Welcome to our Thanksgiving Edition e-newsletter! As always, we look forward to sharing recent news, events, information and tips with our dedicated community of campers and RVers.

Everybody at Pete’s RV Center wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving. It’s been a busy year for us, and like you, we look forward to spending quality time with family and friends.

That said, our Vermont and Indiana dealerships are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. It’s back to business as usual Saturday 9am-5pm.

When you are kicking back and digesting the holiday meal, be sure to take a look at our Black Friday Specials on 2012 Keystone RVs and Parts and Accessories Store Discounts!

Finally, a posse from Pete’s RV heads to Louisville, KY 11/29-12/1 for the National RV Trade Show. Stay tuned on Facebook and Pete’s RV Info Blog for a full report on what’s new and promises to set the RV world on fire in 2012!

We hope you enjoy this edition of Pete’s RV eNewsletter and welcome your feedback. Feel free to let us know what you like about it and how we can make it even better for our community of RVers!

Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Recent Pete’s RV Bloglines

Pete’s RV Buyer Tips: Introduction to F&I, Extended Warranties and Fabric Protection

Successful First Sales Event at Pete’s RV-Indiana

Meet the Pete’s RV Center-Indiana Team and Dealership Tour

Pete’s RV Dominates Sales in Vermont with Keystone RV Brands

Manager’s Choice: BLACK FRIDAY RV Sale

We have eight brand-spanking new 2012 Keystone RVs priced exceptionally-right just for Black Friday. The eight Black Friday RV Sale units are not table scraps. They are fully-equipped and include a wish list-worth of features and amenities. So act fast…they’re going to get scooped up quicker than Thanksgiving leftovers!

Pete’s RV Store: BLACK FRIDAY Goodies 20% OFF and FREE SHIPPING

Our online kiosk currently contains the Folding Step, Solar Charger, Stove Topper/Cutting Board and several more Black Friday 20% OFF camping essentials. All orders include FREE SHIPPING (in continental U.S. only) and secure online shopping with Google checkout. Great way to get some early gift shopping out of the way for the RVer in your family!

November’s Pete’s RV Store Gift Card drawing winners are Richard D. from Valparaiso, IN and Susan L. from Essex Junction, VT. Congrats!

RV Service Tips: Caring for Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface composite countertops can be cleaned with soap and mild detergents, which will remove most stains. DO NOT use products containing bleach. Stubborn stains may require the use of a white Scotch Brite pad and a non-abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub. Scratches may be removed carefully using a green Scotch Brite pad and an abrasive cleaner like Ajax or Comet. Cover an area large enough to blend the area needing repair, using a circular motion while applying. Most defects in solid surface countertops can be repaired without replacement. Whenever in doubt, contact your local RV Service Center for professional assistance.

For further reference on interior care, read the complete tutorial in Chapter 6 of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual. It does a nice job summarizing interior appliances care and maintenance. A PDF version of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual is available on the Pete’s RV website.

RV Q and A: Extended Warranties

Question: Are extended warranties for RVs transferable?

Answer: Depending on the type of plan you purchase, extended warranties for RVs can be transferred from an older vehicle to a new one. If you sell your old vehicle privately, they may even allow you to transfer the warranty to the new owner. Best bet is to review the conditions on an existing warranty or request information from an RV dealership’s F&I department. Pete’s RV offers EasyCare service contracts and is happy to answer your extended warranty questions.

Pete’s RV Best Buys: Take a Look!

We’ve got some ridiculous Fall deals on leftover new and used RVs. If you are a bargain hunter, now’s the time to pounce on these low, low prices!

Customer Feedback

“We didn’t know why we should travel the 200 miles to buy a fifth wheel, but when we met the people at Pete’s, we felt we were with a very trustworthy dealership. And, were we right! We have been back once and are going again for service. We continue to rave about the prices, service and especially the employees.”–Barbara T. from Wilmington, MA

Read more feedback about Pete’s RV!

What’s New on Pete’s RV Facebook Page and YouTube

Congrats to Facebook Friend November gift card winner Andrea D. from Cadyville, NY!

Add Pete’s RV as a Friend on Facebook to Learn About Special Discounts and Promotions.

Camping Recipe: Campfire Potatoes for a Thanksgiving Dinner (from Camping Cafe)

Delicious potatoes that you can make on the grill or over the campfire.

Ingredients

2 pounds small potatoes, scrubbed
2 T olive oil
1 t salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cloves garlic
1 t thyme

Directions

Let the campfire or charcoal burn down to warm coals. In a bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic. Toss.
Make a foil pouch and place the potato mixture in it. Seal it tightly. Set the pouch on the grill or in the coals (preferably on a grate). Grill potatoes until fork-tender, 35 to 45 minutes.

This is just one of the several scrumptious recipes for preparing a full camp-syle Thanksgiving dinner. Find them all at CampingCafe.com!

Chad Shepard and Pete’s RV Business Manager Kyle Williams provide a brief overview on what to expect when you enter a business manager’s office. Also commonly known as the F&I (Finance & Insurance) Department, a business manager assists with financing your purchase, closing documentation, and offers a variety of products to further protect your RV investment.  This informative RV Buyer Tip video is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

Pete’s RV Center offers the following products and services:

• Extended Warranty - Like your home, your RV has many appliances and pieces of hardware. That’s why every RV should include an extended vehicle service contract. Whether it’s your microwave oven, satellite dish or drive shaft, you can be assured that you are covered. Reputable warranty programs are transferable to either a new owner or new vehicle, are honored in any state or province, and are conveniently rolled in to your monthly RV payments.

• GAP Insurance - Protects RV owners from the financial burden of a total loss situation by covering the gap between the insurance settlement and the balance on the loan. In the event of vehicle theft or an accident that results in the total loss of your vehicle, most insurance companies only reimburse you for the market value of the vehicle. This, along with the deductible, can create a significant gap between what your insurer will pay you and the balance owed on your loan or lease.

• Tire and Wheel Protection - Provides coverage in the event of damage to your tires or wheels as a result of metal, nails, glass, debris, potholes, blowouts, etc. A solid program will not only cover tire replacement, but also costs associated with the repair or replacement of tires and/or wheels plus labor and associated fees.

• Roadside Assistance - Offers 24-hour, 365 day toll-free help throughout the United States and Canada. Covers towing, dead battery and flat tire service, gas, oil and water delivery, and a situation we’ve all been in at one time or another, lock-out assistance.

• Fabric Protection - Prevents damage from water and unsightly oil-based stains on all fabrics and carpets. Inhibitors within the sealant retard premature fading due to sun exposure. At time of purchase is the ideal time to apply fabric protection, but works for older vehicles too. If you have kids or a clumsy spouse, fabric protection buys you peace of mind (and adds only a couple of bucks in your monthly RV payment)!

• Bi-Weekly Payment - Allows you pay off your RV loan faster and better manage your cash flow. Instead of making one payment per month, you make a half payment every two weeks. You end up making an extra payment each year which accelerates pay-off and reduces vehicle depreciation.

Along with the the above products and services, Pete’s RV has an excellent relationship with a host of prominent financial institutions.  Therefore, our sales managers are able to evaluate multiple financing options, allowing them to match you with the best possible loan.

We introduced you to Kyle from our South Burlington, VT dealership.  Rachel Sargent is the Business Manager at our Schererville, IN location.  Both are highly knowledgeable, helpful, and make sales closings an uncharacteristically pleasant experience!

Pete’s RV website offers printer-friendly brochures on RV financing, insurance, warranties, roadside assistance, and fabric protection on our website.  We also welcome you to contact our business department via PetesRV.com with further questions.

After nearly six months of prepping the facility and training staff, Pete’s RV Center held their first weekend sale 11/4-6 at the Schererville, Indiana dealership they acquired in May.

While it was promoted as a Fall Liquidation Sale, the event also served as an open house to Northern Indiana and nearby suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

“The timing was right for us to put out the welcome mat and make it official that Pete’s RV Center is here to serve Greater Schererville and surrounding communities,” said vice president of sales Todd McGinnis.  “Thousands of people drive by this dealership each day on U.S. 30.  They’re our livelihood.  So it’s in our best interest to have as many of them as possible know exactly who Pete’s RV is and what we do behind this storefront.”

Throughout the weekend, steady foot traffic flowed through the spruced-up showroom, service center, and new parts and accessories store.  Visitors also wandered in and out of hundreds of new and used RVs on the dealership’s eighteen-acre lot.  Multiple units were sold, including a new Passport 3220BH travel trailer to a couple who drove nearly two hours from Earlsville, Illinois.

According to the Pete’s RV sales staff, they received many positive comments about the dealership and inventory.  Montana High Country’s 313RE and 343RL lightweight fifth wheels were the weekend favorites along with the Cougar X-lite 28RBS bunkhouse travel trailer.  Both brands are manufactured by Keystone RV Company.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of our first sales event.  Especially at this time of year when most people have stored their campers away for the season,” said the dealership’s general manger Kris Craven.  “We sold units, showcased our dealership, and met a bunch of great people this weekend.  Mission accomplished!”

Additional pictures from the sales event can be viewed on the Pete’s RV Facebook page.

Welcome to Pete’s RV Center in Schererville, IN! It was a challenge, but we were able to squeeze a nickel tour of our dealership and the people that make it go into this 6 minute video.

Made in-house, we dragged our busy staff away from their desks, counters and tool benches to introduce themselves. You’ll also get a feel of how we run our business: Like a family, not a franchise! From the well laid out vehicle lot (nearly 18 acres!) to sparkling showroom, parts store, and service center, we take huge pride in serving the RV community!

Located just down the street from the “Crossroads of America” (intersections of U.S. routes 30 and 41), thousands (and thousand!) of commuters pass by our dealership each day and scope us out while waiting for the red light to change. You can’t miss our huge American flag!

As mentioned in the video, Pete’s RV is an exclusive Keystone RV dealer. We carry Cougar, Montana, Sprinter, Passport, Bullet Premier, Springdale, Raptor and Summerland Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels. At our dealership you’ll also discover an extensive inventory of used fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers, toy haulers and motorhomes.

And lest we forget our fully stocked RV parts and accessories store and 8,000 square foot service center where we repair and maintain all RV brands. Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Beyond the virtual Pete’s RV Intro and Tour on YouTube, we welcome you to visit the Pete’s RV dealership in bustling Schererville, IN.

Enjoy and thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

In the August 2011 Recreational Vehicles Registration Report for Vermont, Statistical Surveys, Inc. showed Pete’s RV with commanding 47.3% market share in dealer travel trailer and fifth wheel sales.  The next closest competitor came in at 14.9%.  Statistical Surveys, Inc. is located in Grand Rapids, MI and compiles data from official state records.

Making solid gains over 2010 Vermont RV dealer sales and market share numbers, VP of Sales Todd McGinnis acknowledged Pete’s RV employees saying, “Whether working in sales, service or the parts store, all of our employees understand the need to provide customers with the best possible experience.  The excellent numbers published in the August RV sales report for Vermont is a reflection of their hard work.”

Another impressive statistic was Vermont year-to-date RV dealer sales by brand.  Keystone RV Company, a division of mega-corporation Thor Industries, held the top five spots—and nine out of the top twenty spots—in the August report.  Pete’s RV Center is an exclusive Keystone RV Company dealer.  They carry eight of the nine brands appearing in the report’s top twenty best sellers.

“Keystone RV is a good fit for our dealership,” McGinnis said, “Along with strong product lines, they share the same commitment to customer service as Pete’s RV.  We work closely with their organization to ensure our sales and service teams are properly trained and knowledgeable.  Therefore, I wasn’t overly surprised to see Cougar, Outback, Sprinter, Montana, and Passport locking up the top five spots for fifth wheel and travel trailer brands sold so far this year.”

McGinnis concluded, “There’s no doubt selling RVs is an important part of our business…but it’s not the only thing.  Happy customers are return customers.  Performing excellent service after the sale, warranty work, and scheduled maintenance on our brands are also factors in Pete’s RV and Keystone RV shining in the August report.  We look forward to carrying on this trend for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012.”