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.

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.”

Normally we do not post our feedback letters and messages on the Info Blog.  But this one really captured the lengths we take to ensure that our customers are totally satisfied with an RV purchased or serviced at Pete’s RV Center.

As you will read, Mr. Bowman took on the task of winterizing his Montana High Country fifth wheel.  After realizing that he wasn’t fully prepared to complete the job, he phoned us up for assistance.  We happily obliged and helped him through the process.

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