We'll get back to more characteristics of LP gas in a minute, but first let's address the second question. Should you be afraid of it? You should respect LP gas, because all gases have dangerous characteristics. If you check for gas leaks using an open flame you are certain to be in danger. I guess what I am trying to say is that LP gas is one of the safest of petroleum products if it is handled properly. More times than not, when there is an accident involving LP gas it is due to negligence or improper handling.

LP gas is portable, safe when handled properly and it's very efficient, so it only makes sense that it is used in RVs and BBQ grills. I mentioned a moment ago that LP gas is compressed in a liquid state and stored in containers. Because of the amount of pressure involved the containers are manufactured under very stringent codes. There are two basic types of containers, Department of Transportation (DOT), and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The DOT containers, more commonly called cylinders are the upright type that you see on Pop Up's, travel trailers, or your BBQ grill. The ASME cylinders are referred to as tanks and are mounted horizontally like the type you would see on a motor home.

Regardless of the type, all LP gas containers are only filled to 80% of their capacity to allow for expansion when the temperature around the container rises. LP gas cylinders are equipped with Overfill Protection Devices or OPD valves to prevent them from being overfilled.

LP gas can be measured in weight or in gallons. You may have heard somebody say that the gas cylinders on their travel trailer are 30 lb. cylinders, or they may say their cylinders hold 7 gallons apiece. One gallon of LP gas weighs 4.26 pounds. The typical BBQ grill uses a 20 lb. cylinder, so at 80% full it would hold 3.75 gallons of LP gas.

When you open the valve to the gas cylinder the liquid gas turns back into a vapor and goes into a two stage regulator. In the first stage the pressure coming out of the cylinder is reduced significantly close to the proper burning range for the LP gas appliances. The second stage reduces it to the required 11 inches of water column needed to run the appliances properly.

There is also an LP gas leak detector inside the RV that will set off an alarm to alert you if there is a gas leak. It's normally located close to floor level because LP gas is heavier than air and it will settle towards the floor. If you ever smell LP gas when you're camping, or if the LP gas leak detector goes off you could have a leak somewhere in the system. If this happens you should:

• Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights and do not smoke, or touch electrical switches.
• Evacuate the RV and turn off the main gas supply valve.
• Leave the door open and do not return to the area until the odor clears.
• Have the system checked out by a qualified technician before using it again.
• False alarms can be caused by hair spray, perfume, cleaning solvents and low battery voltage.

Let's take a moment and discuss some dos and don'ts concerning LP gas.

• Do remember to turn the main gas supply on when you're ready to use a gas appliance.
• Do have the system checked if you suspect a leak, disturb the gas system, or at least once annually.
• Do take the proper steps to safely transport, store and use LP gas cylinders.
• Do review all cautions and warnings on the LP gas system and appliances in your owner's manual.
• Do not use an open flame to check for leaks.
• Do not use the range burners or oven as a source of heat; it is not vented outside and depleted oxygen can cause asphyxiation.
• Do not go to a gas station to refuel unless you extinguish any open flames and, or pilot lights and turn LP gas appliances off.
• Do not transport LP gas cylinders inside a vehicle.
• Do not be afraid of LP gas, but do respect it and handle it properly.

Happy Camping!  - Mark

**Tip of the Month**  - 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

Connecting Multiple RV Batteries

When installing more than one battery for use with the 12 volt RV system, it is recommended to purchase the batteries at the same time. The batteries should be matched with regard to capacity, brand, and age. This will give you the best possible life from your RV battery bank.

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

**RV Vet Corner** by Dr Bloomfield Back to top.

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.

The Elixir of Life

No, I haven't found the fountain of youth (though I would share). I can tell you that water probably has more to do with our pets (us too) long term survival than any other aspect of nutrition. The great thing about water is all you have to do is actually provide it. As Rvers we are fortunate in that we take a good supply with us generally. This is good in that it provides your pets their normal water supply. Most campgrounds water is more consistent than the electricity but can be a problem especially if odors keep your pet from consuming adequate water. Bring along your pet's usual bowl if possible and be sure it is ceramic or metal (except for your Mountain Moms portable bowl which is fabric and won't take color from a dog's nose and is only used for short periods anyway).

Dogs and cats need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day for maintenance. Activity, heat, and disease all increase that amount to near double. There are many ways of meeting that need and some of it is actually the water in your pet's diet (I bet it is dry food though with little water). Add water to your pet's daily meal if she or he will consume it. It makes for a healthier easier to digest meal. When taking side trips either leave enough water for your dog or an automatic waterer. Look up to make sure that debris won't be falling from above contaminating the water while you are gone. If you dog goes with you so does the water.

With all the very legitimate warnings about West Nile Virus we may be inclined to keep all of our windows closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering but we risk overheating and dehydration. Dogs do not seem to get West Nile Virus so far and reasonable use of bug repellant's can help keep your pet safe (you are giving heartworm medication and using Frontline or the equivalent flea and tick preventative right?). Regardless of the risk of bug entry it is essential that your pets remain cool and well hydrated. Leave car windows open to provide both security and ventilation. Park in the shade or tie your pet in the shade. No matter the weather or locale always provide plenty of fresh water for you and your pet.

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.

** Peggi McDonald's RV Nook** - By Peggi McDonald author of "RV Living in the 21st Century"  Back to top.

Excerpt from end of EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE chapter in 21st CENTURY

Out of pocket costs of only one roadside breakdown, will far exceed the price of any road service plan; so even if you have to skimp on other things when planning your travel budget, do not travel without this coverage. The annual fee for these valuable ERS policies ranges between $100.00 and 150.00.

But, before you buy, make sure the price of your ERS plan includes 'no-cost assistance with unlimited towing'. 'No cost' means that you do not pay the towing fee up front; you simply sign the invoice and drive away. A non?insured tow for an RV is extremely expensive - many hundreds of dollars, in fact. Without an ERS, a towing bill can quickly deplete your cash reserves.

Since your RV is much larger than a family car, make sure that the ERS you contract can provide expert RV towing service. An emergency road service plan that cannot accommodate the special handling of an RV is a waste of money.

Your plan should also provide coverage for emergency gas/fuel (usually about five gallons free - with diesel they will also help re-prime your vehicle), lock-out service, tire changes,  jump-starts and the services should be available no matter where you are in Canada or the U.S. Some companies offer 24/7 voice tech support to help RVers deal with problems when you just need to talk to a tech, and a few even reimburse costs for emergency road service in Mexico. Members are responsible for labour charges plus required parts provided by maintenance personnel.

Many plans also include the tow or towed vehicles and other family cars.  There should be no restrictions on the number of service calls that you're entitled to - nor should there be a maximum distance an RV can be towed to a repair facility.

Before you go searching for an emergency road service, take a look at what your RV club has to offer. Before purchasing, talk to other RVers and ask what company they would recommend and carefully read advertisements in RV magazines. You'll be amazed at the number of services offered.

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:
"RV Living in the 21st Century" Details

**RV Campground Cooking** By: Pat Watson   Back to top.

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.

Turkey Cheese Casserole

• 1 (8 oz.) jar cheese spread (Cheese Whiz)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup cooked, chopped turkey
• 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 tsp onion salt
• 7 oz. spaghetti
• 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli
• 2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 Tbsp. butter

Cook spaghetti and broccoli according to package directions and set aside. Combine cheese spread and milk; mix well. Drain spaghetti and broccoli and toss spaghetti with butter. Combine all ingredients and put mixture into a 2 1/2-qt. casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Stir before serving.

TIP: Spaghetti is easier to eat if broken into halves or thirds before cooking.

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/

**Monthly Product Discount** - Back to top.

**RV Campgrounds and Attractions** - provided by KOA **New** Back to top.

Idaho
KOA Camping in Idaho -

**Classified Ads & Informative Links**