A very common question for camping newbies is whether they should rent a camper or buy one.  RV Lifestyle Consultant–and previous 17 year RV rental business owner– Chad Shepard shares his recommendations on when purchasing an RV may be the best option.

In the 2-minute RV rental video on Pete’s RV YouTube Channel, Chad explains how frequency of use, financial investment, and convenience are all factors in steering you towards a decision that works best for your family.

Feel free to contact a Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant with further questions on determining whether to to rent or purchase an RV.

Once you’ve decided on the type of RV to purchase, the next step should be determining if it can be towed by your truck, SUV, or crossover vehicle. It’s surely a bummer finding out the fifth wheel or travel trailer you have your heart set on is too heavy to tow!

RV Lifestyle Consultant Chad Shepard walks you through the basic steps for determining tow rating and towing capacity on Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. The 4-minute video will improve your knowledge and RV buying experience.

Terms like Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW), Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), and load distribution will no longer sound foreign or technical. In fact, it’s really quite simple.  After learning where weight information tags are located on an RV and tow vehicle, simple subtraction is all it takes to determine towing capacity.

Chad also provides a brief demonstration on weight distribution hitches and sway control for travel trailers.

Additional terminology and photo examples of where to locate vehicle weight values can be found on our RV Tow Ratings Information page.

Feel free to contact a Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant with further questions on determining if a camper you are shopping has a tow rating that meets your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Cougar from Keystone RV Company leading the mid-profile fifth wheel class year after year is no fluke.  It is the result of a brand knowing how to build a winner!  Extreme attention is paid to Cougar’s construction, look and camp-ability.

From being zero degree tested for an extended camping season to the convenience and comfort of a queen-sized air mattress bed with built-in pump, the production team at Cougar thinks of everything.  Check out more of the award-winning features that come standard in most Cougar models!

Pete’s RV Center is a North American leader in Cougar fifth wheel sales. In addition to the tremendous standard options, we up the ante and outfit most models from the Pete’s RV Cougar fifth wheel inventory with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, aluminum rims, and air sleeper sofa.  Now that’s something to sink your claws into!

Introduced as Keystone RV Company’s first product line in 1996, Sprinter’s goals were simple - Take the suggestions of customers and make them the origin and foundation of the Sprinter design.

Fifteen years later, Sprinter has hit its stride and backing up their “Camping Made Easy” mantra.  Along with continuing to lead the pack of “family-friendly” travel trailers, Sprinter’s interior and exterior design has evolved into one of the sharpest-looking campers on the planet!

To help showcase Sprinter’s excellence, Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultants Chad Shepard and Joe Vartuli host a video to guide you through Sprinter Travel Trailer Features (using the family favorite Sprinter 311BHS for his demo). It is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

Chad and Joe highlight many of the following Sprinter Travel Trailer features and options:

• Ducted heat and air-conditioning
  
• Bedroom privacy with sliding doors (not curtains)
  
• Raised panel hardwood cabinets
  
• Full pull-out drawers with metal roller glides
  
• Air sleeper sofa system with blanket and linen storage
  
• Cloth blinds and window treatments
  
• Low-profile LED lighting
  
• Bunks with quilted mattress tops
  
• Best-in-class outdoor kitchen with plumbed sink
  
• Aerodynamic fiberglass front cap with enclosed LP tank storage
  
• Electric tongue jack and quick battery disconnect
  

Other notable “Camping Made Easy” features that come standard in most of the 15th Anniversary Sprinter floorplans we carry at Pete’s RV:

Be sure to browse all features and specifications for Sprinter floorplans at PetesRV.com!

There’s no doubt that Vantage adds a new perspective in camping!  The newest travel trailer line from Keystone RV Company combines timeless beauty with modern technology to create a camper unlike anything on the market today.

By utilizing curved, laminated fiberglass sidewalls and an arched roof, Vantage delivers wide-body livability and comfort in a look that clearly stands apart.

If you are looking for something different in a travel travel trailer, the Euro-style Vantage is the one for you!

To help showcase Vantage’s excellence, Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant Chad Shepard hosts a video to guide you through Vantage Travel Trailer Features (using a Vantage 32FLS for his demo). It is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

Chad highlights many of the following Vantage Travel Trailer features and options:

• Vacuum-bonded aluminum frame
  
• Specially-designed awning arms conform to curved sidewalls
  
• 101 inch sidewall width (6 inches wider than standard)
  
• Attractive frameless windows
  
• High-gloss charcoal exterior
  
• Aluminum rims with latest Mor-Ryde Suspension technology
  
• Contemporary furnishings
  
• Stainless-steel appliances
• Hardwood cabinets, drawers with durable metal hardware
  
• Recessed LED ceiling lights
• Generous floorspace and 7 foot headroom
  

Other notable options that come standard in most of the Vantage floorplans we carry at Pete’s RV:

Be sure to browse all features and specifications for Vantage floorplans at PetesRV.com!

Whether a used pop-up, new travel trailer or luxury fifth wheel, any top-notch RV dealership should be providing you with an extensive walk-through (a.k.a. rv orientation) with your new investment.

Lifestyle Consultant Chad Shepard and Senior Walk-Through Technician Ed Cormier host an informative 9-minute Pete’s RV YouTube Channel video on the complimentary walk-through service we provide to our customers.

As Ed explains, an RV is essentially a house on wheels, so there are many things that owners need to know about operating AND maintaining their new camper.

Recreation vehicle manufacturers constantly change features and equipment on their products, so it’s just as important for veteran RVers as RV newbies to get a thorough walk-through.

Pete’s RV Center walk-throughs guide customers through all the key areas including propane, electrical, hot water heater, storage tanks and sewer, tires and axles, hitch and braking system, and convenience features.

Going above and beyond a general description of these key areas is what makes a Pete’s RV Center walk-through so beneficial to our customers (otherwise, it would be nothing more than reciting what is already found in the owners manual!).

We take the time to highlight all the little things that help ensure our customers’ camping experience is as comfortable as possible. It can be something as simple as pointing out the location of a hidden disconnect switch, or bringing to their attention the importance of washing a rubber roof regularly with the right cleaner to uphold its warranty.

Feel free to contact a Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant with further questions on our exceptional walk-through service or help with buying your new RV.

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

After a whirlwind 2011 and a little downtime for the holidays, Pete’s RV is right back at it in 2012.

PRV Team - Schererville, Indiana	PRV Team - South Burlington, Vermont

Before getting too embedded into the new year, we want to acknowledge everybody that helped make last year a success for Pete’s RV Center.

From employees, family, friends to our valued customers, your hard work, support and loyalty are the embodiment of what has kept Pete’s RV around for more than a half century.  THANK YOU!

This year promises to be just as exciting.  Between our Indiana and Vermont locations, Pete’s RV is capable of showcasing all of the newest and brightest Keystone RV Company products.  We invite you to check them out at our dealerships, website, and to stay informed through the newsletter, blog and Facebook.

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

Happy Customer Travels 1000 Miles to Pick Up Montana High Country 313RE Fifth Wheel

Pete’s RV Buyer Tips: Outback Travel Trailer Features

Pete’s RV Kicks Off 2012 at Chicago Boat and RV Show

Pete’s RV Buyer Tips: Montana Fifth Wheel Features

Manager’s Choice:  2012 Premier Bullet 30RLPR

The new for 2012 Bullet Premier 30RLPR plants two cushy swivel chairs right in front of of a huge rear picture window. It’s a great spot for two people to enjoy their morning cups of coffee! The Bullet Premier 30RLPR can sleep six comfortably with a queen bed, generous U-shaped dinette and air bed sofa. There’s also tons of storage space in several hardwood cabinets, a convenient corner pantry and laundry chute.

View pictures and features for the new Premier Bullet 30RLPR

Top Views on PetesRV.com*

Passport 199ML (Rear Bathroom) Travel Trailer
Sprinter 272BHS (Bunkhouse) Travel Trailer
Cougar X-Lite 28RBS (Bunkhouse) Travel Trailer
Premier Bullet 29REPR (Rear Living Room) Travel Trailer
Outback 210RS (Rear Slide Bedroom) Travel Trailer
Honorable Mention:  Vantage 32FLS (Front Living Room) Travel Trailer

*Top Views made possible by Google Analytics.

Pete’s RV Store:  Reversible Horse-Pattern Patio Mat

Horses have always symbolized the freedom of the American West – now you can bring that feeling with you wherever you go!

Reversible 9’x12’ patio mats have a two-sided horse design with a “good-luck” horseshoe border.  Durable, lightweight, and available in five attractive color combinations.  Now only $79.99!

INCLUDES FREE STORAGE BAG & STAKES ($20.00 Value) PLUS FREE SHIPPING!

February’s Pete’s RV Store Gift Card drawing winners are Richard D. from Valparaiso, IN and John D. from Lenox, MA.  Congrats!

RV Service Tips:  Caring for Fiberglass / Gel Coat Finish

Care of the Filon finish is similar to caring for a new car. Exposure to extreme sunlight, pollutants, and excessive moisture can cause dulling, fading and yellowing. Regular washing and periodic waxing will help maintain the glossy new look. When washing, use a mild, automotive or RV wash solution, available at your dealer, being sure to rinse off any loose debris first. Waxing the Filon areas twice a year is recommended. Wax with a non-abrasive automotive wax or polish developed for fiberglass (boats, RV’s) and follow the directions closely.

For further reference on care and maintenance, read the complete tutorial in Chapter 6 of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual.  It does a nice job summarizing interior/exterior 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: RV Covers

Question: Do you recommend the use of RV covers?
Answer: Yes. Compare a vehicle stored inside to one being stored outside and uncovered for the same period of time.  The stored vehicle is clearly in better condition.  Any time you take a vehicle out of the elements, its exterior AND interior are preserved. Using a cover is essentially the same thing as putting your RV inside for the winter.  An RV cover prevents fading, debris collection, and water damage.  With extreme temperature shifts, leaks may be caused by the expansion and contraction of RV’s joints, seals and seams.  A cover keeps these exposed areas isolated until the spring when they can be promptly repaired.

Customer Feedback

“We were so impressed on the teamwork that went on at Pete’s RV. Everyone was friendly and got the job done! Not one employee working on our camper questioned anything they were asked to do! Very professional service!! I see the business realizes it’s not all about the sale! Great service is so important. We are anxious to hit the road in our unit. Again, a great experience at Pete’s RV!”–Rob and Karen S. from Sheldon VT

Read more feedback about Pete’s RV!

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

Outback Travel Trailer Features	2012 Chicago Boat and RV Show	Montana Fifth Wheel Features

Congrats to Facebook Friend February gift card winner Steven S. from Milford, MA!

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

Pete’s RV Best Buys:  Take a Look!

We’ve got some ridiculous deals on new and used RVs.  If you are a bargain hunter, now’s the time to pounce on these low, low priced units.  Browse all available Pete’s RV Best Buys!

Camping Recipe:  Campfire Pepperoni Pizza (from CampingCafe.com)

Description:
Pizza usually ranks high on the list of “favorite” foods.  With prepackaged foods it’s easy to prepare at camp on a grill, over a campfire or in a pinch, a camp stove.

Ingredients:
1 or more prepared pizza crust - like Boboli
Pepperoni
Pizza Sauce (Contadina makes one in a plastic squeeze bottle - perfect for camping)
Mixed Italian cheeses
Olive Oil
Metal tongs
Heavy duty tin foil
Optional: Crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

1. Prepare grill or campfire for indirect cooking.
2. Brush top of prepared pizza crust with a little olive oil.
3. Place directly on grate oiled side down and cook for a minute or 2 until golden - careful not to burn it. Remove from heat.
4. Place crust bottom side down on a double layer of tin foil.
5. Cover crust with pizza sauce.
6. Top sauce with a generous amount of cheese - you’re camping so calories don’t count!
7. Place pepperoni on top of cheese.
8. Cook on prepared cooking area of grill or campfire for 2 - 6 minutes depending on temperature of fire.
9. Pizza is done when cheese is melted.

Find this and more scrumptious recipes at CampingCafe.com!