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

We only need to look as far as our service center to know that the 2012 camping season is here! Our service technicians are hustling to get hundreds of RVs de-winterized and prepped for another year in the great outdoors.

In recent news, Pete’s RV Center was named the #1 Vermont dealer for 2011 by Statistical Surveys.  Close to half of the RVs sold in the state last year came from our South Burlington location.  We are extremely proud of this accomplishment, thank our customers for making it possible, and look forward to building on this success in 2012.

Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Recent Pete’s RV Bloglines

Pete’s RV Buyer Tips: Bullet Premier Travel Trailer Features

Pete’s RV Buyer Tips: Camper Rental Vs. Buying a Camper

Manager’s Choice:  Sprinter Copper Canyon 324FWBHS Fifth Wheel

The Copper Canyon 324FWBH Fifth Wheel has an enormous bunkhouse, extra deep U-shaped dinette, and full-service outdoor kitchen. Throw in the amazing master bedroom with queen bed, side aisle bathroom, generous storage, and you’ve got yourself a pumped-up version of the popular Sprinter 311BHS travel trailer!

View pictures and features for the new Copper Canyon 324FWBHS

Top Views on PetesRV.com*

Sprinter Travel Trailers

Outback Travel Trailers

Cougar Fifth Wheels

Bullet Premier Travel Trailers

Vantage Travel Trailers

Honorable Mention:  Montana Mountaineer Fifth Wheels

*Top Views made possible by Google Analytics.

Pete’s RV Best Buys:  Biggest Selection of the Year!

If you are looking to buy used, this is the best time of the year to do it.  Our inventory of used RVs has never offered such a wide selection of best buy deals.  Pounce on these low, low priced units before it’s slim pickings!

Click to View All Priced to Fly Best Buy Deals!

Customer Feedback

“Have been bragging non-stop to everyone about our fantastic purchase experience with PetesRV.  It’s not all that cool to talk price, but there’s no way to avoid the subject when trying to convince folks on our good fortune.  We don’t fail to mention the over-the-top customer service as well…My hat is off to everyone at Pete’s RV for bending over backwards to far exceed our expectations”–Max and Jill H. from Abilene, TX

Read more feedback about Pete’s RV!

Pete’s RV Store:  Protectall Rubber Roof Cleaner

Reduces rubber roof maintenance up to 75%! Enhanced formula is a blend of proven polyolefin compounds that is even quicker and easier to apply than before. Just mop on and air dry!

Tough, polymer coating with UV protectant provides a durable shield that gives your rubber roof a longer lasting, anti-static coating. Regular Price - $52.29 Now $40.87 plus FREE Shipping

More Spring Cleaning Items on Sale Now at Pete’s RV Store!

April’s Pete’s RV Store Gift Card drawing winners are Ted M. from  Wheatfield, IN and Rodney B. from Topeka, KS. Congrats!

RV Service Tips: De-winterization of Water System

If purchasing a coach which is winterized with RV anti-freeze, or having had an existing unit winterized before winter storage, the plumbing system must be flushed and sanitized prior to use. Do not attempt to turn on water heater if system is winterized.

For detailed steps on  water system de-winterization, read the complete tutorial in Chapter 9 of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual.  It does a nice job summarizing maintenance for RV plumbing systems. A PDF version of the Keystone RV Owner’s Manual is available on the Pete’s RV website.

RV Q and A:  RV Stabilizer Jacks

Question: At what point do I put my stabilizer jacks down to level my camper?

Answer: Putting down your stabilizer jacks should be the last step in the leveling process.  It’s important to mention that stabilizer jacks are just that: Stabilizers.  Do not use them to level your camper.  They are not strong enough to support this function and should be only lowered to a snug position.  Successful leveling is completed with proper wheel heightening and tongue jack or landing gear adjustment.  Don’t forget to chock!  For more info check out Pete’s RV Service Tips Video: How to Level Your Camper

What’s New on Pete’s RV TV:  RV Accessory Essentials

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.  Read on and view Pete’s RV Buyer Tips Video: RV Accessory Essentials

Congrats to Facebook Friend April gift card winner Jaime A. from Williamstown, VT! Like Pete’s RV on Facebook for Special Discounts, Giveaways & Promotions.

Camping Recipe:  Caramel Apple S’Mores

What you need

Green Apple Slices

Marshmallows

Caramels

Directions

Slide the marshmallow onto a skewer then add one to two caramel candies to the top of the skewer. Toast the marshmallow and wait for the caramels to melt over the marshmallow. When toasted, place the toasted marshmallow on an apple slice and top with a second apple slice.

This and more yummy camping recipes available at CampingCafe.com!

We hope you enjoyed 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!

RV Info Blog Editor’s Note:  Our service department received this recent memo from Keystone RV Company on care and maintenance for RVs with a gel coat finish.  It is an expanded and better detailed version than what is found in the Keystone RV owner’s manual.  With proper care, you can keep your RV’s beautiful gel coat finish standing out in the crowd.  Along with the instructions below, we recommend using ProtectAll.  ProtectAll is an all-in-one cleaner and wax spray appropriate for treating gel coat finishes.  Please share this helpful RV service info with fellow RVers using the social buttons above.  Thanks!

Fiberglass is a common term for fiber-reinforced plastic, or FRP, which is a plastic material, strengthened using glass fiber cloth and used on many RV’s for sidewalls and caps. To give the fiberglass a smooth and shiny surface, a clear or colored gel resin material is applied to the outer surface. Gel coat is available in many colors and is very durable, but it can become dull or faded as it weathers. Sunlight, heat and moist air combine to oxidize the gel coat surface, fading it and making the surface cloudy. So how do you keep your fiberglass looking good? Simple, you clean and apply a top quality wax twice a year or every 3 months in cases where the vehicle is in constant exposure to the elements.

General Maintenance

Normal maintenance of your gel coated fiberglass RV is similar to the care you would give your automobile. In general, automotive cleaners and waxes work well. Do not use caustic, highly alkaline (high pH) cleaners or those containing ammonia. These cleaning agents may darken white or off-white weathered gel coat surfaces. The staining that results is a chemical reaction within the weathered gel coat, and can be removed with a rubbing compound or by light sanding with 400 grit sandpaper followed by application of rubbing compound and waxing.

Cleaning

Periodic cleaning with a mild detergent product is necessary to remove normal accumulations of soil.  This soil is the result of regular use of your RV as well as environmental pollutants, soot, smog, etc.  General washing as needed prevents soil build-up, staining, etc.

Waxing

As the gel coat begins to lose its gloss from constant exposure to the natural environment and pollutants, it will require some special attention to restore the original gloss and color. After washing with mild soaps and detergents, a good polishing with a self-cleaning automotive wax will restore most of the original gloss. A fall and spring wax job is generally all that is needed to maintain the original appearance. If the surface has been allowed to weather badly, and cleaning and wax polishing does not
restore the finish satisfactorily, then compounding will be necessary.

Compounding

Polishing compound (fine abrasive) or rubbing compound (coarser abrasive) is recommended for use on fiberglass RVs to remove scratches, stains, or a severely weathered surface. Polishing or rubbing compound can be applied by hand or by mechanical means, such as an electrical or pneumatic buffer.  After the scratched, stained or weathered surface has been removed, it should be waxed to enhance the gloss and color while providing a seal to retard staining or new soil accumulation.

Removing the Discoloration

Discoloration of the gel coated fiberglass surface may occur if regular washing and waxing has been neglected. Discolored areas are very shallow in depth and, in fact, are on the surface. They can be removed by gently wet-sanding only the affected areas with 600 grit “wet or dry” sandpaper to remove the blemishes. Always sand in one direction, using plenty of water. After sanding, dry the areas and ensure all the discoloration has been removed. If not, repeat the process. Once all discoloration has been removed the affected surface area will need to be buffed. Buffing, using an electrical or pneumatically operated buffer at low speed (1750 rpm - 2250 rpm), will restore the luster to the sanded surface. Use a soft wool pad and apply a generous amount of rubbing compound using circular motion.  When the buffing has been completed, wash off the rubbing compound with clean water. Dry the surface. Wax your RV with a high-grade automotive wax.

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!

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.

(RV Info Blog Editor Note:  For those of you looking for some guidance, I pull this post up from the archives at the end of each season to help in your preparation for winter storage. It’s an older but goodie!)

Where did the summer go?  It seems just like yesterday  we were prepping our trailers and campers for spring!  Alas, summer is over and it is time to wrap up another wonderful camping season.

Proper RV storage of your travel trailer, fifth wheel or pop-up camper is critical for ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come. Avoid unnecessary (and potentially expensive) repairs by preparing your RV to withstand a winter’s worth of cold temperatures, snow and rain.

Not in the Northeast or an area with harsh winter conditions?  Sorry, you’re not out of the cold when it comes to proper RV storage!  RVs being stored for extended periods of time can experience significant wear and tear even though they are not being used. For example, sun exposure, mildew, rodents and insects can wreak havoc on a stored RV.

To get started, we recommend watching the RV Storage and Winterization video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.  This informative, six minute video with Certified Service Technician Randy Murray touches on the following key areas:

1. Roof Membrane and Seals
2. Slide Room Seals
3. Air Conditioner Covers
4. Vent Covers
5. Battery Care
6. Slide Room Gears
7. Water System Care
8. Refrigerator Care
9. Sidewall Seals
10. Awning Care
11. RV Sealants and Cleaners

After viewing the video, feel free to submit additional RV storage questions to the Pete’s RV Service Department.

If you are in the greater Burlington, VT or Schererville, IN area, our dealerships offer professional winterization packages.  And the Pete’s RV Parts & Accessories Store stocks a full-selection of do-it-yourself RV cleaners, sealants, vent and AC covers.  Contact Pete’s RV for further details via email or call 1.888.738.3778

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.”