The RV Education 101 Newsletter
Learning RV's the Easy Way by Video
Volume 27 - May 2006

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!
                     View KOA Clip

Quote of the Month

`Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.' ~ B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)

Hello Again Everybody,

I would like to begin by saying thanks to all of you who wrote with comments about the new “Video Tip of the Month” program we initiated. We truly appreciate the positive feedback and all of the ideas for future video tips. For those of you who have dial up Internet connections we will soon have links available on our site so you can view the video tips too.

It has been a crazy month for us. We ordered our new motorhome back in February and have been waiting patiently ever since. The dealership called us the last week of April and told us it came in, but when we went to see it we soon realized it was not equipped the way we ordered it. Fortunately the dealer was able to locate another one, with the options we wanted, and we finally brought the Bounder home on the 3^rd of May.

Needless to say we are very excited to finally have it and we wanted to break it in right. We took our first trip last weekend. It was a short 200 mile round trip to the beach, to work out any bugs. I'm glad we went on a shakedown cruise before taking a 2400 mile business trip later this month. The refrigerator quit working the first night we were at the campground; but fortunately I was able to bypass a relay so we could use it for the remainder of our trip. Everything else went great. We had a chance to just kickback and relax and Tyler has some new fish stories to tell (about the big one that got away). After our business trip we have a 3600 mile vacation planned in June. It's great to be back in a motorhome, but I can honestly say I'm not looking forward to paying three or more dollars a gallon at the gas pump.

I think fuel prices are on everybody's mind these days especially RVers, not to mention the RV manufacturers. I try to view fuel prices optimistically when it comes to the RV. Take our trip last weekend, for example. I averaged 7.5 miles to a gallon, so at $2.83 a gallon, it cost us $75.47 in fuel for our 200 mile round trip. We towed the Jeep behind the motorhome and drove it about 50 miles over the weekend, so at 20 miles to a gallon that's an additional $7.00 in gas. We stayed at a military campground that charges $21.00 per night, and we spent about $40.00 on food (not eating out) for two adults and two children.

So, our grand total for a weekend at the beach came to $164.47. I think you would be hard pressed to drive to the beach in an automobile, stay at a hotel, and eat out at restaurants for $164.47. The going rate for two nights in a hotel on the beach is more than our entire weekend trip cost.

But this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be concerned about the price of gas, or what we can do to maximize our fuel economy. You may have read my article on fuel economy before, but I felt it was appropriate for this month's feature article. Take a look at some simple ways to get the most mileage for your money.

Enjoy the newsletter & happy camping,

Mark

Feature Article by Mark

Fuel Economy 101

I for one am not going to let sky rocketing fuel prices change my plans for using and enjoying our RV. So, with that said and a motor home that averages 7 to 8 miles to a gallon I am forced to find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting and hoping that fuel prices will go down. After a little research I was surprised to learn how easy it can be to improve our fuel economy. Whether you're towing a trailer or driving a motor home there are many ways to improve fuel economy. By performing some simple maintenance procedures and changing our driving habits a little we can save a significant amount of fuel.

One shocking discovery was that for each 5mph you go over 60mph is equivalent to paying 10 cents more per gallon. So if you're traveling down the Interstate at 75 mph add 30 cents to the price on the pump! Wow, that can add up quick. If fuel prices drop to $2.50 a gallon you'll still be paying $2.80 a gallon.

So how can we improve our fuel economy?

* Talk to other RVers that have a motor home or tow vehicle and trailer similar to yours. Compare gas mileage. If there is a significant difference compare notes and try to determine what makes the difference.

* Something as simple as a clean air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 10%.

* Checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the proper pressure can increase fuel economy by 3%, not to mention preventing premature tire wear and failures or blowouts caused by over or under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure guage and check your tires when they're cold, before traveling more than one mile.

* Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you're going to be sitting still for more than a couple of minutes shut the engine off.

* Using overdrive whenever you can saves fuel by decreasing the engines speed.

* Using the cruise control whenever possible saves fuel because it keeps the vehicle at a constant speed rather than variable speeds. This applies when you are driving on a relatively flat surface. Keep in mind the over 60 mph rule applies here too.

* Keeping the vehicle tuned up and in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy by 10 to 20%.

* Poor emissions and / or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION.

* Following the recommended service and maintenance schedules will save you fuel.

* Using the recommended grade of motor oil will increase fuel economy by 1 to 2%.

* Using synthetic oils will increase fuel economy by 2 or more percent.

* Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel economy anywhere from 5 to 33% depending on your individual driving habits.

* Added weight that you don't need reduces fuel economy significantly. We're all guilty of this one!

* Only using the dash air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary will save a significant amount of fuel.

* Use regular gas unless your owner's manual specifies a higher octane gas. You're just throwing money away when you pay the extra money for premium fuel.

Do you know how many miles you get to a gallon of gas? Here's how to find out. Fill the fuel tank and write down the odometer reading. The next time you stop for gas fill the tank again. Now divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the amount of gas you bought the second time you filled up. This is how many miles you are getting to a gallon of gas. We may have no control over the prices at the pump, but as you can see we have total control over getting the most out of the fuel we put in our tank.

Happy Camping,

Mark

High gas prices don't deter RVers Travel Plans

A recently released survey, conducted last fall for the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, found that 40 percent of RV owners and campers would not change their travel plans until gas tops $4 a gallon. Read the full article.

Gas prices don't slow RV owners

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 your entire 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."

For Pop-Ups, Travel Trailers, Motorhomes and everything in between. After 20 years of fulltime RVing, I still discovered new information while reading The RV Book. Mark's book is so well written and informative... he patiently explains each basic necessity that every RVer should be aware of to assure safe operation of their RV. -Peggi McDonald, author of RV Living in the 21st Century

$19.95 BUY NOW

Marks RV Video Tip of the Month

Some of our monthly RV Video Tips are designed to provide basic RV information for new RVers and some of the future RV Video Tips will cover more advanced topics. If you have any ideas for future topics you can email me at Mark@rveducation101.com

You need to have a Flash Video Player to view the video clips. If you don't have a Flash Player you can go here to download the latest version for free. http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&P2_Platform=Win32&P3_Browser_Version=MSIE

Will the movie “RV” be good or bad for promoting the RV Lifestyle??

It is number one at the box office, but since its release I have read conflicting reviews and opinions.

'RV' pulls in at No. 1

`RV' takes you on entertaining ride

'RV' drives itself into the dirt

Gas and jokes aside, RV travel is 'a bargain'

Cruisin' Across the Land

I guess we'll have to go and see for ourselves!

A younger generation develops a passion for RVs

Darlene Bell and her husband, Jason, bought a second home in New Hampshire a few years ago but quickly realized they weren't using it as much as they had assumed they would -- So they put the house on the market and did what an increasing number of young Americans are doing: They bought a recreational vehicle.

Read the full story>> Roll out the second home

The RV Lotto

If you haven't played the RV Lotto lately you don't know what you're missing. As of April 2006 we have given away over 1,540 free RV related prizes. We designed the RV Lotto just for RVers, and to help promote small RV companies who offer unique products for RVers. In return, the companies we help to promote offer the FREE RV prizes to you, the RV Lotto players. It truly is a win, win situation for everybody. When you register to play we will never give your email address to anybody and it is only used to announce the weekly winning numbers. What are you waiting for? Register and start playing and winning today.

http://www.rvlotto.com/members/founders/rveducation101/register.php

Automobile Consumer Services, Inc. Launches New RV Buying Service

A new RV buying service offers free personal assistance with a motorhome purchase. If you're considering purchasing a new or used motorhome, but have questions and concerns about the whole process this service might be just what you need. Read the full article>>

RVBuyingService.com delivers savings to consumers

Consumer feedback about RV Education 101 products

Hi Dawn, We just bought our first fifth-wheel, a used 2002 Keystone Laredo. We have been looking for a few years and along the way, we bought your videos on towing and setting up the trailer which, by the way, are great! Thanks so much for your check-lists e-book. It is packed full of valuable information. We watched your tape again last night, and we are so pleased with how straight-forward your husband presents everything. When we first purchased our fifth-wheel, all the information about what you had to do to set it up was so overwhelming, but you guys make it so easy to learn and remember. I am sure we will think of you both as we start "playing" with our fifth-wheel today. We can hardly wait.

Thanks,
Mary H Kloman

RV Training Videos

http://www.rveducation101.com/trainingvideos.htm?siteID=0

Campground Cooking   By Pat Watson

Here is a fun recipe that is great for any type of camping.  It can be cooked over an open fire, in an electric skillet, or even baked in an oven.  It is so easy that kids can help prepare it.  I make this recipe at the end of our camping trips--"throwing in" any leftovers that we may have.  I also make this recipe when cleaning out my refrigerator at home--tossing in any leftover meats or veggies!

Tomatoey Burger Beans

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pkg sloppy joe seasoning mix
1 cup water
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms; drained
2 (16 oz each) cans French-Style green beans; undrained
Shredded Cheddar Cheese - if desired

Brown ground beef and onions; drain.  Add sloppy joe seasoning mix, tomato paste and water; simmer uncovered about 5 minutes.  Add green beans & sliced mushrooms.  (At this point, you can add any leftover, cut-up meats & vegetables).  Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes or until desired thickness (or bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 min. until bubbly).  Top with cheese if desired.

4-6 servings

TIP:  To "stretch" the recipe, increase ground beef to 1 1/2 lbs., the mushrooms to an 8 oz. can, and 1 1/2 cup water.  All other ingredients are the same.

Book Details $12.95 BUY NOW

Now available as an instant e-book too! Cookbook details 77 pages

by Peggi McDonald, Author of "RV Living in the 21st Century" 

Q. We are retired from the military (like yourselves) and wanted to know if there is a club or some sort of organization for military personnel?  

A. There is a very informative site for military personnel (retired or active) at www.usmilitaryrvcamping.com that lists military campgrounds around the world. Their home page site address is www.militaryliving.com and we recommend it to all present and ex-military personnel. Many retired and serving military RV members also belong to the military 'SMART' RV Club.  See above websites for details.  Their Military Camping and Rec Area publications are very comprehensive.  

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

Not your Typical RV

It takes 50 pounds of grain per day and Ron Dakatah says grain prices are not getting any cheaper. It's not a cheap way to travel, but they would not do it any other way. "With the way gas prices are going, probably this way of travel will be cheaper," Ron Dakatah said with a smile.

Read how one couple travels cross country in an old fashioned RV, a covered wagon> Not your typical RV

KOA Trivia Contest Will Challenge Campers

The KOA Camper Trivia Challenge, officially launched on May 1 and will run through August 13, offers more than $70,000 in daily, weekly and monthly prizes, including free camping from KOA, camping cook books from Campfire Café, family travel games from Patch Products, merchandise from Camping World and "how to" books and DVD's from RV Education 101 and Gibbsmith Publishing.

So what are you waiting for, Click Here To Play! and start winning some great camping related prizes today!

Read the full story KOA Trivia Contest

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 announces the best-ever offer to current members.

If you're already a Happy Camper member, send a friend to join the RV club and get your next year club membership FREE... Happy Camper Discount RV Club is not affiliated with Good Sam, Camp Club USA or Passport America. We provide 50% (half price) camping in every state, plus a free online trip planner and an RV Education 101 e-book.

Not already a member? Join 1/2 price camping today at http://www.camphalfprice.com/index.php?ref=15

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

Hot! RV DVD Value Packs Hot!

We just made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took our individual Travel Trailer and Motorhome DVD titles and put them in sets with other titles from our library that apply. There are three value packs to choose from and each value pack includes four RV training DVD's, which equates to almost three hours of one-on-one RV instruction. Not only does this eliminate the guess work as to which DVDs should go together, but you also SAVE a significant amount of money with the value set discount. After watching this complete RV DVD value set by RV expert Mark Polk, you will master your own RV experiences. Another great thing is this only counts as one item, so you only pay $4.95 for S/H!

The 3 value sets currently available are: Class A Motorhome, Class C Motorhome & Travel Trailer/5^th Wheel. Each set includes 4 DVDs. Get your RV DVD value set today!

http://www.rveducation101.com/trainingvideos.htm?siteID=0

Check out John Holod's 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 saltwater 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

View a video clip: www.rvadventurevideos.com/pvw_sec.html

...Available in DVD $26.95 & VHS $21.95   Video details   Order Now! 

Other Popular Products at RV Education 101

RVers Notebook Software

Good Governor 3-in-1 Digital Meter

Support Your RV Lifestyle

Canine Companion

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"

Wealthy baby boomers increasingly drawn to luxury RV lifestyle

If pop ups, travel trailers and fifth wheel aren't welcome you won't catch me there. I don't want to offend anybody, but this just isn't my idea of RVing. Read the full story>

Wealthy baby boomers increasingly drawn to luxury RV lifestyle

Train Safety is important whether on foot, in an automobile or an RV

This is a subject that you don't hear about that often. I wanted to include this story as a reminder to always exercise caution near and around train crossings. A train traveling 50 mph can take up to two miles to come to a complete stop! Read the full story> Train safety is important when crossing

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 35-foot Class A 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

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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

www.rveducation101.com

RV Education 101
3969 Stedman Cedar Creek Road
Fayetteville, NC  28312
910-484-7615

Last Updated Tuesday, May 09 2006 @ 09:09 AM EDT|2'674 Hits