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RV University This Week 08/15/2011

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RV University this Week
Your weekly source for interesting
RV articles, tips, tricks, video clips and advice

From the Industry Leader in RV Education:
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #110 - Aug 15, 2011


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"After you understand all about the sun and the stars and the rotation of the earth, you may still miss the radiance of the sunset."
~Alfred North Whitehead





by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody,

As Labor Day weekend approaches summer seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. We took a few trips with the RV this summer, but not as many as I would like. We are hoping to squeeze one more short trip in over the holiday weekend, even if it's close to home.

Much of the reason for traveling less this summer was working on and producing the "Mark's RV Garage" online series. If you have been following the show be sure to tune in for the season finale. It's just three episodes away, if all goes as planned.

Then I get to take the "Old Yellowstone" on its maiden voyage, when I attend the PA RV and Camping show in September. It will be fun to finally use the trailer after spending so much time building it. Hopefully everything will work okay; if not I really can't make any complaints to the manufacturer!

Until next week, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Mark Polk

**REMINDER! Like the RV Education 101 Facebook page. We post helpful RV information often and would also appreciate feedback, tips, RV related photos and comments from you!


RV 101 Educated? Tips for Improving Fuel Economy If there were 7 easy steps you could take to improve fuel economy in your RV and automobiles would you do it? Of course you would....... Read the article about Improving Fuel Economy







RV Savvy Tips by Mark Polk

RV refrigerators are much different than the one in your house. They don’t have compressors and they work off the principle of absorption. You should turn the RV refrigerator on several hours before putting food in it. It is best to leave it on overnight and put your food in it just prior to leaving. Always keep a small thermometer in your RV refrigerator so you can monitor the temperature. Food can begin to go bad at about 40 degrees. Some things that will affect the inside temperatures of your RV refrigerator are:

  • Putting warm food in the refrigerator. If at all possible put cold food in the refrigerator and freezer prior to leaving on a trip.
  • Packing the food to close or putting too much in the refrigerator. Air must be able to circulate around the food for the refrigerator to operate properly. Keep a couple of day’s supply of food in the refrigerator and replenish as necessary.
  • Put a small battery operated fan in the refrigerator to assist with air circulation.
  • Continuously opening the refrigerator door and leaving it open for periods of time will affect the efficiency of the refrigerator.
  • The RV refrigerator must be close to level to operate properly.
  • The outside temperature will affect the operation of the refrigerator. In hot temperatures try to park the RV in shaded areas, especially on the side of the RV where the refrigerator is located. You can also install a thermostatically controlled refrigerator vent fan that will move the hot air out from behind the refrigerator and make it operate more efficiently.



    Village to amend Recreational Vehicle Law
    A law passed in 2010 requiring owners of recreational vehicles within Ravena to keep such vehicles off public streets for prolonged periods of time is undergoing amendment............

    Always start road trip with inspection
    Preventive maintenance and proper tow hitch help avoid hassles when you take to the highway........

    Starved Rock State Park’s 100th year celebrated in new book
    To celebrate Starved Rock’s 100th year as a state park, historical writer Jim Ridings of Herscher converted most of his 200-picture postcard collection of the park and into the self-published “Greetings from Starved Rock: A Picture Postcard Look at Starved Rock State Park.” ........

    Italian Gourmet at Flying Flags RV Resort - Buellton, CA
    When planning this episode I spoke with Flying Flags RV Resort Manager Dan Baumann regarding bringing in a local celebrity chef for an al fresco luncheon episode. Dan didn't miss a beat...Trattoria Grappolo and the Curti brothers were top of the list. After several selfless visits to Trattoria Grappolo, on behalf of you - dear RV Cooking Show viewer, Dan arranged to have Chef Giorgio Curti come cook with us in a beautiful park model cottage........

    Where to Buy RV Products
    A tobacco barn served as their first warehouse ........


    Check out this week's poll: "How do you adjust tire pressure when traveling by RV?"br> To participate in the poll, look on the left hand column (here at RV University) towards the top


    ...with Mark
    Q. I am at a quandary about my tires. My tires are "245.75R 22.5". Before going on a trip or continuing the following day I might notice that a tire is in need of air. Usually we are about 5 miles from a truck stop or a fuel station that can service my coach. By the time or distance covered to reach the service station the tire or tires needing attention will have heated up, and I think will give a false reading. What to do? I have a small 110V air compressor that I carry. Supposedly the control goes up to 100 psi. but I do not think it can handle my size tires. Another thought is to purchase an air cylinder containing about 2200 psi. and can be carried in my tow vehicle. Can I get your thoughts on this situation?
    Thanking you very much in advance.

    Mark Says: Solving this problem requires an understanding of how portable air compressors are rated. I carry a pancake style air compressor with us in the RV. It's at the other garage right now and I can't think of the brand, but there are models available that will work. It struggles a bit, but it does add air to our 22.5 tires when they need it.

    Here is a link to an article I wrote on the subject that might be helpful in selecting an air compressor that you can take with you to add air to your tires while the tires are cold.


    Watch the RV Cooking Show: A virtual cooking class on wheels with an RV travel component, The RV Cooking Show takes viewers on adventures to some of the most sought-after or interesting but little-known RV locations in the country and then creates a healthy, easy, delicious destination-related dish in host Evanne Schmarder’s RV kitchen.Each less-than-10-minute episode - part travelogue, part cooking show - shares travel tips, ideas and recommendations on popular RVing locales and products then walks viewers through the preparation of a delicious destination-related dish. Past episodes include a tour of Albuquerque’s 505 Chili Factory and Huevos Rancheros, Mojitos and the Fabulous Florida Keys and a salmon dinner in conjunction with the spectacular Olympic National Park.Viewers have the option of watching the RV Cooking Show on YouTube, various RV-related websites such as Camping.com and RVDreamRadio or on the RV Cooking Show website. So as not to miss a single savory episode, viewers may subscribe to the show on YouTube or on this website. An RV industry insider, full-time RVer Ms. Schmarder connects with viewers in part by "living the (their) RV dream". She is a professional speaker, writer, foodie and unabashed explorer.

    FOR MEDIA & ADVERTISING Media Kit Contact Dawn Polk for Pricing

    Sponsors and Helpful RV Links endorsed by RV Education 101:

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    Camping/RV Battery Chargers- BatteryMINDers® are the new generation of SMART, pulse type "computer-on-a-chip" chargers, that safely charge and maintain all size / type / brands of batteries including starter, deep cycle and sealed types including AGM “dry” made by OPTIMA, ODYSSEY, EXIDE, INTERSTATE, et al. They do all of this without ever overcharging, no matter how long they are left on charge – days-weeks-or even months. Dubbed the chargers with "brains," they are the first to fully-automatically reverse the primary cause of early battery failure known as "sulfation". Sulfated batteries once considered beyond recovery can now be brought back to long-term useful condition. Certain models of BatteryMINDers® can more than double the useful life of new batteries.


    MBA Rental Insurance for Dealers and Consumers: MBA Rental Insurance for Dealers and Consumers: Specializing in RV Rental Motorhome Insurance Since 1978. MBA Insurance has grown into the premier Rental Insurance Agency in the country writing insurance coverage for Motor Homes, Travel Trailers, Pop-up Campers, Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Utility and Cargo Trailers, Conversion Vans, Boats and other Watercrafts.An "A" Rated Insurance Company Insuring over 2,000 Rental Dealers Nationwide.


    Explorer RV Insurance Since 1997, Explorer RV Insurance Agency has been providing custom-designed RV insurance programs for RV owners. The agency represents leading RV insurance carriers that offer products in 48 states. Explorer RV Insurance is underwritten by companies with A.M. Best ratings of "Excellent" or higher. An auto policy can’t begin to cover the complexities of an RV. You need specialty coverage like vacation liability, total loss replacement, personal effects and much more......


    KOA camping is different Our Great People make sure of that. We’re near most every attraction and national park in America. Wherever you want to go. At every one of our over 475 locations our focus is you. KOA is by far the largest group of affiliated campgrounds on the continent. From Wi-Fi and cable to fire rings and food service, KOA has you covered. Your experiences. Your enjoyment. Your memories. Your camping.


    Camping World Camping World began with one small store and a mail order business in an old farmhouse heated by a wood-burning stove. A tobacco barn served as their first warehouse. Since then, Camping World has grown into America’s leading RV accessories and service experts, bringing you everything you need for your RV, with Nationwide SuperCenters, an award-winning website, and full-color catalogs.



    Dicor Corporation is a leading supplier of innovative products to the OEM and component manufacturers for recreational and conversion vehicle industries, as well to distributors in the recreational vehicle and automotive aftermarkets.




    Dometic RV products are designed with your comfort in mind. With over 80 years in the RV industry, Dometic has become a leader in manufacturing innovative, high-quality RV products that enhance the living space in your RV, motorhome or coach.




    RV-500 Space and Water Heating Systems for Recreational Vehicles The RV-500 delivers on demand hot water efficiently and conveniently with up to 55,000 BTU’s of power. The RV-500 is quiet and efficient.




    ASA Electronics brings you the high quality electronics that mobile applications require. ASA works side by side with your designers, engineers, and sales team to develop and provide customized solutions through exclusive engineering, thorough testing, and tailor made product designs


    Progressive Dynamics Inc. The source of bright ideas since 1964 Progressive Dynamics offers quality Recreational Vehicle products to the RV industry. And in recent years has developed several new products for the RV Industry




    MaxxAir The best way to describe MaxxAir is to say it’s in the air moving business -- RV ventilation to be more specific





    The 2011 Via® With its introduction, the Winnebago Via® created the exclusive Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter-based Class A category and revolutionized the definition of what a Class A coach could be with unparalleled fuel economy and eye-catching styling. For 2011, the revolution continues and the Via shines even brighter with a host of improvements, including the all-new double-slide 25Q floorplan, an improved design of the Flex Bed Sleeping System featured on the popular 25T and a more powerful Mercedes-Benz diesel engine that provides improved fuel economy. The Class A revolution is here. Join in with your very own 2011 Winnebago Via.


    Whether you are brand new to the RV experience or a veteran of the traveled road, learn step-by-step, all the facets of RVing - from the obvious to the “I never realized that”... Go HERE to find out....


    Are you an RV dealer? RV Education 101 created a program just for your customers! The RV Orientation Online Training Program.

    This online RV training program includes an RV orientation video similar to the walk-through class you receive at the RV dealership. The RV Orientation video is 54 minutes long and is packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, wastewater system, electrical system, RV appliances, RV accessories and much more. We even added a bonus chapter on RV safety features, and some bloopers to make it more entertaining. The video is generic and covers all types of RV’s including motorized and towable RV’s. If your RV dealer does not offer this online RV training program you can purchase it here


    We also offer RV Dealer bulk discounts on our training materials. Our Walk through DVDs have helped tens of thousands of RV consumers learn how to properly operate and maintain their RVs. Hundreds of RV dealers across the country are benefiting from what our program has to offer the customer oriented RV dealership. Contact Dawn today for your RV dealership pricing: dawn@rveducation101.com






    RV Education 101 & RV University went mobile!
    Check us out on the go
    http://www.rveducation101.mobi
    &
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    from your phone!. .....


    Share your thoughts & experiences with other RVers and Campers


    Money Saving DVD Sets Available

    5th Wheel Training DVD Sets
    Travel Trailer Training DVD Sets
    Class A Training DVD Sets
    Class C Training DVD Sets


    17 RV Single DVD Titles in our Library

    An Introduction to RV's
    Pop Up 101
    Travel Trailer 101
    Class A Motor Home 101
    Class C Rental / Owner
    RV Awning Use, Care and Accessories
    RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
    Winterizing & Storing your RV
    EZ RV Add Ons and Must Have RV Products
    Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro
    Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
    Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro
    Motorhome Towing
    RV Campground Basics
    Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items
    Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance for RV's and Boats
    RV Care and Maintenance


    15 RV Instant Download E-Book Titles in our Library

    The Original Checklists for RVers
    Winterizing and Storing your RV
    THE RV BOOK now available as an ebook
    The Three Primary Systems of an RV
    Insider's Guide to Buying an RV
    RV Buyers Survival Guide
    Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
    A Collection of RV Tips
    Pop-Up Basics 101
    Dinghy Towing
    Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
    RV Awning Use and Care
    RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks
    RV Care and Maintenance
    RV Campground Basics


    Go for the RV Gold Program
    The Go For the RV Gold program is loaded with one-on-one RV training videos, feature articles, RV tips, crossword puzzles, member discounts for RV services and RV products, quizzes, and much more. This is the only online RV training program that will teach you everything you need to know about your RV at such a reasonable cost, and totally at your leisure with no deadlines. There are customized worksheets provided for navigation, so nothing is missed or overlooked. There is a space provided for you to make notes for each topic and then a feature to print the worksheet when completed.

    At the end of the program there is a 25 question final exam. If you pass the final exam (you need a 72% or higher score) you will receive your “Go for the RV Gold” training certificate that you that you can proudly display in your home or RV. P.S. If you don’t pass the final exam, you will be given an opportunity to take it again until you do pass, so you can receive your Go for the RV Gold certificate.

    National Interstate Insurance company offers a 5% safe driver discount when you successfully complete the “Go for the RV Gold” program. Just present your “Go for the RV Gold” certificate of completion to an authorized National Interstate Insurance agent.

    The membership fee is only $49.95 per month for 3 months. Billing is on a 30 recurring basis until the final payment is made. This equates to only $12.49 for each in-depth weekly RV training course. When you select the recurring billing payment option you receive the a new RV training module each month. You can’t beat this low pricing for one-on-one RV education training in the comfort of your own home or RV. There is no driving to get to the training location, no packed classrooms and no time restraints.

    Note: There is second payment option available where you can pay the full $149.85 program price in one payment. If you select this payment option you will receive all 3 RV modules (12 weekly courses) at one time, after payment and registration.

    This program compliments our current line of RV Education 101 training dvds!


    3 payments of $49.95 or a 1 time payment of $149.85 Buy Now


    Episode #1 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #2 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #3 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #4 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #5 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #6 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #7 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #8 of "Mark's RV Garage"


    Episode #9 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #10 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #11 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #12 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #13 of "Mark's RV Garage"

    Episode #14 of "Mark's RV Garage"


    In addition to being available on YouTube, Mark's RV Garage is available for viewing with full episode details at RV Videos On Demand



    General and Unsubscribe Info

    About us:

    Our goal with RV University This Week 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 14 and Josh 20, both avid RVers and three dogs, Roxie, Gracie and Buck. If you would like to learn more about us and RV Education 101 feel free to visit http://www.rveducation101.com

    RV University This Week © Copyright 1999- 2011 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 & Dawn

    http://www.rveducation101.com

    RV Education 101
    150 Bay Ridge Rd
    Harrells, NC 28444-8896
    910-484-7615

    mark@rveducation101.com

    dawn@rveducation101.com

    Copyright 2011 by RV Education 101



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