De-winterize & Sanitize your RV Water System......By: Mark J. Polk

At the end of your camping season you drained the water system, winterized the RV and put it in storage. One problem with this is that on most RV’s when you drain the fresh water holding tank there is still some water left in the tank. Let’s say you do manage to drain all of the water out of the tank. There is still moisture in the water system. Just imagine what can grow in that moist tank while it sits for three or four months. I’d rather not think about it.

This is the water tank that you drink from and the water you use to wash dishes and take showers with. We cannot assume that it will stay safe and fresh like the water system in our home. Contaminated water is extremely dangerous. We not only have to deal with a water system that hasn’t been used for sometime, but when we travel in the RV we hook our water system up to a different water source every time we stop to spend the night some where. We hook up to city water, well water, and eventually contaminated water. You’ve probably heard people say don’t drink the water if you go to Mexico. Well that can be true anywhere.

There are no guarantees that any water is completely safe for us to drink, but if we take certain precautions we can keep our RV water system safe to use. So where do we start? The first step after winter storage is to de-winterize the RV water system. I took this checklist from my Checklists for RVers E-book to help you with the de-winterizing process.

Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. Follow this simple checklist to get your water system ready for this years camping season.

* If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze open all drains and drain the antifreeze from the system into a container. If you do not have a bypass kit on the water heater, drain the antifreeze from the water heater.
* If you put any antifreeze in the fresh water holding tank be sure and drain it.
* Close all of the drains.
* Re-connect the outside shower hose if it was removed.
* To remove antifreeze from the 12-volt water pump, add water to the fresh water holding tank, turn the pump on and open all water faucets. Run water through the system and then turn the pump off.
* Take the water heater out of the bypass mode and hook a hose up to the city water inlet on the RV. Turn the water on and open all water faucets. Run fresh water through the system for several minutes. Don’t forget the outside shower if equipped.
* Flush the toilet.
* Check the entire water system for leaks.
* Fill and drain your black and gray holding tanks at least once.
* Inspect the termination valve and lubricate the valve handles.
* Treat the black tank with holding tank chemicals.
* Re-install any water filter cartridges you removed for winterizing.

What we have accomplished so far was to remove the remnants of RV antifreeze from the water system. Now we need to sanitize the water system so it is safe and ready to use this camping season. This is another excerpt from my Checklists for RVers E-book

Take a quarter cup of house hold bleach for every fifteen gallons of water that your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach, with water, into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water tank almost completely full of water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets. If it’s possible, drive the RV or pull the trailer so the water can move around to assist in cleaning the entire tank. Let it sit for at least 12 hours. Drain the entire system again and re-fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process again to eliminate all signs of bleach from the water system.

Now that the RV water system is de-winterized and sanitized here are a couple of other ways to assist you in keeping it safe to use:

Always use a white, non-toxic RV drinking hose. Hoses not labeled safe for drinking can contribute to lead and other dangerous chemicals getting in the water. Use the white non-toxic hose for hooking up to the water source and take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses, like flushing out holding tanks or washing the RV. When you’re not using the drinking hose roll it up and connect the two ends together. This will keep dirt and other debris from getting in the hose. The next time you use the hose, run some fresh water through it before hooking it up to the RV.

Next you need to filter the water going into the RV with a high quality filtration system. Water filters do not purify the water but they can control and remove bacteria, lead and other dangerous contaminants found in drinking water. You basically have two choices on how to filter your RV water system. You can install an inline water filter directly to the water line that you drink from, or you can filter all of the water going into the RV. I prefer to filter all of the water going into the RV. This helps to protect the entire water system and even filters the shower water to help prevent any type of skin irritation.

Follow these simple steps can assure that the fresh water system in your RV truly is fresh.

Happy Camping,
Mark

RV Education 101 Simplifies RV Ownership by Releasing RV DVD Value Packs

For six years RV Education 101 has been the leader in educating RV owners on how to use and maintain their RV. To make the daunting task of RV ownership even easier, RV Education 101 just released RV DVD Value Packs equal to almost three hours of one-on-one RV instruction.
Fayetteville, NC (PRWEB) February 14, 2006 -- RV Education 101, founded in 1999 by Mark and Dawn Polk, just made it easier for Recreation Vehicle (RV) consumers to learn about RVs with the release of three RV DVD Value Packs. Mark Polk, the producer and host said, “We took our individual Travel Trailer and Motorhome DVD titles and put them in sets with other titles that apply.” There are three 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. These DVD value packs provide a thorough understanding of how a Recreation Vehicle works and can be viewed as often as needed. Some of the topics included are; operating, maintaining, winterizing, storing, towing, safety cautions and warnings, and the RV essential items needed for the complete RV experience. Dawn Polk added, “Not only does this eliminate the guess work as to which titles should go together, but we save the RV consumer a significant amount of money with the box set discounts. All DVD titles are still available individually too.”Polk, who is also the author of the newly released book “The RV Book” offers a free monthly RV newsletter and numerous free informational RV articles and tips on his two websites http://www.rveducation101.com/ and http://www.rvuniversity.com/ He said, “Buying an RV is a major investment and a new RVer can be overwhelmed when just starting out, nothing will ruin a trip or a vacation quicker than not understanding how to properly use and maintain your RV. This is where the RV training videos fill such a valuable need.” One new RVer stated, “When we got our first RV we did everything we could to take notes when the dealer gave us our RV walk-thru, but with the gas system, water heater, A/C, water and waste tanks, dumping etc. our heads were in a whirl. We thought we had taken good notes, but, of course there were things we heard differently. The line of RV Education 101 videos/DVD's are a must have for every RV'er.”Mark Polk is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. His 30 plus years in maintenance include an extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. He writes monthly RV articles for Camping World, KOA and RV Travel. Mark is well respected in the RV industry, having top RV companies support and endorse RV Education 101’s efforts for RV consumer training awareness. KOA’s assistant vice president of marketing, Shannon Scheiwiller who works closely with RV Education 101 stated, "RV Education 101 is the industry’s expert voice of RVing, safety and machine expertise." She further states, "RVers are hungry for two things - vacation ideas and machine information." Polk said, “Our goal at RV Education 101 is simple; to help RVer’s until they are comfortable operating and using their RV and to make all of their RV experiences safe, fun and stress free.” For more information on the RV DVD Value Packs, or RV Education 101 RV products, go to http://www.rveducation101.com/

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/2/prweb346014.htm

Get Control of Your RV Electrical Systems

The Latest News from Camping World by Mark J. Polk
I have always been an advocate for monitoring the AC line voltage coming into your RV. Campground electricity can fluctuate a great deal. If you don't know what the voltage is coming into your RV, you risk damaging thousands of dollars' worth of electrical appliances and electronic equipment. I have always recommended that RVers use some type of portable digital meter to measure AC line voltage, frequency and test polarity. You should test the AC voltage at the campground to make sure it is in an acceptable range before using any appliances or electronic equipment, and you should monitor the voltage throughout your stay at the campground. Likewise, if you are using a generator you should monitor the AC frequency output of the generator. Frequency is the number of times that electricity alternates per second. Appliances in the U.S. are designed to operate at 60 cycles per second, or 60 hertz. Most people assume that when you start the generator everything will work just fine. But what happens if it is not adjusted properly? When you use your generator, the governor in the generator must hold the speed constant at, or close to, 60 hertz from no load on the generator to a full load. Depending on the load placed on the generator, AC voltage can range from 105 to 130 volts and the frequency can range from 58 to 63 hertz. If the generator is not operating properly, less than 58 hertz or more than 63 hertz, you can damage electronic equipment and appliances in your RV. These portable monitoring devices work okay, but many of them don't warn you if there are problems with the voltage or frequency, and depending on where you plug the meter in, it can be difficult to monitor your RV electrical systems. What about the DC voltage in your RV? How are you supposed to monitor the condition and voltage output of your battery(s)? You can check the battery condition at the monitor panel, but really, how accurate is that? I want to actually see what the battery voltage is at any given time. I want to know if something was accidentally left turned on in the RV when I'm getting ready to put it in storage. I want to know when it's time to charge the battery(s), or if they are overcharging. I want to be warned if a high or low voltage or frequency problem exists, and I want to know this on the AC and DC side of the electrical systems. Is this asking for too much? Not anymore! I recently discovered an AC/DC Monitor System at Camping World that does everything I want, and more! With the AC/DC Monitor System you can constantly monitor your RV electrical system's status, on an easy-to-read, backlit display. The monitor can display four different readings simultaneously and it has user-selectable minimum/maximum alarms. It shows the DC voltage for two batteries, positive terminal DC current, true AC voltage and AC frequency. If you purchase the optional AC current sensor it will monitor AC current too. On top of all of this it displays the room temperature and time, and it uses less than 6 milliamps (mA) when the backlight is turned off, so it won't run your battery(s) down. Installing the AC/DC monitor is not that difficult. Before you start drilling holes in the wall, you need to select a suitable location where it will be easy to monitor the display; and where cabling can be routed through a wall or cabinet to the battery, shunt and AC transformer locations. The monitor comes with a cutout template, the screws to mount the display, and easy to follow installation instructions. If you don't feel comfortable installing the monitor yourself, you can have any Camping World SuperCenter install it for you. Voltage below 105 volts or above 130 volts can damage electronic equipment and some RV appliances. I mentioned earlier that campground electricity varies depending on the demand placed on it. If everybody at the campground is running their air conditioners, the voltage can easily drop below an acceptable level. With the AC/DC Monitor System you will be warned when a condition like this exists, saving yourself the untimely and costly repairs to your RV appliances and electronic equipment. There are numerous electronic devices and equipment in your RV that can drain the coach battery(s) when you're not using the RV. Some examples are the TV antenna booster, the propane gas leak detector, clocks in radios, or accidentally leaving a 12-volt light on. Now when you're getting ready to leave your RV, or put the RV in storage, you can glance at the AC/DC monitor display and you'll know if something was left turned on. Monitoring the AC/DC electrical systems of your RV has never been easier. Just think: no more dead batteries because of under- or over-charging, or leaving something on. No more wondering about the voltage that's coming into your RV, or the frequency range of the generator. No more risking damage to your electrical appliances and electronic equipment. Finally, you control the destiny of your RV electrical system rather than it controlling you. Happy Camping!Mark J. Polk Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. He also hosts the RV Savvy segments for RVTV, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina-based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV so all of your RV experiences are safe, fun and stress-free.Mark's videos and DVDs are now available at any Camping World Supercenters and at CampingWorld.com.

Learn RV's the Easy Way, by Video and DVD!

One RV Consumer had this to say: When we got our first RV we did everything we could to take notes when the dealer gave us our RV orientation, but with the gas system, water heater, A/C, water and waste tanks, dumping etc....our heads were in a whirl! We thought we had taken good notes, but, of course there were things we heard differently. These RV (RV Education 101)educational videos / DVD's are a must have for every RV'er!

training videos

RV Spring Preparation 101 by: Mark Polk

Our motor home has been sitting idle since returning from a hunting trip to Pennsylvania after Thanksgiving. I winterized it, cleaned it and took the necessary precautions to store it for a few months, so it would be ready to go when we were ready to go. Well I have cabin fever, and I find myself searching a road atlas with my morning coffee for new destinations to visit. I am even convinced that the motor home is talking to me. “Come on, let's go, the weathers getting nice let's get outta here”. I finally succumbed to it calling me and decided to take it out of its deep winter sleep and prepare it for spring.

March is a fairly safe bet, in this part of North Carolina, that the worst of the whether is over. If by some chance it does dip down to freezing temperatures, I figure I can turn the furnace on to avoid any possibility of the water system freezing. Now that the decision is made we need to figure out what steps to take to prepare the coach and the chassis for camping and traveling. If you're like me, you want to have some type of logical sequence to follow rather then haphazardly checking the unit out. I made a simple checklist to use so that nothing is overlooked. I prefer to do the majority of spring preparation myself. If you're more comfortable having someone else do it contact a reputable RV dealer and schedule an appointment to have it done.

In an attempt to keep this article at a reasonable length not all steps can be explained in great detail. This is an excerpt taken from my “Checklists for RVers” e-book http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0

Depending on how your unit was winterized it will need to be de-winterized. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all water faucets. When antifreeze is out of the system turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the by-pass mode (if applicable). Re-install any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

At this point I like to sanitize the water system. Make sure all of the drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach with water into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn the pump on and open all faucets, run water until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let sit for twelve hours. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with fresh water. Turn the pump on and open all faucets until you no longer smell bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach.
With the water system under pressure Inspect for water leaks. Check the operation of the toilet.

Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof and body seams, and window sealant for cracking that would allow water to get in. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.
Inspect the operation of the awning and check the awning fabric.
Inspect the tires for signs of dry rot. Inflate all tires to the recommended COLD tire pressure.

Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant.
Remove any tape or protective covering you may have put over LP gas vents to keep insects and rodents out. Check any mousetraps you may have put out. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion and water damage.
Inspect and clean the interior.

Plug in any appliances that you unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you may have removed. This is a good time to put new batteries in items like smoke alarms.
Test the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm.
Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged.
Reset any breakers you may have turned off. If you removed any fuses for storage re-install them.

Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it wasn't done prior to storage and remove any covers that were put over air conditioners.
Open vents and windows and air the unit out.

If you removed the coach and chassis batteries for storage install them. Whether they were removed or not check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the charge level in all batteries. Recharge batteries as necessary.
Check the operation of the electric steps if applicable. Lubricate step mechanism.
Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.
Test the operation of the back up camera and monitor if applicable.

If you didn't change the oil and filters in the generator prior to storage this is a good time to do it. Inspect the generator exhaust system for damage prior to starting. Start and run the generator for one hour with at least a half rated load on it. Consult the generators owner manual for load ratings.

Turn the generator off and plug the unit into shore power. Turn the refrigerator on in the electric mode. Allow sufficient time to cool and check for proper operation.
Check all 12-volt interior lights and accessories.
Test the monitor panel for proper operation.
Check the operation of slide outs if applicable.

Check the remaining 120-volt appliances for proper operation.
Test the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) for proper operation.
Turn the refrigerator off, leave the doors open and allow sufficient time for it to get to room temperature so it can be checked in the gas mode.

Before I use the LP gas system I have a leak test and gas operating pressure test preformed. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should do these tests.
After this is accomplished turn the LP gas valve on and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full of water before testing the water heater. If a gas appliance is not operating properly have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the appliance from operating properly.

If your unit was in long-term storage and you didn't change the engine oil and filter prior to storage this would be a good time to do it
Check all fluid levels in transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult vehicle owner's manual.
Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of dash air conditioner.

A full chassis lubrication should be preformed if it wasn't done prior to storage.
Check the condition of windshield wiper blades replace in necessary.
Check the operation of all chassis lights.

Make sure the vehicle emissions / inspection sticker is up to date.
In addition to this if you have a pop up or travel trailer the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears; inspect all hitch work and the coupler for damage. Inspect the breakaway switch and pigtail for proper operation.
This list is not all-inclusive, but it seems to work for me. Now for the fun part, load your clothes, food, and personal belongings, hit the road and have fun exploring this wonderful country we live in.

Happy Camping,
Mark

Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. He also hosts the RV Savvy segments on RVTV, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free. http://www.rveducation101.com/

Return to:http://rveducation101.blogspot.com/

RV Education 101 instant download E-books

RV E-books
RV E-Book Library
NOTICE: These RV E-books are instant downloads to your computer so you can read them immediately after purchasing. ClickBank handles the order processing for each of these E-books. Once your credit card is approved, you’ll be redirected to the download page where you’ll find instructions for saving the RV E-book to your computer.


The Original Checklists for RVers An RV Education 101 3rd edition E-book By Mark PolkRV Education 101's Mark Polk knows first hand that checklists help to simplify our daily lives. If we don't write down what we need to remember, inevitably we forget something. This can be especially true with RVs because there are just too many things to remember. You will want to protect you and your investment in a routine and safe manor. Mark Polk has an extensive background in RV service, sales and management. In this e-book, Mark has compiled all the checklists an RVer will ever need, all in one place. In this 80 page e-book, there are over 35 checklists applicable for pop-ups, travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes, to use from the time you purchase your RV until you store it for winter and EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN! It includes checklists for Pre-delivery Inspections, Basic Inventory, Tools & Supplies, Getting There Safely, Campground Set-up, Pre-Trip, Home Security, Dinghy Towing, Essential Items, Nice to Have Items, Traveling with Pets, Awning Operation, Winterizing & De-winterizing your RV, Storing your RV, Battery Testing Chart, Spring Prep, and much more. This e-book has been updated with 10 extra checklists! Checklists for RVers will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. You can read it on your computer or print it for reading later.
BUY NOW!! $12.95 80 pages

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The Three Primary Systems of an RV LP Gas System / Water System / Electrical System
An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark PolkThere are many different types of RVs and many different price ranges, but they all have a few things in common. They offer us the same comfort and conveniences of our home when we are traveling.
For RV's to offer these temporary living quarters three things are necessary: 1) LP gas so we can cook, have hot water and stay warm. 2) Water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and showers. 3) 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!
The Three Primary Systems of an RV will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW!! $12.95 47 pages

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How to Buy an RV,Before you Buy it An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk
Purchasing an RV is a major investment, similar to buying a house. It is after all your home away from home and we need to slowww down the buying process and make some educated, well informed decisions. When we purchase an RV it's easy to overlook something, forget to check something, or possibly not be properly informed about something. Whatever the case may be you don't realize it until after you buy it and then it's too late. If you are considering purchasing an RV this e-book was written for you. Let Mark Polk, an ex-RV sales manager, walk you through the entire process of buying an RV, before you buy it. This e-book is loaded with valuable information and teaches you how avoid making costly mistakes. Polk covers everything from knowing what your needs are to signing on the dotted line. Learn which type of RV is right for you, how to select the right RV dealer, tips on negotiating the price, finance terms and interest rates, extended service plans and much more. When you're finally ready to go shopping for the perfect RV there is a valuable buyer's checklist included so nothing is overlooked. Take control of your RV buying experience. This is the best $12.95 you'll ever spend when you realize how much it saved you. How to Buy an RV,Before you Buy it will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW!! $12.95 56 pages

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Dinghy Towing An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk
A motor home offers us the freedom to explore the open road. We can go where we want when we want. But what happens when we arrive at a destination where we plan to stay put for a day, a week or a month? How do explore the area, or take a quick trip to the grocery store? One option is to disconnect everything from the motor home and take it. What a pain this can be just for a loaf of bread. Another option is to tow a vehicle behind the motor home. Now when we need a loaf of bread or want to take a day trip we have our transportation readily available. This makes much more sense, but just how do we do this? That's what this e-book is all about. It will explain everything you need to know about dinghy towing 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.
Dinghy Towing will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW!! $12.95 33 pages

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Pop-Up Basics 101 An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk
If you are considering purchasing a pop-up, or already own one and have questions about towing, weights, hitch work, backing, campground set-up, LP Gas, Water and the Electrical system this e-book is for you. Pop-Up Basics 101 will walk you through what a pop-up is and how it works. There are several useful checklists to refer back to when you are getting ready to leave on a trip, when you arrive at the campground, when it’s time to store your pop-up and when you prep it for use the next spring. It discusses how to safely match the pop-up with the tow vehicle and provides safe driving and towing tips. It also gives some easy advice on how to master backing your pop-up. Pop-Up Basics 101 will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW!! $12.95 42 pages

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What to Know Before You Tow: A Complete E-book on RV Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing By Mark PolkIf you’ve ever had questions or concerns about towing, weights, hitch work and backing this e-book has the answers. Mark Polk, the owner of RV Education 101, stated that he wrote this guide because these are topics that the RV consumer needs to understand so RVing can be fun rather than worriesome. The guide 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.This guide will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW !! $12.95 39 pages

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Preventive Maintenance Checks for Motor Homes An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark PolkMark is a retired US Army Maintenance Chief Warrant Officer Three. He knows what is required to keep large fleets of combat vehicles prepared for the rigors of war. The same thing required to get many years of reliable service and use from your RV. Preventive Maintenance is the cornerstone for maintaining your RV in peak running and operating condition. Preventive Maintenance is maintenance that you the owner can perform on your RV before a problem exists. This guide, with 30 pages of preventive maintenance checks, is designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, or failure of a component or system on your RV. Preventive Maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV. Preventive Maintenance does not supersede the scheduled maintenance recommended by the chassis and RV manufacturer and it is imperative that those schedules are followed. Some of the scheduled maintenance for your RV must be performed by an RV dealer, chassis manufacturer or authorized service center. Preventive Maintenance Checks for Motor Homes will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW !! $12.95 33 pages

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A Collection of RV Tips An RV Education 101 E-book By Mark Polk
This e-book is a direct result of feedback from RV Education 101 consumers. We have had numerous requests to compile some tips that would be useful to RVers, regardless of their level of experience. Some of the tips are very basic and simple while others are more detailed and technical. There are tips that will save the RVer time and money, and some that will prevent untimely, costly repairs to the RV. Some of the tips are common sense, some you learn from experience, and some were passed on from other RVers. My six year old son Tyler is an avid RVer. When he found out I was writing this e-book he wanted to contribute some of his own tips based on his RV experiences. I included Tyler’s Tips and for his contribution I dedicate this e-book to him. A Collection of RV Tips will be downloaded immediately after purchase and is delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
BUY NOW !! $12.95 27 pages

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RV Education 101 Bargain Box Sets

Relax in the comfort of your own home or RV and we will walk you step-by-step through all of the systems of your RV. Buying an RV is exciting and when you pick it up, the only thing on your mind is getting it home and planning that first trip. Yes, the dealer gave you a walk-through of the unit, but there was so much information and excitement that it was overwhelming. Now it’s in your driveway and you can’t remember everything they covered during the RV orientation, so we put it into video form so you can watch it again and again.


RV Education 101 Bargain Box Sets
RV Education 101 just made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took our individual matching Travel Trailer and Motorhome DVD titles and put them together into a full set for you. Now, not only does this eliminate the guess work as to which ones should go together, but you also SAVE a significant amount of money with the box set discount. After watching this complete RV DVD library by RV expert Mark Polk, you will master your own RV experiences. Another great thing is this counts as 1 item, so you only pay $4.95 for S/H!

These titles are still available to purchase individually also.

Travel Trailer / 5th Wheel DVD Bargain BOX SETAn $86.00 Value
INCLUDES:
Travel Trailer / 5th Wheel - DVD
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing - DVD
Winterizing & Storing your RV - DVD
Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items -DVD
BUY NOW $69.95


Motorhome (Class A) DVD Bargain BOX SET An $86.00 Value INCLUDES:
Class A Motor Home 101 - DVD
Towing Behind Your Motorhome - DVD
Winterizing & Storing your RV - DVD
Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items -DVD
BUY NOW $69.95


Class C Rental / Owner DVD Bargain BOX SET An $86.00 Value INCLUDES:
Class C Rental / Owner- DVD
Towing Behind Your Motorhome - DVD
Winterizing & Storing your RV - DVD
Marks Recommended 10 minute RV Essential Items -DVD
BUY NOW $69.95

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Dinghy Brakes 101 (As seen on RVTV) by: Mark J. Polk

I received an email from an RVer questioning the need for a supplemental brake system on the vehicle they tow behind their RV. I responded to the email by stating that in most cases it's the law that requires brakes on the towed vehicle or trailer, but the most important reason is for your safety and the safety of others.

Most U.S. States and Canadian Provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle being towed behind a motor home. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. One problem with this is that it might be legal to tow a 2,000 pound trailer with no brakes in the state where you live, but as soon as you cross the state line of a bordering state it is illegal to tow the same trailer without brakes. Add to this your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer with no braking system. Again, the most important reason is for your safety and the safety of others. For a complete list of 2004 braking laws for the U.S. and Canada go to http://www.roadmasterinc.com/laws.htm

The brakes on a tow vehicle or motor home are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the additional weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely.

Travel trailers and 5th wheels come equipped with electric brakes and RV dealers educate the RV consumer on the requirements for adding an electronic brake control to the tow vehicle. Some Pop-ups are ordered with brakes and some without. Again, this is often times based on the braking laws for the state you live in. Keep in mind that once you cross a state line it could become illegal. My advice is if you're going to purchase a Pop-up get one that has brakes.

The real culprit for disregarding braking laws is a motor home towing a vehicle behind it. Most people assume that because of the size of the motor home there is no need for a supplemental brake system on the towed vehicle and many RV dealers fail to communicate the requirement for a supplemental braking system.

Tests performed on a flat stretch of dry pavement have shown that an unhitched motor home traveling at a speed of 50 mph needed an average of 132 feet of braking distance to reach a complete stop. Under the same speed and surface conditions, but with the added weight of a small car in tow, the stopping distance of the motor home expands to an average of 209 feet. A significant distance! In an identical test performed using the Roadmaster BrakeMaster™, the coach and towed car averaged a stopping distance of 137 feet. That's a mere 5 feet more than the unhitched stopping average.

I for one was guilty of towing a vehicle without a braking system for quite some time. A close call, while driving through a major city during rush hour, suddenly educated me on how important it is. Another thing that surprises people is how much the vehicle they're towing actually weighs. Take your towed vehicle to a set of scales and have it weighed. Make sure it has everything in it that will be in it when you are towing it. After you weigh it double check to make sure the receiver on the motor home is rated to tow that amount of weight and that you aren't exceeding any of the motor home weight ratings like the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded motor home and the fully loaded towed vehicle combined. Most RV chassis manufacturers base their GCWR on the assumption that a supplemental brake system is being used.

There are many different types of supplemental braking systems available on the market today. These types include surge, hydraulic, air and vacuum. Some are simple and some are more complex. After researching all of my options I chose the BrakePro™ by Roadmaster Inc. I decided on the BrakePro™ for several reasons.
It's portable and will work on any towed vehicle.
It doesn't require any modifications to the existing brake system.
It brakes your towed car proportionally and simultaneously to the motor home braking.
It's is easy to install and use.

The BrakePro™ is an inertia-activated, truly proportional braking system. A "smart chip" senses your motor home's rate of deceleration and signals a magnetic valve to release a proportionate amount of air; resulting in your towed car braking in proportion to your motor home. In other words, the harder you brake, the harder it will brake. Regardless of the brake system that best suits your individual needs the important thing is that you have one. There are many reasons to have a braking system on your towed vehicle.

It's the law
It can void your vehicle warranty
It can void your insurance
It will reduce wear and tear on RV brakes and other components
Liability

But, most importantly it SAFELY reduces the stopping distance and helps to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others.

Happy Camping,
Mark
Video Details
BUY NOW DVD - $24.95
Quicktime samples:
Video Sample 1 - Video Sample 2

Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. He also hosts the RV Savvy segments for RVTV, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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RV Fresh Water 101 (As seen on RVTV) By: Mark J. Polk

At the end of your camping season you drain the water system, winterize the RV and put it in storage for the winter. One problem with this is that on most RV's when you drain the fresh water holding tank there is still some water left in the tank. Let's say you do manage to drain all of the water out of the tank. There is still moisture in the water system. Just imagine what can grow in that moist tank and in the water lines while it sits for three or four months. I'd rather not think about it.

This is the water tank that you drink from and the water you use to wash dishes and take showers with. We cannot assume that it will stay safe and fresh like the water system in our home. Contaminated water is extremely dangerous. We not only have to deal with a water system that hasn't been used for sometime, but when we travel in the RV we hook our water system up to a different water source every time we stop to spend the night some where. We hook up to city water, well water, and eventually contaminated water. You've probably heard people say don't drink the water if you go to Mexico. Well that can be true anywhere. We stopped at a campground one night just to get a few hours of sleep and I didn't bother to use the water filter. The water coming out of the faucet was cloudy and had small particles suspended in it.

There are no guarantees that any water is completely safe for us to drink, but if we take certain precautions we can keep our RV water system safe to use. So where do we start? First of all you should always use a white non-toxic drinking hose. Hoses not labeled safe for drinking can contribute to lead and other dangerous chemicals getting in the water. Use the white non-toxic hose for hooking up to the water source and take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses like flushing out holding tanks or washing the RV. When you're not using the drinking hose roll it up and connect the two ends together. This will keep dirt and other debris from getting in the hose. The next time you use the hose, run some water through it before hooking it up to the RV.

Next you need to filter the water going into the RV with a high quality filtration system. Water filters do not purify the water but they can control and remove bacteria, lead and other dangerous contaminants found in drinking water. In our “Easy RV Add-On” video we demonstrate installing and using Hydrolife water filters. Video Details

Hydrolife filters use a filter media called KDF. It uses electro chemical oxidation reduction to neutralize harmful chemicals and bacteria. It also uses carbon to reduce pesticides, fungicides and other organic contaminates. You basically have two choices on how to filter your RV water system. You can install an inline water filter directly to the water line that you drink from, or you can filter all of the water going into the RV. I prefer to filter all of the water going into the RV. This helps to protect the entire water system and even filters the shower water to help prevent any skin irritation.

Possibly the most important step you can take is to keep the fresh water system sanitized.

This is an excerpt from my “Checklists for RVers” e-book.
http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0

At a minimum you should sanitize the system every spring when you take the RV out of storage and any time you notice stale water or an odor. It's really quite simple to do. You can start by draining the water heater. Go to the outside compartment where the water heater is located. The drain plug, or pet*censored* is located in the bottom left hand corner. Remove the plug and open the pressure relief valve on top of the water heater to assist in draining. CAUTION: NEVER drain the water heater when it's hot or under pressure.

Next you need to locate the low point water line drains. It may take a while to find them, but I assure you they are there. There will be one for the hot and one for the cold water lines. This is the lowest point in the water system. Open these and let the water drain out. Now, find the drain for the fresh water holding tank and drain all of the water from it. At this point you can turn the water pump on for a moment to force any remaining water out. Do not let the pump continue to run once the water stops draining. Close all of the drains.

What we have accomplished so far was to evacuate the majority of water from the system. Now take a quarter cup of house hold bleach for every fifteen gallons of water that your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach, with water, into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water tank almost completely full of water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets. If it's possible drive the RV or pull the trailer so the water can move around to assist in cleaning the entire tank. Let it sit for at least 12 hours. Drain the entire system again and re-fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process again to eliminate all signs of bleach from the water system. Once this is done it is safe to use your water system.

If you follow these simple steps you can rest assured that the fresh water system in your RV truly is fresh.

Happy Camping,
Mark

Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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I left my position as an RV Sales and F&I manager to start RV Education 101 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.

After tent camping for years, then a career in the Army (more tents) a used pop-up, and a travel trailer we currently have a 28-foot Class C motor home. We have two boys, Tyler 8 and Josh 13, both avid RVers and two dogs, Gracie and Buck. Gracie is the good one!

Our goal with this monthly newsletter is to provide you with one of the best RV newsletters available; packed with as much helpful information as possible to make all of your RV experiences safe and more enjoyable.

Each monthly edition of the newsletter includes a short editorial, a feature article on great topics ranging from How to improve your Fuel Economy to Winterizing your RV, a tip of the month, RV recipes, a contest with great prizes, our monthly product discount (only available to our newsletter readers), classified ads and some very informative RV related links to visit. The really great news is it is absolutely FREE!!!

We only promote products and publications that we totally believe in and that are beneficial to RVers. Your e-mail address will ONLY be used for distributing this newsletter and will never be sold or given to any other entity.Sign up today and check out our archives for any issues you may have missed out on.

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Happy Camping!

Mark

Don’t forget to tune in to a brand new RV television show called RVTV, www.rvtv.ca debuting on the Outdoor channel in January 2005. Mark will be featured in the RV Savvy segments offering some more great information for RVers.

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about Mark Polk

RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces and sells educational videos, DVDs and E-books on how to use RV’s.
http://www.rveducation101.com/ Mark Polk, the owner, with his extensive background working for an RV dealership, stated he saw a real need for the videos. “We would sell the RV and give the customer a walk-through (or orientation, of the unit) but between the excitement and the vast amount of information given in a short period of time they would only retain maybe 20% of it”. “These videos give the customer something to refer back to, and they can watch it in the comfort of their own home or at the campground, as many times as they like, prior to venturing out with their new RV. Just think about how many times it takes of hearing your favorite song before you can even think about singing along? 16 or more times!!!!”

Mark J. Polk was introduced to RV’s in the early 70’s. His friend’s father was the General Manager for an RV dealership and would take them camping all of the time. Before long he was working for the dealership washing RV’s, and soon after that he was working as an apprentice RV technician.

Not long after graduating from high school Mark joined the Army and was a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic. 5+ years later he graduated from warrant officer school as an automotive maintenance technician and was in charge of some very large maintenance operations throughout his career. He retired from the Army in 1996 as a Chief Warrant Officer Three.

Chief Warrant Officer Three Mark Polk was awarded a first place maintenance award from General Shelton. General Shelton later became the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and served two 2-year terms under both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

At the time of this award, CW3 Mark Polk was responsible for providing technical guidance and implementing policies to ensure responsive repair and maintenance support for over 420 assigned major equipment items valued in excess of 13 million dollars. Under Marks technical supervision and guidance, Mark established the standard in his brigade for maintenance excellence by winning first place in the Chief of Staff Army Maintenance Excellence Competition in 1995.

Mark was honored to have worked under, and receive this award from General Shelton, as General Shelton was given the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award the United States Congress can bestow. General Shelton has been internationally recognized for his public service and, in 2001, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

After retiring from the Army, Mark got back into the industry that he had a passion for. He started out selling RVs for a dealership in North Carolina and was soon promoted to the sales and F&I manager. Polk was concerned about the lack of education and awareness for the RV consumer and while still working for the dealership, started his own company, RV EDUCATION 101 in November 1999, until he could devote his full attention to RV EDUCATION 101 in 2000.

Mark is a published RV writer. He writes monthly articles for RV newsletters to include:

RV Education 101 newsletter
KOA Kompass Newsletter
RVTV Newsletter
Poulsbo RV Newsletter
RV Family Circle of Trust Newsletter
Camping World Newsletter
RV Travel bi-weekly newsletter
Happy Camper discount club Newsletter

Mark has also written articles for RV consumer and trade publications for:

RV News
RV Business
RV Companion
Pop-Up Times
RV Free Wheelin’
Trail Blazer
RV Pro
RVers Corner Newsletter
Happy Camper Newsletter
Campers Choice Newsletter
Bella RV Newsletter

Mark also conducts seminars at RV Industry Shows and RV Retail shows. Mark’s latest adventure is with RVTV as their “RV SAVVY GUY” airing on the Outdoor Channel.

About Us

http://www.rveducation101.com/

"The Family"
Josh and Tyler (our 2 sons)

Oh scary! Josh, Tyler & Dawn at Halloween!

Mark and Kevin filming

Our little "Gracie" girl

Our very active "Buck"

Dawn & Kevin filming

Mark

Josh and Tyler (Mark & Dawn moved the old 1920's out building log by log from the very back of our property, it is now used for a potting shed)


Josh & Buck

Marks RV Tire Tip

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.

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THE RV BOOK by Mark J. Polk

THE RV BOOK
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 a new RVer can be overwhelmed when just starting out. 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."

"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 me? How do I tow or drive an RV? How do I safely use an RV? How do I take care of my new RV? I have gathered and researched all of the information, into one place, to simplify the entire process of RV ownership."

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

Read a PDF excerpt from "The RV Book"


Click here if you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader..

$19.95 BUY NOW

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RV Shows, Your Fix for the Wintertime RV Blues

by Mark Polk
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.

What type of RV is best suited for you and your family?
What type of floor plan will work best for you and your family?
What price and payment will comfortably fit in your budget?
Do you plan to travel cross-country with the RV or is it going to be set up at one location and left there?
If you're going to be towing the RV is the tow vehicle capable of handling the weight of the RV and do you have the proper hitch work to safely tow it?
How many people will be in the RV and what are the sleeping requirements?
Is there enough seating space?
Do you need a slide-out(s) for additional living space?
Is their enough outside storage, and are the storage compartments large enough to accommodate what you plan to take?
Is there enough closet, cabinet and drawer space for all of your personal belonging?
Are there enough cabinets and drawers in the kitchen? Don't forget about the pots and pans.
How much counter space does it have in the kitchen? Is it enough?
Where is the dinette table in relation to the range, oven and the refrigerator? Does it make sense?
How does the bed feel when you lay down? Is it long enough and wide enough?
Are there windows where you want windows?
Can you reach the microwave?
Is the A/C ducted throughout the unit? If not will it cool the entire unit?

Do you prefer a split bathroom where the shower is separate, or a bathroom where everything is together?
Is the bathroom big enough? Can you stand up in the shower and sit on the toilet?
How much fresh water can you take with you? Is it enough?
How large are the gray water and black water holding tanks?
Are they large enough for the way you plan to use the RV?
How much LP gas does it hold? Is it enough for how you plan to use the RV?
If you want a motorhome drive it before you buy it.
Do you need a generator?
If equipped with a TV where is it located in relation to the seating arrangements?
Do you need a phone jack?
Does the RV have an awning? If so, where is it situated, does it interfere with any storage compartments or windows etc?
How long is the warranty for on the RV? Do you need extended coverage to protect your investment?
How is the RV constructed?
If you're buying a motor home do you want gas or diesel? Which type is more practical for how you plan to use it?
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. http://www.rveducation101.com/other.htm?siteID=0

Happy Camping,
Mark

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RV Education 101 Newsletter Editorial by Mark

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, WAY TO 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.

Enjoy the blog & happy camping,
Mark
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