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Mark Polk - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. Polk owns and operates RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, and also has an extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology with 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power ... [More]
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- Debunking Portable Air Compressors
[Automotive:RV] I think most RVers understand the importance of maintaining proper tire inflation pressure. The problem is if you wait until you're on the road to check tire pressure the tires are too hot for correct evaluation. Checking the inflation pressure when you stop to refuel doesn't make sense; you will get higher pressure readings and if you let air out the tires they are underinflated when they are cold.
- Brake Laws - Motorhome and Travel Trailer
[Automotive:RV] 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.
- RV Winterizing 101 - Part 1
[Automotive:RV] It's always sad to come to the realization that another camping season is winding down. Part of this realization is preparing the RV for winter storage, so it will be ready to go camping again next spring. My guess is that most RV owners, especially those in cold climate regions, refer to this winter storage preparation as winterizing your RV. When you hear the term "winterizing" the first thought that comes to mind is to protect the RV water system from potential damage caused by exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Preventive Maintenance Keeps Your Generator Going & Going & Going
[Automotive:RV] Preventive Maintenance is maintenance the owner can perform on your RV before a problem exists. These checks are designed to prevent or identify potential problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown, malfunction or failure of a component or system on your RV. Preventive Maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and servicing your RV.
- Extended RV Stay Maintenance Checks
[Automotive:RV] Normally when you plan a trip in your RV you conduct some type of pre-trip checks to make sure the RV is properly prepared for travel. When it's time to leave the campground you perform these checks again for the return trip. But what happens when you find that perfect campground or RV Park and stay put for extended periods of time?
- Are Towing Laws Outdated?
[Automotive:RV] I have always been an advocate for towing safety, whether it's towing a trailer or towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. One of the most controversial topics I have run into is whether vehicles being towed behind motorhomes need to have a supplemental braking system.
- Is Your Tire Pressure Gauge Accurate?
[Automotive:RV] I often talk about the importance of checking the inflation pressure in tires, but is your tire pressure gauge giving you accurate information? pressure gauges.
- My Top 5 Predictions For the Future of the RV Industry
[Automotive:RV] If the past is any indication about what happens during a major recession one of the first things to go among consumers is discretionary spending...
- RV Checklist For Carbon Monoxide
[Automotive:RV] Carbon Monoxide Gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly! Carbon Monoxide is produced when any fuel is burned; this includes gasoline, propane, natural gas, wood, & coal. It is extremely serious when combustion by-products are not vented outside.
- The Ultimate RV Travel Companion
[Communications:GPS] What weighs 15 ounces; is the size of a deck of cards and could possibly save an RVers marriage? Let me give you a scenario. You're driving your 35-foot RV on a congested four lane highway, during rush hour, somewhere you have never been before and your better half is your navigator.
- For the Sake of a Better Name, Let's Call it Green RVing
[Automotive:RV] Today I am going to dip my toe in to test some turbulent waters. This article is not meant to discuss whether we as Americans should drill for oil or not, and it's not meant to discuss fossil fuels versus renewable energy.
- Mark Polk's RV Quick Tips
[Automotive:RV] Whenever you are determining the tow capacity of a vehicle make sure you know what the rear axle ratio is. It is quite possible to have the same type and size of vehicle with the same engine and the tow ratings vary by several thousand pounds.
- RV Converters
[Automotive:RV] Just when I thought we thoroughly covered RV electrical systems I get another good question about something I failed to discuss in my previous articles. I received one of these good questions the other day and thought there would be many other RVers who would like to hear the answer.
- Protecting Your RV Investment
[Automotive:RV] One important measure is how you store your RV. The best scenario for storing your RV, when not in use, would be some type of overhead shelter. The problem is in most cases this is not feasible or even possible. It can be costly to construct some type of shelter for your RV and many times local building codes don't allow this type of construction on your property.
- RV Shows
[Automotive:RV] Each year, around this time, the RV show season starts. RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV's and to help disseminate RV related information to the consumer. These shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RV's under one roof, making it the ideal forum to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions.
- Why a Portable Air Compressor is a Good Idea
[Automotive:RV] Every RVer needs to understand the importance of tires and proper tire pressure. The problem that can sometimes occur is while on the road, there is no available air support to check tire pressure. If you wait until you're on the road to check tire pressure, the tires are too hot for correct evaluation.
- Winter RV Battery Storage
[Automotive:RV] The two most common causes for RV battery failure are undercharging and overcharging. Undercharging is a result of batteries being repeatedly discharged and not fully recharged between cycles. If a battery is not recharged the sulfate material that attaches to the discharged portions of the plates begins to harden into crystals.
- The Purpose of Wood Under RV Tires in Storage
[Automotive:RV] What's the purpose of the wood under the RV tires? Also, will the plastic leveling blocks (like Lynx Levelers) work just as well?
- Running 2 RV AC Units at the Same Time
[Automotive:RV] RV appliances require more power to START UP than they require to run after starting. For example a 15,000 BTU AC can draw 14 to 16 amps to start and once the compressor engages it may only require 12 to 13 amps to run. So the first problem is two AC's could potentially require 32 amps from a 30 amp system. If you have anything else on at the time, like the refrigerator, coffee pot etc. you may only have 20 or 25 amps available.
- The Price To Pay When Purchasing A Used RV
[Automotive:RV] Pricing for a used RV involves many factors. Just a few are the age of the unit, the condition, mileage if applicable and any options it is equipped with. Most importantly is the overall condition of the RV. The NADA is a good guide to go by and the pricing in the NADA is based on the RV being in good condition. Good condition means that there is no damage and everything on the RV is in proper working condition. You should be able to buy the RV and go right out and use it. If not the price goes down.
- Arm Yourself With Qualified RV Buying Information Tips
[Automotive:RV] I have been asked what it means when RV Manufacturers refer to entry level units, mid-line units, and high end RV's. I used to compare it to the automobile industry. Once my customers knew what type of RV they wanted I would ask them to tell me if they were shopping for a Chevrolet, Buick or a Cadillac. Then I knew where to start. These different levels also mean that different materials are used to build the RV, different levels of features are offered, and different chassis and drive train components are used. You always need to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a Chevy, and if you buy a Chevy you get a Chevy.
- RV Generator Maintenance Quick Tip
[Automotive:RV] Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. For a gasoline generator you should start and run the generator with at least a half rated load for a minimum of two hours every month.
- RV Educated? Take the Test and See
[Automotive:RV] "Inspecting your RV for Water Damage" test. Water leaks on an RV can cause extensive damage and can be extremely costly to repair.
- Understanding and Managing RV Vehicle Weights
[Automotive:RV] Understanding RV weight issues can be confusing. I want to assist you in making your RV travel safer by understanding and managing your vehicle weights. Remember, getting to your favorite destination safely is half the fun.
- Let's Talk Half-Ton Trucks
[Automotive:RV] How does your Tow Vehicle Stack up in the Real World-
I was watching television the other night when a Ford commercial came on. They had two competitors vehicles hooked to an 11,000 pound trailer and the guy says something along the lines of, it would take two trucks to tow an 11,000 pound trailer unless you have a Ford F-150 with a fully boxed frame. Now, because of what I do for a living this commercial advertisement immediately got my attention.
- Preventing RV Fires
[Automotive:RV] This article is all about RV fire safety! It's an area we don't think about, or discuss very often, but one that deserves serious attention. Did you know that there are close to 20,000 reported RV fires each year? Do you know what to do in the event of a fire in or around your RV? If you said no don't feel bad, because there are a lot of other people who don't know either. That's the purpose for this article, to instruct you on some things you need to know about RV fire safety. Let's get started.
- RV Education Questions & Answers
[Automotive:RV] Mark Polk of RV Education 101 answers RVers questions...
- Freshen Up Your RV Water System
[Automotive:RV] This article covers some steps we can take to ensure our RV water system is safe to use. 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? Let's take a look.
- Gas Versus Diesel - RV's
[Automotive:RV] This article discusses an age old question and one I get asked a lot, should I buy gas or diesel? This question has fueled many a heated debates too. Sometimes this question involves a truck that will be used to tow a trailer, and other times it involves what type of motorhome to purchase. A universal response you could expect to hear to this question goes something like this: Diesels cost more. Don't buy a diesel unless you plan to put a bunch of miles on it and keep it for a long time. That's the only way you can justify the extra cost of a diesel.
- Eliminating RV Odors
[Automotive:RV] Odors in our RV's come in many different forms, caused by many different sources. There are holding tank odors, pet odors, cooking, smoke, must and mildew odors, just to name a few. Some odors are caused when the RV is put in storage for long periods of time and other odors are caused through normal use of the RV. Our concern is what we can do to prevent some of these odors. I want to tell you about some RV products that I have personally tested and use, available to RVers to help eliminate some of these odors.
- RV Financing Frequently Asked Questions
[Automotive:RV] Its that time of the year again, when many people are considering purchasing an RV. When I was a sales manager and finance manager for an RV dealership I would get asked lots of questions about financing RV's. I organized some of these questions and included them in the RV financing section of my book, "The RV Book". Here is an excerpt from my book on RV financing FAQ.
- Are Extended RV Service Plans Right For You?
[Automotive:RV] Someone e-mailed me recently and wanted to know what my thoughts were on extended service plans for RV's. I replied that I thought extended service plans offered great protection as long as you understand a little about them and how they work. When you are doing the finance paperwork on your RV most RV dealers will offer you some type of extended service plan that you can purchase. Before you agree to purchase a plan make sure you understand all of your options. You should not be pressured into buying an extended service contract.
- LP Gas is a Camper's Best Friend
[Automotive:RV] Well the cold winter months are here and I thought this would be a good time to talk about your RV's LP gas system, since it is the primary source for heating your RV.
- RV Interior Education
[Automotive:RV] I told my wife that as a late Christmas gift, and an early "get ready for camping season" gift, she could get whatever she wanted to accessorize and update the interior of our RV. It didn't take long before she was perusing the Camping World website in search of the products she wanted for her RV interior makeover.
- RV and Auto Insurance Basic tips
[Insurance:RV-Motorcycle] There is a great deal of overlap between RV and auto policies. If you have a motorized RV, you will need some of the same coverage’s provided by an auto policy plus specialized RV coverage's. I will attempt to explain a few things to consider without confusing you.
- Trailer Weights
[Automotive:RV] I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have seen people read the manufacturers weight label on the outside of the trailer or fifth wheel and assume that they can’t tow it. The data plate on the outside gives you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is not the actual weight of the trailer;
- Tow Vehicle Capacity
[Automotive:RV] It can be extremely frustrating to go out and find the perfect travel trailer or fifth wheel and then be told that you can’t tow it. On the other hand it can be worse if you go to a less reputable RV dealer and the sales person tells you that you can tow it! This happens every day, and this is why you need to be armed with the right information before you buy.
- How to Buy RV Insurance
[Automotive:RV] Did you know that there are 3 primary channels for buying RV insurance:
Through an Agent
Buying Direct
Online Quote Services
- Specialty RV Insurance Coverage Protects Your Investment
[Automotive:RV] Mark Polk, RV ED 101 Expert, offers insight into what to look for when researching RV insurance companies.
- BedSaver, Inexpensive Insurance for any Fifth Wheel Owner
[Automotive:RV] I would like to ask all of the fifth wheel owners out there a question. Did you ever, or have you ever seen somebody else, drop the fifth wheel onto the bed rails of the truck while hitching or unhitching? If you’ve been RVing for a while you have probably seen this happen, maybe even more than once. When you’re at the campground look at the other trucks that are pulling fivers and you will likely see one with damaged bed rails.
- RV Campground Reservations
[Automotive:RV] Do you need to make campground reservations? Whether you're planning to stay in a public or private campground the answer, in my opinion, is always yes. Make a campground reservation!
- Campground Ratings
[Automotive:RV] We have actually pulled into some campgrounds while traveling in our RV and made a quick U turn and left. It was easy to see at a glance that these campgrounds were not someplace you would want to spend the night, not to mention several days.
- RV Terminology T through W
[Automotive:RV] This T through W RV term list is not all-inclusive, but if you learn these terms you will soon be understanding RV terminology.
- RV Terminology O through S
[Automotive:RV] When you hear RV terms everyday, you just assume that everybody understands them. Here is a list of some common RV terms.
- RV Terminology H through N
[Automotive:RV] More common RV terms that you will encounter during your RVing experiences.
- RV Terminology D through G
[Automotive:RV] For the new RVer terminology may be a bit confusing. To help clear things up, I'd like to offer some common RV terms that you will encounter during your RVing experiences.
- The A B C's of RV Terminology
[Automotive:RV] I guess because I work in the RV Industry and around RVs almost everyday I take some things for granted. One of those things is RV terminology. When you hear these terms everyday you just assume that everybody understands them.
- RV Information Tips
[Automotive:RV] In my many years of working around and using RV's, I would like to offer a few tips.
- Cold Weather RVing
[Automotive:RV] There are lots of things to do and to see in the wintertime; beautiful winter scenery, snow skiing, hunting, riding snowmobiles and much more. It's no wonder so many people enjoy using their RV's year round. When winter approaches each year I get numerous e-mails requesting information about using RV's in cold temperatures. One reason I haven't written on this subject in the past is because it would require more than just a short article to thoroughly cover this topic. Another reason for not writing about this in the past is that there are no guarantees that your RV can or will be 100 percent protected from the harsh winter elements by following written advice on the subject.
- Draining an RV Water System
[Automotive:RV] When you return from a trip and you're not going to use the RV for a while you need to drain the entire water system to prevent it from getting stale and musty. You can start by draining the water heater. Go to the outside compartment where the water heater is located. The drain plug, or petcock 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.
- RV Tips - Go to an RV Show Before you Buy an RV
[Automotive:RV] If you are a new RVer, or if you are in the market for a new RV, RV shows are a great place to start your research.
- RV Shows, Your Fix for the Wintertime RV Blues
[Automotive:RV] 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.
- RV Generator "How-To" Preventive Maintenance
[Automotive:RV] When I worked at a RV dealership, every spring our service department was booked with appointments for generators that either wouldn't start, or if they did start they had that all too familiar surging sound. This was a result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting and exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems with generators. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. This can happen in as short a period of time as one month.
- How an RV Refrigerator Works
[Automotive:RV] You need to have a basic understanding of how an RV refrigerator works.
- Preventing Premature RV Tire Failure
[Automotive:RV] RV Tips - What you can do to prevent premature tire failure.
- The RV Water System
[Automotive:RV] The water system of an RV has many similarities to the one in your house. They both
need a source of potable water supplied to them.
- The RV Refrigerator
[Automotive:RV] The refrigerator in your RV will work off of LP gas or electricity. It's not like the refrigerator in your house.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
[Automotive:RV] Carbon Monoxide can kill - know the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide.
- RV Education 101 Tips
[Automotive:RV] A few short RV tips and advice.
- RV Tips for Traveling with Pets
[Automotive:RV] For many people one of the primary reasons for buying and
traveling in an RV is so their pets can go with them. If you're
a pet owner new to RVing or an RVer with a new pet there are
many things to learn and consider to make traveling with your
pet a pleasant experience for both of you....
- How Do I Get Rid of Mice in Our RV?
[Automotive:RV] I am by no means an expert on pest and rodent control, but after
researching the subject I can offer a few ideas that seem to
work for other RVers...
- RV Travel Despite Fluctuating Prices at the Gas Pump
[Automotive:RV] I have traveled in their RV over the summer months and will be traveling in the fall and winter months, regardless of fluctuating gas prices. I for one am not going to let higher fuel prices change our plans for using and enjoying our RV.
- RV "How To" Tech Tips
[Automotive:RV] A few short RV tips to make things easier.
- RV Winterizing
[Automotive:RV] Fall is the time of year you need to decide if your camping season is over. Parking your RV for the winter requires some preventive measures so it will be ready to use next spring. You'll also be glad you did it when you don't have costly repair bills due to the damaging results of winter.
- Buying an RV - Which RV Type is Right for You?
[Automotive:RV] There are many things you must consider when buying an RV. How do you plan to use your RV? How much money are you willing to invest for the RV? Will storing the RV present a problem?
- Things To Consider Before Buying A Recreation Vehicle
[Automotive:RV] It seems when we purchase an RV we overlook something, forget to check something, or possibly we were not properly informed about something. Whatever the case may be, you don’t realize it until after you buy it and then it’s to late. If you already own an RV you know what I’m talking about and this article won’t be of much help. If you don’t already own an RV read on and learn some things to consider before you buy.
- Neglected RV Batteries
[Automotive:RV] The RV coach battery(s) are one of the most important and neglected components in the RV. The converter in an RV also has a battery charger. Whenever you are plugged in to electricity, or the generator is running, the coach battery(s) is being charged. It is also being charged by the automotive alternator when you are driving the RV or in the case of a towable RV if you had a charge line wired into the light plug.
- Tips for Keeping your RV Cool When it's Hot Outside
[Automotive:RV] * Strategically park your RV to take advantage of any shade that is available, especially on the side where the refrigerator vent is located. Don't be afraid to ask for a shady site when you check in at the campground. This will not only help cool the RV down, but your refrigerator and roof air conditioner will work much more efficiently-
- RV Dump Stations and Holding Tanks
[Automotive:RV] RV dump stations everywhere are closing down operation due to several reasons. Some, but not all of these reasons are the costs and headaches involved to keep them operating and properly maintained, the wrong types of chemicals used by RVers and because of neglect and poor housekeeping by people who use these dump stations.
- Inverters
[Automotive:RV] Inverters are nice to have at times when you are dry camping and/or when you don't have access to 120-volts AC. Batteries produce power in Direct Current (DC) that run at low voltages. Power companies and AC generators produce sine wave Alternating Current (AC), which is used to operate 120-volt appliances and electronic equipment. An inverter takes 12-volt DC power from your RV batteries and electronically changes it to 120-volt AC. Some RVers use an inverter just to watch TV or for their personal computer.
- Beginning RVing
[Automotive:RV] Twenty-eight years ago, I towed my first travel trailer. Of course at the time, like most teenagers, I thought I knew everything. I tent camped for years and had experienced camping in travel trailers and motor homes with a friend of mine and his family, but this was my first RV adventure out on my own.
- Campground Savvy
[Automotive:RV] Part of planning a trip in our RV is planning which KOA campgrounds we will be staying at along the way. We know what to expect at a KOA campground and we have never been disappointed. If you have been RVing for any amount of time you already know that a big part of the camping experience is the campground experience. This month I am including a checklist that will help you get the most from your campground experience. Most of what is written in this checklist is common sense, but it helps to serve as a reminder of how to make your next stay at a KOA as pleasant and carefree as possible.
- RV Propane Savvy
[Automotive:RV] LP gas is a camper's best friend. It provides us with warmth on a chilly day, hot water to shower with, cold food in the fridge and the capability to cook on the road the same way you do when you’re at home. When we need it it’s there, instantly providing us with all of the amenities and creature comforts we are accustomed to. We don’t really even think about it, it’s taken for granted that when you push that button, almost like magic it responds to your demands.
- RV Tips - Keeping Your Camper Cool
[Automotive:RV] Summer is here and for RVers that not only means prime travel season is upon us, but so is the heat. If you ever walked inside an RV that is sitting in the direct sunlight on a hot summer day you know what I mean. Fortunately there are some things we can do to make our summer RV camping trips more pleasurable.
- RV Buying- New Versus Used
[Automotive:RV] Cost is one of the main factors concerning new versus used RV's, but there are several other factors to consider too. If you're only going to use the RV two weeks out of the year, a used RV might be your best decision. On the other hand, if you are planning on going fulltiming or traveling cross country, a new RV with a full warranty would be a better choice.
- RV Fire Safety Device Information
[Automotive:RV] Every RVer should know what safety devices are available on their RV and understand how to use them. Most RVs regardless of what type or what size it is will come equipped with several safety devices. There are four different types, or classes of fire extinguishers, A, B, C, and D, and each type is for a specific type of fire.
- RV Fire Safety Tips
[Automotive:RV] Did you know that there are close to 20,000 reported RV fires each year? A large percentage of these fires are transmission related fires on motor homes. Automatic transmission fluid leaking from the transmission can ignite, and quickly spread if it contacts any portion of the exhaust system. Before traveling in your RV inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaking. Have any potential leaks checked out and repaired immediately.
- RV Tires
[Automotive:RV] To make all of your RV experiences safer and more enjoyable, it is essential that you understand your RV tires. Ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun shorten the life of your tires...
- RV Awning Use, Care, Maintenance Tips, and Advice
[Automotive:RV] RV awnings are a great feature to have on your RV. The awnings on your RV will provide years of reliable trouble free operation, if you take the time to do a little preventive maintenance and cleaning.
- RV Patio Awning Operation Checklist
[Automotive:RV] The purpose of this RV awning checklist is to give you a basic guide to follow when opening and storing your retractable patio awning.
- RV Fire Safety
[Automotive:RV] Did you know that there are close to 20,000 reported RV fires each year? A large percentage of these fires are transmission related fires on motor homes. Automatic transmission fluid leaking from the transmission can ignite, and quickly spread if it contacts any portion of the exhaust system. Before traveling in your RV inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaking. Have any potential leaks checked out and repaired immediately.
- RV Tip: Top Five RV Insurance Claims & How to Avoid Them
[Automotive:RV] After doing some research on RV insurance claims I discovered what one insurance company listed as the top five RV insurance claims filed. Today we're going to discuss what these claims are and how you can avoid them.
- RV Info: RV Travel Security
[Automotive:RV] RVers, are the prime target for the criminal mind, so what can we do to protect ourselves? That’s what this RV security checklist is for. To give you some ideas on how to protect yourself and you’re personal belongings when you’re traveling in your RV.
- RV Tip: Troubleshooting a 12-volt DC Problem
[Automotive:RV] If you enjoy RVs you already know that a major part of the fun with RVing is getting away from everything. You can just pack up the RV and head out to get some well deserved rest and relaxation without having to deal with the hassles of day-to-day living. These restful, relaxing, memory making RV trips should not be jeopardized by something as simple as a 12-volt electrical problem ruining your vacation.
- RV Fuel Economy
[Automotive:RV] I for one am not going to let sky rocketing fuel prices change my plans for using and enjoying our RV. So, with that said and a motor home that averages 7 to 8 miles to a gallon I am forced to find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting and hoping that fuel prices will go down.
- RV Weight Terminology
[Automotive:RV] Everyone should have a basic understanding of RV weight terms. Do your research to avoid becoming a statistic in relationship to overloaded RVs.
- Weighing Your RV
[Automotive:RV] Weighing your RV can be the difference between a safe, enjoyable trip and a costly, disastrous trip. The Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF) has weighed over 10,000 motor homes and trailers in conjunction with RV events. The results are a real eye opener. Nearly a quarter of the RVs weighed had loads that exceeded the capacity of the tires on the vehicles.
- RV Water Leaks
[Automotive:RV] If there is a way to get in your RV, water will find it. Water leaks on an RV can cause extensive damage and can be extremely costly to repair. When I worked at an RV dealership I saw the damaging effects that water can cause to an RV time and time again.
- Trailer Sway 101
[Automotive:RV] Yaw, more commonly known as sway in the RV industry, is a bad word for trailer owners. The definition of yaw or sway is a side-to-side movement. Nothing will ruin the way you feel about camping faster than the first time you experience trailer sway.
- RV's - The Best Kept Travel Secret in America
[Automotive:RV] What would you say if I told you I knew the best kept secret for traveling in America? A safe, cost effective, hassle-free way to see more of this beautiful country we live in. A way to travel at your own pace, on your own schedule, while building lasting memories with your family and friends. It sound too good to be true doesn’t it? Wait, it gets even better. What if I told you it’s not by plane, train, bus or your family automobile? Are you curious? Would you like to be let in on the secret that over 7 million households in America already discovered? If so, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Recreation Vehicles (RVs) and camping.
- RV Tips and Advice
[Automotive:RV] My goal with these RV tips is for you to find many, if not all of these tips to be helpful. Hopefully, one or more of the RV tips will make all of your RV experiences safe, fun & stress free.
- RV Buying Tips
[Automotive:RV] You might be a tent camper that graduated to a Pop Up and are now
considering a travel trailer. Or, maybe you have never camped before but like all of the amenities available on modern travel trailers and are considering the RV lifestyle. No matter what the case may be, as an ex-RV Sales Manager and current owner of RV Education 101, I would like to offer you some advice before you buy.
- RV Traveling with Pets 101
[Automotive:RV] It's prime RV travel season and I thought this would be a good time to discuss traveling with pets in your RV. Pets and RVs just seem to go together. One of the really great things about traveling in an RV is that you can take your pets with you. In many cases the main reason people buy an RV is so their pets can travel with them. Both of our dogs have been traveling with us in our RV since they were puppies. They both get extremely excited when they see us loading the RV for another trip.
- RV Tire Failure 101
[Automotive:RV] When I was young, my friends and I would go tent camping at our favorite spot in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. It is where I learned the art of fly-fishing for trout, trapping muskrats and hunting whitetail deer. To this day just the thought of those camping trips bring back wonderful childhood memories. Not only are the memories good, the lessons I learned have lasted a lifetime.
- RV Spring Preparation Checklist
[Automotive:RV] Your RV has been sitting idle over the winter. Now the early signs of spring are here and it's time to take it out of storage and prepare the coach and chassis for this years camping season. 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 you can schedule an appointment with a reputable RV service center to have it done.
- RV Generators
[Automotive:RV] RV generators are what truly make your RV fully self-contained. What a feature, instant electricity at the push of a button. We take electricity for granted in our homes because we don't have to do anything to get it, with the exception of paying our monthly electric bill. This is part of the problem with RV generators, we expect the electricity to be there when we need or want it just like in our house. The problem is this magical source of electricity requires a certain amount of care and maintenance from the owner.
- RV Refrigerator Efficiency 101
[Automotive:RV] RV refrigerators, for the most part, are efficient. In many cases it is something the owner does that makes the refrigerator less efficient.
- RV Emergency Weather Planning 101
[Automotive:RV] I love the freedom of the open road. There is nothing like exploring the back roads in your RV. You can go where you want and when you want, in your house on wheels, and because of this, often times you find yourself in a new destination everyday. Something that many RVers do not take into consideration with this freedom to roam is the weather conditions where you are traveling to or spending the night. RVs are great, but they are not safe in severe weather like lightning and thunderstorms with high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes.
- RV Battery Life Expectancy
[Automotive:RV] The life expectancy of your RV batteries depends on you. How they're used, how well they're maintained, how they're discharged, how they're re-charged, and how they are stored all contribute to a battery's life span. A battery cycle is one complete discharge from 100% down to about 50% and then re-charged back to 100%.
- RV Information - Improving Your Fuel Economy
[Automotive:RV] Today we're going to be discussing something near and dear to all of us, especially RV owners. How can you improve your fuel economy? The 99 cents a gallon days are long gone. We’ll probably be lucky to see the $2.80 a gallon days again and depending on what part of the country you live in, you may be lucky to see the $2.30 a gallon days again. It took a while but as with everything else you eventually accept the fact that higher fuel prices are here to stay.
- RV Safety 101 - the Basics
[Automotive:RV] "Are RV’s dangerous to own and operate?" After giving this question some thought I realized that this one short question covered a very large spectrum. There is no quick or easy response to this question. In most cases it’s not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual that is operating the RV that is dangerous. Some examples of unsafe acts that I have witnessed are carrying a full spare LP gas bottle inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the generator running and never weighing the RV or checking the inflation pressure in the tires.
- RV Tips for Holding Tanks
[Automotive:RV] Today we're going to talk about RV holding tanks. To start with, I wanted to mention something about RV holding tanks that I don't think a lot of RVers are aware of. Many of the free dump stations available to RVers are closing because of chemicals that are harmful to septic systems and because RVers are abusing these dump stations. If we want to have access to these dump stations it is absolutely essential that we use septic safe chemicals (no formaldehyde), and that we clean up after ourselves and do not abuse dump stations.
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