One of our newsletter readers emailed me with this question: “I recently purchased a 2020 Honda Pilot EXL AWD. We will be adding the towing package with the hitch and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler. The dealer said I could pull 5,000 lbs. I am thinking a camper that is between 3500-4000. What are your thoughts? My vehicle information is listed here: GVWR 5842, GAWR F 2855, GAWR R 3142.
I get asked this sort of question frequently.
The Internet changed the way we live, and the way we conduct business. I remember asking myself what this thing called “Amazon” was all about, and now the annual gross profit ranges around 115 Billion, that’s with a ‘B’. The Internet changed the way we work too. In 1999 I started a dotcom business (RV Education 101) that is now in it’s 21st year of successful online operation. We went from selling training videos on VHS tapes, to now offering content on an online platform the consumer can view on a smartphone whenever they want or need a refresher on how everything works on their RV.
Note: While researching and writing this article, I was in contact with an individual who was actually going through the RV online buying process. When it applies, and for a real-world representation, I will include comments about his experiences throughout the RV online buying process. Let’s refer to him as our “RV Buying Insider.”
Read More: RV 101 GUIDE TO BUYING AN RV ONLINE – WITH AN RV BUYING INSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE
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Let me start by saying, be careful where you get your RV information from on the Internet. If after reading this guide, you want to learn more, we offer reliable and affordable RV online training covering nearly every RV topic imaginable….. Most RVs come equipped with a water heater. There are some exceptions, like pop-ups and other small RVs. RV water heaters come in different sizes, different modes of operation, and are made by different manufacturers. The tank size and the method used to heat the water will dictate the amount of hot water you have available, and the amount of time it takes to heat or re-heat the water. The majority of RV water heaters have a 6-gallon water tank, but some larger and more expensive RVs have 10-gallon or 12-gallon water heater tanks. To keep pace with technology, tankless or demand type water heaters are more prominent in today’s RV marketplace….
Read More: RV 101 GUIDE TO RV WATER HEATER USE & CARE
Today we are going to discuss a couple of confusing topics in the world of trailer towing, Understanding Tow Vehicle and Trailer Weights & Trailer Tongue Weight with a Weight Distribution Hitch. That’s a mouthful.
My goal with this article is:
To explain these confusing topics in layman terms, so it is easier to understand.
To help you make a good choice when it comes to properly and safely matching a tow vehicle with a trailer, in regards to trailer tongue weight and towing…
Read More: RV 101 GUIDE – TRAILER TOWING MYTHS, WEIGHTS & CONFUSION EXPLAINED
Happy Camping,
Mark J. Polk
How to Buy the Right RV & Save Thousands Online Video https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv_education_how_to_buy_the_right_rv_-_save_thousands
Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Trailer RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-orientation-for-travel-trailer-s-5th-wheel-trailers
Tow Your Travel Trailer Like a Pro Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-trailer-towing-basics
Tow Your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/tow-your-5th-wheel-like-a-pro
Motorhome RV Orientation Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-rv-orientation-video-training-course
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro Complete Online Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/drive-your-motorhome-like-a-pro
RV Care & Preventive Maintenance RV DIY® Online Video Training
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-101-rv-care-preventive-maintenance-online-video-training
RV Essential Items Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-essential-items
Winterizing and Storing Your RV Video Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-and-storing-your-rv-video
Travel Trailer 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/travel-trailer-video-bundle
5th Wheel 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/5th-wheel-video-bundle
Motorhome 4 Video Bargain Set Plus Free RV Checklist ebook
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/motorhome-video-bundle
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A Collection of RV Education 101 E-Books – 9 RV E-BOOK BUNDLE SET
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/a-collection-of-rv-education-101-e-books-9-rv-e-book-bundle-set
An Introduction to RVs E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/an-introduction-to-rvs
Insider’s Guide to Buying an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/insider-s-guide-to-buying-an-rv-downloadable-pdf-e-book
Owning & Operating an RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/owning-operating-an-rv
The Original Checklists for RVers E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/the-original-checklist-s-for-rvers
RV Campground Basics E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-campground-basics-e-book-course
RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks E-book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-safety-features-tips-tricks
RV Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-care-maintenance-e-book-course
Winterizing & Storing Your RV E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/winterizing-storing-your-rv-e-book
RV Battery Care & Maintenance E-Book Training Course
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-battery-care-maintenance
Easy to understand step-by-step RV orientation® training. Learn what you need to know about your Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel Trailer
RV 101® 5th Wheel Training Bundle Set
RV Education 101, an RV video and production company, made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took 5 of our individual 5th wheel related video titles and put them into a bargain set for you. Not only does this eliminate the guesswork as to which titles go together, this thorough training by an RV Industry expert, greatly reduces your learning curve as a newbie fifth wheel owner, making all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free! You also SAVE a significant amount of money with the bundle set discount.
Also included in this set is our best selling e-book: The Original Checklists for RVers – a $16 value.
After watching the complete fifth wheel set of videos …with some downloadable segments, by RV expert Mark Polk, you will master your own RV experiences.
Note: The video titles in this set are still available for purchase as single videos.
Video Training Courses Included in the Bundle Set
5th Wheel Orientation Video Course
Tow your 5th Wheel Like a Pro Video Course
RV Essential Items Video Course
Winterizing & Storing your RV Video Course
RV Care & Preventive Maintenance Video Course
5 Online Video Bargain Bundle- RV Checklist e-book, 5th Wheel RV Orientation, Tow Like a Pro, RV Essentials, Care & Maintenance, Winterizing & Storing
RV 101® 5th Wheel Training Bundle Set
RV Education 101, an RV video and production company, made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took 5 of our individual 5th wheel related video titles and put them into a bargain set for you. Not only does this eliminate the guesswork as to which titles go together, this thorough training by an RV Industry expert, greatly reduces your learning curve as a newbie fifth wheel owner, making all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free! You also SAVE a significant amount of money with the bundle set discount.
5 Online Video Bargain Bundle, RV Checklist e-book, Motorhome RV Orientation, Drive Like a Pro, RV Essential Items, Care & Maintenance, Winterizing & Storing
RV 101® Motorized Bundle Video Set
RV Education 101, an RV video and production company, made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took 5 of our individual motorhome related titles and put them into a full set for you. Not only does this eliminate the guesswork as to which titles go together, this thorough training by an RV Industry expert, greatly reduces your learning curve as a newbie motorhome owner, making all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free! You also SAVE a significant amount of money with the bundle set discount.
RV 101® Travel Trailer Video Bundle Training Course
RV Education 101, an RV video and production company, made it easier for you to learn about YOUR RV! We took 5 of our individual Travel Trailer related video titles and put them into a bargain set for you. Not only does this eliminate the guesswork as to which titles go together, this thorough training by an RV Industry expert, greatly reduces your learning curve as a newbie travel trailer owner, making all of your RV experiences safe, fun and stress free! You also SAVE a significant amount of money with the bundle set discount.
Also included in this set is our best selling e-book: The Original Checklists for RVers – a $16 value.
After watching the complete Travel Trailer set of videos …with some downloadable segments, by RV expert Mark Polk, you will master your own RV experiences.
RV Driving Skills How to Drive an RV, First Things to do as a New Driver – Reference Points.
How to establish reference points for your RV to help stay centered in your lane and on a straight course.
Have you ever wondered what type of screws are used to construct your RV? Have you ever gone to your toolbox to get a screwdriver, or a driver bit, but did not have the right type or size? Don’t feel alone, this happens to lots of RV owners. In this RV video Mark Polk, with RV Education 101 discusses and demonstrates the different types of screws used in RV construction, and the different kinds of screwdrivers and driver bits to keep in your RV toolbox.
In this RV how to video for RV newbies, Mark Polk with RV Education 101 demonstrates how to hitch and unhitch a travel trailer using a weight distribution hitch. There are several different types of weight distribution hitches available and this demonstration is with an Equalizer weight distribution hitch with built-in sway control.
People always stress the importance of checking and adjusting the inflation pressure in your RV tires, but what about the tire pressure gauge you are using to check the inflation pressure? Is your tire pressure gauge accurate? Is the tire pressure gauge suitable for the pressure your RV tires are inflated to? Is your tire pressure gauge properly maintained? Watch this RV video for some great tips on what tire pressure gauge to purchase and how to use and maintain your RV tire pressure gauge.
In the RV 101 how to video, Mark Polk with RV Education 101 discusses the top 5 tools new RV owners and experienced RV owners alike should keep in their travel trailer or motorhome.
A digital volt meter. This is absolutely essential. You can use it for a quick check of the battery’s state of charge. You can test 12-volt DC circuits and 12-volt fuses. And you can check 120-volt AC circuits and outlets.
In addition to a volt meter, I keep a digital line monitor in the RV. You can use it to test the faulty wiring at the campground before plugging the RV in, and you can use it to monitor AC voltage during your trip.
What does The Battery Minder do? Watch how it charges the battery, it maintains and desulfates the battery and will never overcharge the battery.
You not only want an accurate RV tire inflation gauge, but you want one with a dual foot design and one that is capable of checking high air pressure like what is typically found in motorhome tires.
Finally, I don’t recommend using air compressors at gas stations for two reasons, one is they are abused and you don’t know if the inflation pressure is accurate, and two is if you check the tire pressure when the tires are hot you get inaccurate readings, which can be dangerous. This is why you might want to consider purchasing a portable air compressor.
Post your RV pictures, tips and fun too!
