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
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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
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
Using Hydrogen to Increase Mileage and Reduce Emissions
May 20, 2011 by Rex Vogel · 32 Comments
Forget the staycation.
(Credit: h2purepower)
Sure, average gas prices are currently $3.94 (diesel: $4.11), according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report, and climbing toward the highest recorded average of $4.11 that crippled travel back in 2008.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your summer road trip. It’s one of America’s greatest travel traditions—so don’t let these high fuel prices stop you.
Mary Meadows says she can increase mileage and reduce emissions. She’s the founder of an Arizona company that makes a system that converts cars, pickups, trucks, recreational vehicles, and boats to hydrogen hybrids, reported The Arizona Republic.
“We’re not replacing the fuel; we’re just supplementing the fuel to make it highly efficient,” said Meadows, CEO of H2 Pure Power, which is based at the Innovations incubator.
The company manufactures the Hercules Hydrogen System, which is about the same size as a car battery and can be installed under the hood or in the trunk. The system manufactures hydrogen, mixes it with fuel, and puts the mixture into the engine by air intake.
“It’s a very sophisticated system,” Meadows said. “A lot of systems out there don’t work; they don’t last.”
She says that the Hercules Hydrogen System works—and it lasts.
One of the problems to overcome was that post-1996 model cars and pickups contain computers that sense when a vehicle is using less fuel. That triggers the computer to increase gasoline or diesel to compensate. If the computer automatically pumps more gas or diesel into the fuel system, it defeats the driver’s effort to get better fuel mileage
To counteract that problem, Meadows has a chip that affects the air/fuel ratio and allows the hydrogen mix to power the vehicle without triggering the computer.
H2 Pure Power, Inc. founder Dr. Mary Meadows. (Credit: Charlie Leight/The Arizona Republic)
The Hercules Hydrogen System retails for $3,500, but Meadows is currently offering it at a discounted price of $2,500.
Hercules works with any kind of fuel: gasoline, diesel, propane, or biodiesel. And the system can be traded among vehicles, such as moving it from a motorhome to a car.
It is Meadows recommendation that the Hercules Hydrogen System be installed by a mechanic, but some vehicle owners have installed it themselves. She provides buyers with detailed instructions on how to install, and will stand by on the phone to assist in the installation.
Long-haul truckers can expect a 30 percent increase in mileage, according to Meadows. Cars and pickups have seen increases of 30 to 50 percent, and RVs, 50 percent, she said.
Meadows installed the system on her car, a 1977 Cadillac El Dorado.
“That car went from 8 miles per gallon to 32,” she said.
I would be happy with half that!
Others reporting good results with the system include a company engineer, Gary Miller, who has it on his pickup; a Western Power vehicle; an independent trucker; a panel van driven by a Phoenix locksmith; a panel van in Yuma; and a pickup truck in Golden, Colorado that pulls a large trailer.
“My 45 foot RV just cruises up the inclines instead of having to shift down into third gear. And, I have increased my mileage by 30 percent. The hydrogen is miraculous in taking the diesel smell away,” reported Jerry in Portland, Oregon.
The owner of this motorhome claimed a 33% increase in mpg even over mountain terrain following installation of a Hercules Hydrogen System. (Credit: h2purepower)
In another testimonial, Dave, from Seattle, Washington reported, “On recent trips in our RV, through the mountains touring Canada, Washington, Oregon, other RVs and trucks were gearing down pulling hard at 35 mph and we cruised up at 55 mph in regular drive gaining 33 percent increase in miles per gallon even with the terrain.”
“The future is hydrogen, and the future is now,” Meadows said.
Worth Pondering…
Strive for perfection in everything you do.
Take the best that exists and make it better.
When it does not exist, design it.
—Sir Henry Royce
You May Also Like
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Family of missing Alberta RVers searching for closure
If you enjoy these articles and want to read more on RV travels and lifestyle, visit my website: Vogel Talks RVing.
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #8 Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #8 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 start putting the interior of the Yellowstone restoration project back together.
* See how convenient battery operated LED lights are for all those dark and dimly lit areas of your RV.
* Get the answer to the question on mixing and matching different battery types and sizes on your RV.
* Take a stroll down memory lane when Mark narrates who and what the Tin Can Tourists organization was back in the day, and how it has been revived.
* 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 # 9 will be available for viewing on 30 May 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #7 Released
May 2, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases Episode #6 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:
* Mark & Tyler start putting the interior walls back in the vintage trailer restoration project and add new vinyl flooring.
* Learn how to install a Dirt Devil central vacuum cleaner in your RV.
* Find out what the difference is between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters.
* Discover all of the fun things to do and places to visit when you stay at the Niagara Falls North KOA.
* Learn some great tips and techniques to help with backing a 5th wheel trailer
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 # 8 will be available for viewing on 16 May 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #6 Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #6 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 finishes the 12 volt wiring, the roof decking and starts on the interior of the vintage trailer restoration project.
* See what product can add to enjoying the nightlife under your RV patio awning
* Get some tips on how to maximize your RV refrigerators efficiency.
* Discover a great camping destination for the entire family located in New York
* Watch an interview with the creator of a charity called “RV 4 the Cause”
If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing
Episode # 7 will be available for viewing on 02 May 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #5 Released
April 4, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases Episode #5 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 finish framing the vintage travel trailer and start the rough-in wiring.
* Learn how to protect your RV from power surges and improper campground wiring
* Get some great tips for extending the life of your RV holding tanks and controlling odors
* Get some answers on how to protect your RV awnings
* See what camping tip won the author a free copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips
If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing
Episode # 6 will be available for viewing on 18 April 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #4 Released
RV Education 101 releases Episode #4 of the brand 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:
* The vintage trailer project is taken apart down to the bare studs.
* Rescuing Roxie, watch the story of a dog Mark & his family rescued last year.
* Discover an easy installation for your RV that keeps the dirt at the door.
* Find out what you can do to win a free copy of Microsoft Streets and Trips.
* Discover what www.rv4thecause.org is all about and how you can register for some free information packed webinars.
If you missed previous episodes of Mark’s RV Garage they are archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing
Episode # 5 will be available for viewing on 4 April 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark’s RV Garage Episode #3 Released
March 7, 2011 by Mark Polk · Leave a Comment
RV Education 101 releases episode # 3 of the 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:
* The demolition stage begins on the vintage travel trailer restoration project.
* See how easy it is to install a new Maxx Air II vent cover on your RV.
* Learn how to extend the life of your RV batteries.
* See what tool I never leaves home without.
* Get an inside look at what’s happening in the world of RV’s for 2011 and much more.
If you missed the episodes 1 and 2 of Mark’s RV Garage it is archived at www.rvconsumer.com for easy retreival and viewing (just look to the right and click on my picture).
Episode # 4 will be available for viewing on 21 March 2011.
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
