RV Lifestyle Consultant Chad Shepard and Senior Walkthrough Technician Ed Cormier provide guidance to new RV buyers on camper accessory essentials. Most newbies know about the special toilet paper, sewer hoses, wheel chocks, etc. But less are aware of other practical accessories that extend the life of your camper and provide a more enjoyable camping experience.

Ed takes viewers through his must-haves checklist, suggesting the aforementioned accessories plus white water hose, slideout lubricants, water regulators, tire covers and more.  The info-packed video is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. Below is a visual checklist with several of the items Ed recommends.  All are available at the Pete’s RV Parts and Accessories Store:

Water Hose Filter	Clearview Sewer Hose Adapter	Locking Wheel Chock

Tasteless Drinking Water Hose	Rubber Seal Lube	Holding Tank Treatment Packets

Feel free to contact Pete’s RV Parts Store with further questions on RV accessory essentials for proper camper care and maintenance.

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!

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

Sadly it’s the end of another camping season for most of us. Say it isn’t so! While Spring did not exactly kick-off bright and sunny here in the Northeast, Summer was awesome! And for you late season RVers, Fall is looking good too.

Pete’s RV Vermont wrapped up the Summer with our annual appearance at the Champlain Valley Fair and Fall RV Show. Tropical storm Irene put a damper on the fair for a few days, but there was still a nice turnout. With exhibit neighbors like Pork Chop Downs pig racing track and the dairy barn, it’s hard for us not to have a good time. Did I mention this year’s buzz food was a deep-fried Oreo cookie? You gotta love the fair!

To help prepare your RV for winter, this issue includes several helpful winter storage tips and Pete’s RV Store deals on RV covers and anti-freeze.

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 Service Tips: Protecting Your RV with Slideout Covers

Pete’s RV Represents at RV Manufacturers 4th Annual Open House

Pete’s RV Fairs Well in VT Shows Despite Tropical Storm Irene

PullRite Fifth Wheel Hitch Sales and Installation at Pete’s RV

Pete’s RV Sale on New 2011 Springdale Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels

Manager’s Choice: 2012 Cougar X-Lite 28RBS Travel Trailer

The Cougar X-Lite 28RBS is an instant family favorite! Older kids love the double-wide bunks and individual privacy curtains. Parents love its master bedroom with sliding door, 26” swivel TV and Camp Comfort mattress. Everybody loves the U-shaped dinette, air sleeper sofa, Executive Chef Kitchen, rear bathroom with Tub Surround and storage space galore. All this and the Cougar X-Lite 28RBS still comes in under 7000 pounds!

Attractive interior options are Autumn Night, Sedona Suede and Silver Sage.

View complete 2012 Cougar X-Lite 28RBS features, pictures and request for the lowest price at PetesRV.com!

Last Month’s Top New RV Views on PetesRV.com*

1. Outback 250RS (Rear Slide Bedroom) Travel Trailer
2. Cougar X-Lite 26SAB (Rear Living Room) Fifth Wheel
3. Bullet Premier 29REPR (Rear Entertainment) Travel Trailer
4. Montana High Country 343RL (Rear Living Room) Fifth Wheel
5. Sprinter 277RLS (Rear Living Room) Travel Trailer
6. Springdale 303BHSSR (Rear Bunkhouse) Travel Trailer
7. Passport 238ML (Rear Bunkhouse)Travel Trailer
8. Springdale 299FKSSR (Front Kitchen) Travel Trailer
9. Cougar High Country 246RLS (Rear Living Room) Fifth Wheel
10. Hampton HT355FK (Front Kitchen) Park Model

Honorable Mention: Summerland 1900RB (Rear Bath)

*furnished by Google Analytics

Pete’s RV Store: Don’t By-Pass Winterization!

Now’s the time to winterize your RV and Pete’s RV Parts and Accessories Store has everything you need to get it done right.  Our Vermont and Indiana stores are offering a Special on RV Anti-Freeze and 15% Off RV Covers (good while supplies last). If you’re not near one of our locations, order By-Pass Kits, Roof Cleaner, AC Covers and other winterization must-haves from our online store!

September’s Pete’s RV Store Gift Card drawing winners are Jay T. from Ogdensburg, NY and Michael F. from St. John, IN. Congrats!

RV Service Tips: Winterizing the Plumbing System

RV components can be damaged from the effects of freezing. Protection of the plumbing system and related components is crucial. Damages due to weather are not covered under warranty at any time. Many recreational vehicle owners choose to have their units winterized by their dealer, while others choose to do it themselves. Following are descriptions of two methods used to winterize:

1. Compressed Air (Dry) Method - Uses compressed air to blow out any remaining water in the system after draining the system of all water. This method requires an air compressor and appropriate adapters.
2. RV Anti-Freeze (Wet) Method - Uses RV approved, nontoxic, potable, anti-freeze in the system and does not require any special tools.

Keystone RV and other manufacturers commonly include an optional by-pass kit that allows the plumbing system to bypass the hot water heater, reducing the amount of anti-freeze that will be needed (by-pass kits are available at most RV service centers for a reasonable expense and can be installed during winterization). Without a by-pass kit installed, an additional 6 – 10 gallons of anti-freeze will be required.

For further reference, read the complete tutorial in Chapter 9 of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual. It does a nice job explaining winterization of plumbing best practices. A PDF version of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual is available on the Pete’s RV website.

RV Q and A: RV Anti-Freeze

Question: How is RV anti-freeze non-toxic?

Answer: Unlike automotive antifreeze which contains the highly toxic ethylene glycol, RV anti-freeze contains propylene glycol. It is considered GRAS or Generally Regarded As Safe by the U.S. Government and used in many consumable products such as ice cream and candy–and exactly why it should be used when winterizing potable (drinkable) water systems.

Learn more about RV Anti-freeze in the How to Winterize Your RV Guide by Camco!

Customer Feedback

“I just wanted to take a moment and express my gratitude to all of your staff at the Indiana location. As you may be aware we drove out from California to purchase a new 2011 Montana fifth wheel. The unit was exactly as described and was in perfect condition The few minor discrepancies were fixed/replaced immediately. The folks in the service department were extremely helpful during or one night stay on your lot. I would also like to thank Eddie and Casey. They made our purchase go very smoothly and were just a pleasure to deal with. This is our third purchase of a RV and by far this was the easiest purchase we have ever completed!”–Art & Eileen S. from Greenwood, CA

Read more feedback about Pete’s RV!

What’s New on Pete’s RV Facebook YouTube Pages

2012 Keystone RV Open House Photo Recap	Protecting Your RV with Slideout Covers Video

Congrats to Champlain Fair and VT RV Show winners of a Pete’s RV Store Gift Card Meaghan B. from Winooski, VT and Peter B. from Williamstown, VT!

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

Pete’s RV Best Buys: They’ve Got to Go!

Still looking for that bargain? We’ve got some ridiculous Fall Deals on several New and Used RVs. Take advantage of the lowest prices of the year while they last!

RV Archives: Metzendorf Travel Trailer

We came across this vintage travel trailer during our recent exhibition at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds in Essex, Vermont. Nobody was available to provide details on its origins, so we did a little Googling and found this neat time capsule by a Metzendorf relative on the RVUSA Talk Forum:

“I can answer some of your questions about Metzendorf travel trailers. They were produced in the 50’s and early 60’s by Martin Metzendorf of West Farmington, Ohio, approximately 10 miles northwest of Warren, Ohio. Martin (my great-uncle) and his wife had the trailers built with Amish laborers, she picked out the interior patterns and colors. They delivered most of the trailers themselves until a delivery accident deprived my great-aunt of her arm. They sold the business in the early 60’s and the trailer was produced for a few more years under the Metzendorf name, i believe they closed the doors in ‘63 but I’m not 100% on that.”

It’s no coincidence that year after year, Cougar is named the number one selling fifth wheel in North America.  Heck, it’s now to the point where you could say they are numero uno worldwide!

The proof is in the quality of construction and ingenuity this Keystone RV Company brand puts into each and every floorplan.

To help punch home Cougar’s sterling reputation, Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant Chad Shepard hosts a two-part video on Cougar Fifth Wheel Features (using a Cougar 293SAB for his demo). Both segments are available on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

Chad highlights many of the following Cougar Fifth Wheel features:

• One Piece Dyed Front Cap
• Max Turn Technology
• Patented Hitch Vision
• Extended Hitch
• “Certified” Polar Package Plus
• Superior Pass-Through Storage
• Exclusive Cougar Command Center with E-Z Camp Cougar Remote
• 16″ Aluminum Wheels vs. Competitors 15″
• Extended Grab Handle
• Astro-Foil Insulated Floor (Part of the Polar Package Plus)
• Sidewalls with Block Foam
• Complete Entertainment System
• Standard 32″ LCD TV

Other notable features:

In addition to complete features and specifications on all available Cougar floorplans at PetesRV.com, be sure to take a look at Keystone RV’s equally impressive Cougar High Country Fifth Wheels and Cougar X-lite Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels!

With the introduction of Keystone RV Company’s Max-Turn Technology, there is no more worrying about backing up or turning with your fifth wheel.  Increased turning radius and ease of maneuverability is just another great innovation from North America’s leading fifth wheel manufacturer.  In a nutshell, Max-Turn Technology means that turning in the tightest of campsites with your Cougar, X-Lite, or Cougar High Country fifth wheel has never been easier (or less stressful!),

Key Max-Turn Technology Benefits:

• Integrated Frame and Front Cap Design

• 79 Degree Truck-to-Fifth Wheel Turning Radius

• 1 Piece Front Rail Design for Maximized Strength and Maneuverability

Along with Cougar fifth wheels, Max-Turn Technology is also available in Montana, Mountaineer, Montana High Country and other popular Keystone RV brands.  Watch an informative Max-Turn Technology video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel!

Come see our extensive inventory of Cougar, Montana, Outback, Sprinter, and even more new RVs. A wide selection of quality used Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Class A Motorhomes are also in stock and available for viewing at Pete’s RV Center.

With RV sales expected to be even better this year than 2010, January is the perfect time to shop for an RV. Here’s why you should plan on buying now at the Pete’s RV Sales Event:

• $14,000,000 of Inventory on Sale
• Huge Choice of Floorplans and Interiors
• Over $4,800,000 in Discounts
• Factory Rebates Up to $10,000
• Lowest Prices You’ll See in 2011
• We’ll Beat Any RV Show Price in North America
• Best Selection of Used RV’s in Years
• Low Monthly Payments Available
  
• Free Storage Until Spring Available
• RV Parts and Accessories on Sale
• Free Food and Drinks

Whether coming from New England, New York, or Canada, it is an easy and scenic ride to our dealership in beautiful South Burlington, VT. Please feel free to contact Pete’s RV for directions or with questions about our January Sales Event and Open House Weekend. You can also follow Pete’s RV on Facebook for further details and event updates.

We look forward to seeing you!  Can’t make it?  No problem.  Browse our complete inventory on the Pete’s RV website and request a price quote.  You’ll be surprised on how much money we can save you!

First time our website?  Please go to our home page to search our inventory, learn more about us, and sign up for the free Pete’s RV e-newsletter.

Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Sales Event and Open House Hours:

1/14 Friday 9am-6pm
1/15 Saturday 9am-6pm
1/16 Sunday 9am-5pm

After an incredible 2010, Pete’s RV Center is optimistic that 2011 is going to be another great year for RV sales.  Their confidence was bolstered after previewing Keystone RV Company’s 2011 offerings at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY.

An exclusive Keystone RV dealer, Sales Manager Todd McGinnis spoke highly of the new changes, floorplans and innovations across all brands:  “What continues to impress me about Keystone RV is they take great care when launching a new floorplan, or making changes to an existing model.  I never get the feeling they are just hastily doing something to keep up with the competition.”

To prepare for 2011, McGinnis orders inventory based on previous year’s popular sellers as well as new floorplans he feels will do well with consumers.  With so many new and exciting functional floorplans being launched this year, Pete’s RV is going to have an expanded inventory in 2011.  McGinnis confirmed, “Across the board, I saw several new floorplans that are going to be a hit with families and couples alike.  Therefore, it is a no brainer for Pete’s RV to make them available to our customers in 2011.”

Here’s some brief notes on what was showcased for 2011 by Keystone RV Company in Louisville:

Montana

New Fifth Wheel Floorplans: 3100RL, 3700RL, 313RE High Country, 290RLT Mountaineer

Notes: Crowned roof trusses and vaulted ceilings in Big Sky and Montana, new graphics on Mountaineer, Beauflor vinyl flooring in all coaches, and many subtle, but nicely done aesthetic changes.

Cougar

New Fifth Wheel Floorplans: 297RKS, 323MKS, 328QBS, 246RLS High Country, 29RES X-Lite

New Travel Trailer Floorplans: 321RES High Country, 302RLS High Country, 298BHS High Country, 28FLV X-Lite, 29RBK X-Lite, 32SAB X-Lite

Notes: Big changes and refined line up for Cougar, Cougar High Country and X-Lite. All will include fifth wheels and travel trailers. The most obvious innovations are the dyed cap and graphics on Cougar and very slick front caps on the travel trailers. Interior cabinetry and decor never looked better and some new floorplans to boot.

Outback

New Travel Trailer Floorplans: 298RE, 277RL, 279RB

New Sydney Fifth Wheel Floorplans: 322FRL

Notes: For starters, fifth wheels will now be distinguished solely with the Sydney name. We like this…much cleaner. That said, Sydney fifth wheels have a new graphics package. Outback’s biggest splash is the new front cap. Very nice! Both Outback and Sydney are offering 10th Anniversary feature and graphics packages. Oh yeah…be sure to check out the new vaulted ceilings on the Outbacks. Creates additional headroom and overall added good looks to an already stellar interior!

Sprinter

New Travel Trailer Floorplans: 255RKS, 271FL, 277RLS, 308BHS, 323BHS

Notes: Sprinter is manufacturing several new innovative floorplans for their travel trailers and Copper Canyon fifth wheels. These intelligent designs create spaciousness without compromise. Feature upgrades include Corian kitchen countertops, rich, dark cabinetry, Beauflor vinyl flooring, floor lighting and new graphics. To keep the brand straightforward, the Sprinter Select extension is discontinued–which make perfect sense to us.

Passport

New Travel Trailer Floorplans: 238ML

Notes: Most obvious change for Passport in 2011 is the graphics package. It has a nice pop to it and sure to impress in the campground or behind the tow vehicle. For early 2011, there is a Limited Edition package on Passport Ultra Light models (not Express). In addition to a very sporty graphics package, Limited Edition Passport includes an impressive list of standard features.

Springdale

New Travel Trailer Floorplans: 247FWRL, 292RL, 293RK, 295R, 299FK

Notes: Be it storage, countertop or room to move, Springdale’s emphasis is adding more space in their trailers.  Their new floorplans also offer more creature comforts including larger televisons, u-shaped dinettes and extra deep slideout rooms.

Raptor

New Toy Hauler Floorplans: 297SE, 4014LEV, 410LEV

Notes: The barn door porch system is an ingenious way to utilize otherwise little used real estate on a toy hauler ramp. What a tremendous space for outdoor entertainment! Other upgrades to note is further emphasis on making Raptor–and especially Raptor Velocity–the most luxurious toy haulers on the planet!



Clicking on any of the brand images above takes you to a photo album on Pete’s RV Facebook Page.   For further details on new floorplan models contact Pete’s RV via email or phone
1.888.738.3778