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!

It’s always feels fantastic whenever we hear from a customer’s positive experience at Pete’s RV Center.  In this account, Karen drove all the way from Jacksonville, Florida to pick up her 2012 Montana High Country 313RE Fifth Wheel from our Schererville, Indiana location. Now that’s a hike!

Karen found her dream RV on our website and was helped throughout the sales process by RV Lifestyle Consultant Scott Ourednik.  As you will read, she was blown away by our customer service!

Amazing job Scott!  You can read more feedback on the Pete’s RV testimonial page as well as recommendations on our Facebook page.

Under peaceful winter skies, Pete’s RV Center of Vermont held their first dealership show of the year January 20th-22nd.  Promoted as the “Cabin Fever Sale”, Pete’s RV reached out to their community of RVers through local television and radio ads, postcards, email and social media.

Based on the turnout, and where visitors traveled from, the community of Pete’s RVers is expanding quite a ways beyond northern Vermont.

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed more and more people traveling from outside of Vermont to get to our dealership shows,” said marketing manager Phil LeClair.  “The Cabin Fever sale brought in folks from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Quebec, and across Lake Champlain in neighboring New York.”

He also noted that while Pete’s RV dealership shows are promoted as sales events, they’ve become socially inviting to visitors.  “I love the fact that a growing number of family and friends drop in to show their support for Pete’s RV.  They usually bring somebody new along, give them a tour of the place and all the campers.  Feeling more like an open house, it really puts our guests at ease and disengages thoughts that a sales pitch is lurking around every corner.  I had kids from the youth hockey team I coach show up this year with their parents.  They had a blast!”

Providing visitors with first looks at 2012 inventory, Pete’s RV showcased the new Vantage travel trailer line from Keystone RV Company as well as the Bullet Premier 29RTPR rear living room travel trailer, Cougar 28RBS family travel trailer, and revamped Outback 312BH bunkhouse travel trailer.

Pete’s RV treasurer and co-owner Dave McGinnis explained that a variety of new and used products were sold at the Cabin Fever sale.  “We’re always delighted with a good turnout and selling units so early in the year–especially in the middle of a Vermont winter.  This year’s January sale was interesting because we sold used pop-ups, luxury fifth wheels and everything in between.  From our perspective, this is a good indicator of being able to satisfy a broad range of shoppers looking for certain types of RVs.”

Pictures and comments can be found on the Pete’s RV 2012 VT Cabin Fever Sale Facebook Photo Album.

Coming off a successful 2011, Pete’s RV Center kicked off the new year as exhibitors at the 2012 Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show held January 12th -16th.  As first timers to this popular event at the mammoth McCormick Place convention center, it took a boatload (no pun intended) of planning and a sizable staff to work the five-day show.

“Consumer shows always involve intense preparation, but the Chicago RV Show was unique because it required us to combine personnel and resources from our Indiana and Vermont dealerships,” said Vice President of Sales Todd McGinnis.  “It’s a large show in an even larger metropolitan area, goes on for five days, and has long hours.  Therefore, it’s critical that we have plenty of new RVs on display and enough staff to represent them.”

Pete’s RV had fifteen recreation vehicles in their display manned by a dozen or so staff members.  Overall, McGinnis felt the show kicked off the year on a positive note.

“Even though the show is boat-heavy and only about thirty-five percent of the displays are RV dealers, the foot traffic was solid enough to keep us busy throughout the five days.  It provided excellent exposure for our dealership in nearby Schererville, Indiana, we sold some units, and met some great folks.”

Among all of positive feedback on new campers from Keystone RV Company, Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant Joe Vartuli pointed out a few of the attention-getters:  “People really liked the Montana High Country 343RL’s rear-living room, the Passport 3220BH’s bunkhouse and outdoor kitchen, and ultra-light Passport 190EXP expandable trailer.  We received lots of good feedback on the new Montana 3402RL fifth wheel floorplan, and especially the Airstream-like Vantage travel trailer line that was just launched by Keystone RV.”

Pictures and comments can be found on the Pete’s RV 2012 Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show Facebook Photo Album.

While the RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky is the official unveiling of what’s new and exciting for 2012, Pete’s RV actually works months in advance preparing for the new calendar year.  Louisville serves as a final tune-up in preparation for rolling out our 2012 inventory.

We huddle with the Keystone RV Company sales team to go over final details on recent floorplans, features, and to get a good look at what Pete’s RV Center dealerships will be showcasing to RV consumers in 2012.

Pete’s RV VP of Sales Todd McGinnis is pictured above at the 2011 RVIA National RV Trade Show with Outback RV District Sales Manager Nick Kaiser.

Cougar X-Lite 29REV V-Nose Bedroom	Mountaineer 375FLF Front Living Room	Cougar High Country Rear Kitchen

As highlighted in an earlier Pete’s RV Info Blog story about our attendance at RV Manufacturers Open House in Greater Elkhart, Indiana,  RV buyers can look forward to several new refinements.  Some changes are subtle such as Passport’s updated exterior graphics and all-white skirt, and Bullet Premier’s attractive Teak interior option. Others are more dramatic:  Springdale’s interior facelift centers around impressive dark wood cabinetry, and Sydney fifth wheels stepped up their game in a big way by finally capturing the popular appeal of their counterpart, Outback travel trailers.

Joining Keystone RV’s existing lines, Vantage offers RV buyers a refreshingly different and contemporary-looking travel trailer that is sure to raise eyebrows on roadways and campgrounds.  With it’s curved sidewalls, arched roof and Euro-style decor, Pete’s RV is excited to add Vantage to their already vast selection of Keystone RV Company products.

More pictures of our visit to Keystone RV Company’s display in Louisville can be viewed on the Pete’s RV Facebook page.

Regular updates and buyer information on new Cougar, Montana, Outback Sprinter, Passport, Springdale, Raptor, and Vantage RVs to follow.  In the meantime, our inventory of 2012 fifth wheels and travel trailers is primed and ready for North American RV buyers!

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!

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.