January 2012 Volume 2 Issue 1
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Winter RV Trips CO Gas-The Silent Killer Subscribe NOW
RV Destinations – NC Outer Banks
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Table of Contents
January 2012 – Volume 2, Issue 1
Pg. 5
IN THIS ISSUE 5 Cold Weather Battery Maintenance Cold weather can take its toll on batteries. Here are some tips on how to prevent it.
15 Winter RV Trips RVing in the wintertime can be lots of fun if you take a few precautions before and during your trip.
22 Why Replace your Automobile Antifreeze? Automobile antifreeze is like engine oil, the newer it is the better it protects the engine.
25 Calculating Propane Usage In temperatures below zero degrees the per hour container BTU capacity will be reduced by 50% or more. Learn how to calculate your propane usage.
26 CO Gas -The Silent Killer Camping in cold weather can be fun, but don’t forget the dangers of Carbon Monoxide gas.
Pg. 25
DEPARTMENTS 4 Editor’s Desk Pg. 19
10 RVing with Mark Polk & Friends An interview with Evanne Schmarder, full-time RVer and creator of “The RV Cooking Show”
19 Favorite RV
Destinations
The North Carolina Outer Banks
24 RV Product Spotlight PIRIT heated hose keeps the water flowing, even when it freezing outside.
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To get advice on your RV insurance or request an insurance quote, please give us a call at 888-774-6778. An Explorer representative will be happy to discuss your specific RV insurance needs.
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From the editor’s desk
Mark Polk
Quote of the Month “As I travel by RV, crisscrossing the manicured highways and byways, I contemplate our forefathers rugged journey westward by horse and wagon. They truly were first generation American RVers.” ~ Mark Polk
Happy New Year & welcome to another monthly issue of RV Consumer Magazine. This digital magazine was designed just for the RV consumer. The "RV Consumer" is an individual or household who uses RV products, goods and services produced in our economy. Our goal is to provide you, the consumer, with useful RV information, tips, videos, & products to help make all of your RV experiences safe, fun & stress free. The more you understand about your RV the more you can enjoy it! Our motto is very simple and straight to the point,
Please take a minute to visit our informative websites at: www.rveducation101.com www.rvconsumer.com www.rvuniversity.com for more great RV information
RV Consumer Magazine 150 Bay Ridge Rd. Harrells, NC 28444 910-484-7615 www.rvconsumer.com Publisher: RV Education 101 Editor: Mark J. Polk mark@rveducation101.com Contributing Writers: Marketing Director: Dawn Polk dawn@rveducation101.com Advertising Information: MEDIA KIT Copyright 2012 RV Education 101, all rights reserved, RV Consumer Magazine is published by RV Education 101. This publication cannot be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Advertisers and/or advertising agencies or representatives assume all liabilities for any printed content appearing in RV Consumer Magazine. Articles and opinions expressed in this publication may not be the same opinion of the magazine, its staff or its advertisers.
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Cold Weather
By Mark Polk
Battery Maintenance I was recently asked a question and felt like the answer could be useful to lots of RV owners, so I am using the question as the topic for this article. Q: Hi Mark, we live in Virginia and are preparing our RV for winter storage. I just had the RV winterized, but I am concerned about how or what to do to properly store my RV batteries. Do you have any advice to offer? A: 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. Over time this sulfate cannot be converted back into active plate material and the battery is ruined. This also occurs when a battery remains discharged for an extended period of time, like during storage. Sulfation is the number one cause of battery failure. The second leading cause of battery failure is overcharging. Overcharging batteries results in severe water loss and plate corrosion.
Before we talk about storing the batteries we need to talk about battery safety. Lead acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns or even blindness. And the hydrogen gas that batteries produce when they’re charging is very explosive. When you work around batteries you need to wear goggles and gloves, remove all jewelry and do not smoke or use any open flames. Caution: If you accidentally get battery acid on your skin, flush it with lots of water and if it gets in your eyes flush with low pressure water for 15 minutes and call a doctor.
When you put the RV in long term storage it’s a good idea to remove the batteries and put them in storage too. This is quite simple to do. The first thing we want to do is visually inspect the batteries for any obvious damage. Any onthe or best Note: You will need to fluid decide around the battery may be andisposing of method for draining and indication that electrolyte is leaking the RV antifreeze. Much of it can be from the battery. A damaged or leaking drained into a large bucket. Most RV batteryantifreeze should be replaced is biodegradable and safe immediately. Whenever to the environment,you but remove you should any battery always remember to check before disposing of it. remove the negative terminal or cable first, and then the positive cable. >>
With that said let’s look at how to properly store your RV batteries. www.rvconsumer.com
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Battery Tip: When you remove a battery turn off the ignition switch, all electrical switches, and any battery disconnect switches before you disconnect the battery cables. Whenever you remove any battery cables label them first so you remember how they go back on the battery. When you reinstall the battery do it in the reverse order. Install the positive cable first and then the negative cable. Clean the batteries with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water if necessary, i.e. use one pound of baking soda to one gallon of water. Now you can check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water if necessary. The minimum level required is at the top of the plates. If it’s below the plates add enough distilled water to cover the plates before you charge the battery. Test the battery state of charge with a voltmeter or hydrometer and charge any batteries that are at or below 80%. An 80% charge is approximately 12.5 volts for a 12-volt battery and 6.25 volts for a 6-volt battery. Lead sulfation starts when a battery state of charge drops below 80%. After charging the batteries check and fill each cell to 1/8 inch below the fill well with distilled water. Overfilling cells will cause battery acid to overflow. Caution: Batteries should only be charged in a well ventilated area and keep any sparks and open flames away from a battery being charged. Check the electrolyte levels before and after charging batteries.
Clean & remove the batteries
Check & adjust water levels
Test & recharge as required
Play Video
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A discharged or partially charged battery will freeze much faster than a charged battery. Store the batteries in a cool dry place, but not where they could freeze. Batteries in storage will loose a percentage of current through internal leakage. It’s not uncommon for a battery to discharge up to 10% a month when it is being stored. Cold temperatures slow this natural discharge process down and warmer temperatures speed the process up. Test the stored battery state of charge every month and charge batteries that are at or below an 80% state of charge. Completely charge the batteries before re-installing them next spring. For optimum performance you can equalize the batteries after they are fully charged. An equalizing charge is an increase in charging voltage similar to a bulk charge to convert any crystallized lead sulfate back into its original components. If you decide to leave the batteries in the RV while it is in storage remember to check the state of charge monthly and charge any batteries at or below an 80% charge. Some RV converter multistage chargers and aftermarket chargers are designed to maintain a float charge on the battery without removing the batteries from the RV. Remember, for the converter charger to work the RV will need to be plugged in to electricity. RV 101
For more information on RV batteries check out our Deep Cycle Battery DVD
Watch Battery Minder Video
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Meet RV BUZZ RV Buzz is our mascot. Pay close attention when you see RV Buzz. He offers some great RV tips and important cautions & warnings.
B The life expectancy of your RV batteries A depends on you. How they’re used, how well maintained, how T they’re they’re discharged, how re-charged, and T they’re how they are stored all contribute to a E battery(s) life span. A battery cycle is one discharge R complete from 100% down to 50% and then reY about charged back to 100%.
Our “Go for the RV Gold” program is a self-paced online RV training program offering over 45 one-onone RV training videos, 50 feature articles, 60 RV tips and much more. Learn More>
Deep cycle batteries come in all different sizes. Some are designated by group size, like Group 24, 27 and 31. Basically the larger the battery the more amp hours you get. Depending on your needs and the amount of space you have available there are several options when it comes to batteries. You can use one 12-volt Group 24 deep cycle battery that provides 70 to 85 amp hours or you can use two or more 12volt batteries wired in parallel. Parallel wiring increases amp hours but not voltage.
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Make your least favorite job at the campground much easier by using an EZ Coupler Bayonet Sewer System with rotating fittings. Watch Video
Travel safe in 2012 and remember, getting there is half the fun !
RV Safe Travel Quick Tip Take plenty of breaks when you’re traveling. Stopping, stretching out and taking brief walks can revitalize you. Do not rush to get to your vacation destination. Driving too fast and for long periods of time can result in fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel. If you feel tired you should pull over and rest or change drivers. It’s a good idea to switch drivers every few hours. RV 101
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I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Evanne Schmarder, a friend and colleague of ours. She is a full-time RVer and the producer & host of The RV Cooking Show Evanne and her husband enjoy visiting RV destinations while discovering easy, healthy, destination-related recipes to demonstrate to her audience. If you enjoy travel and food you will thoroughly enjoy Evanne’s show. Let’s see what she has to say.
MP: Hi Evanne, welcome and thanks for taking some time to talk with me today. Many of us know you as the host of the RV Cooking Show, but what’s your back-story?
In September 1999 the Portland Fall RV & Van Show caught our attention and we attended their opening day. It’s all a bit of a blur from that point on. We decided we’d RV in search of our perfect, sunny place to “settle down” and began dreaming. Homes in our neighborhood typically took 9-12 months to sell. We put ours up for sale in March 2000, expecting to have plenty of time to plan, and it sold in one week. Now we were on a fasttrack…the closing was scheduled for May. Between liquidating almost all of our earthly possessions, to giving notice at our jobs, to finding our perfect rig, to having get togethers with friends (that were equally in disbelief and thrilled for us) time flew by. I’m so glad I kept a written record of that period on a monthly calendar. When I look back at it, I’m amazed we got it all done but oh, it was a heady time.
ES: Glad to be here Mark, thanks. In the late 90’s my husband and I lived in Portland, Oregon and we both had busy jobs that distracted us from the gray weather. After a Caribbean cruise we knew we wanted more sunshine but we had no plan. What we did have, however, was an RV park on the island where our floating home was moored. Many an evening after work we’d wander over to the park, stroll around, check out the rigs and visit with the RVers. It’s true, we RVers live up to our rep as really friendly folks. www.rvconsumer.com
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In one of those weird clashes of fantasy and reality, two weeks into our RV adventure – just when you normally have to go back to work – it hit us, this was not a vacation but our new lifestyle. I can clearly picture myself in Albuquerque, NM thinking there is no home to return to, no job, no nothing…this was it.
So, we’ve been full-time RVers since May 2000 and have found not just one perfect place but many perfect places and “settling down” just doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Even though we’re somewhat younger than most other full-timers, we have plenty in common with our on-the-road peers and we really enjoy them. MP: So how did the RV Cooking Show come about? ES: As an RVer, you know how much fun it is to visit with other campers, talk travel and share stories, meals and recipes. We’d have friends come for dinner and they’d be taking notes over my shoulder as I cooked. The RV Cooking Show began as a lark, to share my recipes and my travels with my friends all across the country. Interest grew and the show turned into more than just a way to entertain my friends.
Now it’s part RV travel guide and part cooking class on wheels, viewed by an international audience of RV dreamers to longtime fulltimers and everyone in between…and I love, love, love doing it!
I hope viewers feel like they could be on my couch, cocktail in hand, sharing travel tips and getting hungry for dinner every time they tune in. If only we had smell-evision.
The show’s tag line, Love to travel? Love to eat?, really sums it up. After almost 12 years of full-timing we still have places on our “must-see” list. The U.S. is so diverse with magnificent scenery, fascinating people, surprises around many corners. As far as food goes, I believe simple dishes serve as souvenirs and menus live on as memory makers.
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Think about it, when you re-create a meal that you had on vacation doesn’t talk always seem to turn to the fun you had, the things you did, the people you met and the next adventure? It does in my house…maybe that’s why we just can’t stay put.
Being on the road all the time I try to keep my pantry stocked just in case I want to spend time far away from a grocery store. If your readers are interested they can find and print my RV Kitchen Pantry Checklist
MP: Too funny, you are absolutely right! Do you have a favorite memory-making episode?
MP: That’s great, I’m sure they would love a checklist from the pro. Thanks so much, Evanne. Can you wrap it up with an RV kitchen tip?
ES: Gosh, we’ve done so many. I’d have to say that the Food, Fun and Friends at Flying Flags series was the tops so far. In those seven episodes we got to visit with several amazing food scene movers and shakers in the Santa Barbara wine country. We cooked with a famous Italian chef, wandered olive groves with an up and coming organic olive oil maker, shared a pint of Walker’s Reserve with David Walker from Firestone Walker Brewing and spent time at Monte Roberts’ estate…you know, the Horse Whisperer. Our viewers told me they loved that series…food, fun and friends indeed! How great is that?!?
ES: Of course. If you can make it in a stick or stone house, you can make it in your RV kitchen – the only difference is space. The trick? Measure and prepare all of your ingredients then put everything you don’t need for the dish away, where it belongs, before you start cooking. The French call this mise en place…I call it my secret weapon!
MP: Ok Evanne, I think our reader’s would like to know what you can’t live without in your RV kitchen? ES: Hmmm. Cupboard space is precious and weight is always a concern so every tool in my RV kitchen must pull at least double duty. Probably my number one go-to utensil is my 8” Global Chef’s Knife. Yeah, I know, you’re supposed to have a set of knives and I do have a small paring knife, but aside from that, the Global does it all. It’s not a cheapy, and I bought it as a reward for making a business goal, but truly I’m sure it’ll outlast my RV.
About the RV Cooking Show Young full-time RVer married 22 years – 11+ of them living in a less than 240 sq. ft. box on wheels – seeks to share stimulating conversation on road travel, tasty RV kitchen tips, simple dishes as souvenirs and menus as memory makers. Loves to travel. Loves to eat. Enjoys virtual and real campfires, destination dishing and great grilling. Seriously fun inquiries only please Evanne@RVCookingShow.com or www.RVCookingShow.com.
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Follow Mark’s vintage trailer restoration project from start to finish
RV Education 101 is the producer of the award winning online series titled “Mark’s RV Garage” If you haven't already watched the series get your favorite beverage and find a comfortable chair because there are 17 information packed episodes for you to catch up on. www.rvconsumer.com
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by Mark Polk
There are lots of things to do and 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 there are no guarantees that your RV can or will be 100% protected from the harsh winter elements by following written advice on the subject. What I can do is offer you some suggestions and ideas that will help to protect your RV if you plan to use it during the cold winter months. I just can’t guarantee that it will be 100% protected. These suggestions and ideas are for short term winter camping in your RV. If you plan to take extended RV trips in cold weather there are many other precautions and measures that need to be considered, like using insulated skirting around the bottom of the RV for example. Note: What we will be concentrating on in this article is how to protect your RV during cold weather camping. It is extremely important that you also understand how to protect yourself and other campers in cold temperatures. One of the first considerations for cold weather RVing is if you will be traveling in temperatures below freezing. If this is the case, and there is water in the RV water system, your plumbing lines or water heater tank could freeze, resulting in costly repair bills, not to mention ruining your winter wonderland RV trip. To avoid this from happening I travel with the water system winterized. It is actually much easier to winterize an RV than most people think it is, and it’s not very expensive either. I have winterized and de-winterized our RV as many as four times in one winter. Note: Check out our Winterizing & Storing Your RV DVD. It will teach you how to winterize your RV, by yourself, and save money, especially if you enjoy using your RV during the winter months. Continued > www.rvconsumer.com
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The good news is it is still possible to use the bathroom facilities when you are traveling with the RV winterized. We take one gallon jugs filled with water to use in the toilet, and if your holding tanks are not heated you can put some RV antifreeze in the holding tanks to prevent the contents from freezing. Add the RV antifreeze (1-2 gallons) through the toilet for the black water holding tank and down the shower or tub drain for the gray water tank. The antifreeze will also protect the shower or tub P-trap which is usually located below floor level. The amount of antifreeze required for the holding tanks will be based on the size of the tanks, and it will be necessary to add more RV antifreeze as waste water is added to the tanks to prevent the antifreeze from being too diluted. Don’t allow the holding tanks to fill completely, before emptying them, during cold weather camping. This will reduce the chance of freezing, resulting in damage to the holding tanks. Take bottled water along for drinking and other needs like cooking, washing up and brushing your teeth when the RV is winterized.
We have a five gallon jug that we always take on trips, filled with tap water from our house, for our pet’s drinking water and our other needs. This comes in handy when the RV is winterized. When we arrive at our destination I try to select a site that will be exposed to the sun throughout the day, and where there is some type of wind break available. Position the RV on the site so the front or rear will be facing the brunt of any wind, not the side of the RV. If there is an electrical hook-up I dewinterize the water system so we can use everything. All of the water lines in our motorhome are in heated space, so we don’t need to be too concerned about the water system freezing as long as the RV has heat. We leave the water heater turned on whenever the water heater tank is full so there is no chance of it freezing. Some water heaters operate off of LP gas and electricity. Keep in mind if it’s in the electric mode it will use 9 to 13 amps. It’s important that you know where all of the plumbing on your RV is located. Some RVs have heat ducts going to the basement storage areas where the water system is exposed to outside temperatures, but many RVs do not. If parts of the RV water system are below floor level, in areas that are not heated, it is possible for it to freeze and damage the water lines. If you are hooked up to an external water supply one option is to leave a faucet dripping, to keep the water moving, and decrease the possibility of freezing. Another option is to use heat tape to protect the exposed water lines.
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Heat tape can be purchased at most hardware or building supply stores. Make sure it is suitable for the types of water lines in your RV, and if you plan to use it on a water hose. If it is extremely cold outside and the possibility exists that the outside water supply could freeze, or if the campground water supply is shut off for the winter, I fill our fresh water holding tank and use it for all of our water requirements. Again, keep in mind where your fresh water tank is located; ours is in a heated area. If the campgrounds shower facilities are still open it’s a good idea to use them to avoid the gray water holding tank from filling so quickly. In this situation it might be in your best interest to keep the RV winterized and just use the campgrounds facilities. The best source for heat is to use the RVs forced air furnace. There are a couple of things you need to be aware of when you use the RV furnace. First of all it will consume more LP gas than any of the other LP gas fired appliances. The LP tank or cylinders should be full before leaving on your trip, and you will need to monitor the LP gas supply carefully during your stay. Second, if you are not plugged into an electrical supply the furnace fan can quickly drain the auxiliary battery(s).
Batteries that are not fully charged in cold temperatures can freeze resulting in not being able to use the RV furnace.
I recommend that you plan your stay where you have access to an electrical supply when camping in cold weather. When we are plugged into electricity we set the forced air furnace on a low setting, around 60 degrees, and supplement the heat with thermostatically controlled ceramic heaters. These heaters work extremely well and you don’t need to be concerned about a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Caution: Carbon monoxide is deadly. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it. Roxie’s Story Never use your range burners or oven as a source of heat. If your RV is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector you should purchase a battery operated model designed for use in RV’s. Always test the carbon monoxide detector for proper operation before each trip. If you will be camping where you don’t have access to an electrical hook-up one option is to use a generator. A generator can keep the RV batteries topped off and allow you to use the RV furnace. You will need to have a sufficient supply of fuel on hand for the generator. If it’s a portable generator make sure the exhaust is directed away from the area where you are camping. Regardless of the type of generator always make sure the exhaust system is in proper operating condition and the carbon monoxide detector is working properly. ~RV 101
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Learn how to prepare your RV for winter storage with our Winterizing & Storing DVD
Leave cabinets or drawers open where
water lines are located to allow heat to circulate around plumbing. Try to avoid opening the entry door as much as possible. Oh and don’t forget the electric blanket. It can be a lifesaver at night. If you haven’t purchased your RV yet and you know you will be using an RV in cold weather see if the manufacturer offers an arctic package option when you buy it. Some packages include higher Rfactor insulation values, enclosed underbelly, heated holding tanks, dual pane windows and more. RV 101
Don’t leave home without Maxx Air Products
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Favorite RV Destinations
It was a busy summer for us, but when we had a few days to spare we headed to the North Carolina Outer Banks for some rest and relaxation. If you never visited the Outer Banks I encourage you to consider it in your future RV trip planning.
by Mark Polk
Commonly referred to as OBX, the Outer Banks is a 200-mile sliver of a stretch of barrier islands running along the North Carolina coast. If you enjoy long uninterrupted walks on tranquil beach fronts this is the place to go. It is just you and Mother Nature for as far as the eye can see. Running north to south the Outer banks consists of Bodie Island, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. During this particular trip we planned to stay at the Cape Hatteras KOA. It is located off Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, 25 miles South of Nags Head. Our campsite was literally just a few steps over the dunes to the Atlantic Ocean. continued
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We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked, but our plans called for relaxing on the beach and taking in some local attractions, just what the doctor ordered! We towed our Jeep behind the RV, giving us some economical transportation to navigate the narrow strip of islands. It is a beautiful drive in any direction, up or down, the two-lane Highway 12. In some spots the width of the islands are only 700 feet, and unless your view is obstructed by the sand dunes you can see the ocean on one side and the sound on the other.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
This popular island chain holds the mystery and history of pirates, shipwrecks and of course the Wright brother’s historic first flight. We decided to take a day trip and visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach, fishing, windsurfing or sightseeing, the Outer Banks offers something for everyone. Next summer we will return, but this time we plan to spend more time exploring the historic OBX. RV101
We also found the inn used in the movie
Nights in Rodanthe
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Not sure where to stay on your next RV trip? Why not try a KOA. With over 475 campgrounds, you will find a KOA campground close to most every attraction and national park in America. Wherever you want to go ... KOA is already there. And once you arrive KOA’s staff can help you figure out where to go and what to do.
If so we’ve got you covered, and I don’t mean some expensive RV driving class you have to travel halfway across the country to attend. Learn everything you need to know in the comfort of your RV or home with one of our professional RV training DVDs. These information packed DVDs could easily sell for $150 or more, but you get them for just $24.95 plus S&H.
Learn how to Drive your MH Like a Pro MORE INFO
At every KOA location the focus is you. Your experiences. Your enjoyment. Your memories. Your camping. Remember, it’s not camping. It’s Kamping! www.koa.com
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Learn how to Tow your 5th Wheel
Like a Pro MORE INFO
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Why Replace your Automobile Antifreeze? Normally I would be discussing RV antifreeze used to protect the water system in your RV or boat during periods of freezing temperatures. But, today I want to talk briefly about automotive antifreeze. If I were the CEO of an automotive antifreeze company my entire focus would be on the need to regularly flush the coolant system and add new antifreeze. I would do this for two reasons. 1.
2.
From a business standpoint I would do it to increase revenue. The average consumer doesn’t relate changing antifreeze in their vehicles like they relate to changing the engine oil on a regular basis. If they were educated on the benefits of changing the antifreeze in their vehicles my company profits would soar. That brings me to reason number two. The coolant system of any vehicle performs a very important job, to prevent the heat producing engine from overheating and quite possibly seizing up. When you don’t flush and replace the antifreeze periodically rust, scale and corrosion builds up in the radiator and engine coolant passages, eventually resulting in an overheated engine.
Let’s talk a minute about what a vehicle’s coolant system is intended to do.
First of all, if an engine did not have methods for transferring the heat that is produced through combustion and friction the hot metal parts would melt down and seize up. Heat that the engine produces is basically removed through the exhaust system and through the cooling system. All heat producing sections of an internal combustion engine need to be cooled, including the combustion chamber, heads, cylinder walls and the engine block itself. The way this is done is by circulating coolant around these heat producing areas of the engine. The coolant picks the heat up and releases much of it as it circulates through the vehicles radiator. Water does a good job helping to cool an engine but it has some drawbacks. Most importantly it freezes quickly during cold winter temperatures. Water can also cause certain metals to rust and corrode over time. This is why the water in a vehicle cooling system is mixed with what we refer to as antifreeze. Glycol antifreeze does several things to help your engine:
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It helps to lower the freezing point of water. The corrosion inhibitors that are added help prevent scale and rust buildup in the cooling system. Antifreeze helps keep the engine operating at its most efficient temperature regardless of operating conditions and outside temperatures. When we don’t flush and replace the antifreeze at recommended intervals these chemicals start to break down and cannot perform the job as effectively as new antifreeze can. Just like used engine oil breaks down and needs to be replaced for maximum lubrication and cooling performance. How many of you have ever witnessed a vehicle sitting along the side of a road with steam billowing out of the engine compartment from overheating? I cannot count the number of times I have seen this. Quite often the cause is due to failure of a part within the cooling system. If a radiator hose, water pump, thermostat or fan belt fails the result is an overheated engine. Or, if the coolant system hasn’t been flushed and the antifreeze replaced for several years the result is an overheated engine. The bottom line is periodic inspections of the coolant system components, and flushing and replacing antifreeze at recommended intervals will add years of life to the vehicles engine and prevent untimely breakdowns.
Keep in mind that glycol antifreeze is poisonous to humans and pets and that it needs to be disposed of properly. You should follow the guidelines in your vehicle owner’s manual for flushing and replacing antifreeze and make sure you are using the proper type of antifreeze recommended for your particular vehicle.
Radiator & Heater Hose Tip Coolant hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Inspect all hoses for wear, cracks, soft spots, brittle areas and leaks. Inspect any hose clamps for secure mounting. Replace damaged hoses or clamps as required. Inspect the face of the radiator for bugs, dirt and debris and clean radiator fins as required. Caution: Do not work on or around the radiator or hoses when the engine is hot.
~RV 101
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By Mark Polk
PIRIT Heated Hose
Have you ever heard of the PIRIT heated hose? When I was at the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show last November I stopped at their booth and checked it out. If you camp in the wintertime you won’t want to be without this hose. The PIRIT Hose keeps the water flowing to your RV, even in freezing temperatures. It is approved by the FDA for potable water, so it is safe to use as a drinking hose. And it is tested to minus 40°, making it the perfect companion for winter campers.
Here’s how it works: The heater wires are extruded directly into the walls of the hose for uniform heating and unrestricted flow of water. Both ends are grounded to the nickel plated brass couplings. For added protection the hose has an abrasion resistant covering. The hose is designed to prevent the water from freezing. Hoses are available in 25’, 50’ and 100’ lengths. When the hose is plugged in it draws 180 watts, 360 watts and 500 watts respectively. For more information or to purchase visit www.pirithose.com
Our goal at RV Education 101 to assist you in learning how to properly and safely use and maintain your RV. In this unique online program we put the RV dealer orientation (walk -thru) class into video format so you can watch it as many times as you like, or need, until you are comfortable using your new RV.
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Question: We plan to do several days of camping in remote areas, at a time. Is there any way to calculate how much propane we will use? Answer: There is a way to roughly calculate propane usage. For starters you need to know how much propane is in your RV when it is full. Remember an RV propane tank is full at 80% of its capacity to allow for expansion.
Let’s say, for the sake of an example, the total demand will be 43,800 BTUs. In this case you would have approximately 29 hours of usage. However, keep in mind that the amount of LP gas in the container and varying temperatures affect these calculations. This is especially true in cold weather. In temperatures below zero degrees the per hour container BTU capacity will be reduced by 50% or more. Calculating propane usage can give you a general idea of how long you can use your LP gas fired appliances before you need to find a propane filling station. ~RV 101
The first step is to multiply your propane container capacity using one of these formulas, (gallons or pounds), to determine the container BTU capacity.
BTUs per gallon equal 91,502 BTUs per pound equal 21,548 Next, divide your container BTU capacity by the total BTU demand of the appliances you are using. BTU appliance demand can normally be found on the appliance, or in the appliance owner’s manual. This will give you an idea of how long you can expect your LP gas to last. For example, if your RV propane container holds 14-gallons of LP gas when it’s full, you multiply 14 X 91,502. The result is 1,281,028. Now divide this figure by the total BTU demand of any appliances you will be using.
Equal-i-zer® brand hitch works to help control trailer sway with 4-Point Sway Control™.4-Point Sway Control™ is a combination of 4 positive friction areas that work together to combat trailer sway. 4-Point Sway Control™ is superior to “add-on” friction bars or cam-type systems that are used with conventional or chain-style weight distribution hitches. More Information
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By Mark Polk
To Protect Yourself:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is referred to as the silent killer because you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. Carbon monoxide is deadly! Every year, when temperatures get cold, I like to remind folks about the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. Whether at home or in your RV, when you fire up the furnace and bring out the portable heaters to help stay warm, there is the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is produced by the partial combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. This includes gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, & coal. It is extremely serious when combustion by-products are not vented outside. Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths each year. Let’s take a look at what we can do to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. In RV’s Carbon Monoxide Gas usually results from: •Exhaust leaks from a vehicle engine or a generator. • Improper use of portable gas powered heaters. •Someone else’s vehicle or generator when camping in close quarters. •Malfunctioning or unvented LP gas appliances
First of all, if your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery operated carbon monoxide detector designed for use in RV’s. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Replace the carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time. •Inspect the generator exhaust system before using the generator, every time. • Avoid leaving windows down and roof vents open when in close proximity to vehicle and/or generator exhaust. •Follow all directions and safety cautions and warnings when operating gas powered heaters. • If you use a portable generator direct the exhaust away from the camping area. •Never use the range burners or oven to heat the RV! • When cooking with the range burners use the range fan & leave a window cracked open for fresh air and ventilation.
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Recognizing CO Symptoms Saves Lives Teach everybody how to recognize carbon monoxide symptoms. Carbon monoxide symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, but without the fever. CO Symptoms include: Dizziness Vomiting Nausea Muscular twitching Intense headache Throbbing in the temples Weakness and sleepiness Inability to think coherently If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the vehicle or generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional. RV 101
Our RV Safety Features DVD addresses issues like: LP gas system, water system & electrical system safety, RV fire safety, CO safety, emergency escape plans & much more. Let RV expert Mark Polk help you make all your RV trips safe & enjoyable. More Information
Plan your RV trip, load it up, hook it up, fuel it up &
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