The RV Education 101 Newsletter
Learning RV's the Easy Way by Video
Volume 20 - October 2005
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
Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.- Margaret Laurence
**BRAND NEW**
RV Education 101's e-book by RV expert Mark Polk.
The Three Primary Systems of an RV
LP Gas System/ Water System/Electric System
For RV's to offer these temporary living quarters three things are necessary:
- LP gas so we can cook, have hot water and stay warm.
- Water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and showers.
- Electricity for cooking, lights, keeping food cold, entertainment and creature comforts
But just 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 the answers! http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
BUY NOW $12.95 47 pages
Editorial by Mark
Hi Everybody,
I would like to begin by personally thanking all of the individuals and companies who helped to support the RV Hurricane relief effort. Here is a link with some updated information on the RV Hurricane relief efforts, http://www.rvnewsdaily.com/staticpages/index.php/relief_store
It makes me proud to be part of the RV community and to be affiliated with the RV Industry. Your monetary and physical donations were a blessing to fellow RVers whose lives were turned upside down by these devastating storms. We tried to get these relief supplies sent to the campgrounds and individuals who needed it the most. Rest assured that your generosity has helped a great deal of people in their desperate time of need.
We have been staying busy this past month. Based on input we received from readers we filmed a new DVD titled "Towing Behind your Motor Home." It is currently in the hands of our editor and hopefully it will be available sometime in November. It covers everything you need to know about towing a vehicle behind your motor home.
I am also nearing the completion of a book I have been working on. I hope to have time to finish it over the slower winter months approaching, if football season doesn't interfere. I don't have a title for it yet, but I guarantee you it's about RVs.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Watch Mark's "RV Savvy" segments on the RVTV Television show. http://www.outdoorchannel.com/index.cfm?site=2
Feature Article by Mark It's time to think about Winterizing!
Speaking of winter it's that time of the year again. Time to start thinking about winterizing and storing your RV. I am going to provide you with some basic steps to help walk you through the winterizing process. If you would like to visually see how it's done you can purchase our "Winterizing & Storing your RV" DVD at http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/WinterizingDetail.htm?siteID=0
- Before you get started there are a few items you will need. Most of these items can be found in an RV parts store.
- Non-toxic RV antifreeze (the amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. 2 to 3 gallons will normally do).
- A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
- A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
- Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.
Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.
- If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass them before starting.
- Drain the fresh water holding tank.
- Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand. Lubricate the termination valves.
- Drain the water heater. CAUTION: Never drain when hot or under pressure.
- Open all hot and cold faucets; don't forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
- Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
- Recap all drains and close all faucets.
- By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.
- Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank) and connect tubing from the pump into a gallon of RV antifreeze.
- Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace antifreeze jug as required.
- Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don't forget the outside shower.
- Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
- Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
- Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a few cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
- If your water heater has an electric heating element turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
- Make sure all faucets are closed.
- Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice makers and washing machines.
- The unit is winterized.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Purchase our "Winterizing & Storing your RV" DVD at http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/WinterizingDetail.htm?siteID=0
Marks Tip of the Month: Show your children where the water heater and furnace vents are located and explain to them how hot they get.Keep children away from these vents: they can cause serious burns and injuries. Don't allow children to turn on any hot water faucets. Hot water temperatures can be extremely high if not set properly.
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"
By Peggi McDonald, Author of "RV Living in the 21st Century"
Leaving Your House Empty This winter in Texas, new RVers learned a very valuable lesson the expensive way. Before they left their northern home they forgot to turn the water off. In January the pipes burst due to freezing temperatures resulting in horrendous damage to floors, the new kitchen cupboards and recently updated furniture. It had been leaking for several days before the person looking after the house made his weekly check....read the rest: http://www.rvuniversity.com/article.php?story=20051003134313568
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
The new 2006 North American Directory, a special commemorative edition to celebrate 70 years of Woodalls' service to the industry is available for pre-publication sale:
http://www.woodalls.com/shop/display.cfm?productID=DWNCD6&deid=800
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.
Hot Chicken Salad
I love chicken salad--hot or cold, and this is one of my favorite recipes. It is a meal in itself and great served with a side of cooked veggies or sliced tomatoes. Enjoy! Pat
3 cups chicken, cooked & chopped (about 4-5 breasts)
1 1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds (2 oz pkg)
1 can (8 oz) sliced waterchestnuts, drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
Mix together chicken, celery, almonds, waterchestnuts, and mayonnaise. Put into a 2-qt casserole dish. Sprinkle top with cheese, and top with potato chips. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
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/
Have you ever considered taking an RV trip down the Baja? Get some first hand information about piloting a 30-foot motor home from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas.
If you really want to check it out get filmmaker John Holods 75 minute Baja RV Adventure DVD.
http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/Baja_RV_Adventure.htm?SiteID=0
Monthly Product Discount
This month, we are BLOWING OUT two of our VHS titles:
Travel Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
and
SALE PRICE each $13.95 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!
Woman Rams Mini-mart With Motor Home SAN DIEGO - A woman repeatedly rammed her motor home into a gas station mini-mart in the city's Midway neighborhood, police said... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9579519/
RV Campground Attractions by KOA Pacific Coast Highway (a.k.a. 101) in Washington. The dramatic beauty of America's most western route is a tribute to the nation. Diverse, eclectic and dramatic from north to south to the road provides a journey for the senses. Circling the Olympic Peninsula HWY 101 weaves through cool hunter green forests draped in clouds. Communities provide nourishment for the body and wilderness within steps of the pavement provides nourishment for the spirit. KOA Camping in Washington
Modern day campers can't leave there electronic gadgets at home. Is this really camping? Some people just can't leave home without it. Read more>
Campers want electronic creature comforts | IndyStar.com
Classified Ads and informative Links:
Happy Camper Club's Random Acts of Kindness E-book: All RVers are invited to participate in putting together a collection of stories and ideas for "Random Acts of Kindness," a topic well-suited to the RV community as it responds to the needs of its fellow RVers after Hurricane Katrina. The club welcomes everyone to join us in this fun project, and the resulting e-book created by the stories will be FREE to all who add a post to the topic in the Happy Camper forum. http://www.camphalfprice.com/forum/index.php?forum=2
RV Industry's Response to Hurricane's Aftermath Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) extends its sincere regrets to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We are deeply saddened by the human tragedy that has occurred. We're proud to be playing a part in the tremendous worldwide outpouring of support in aiding ongoing relief efforts in the Gulf region...
http://rvia.org/Media/newsreleases/breakingnews/p0545.htm
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!
Hurricane Katrina Aftermath: FEMA calls on local firm. A Jacksonville business is selling $6 million worth of recreation vehicles to federal officials to temporarily house victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita....
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/100405/bus_19940779.shtml
SAFETY ~ Bubbles Could Mean Trouble
I would like to share a technique that I have used for many years to keep tabs on my RV's LP-gas system. I keep a wide mouth bottle of children's bubble-blowing solution in my rig, along with a used toothbrush. I use this combination to check tank connections after refilling, and for routine surveys of all lines and connections. This will detect small leaks better than anything I can mix. Most brands are nontoxic, and in my case, a 4-ounce bottle costing less than $1 lasts up to four years. -Wayne Desnoyer, Napa, California
More than 595 easy to do money saving tips in the 10-Minute Tech The Book.
http://www.qksrv.net/click-1128665-1644800
Drive your RV with confidence For many years Richard (Dick) Reed has been very active in the RV life style. He realized that many people, who would love to travel in a recreational vehicle, were fearful of driving or towing the larger vehicles. Having many years experience in truck driving instruction and a long time love for travel and camping Dick proposed a school that would offer students instruction in how to safely drive their own Recreational Vehicle unit. http://www.rvschool.com/index.htm
NEW** RV Education 101 E-books, By Mark Polk
How to Buy an RV, Before you Buy it
http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
The Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
How to inspect and evaluate a used motorhome the “PAINLESS” way. The 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
Read a wonderful story about how one person used her talents and her RV to help after the hurricane. An "angel" to the rescue!
Popular items at RV Education 101:
Travel Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
Travelers Guide to the Firearms Laws
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 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
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