Pre-winter RV Checks
October 1, 2011 by Mark Polk · 10 Comments
As we head toward colder temperatures, I would like to suggest a few preventive maintenance checks to prepare your RV for the fall and winter camping seasons. Please don’t confuse these checks with winterizing your RV or preparing it for winter storage. In no particular order, here are my top 7 pre-winter RV checks: 1. Inspect your RV batteries Check all battery connections for secure mounting. Clean the batteries with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water, if necessary. If you have lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water, if necessary. Many older converter chargers provide a constant charge of approximately 13.5 volts, which is too high for fully-charged batteries and can cause the electrolyte to boiled off, resulting in an early death for the batteries. Check water levels weekly, at a minimum, when using the RV. Test the battery state-of-charge and charge any batteries that are at or below 80 percent. A discharged or partially-charged battery will freeze much faster than a fully-charged battery. Use a digital voltmeter to measure voltage and get a quick picture of the batteries’ depth of discharge. If you don’t feel comfortable working on or around batteries, have a reputable RV service center perform battery maintenance for you. Note: A 12-volt battery that is charged should read 12.5 to 12.7 volts. Readings less than 12.5 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged.... Read more
Mark’s RV Garage Season One Finale Released
RV Education 101 releases the season finale of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube After 16 bi-monthly episodes the highly anticipated season finale is released, revealing the completed vintage trailer restoration for the very first time. Season finale highlights: * The Old Yellowstone trailer gets a fresh coat of paint. * Polk installs a new 3,500 pound Dexter axle. * The electric brakes are converted to disc brakes with the addition of new brake rotors, calipers, and a Actulink electric/hydraulic brake actuator. To complete the new braking system Polk adds a DirecLink Network Enhanced brake controller. * Before the trailer can hit the road for the first time Polk installs an Equalizer hitch. * Mark Polk reflects back on season one through a series of Q&A. * All of this and more on the season finale of “Mark’s RV Garage” If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #16 RV Internet Show Released
September 5, 2011 by Mark Polk · 2 Comments
RV Education 101 releases Episode #16 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Polk installs stabilizer jacks on the rear of the trailer and an electric tongue jack on the front. * For safety the trailer gets a combinationLP gas and Carbon Monoxide detector. * The trailer gets new LP gas cylinders, and the LP gas system gets checked for proper operating pressure and for leaks. * For entertainment the trailer gets a 24 inch Jensen LCD TV. *All of this and more on this episode of “Mark’s RV Garage” If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Don’t miss the season finale, coming soon Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #15 RV Intenet Show Released
August 22, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases Episode #15 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube * Polk installs the exterior metal and windows in the vintage trailer restoration project. * Watch the installation of a Voyager Digital Wireless Observation System with WiSight technology * Find out what Polk considers to be RV Maintenance Mishaps and see what you can do to avoid them. *All of this and more on this episode of “Mark’s RV Garage” If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 16 will be available for viewing on 05 September 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #14 RV Internet Show Released
August 9, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases Episode #14 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark installs a new RV 500 tankless water heater and tests the electrical system on the vintage trailer restoration project. * Discover a product that will keep your motorhome wheels going straight even if there is a blowout. * Get some preventive maintenance tips on how to check the air pressure in your tires. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage. If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 15 will be available for viewing on 22 August 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #13 RV Internet Show Released
July 25, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases Episode #13 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark installs a new Dometcic refrigerator, Hamilton Beach Microwave and finishes wiring the vintage trailer with some GFCI outlets. * Discover how to keep your RV battery topped off with a Sunforce solar battery charger. * Get some preventive maintenance tips on how to increase the life of your tow vehicle or motorhome engine. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage. If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 14 will be available for viewing on 08 August 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #12 RV Internet Show Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #12 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark installs a Wingard TV Antenna, a 13,500 btu roof AC unit by ASA Electronics, Maxx Air II vent covers, a Jensen stereo system and new LP gas lines on the vintage Yellowstone restoration project. * See what the Cape Hatteras KOA at the North Carolina Outer Banks has to offer in the way of amenities and local attractions. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage. If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 13 will be available for viewing on 25 July 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #11 Internet Show Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #11 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark installs a new EPDM rubber roof by Dicor and finishes wiring the power center in the Yellowstone restoration project. * Learn how to rid your RV of holding tank odors by installing a simple 360 siphon odor extractor. * Discover a neat product that will protect your valuables when you are home or traveling in your RV. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage. If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 12 will be available for viewing on 11 July 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #10 Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #10 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark installs a shower surround, tile and toilet, and starts wiring the power center in the Yellowstone restoration project. * Learn how to install and use a Tire Minder Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your RV * Discover a quick tip on a spray lubricant and rust remover you need to keep available in your shop or garage. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 11 will be available for viewing on 27 June 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #9 Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #9 of the new Internet based RV How-To series titled “Mark’s RV Garage.” The new episode is available for viewing at www.rvconsumer.com and on You Tube On this episode of Mark’s RV Garage: * Mark & Tyler install and plumb the gray and black water holding tanks on the Yellowstone restoration project. * Learn how to install a window awning in six easy steps. * Get an answer to the gnawing question on how to rid your RV of those pesky field mice. * Discover a quick tip on how to size a patio mat for your RV. * All of this and more on this episode of Mark’s RV Garage. If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing Episode # 10 will be available for viewing on 13 June 2011. Happy RV Learning, Mark Polk www.rvconsumer.com www.rveducation101.com Read More →
