Go Anywhere! With customer demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient travel trailers at an all-time high, the Passport ultra-lite travel trailers from Keystone RV Company find favor with families who want to maximize fuel efficiency but maintain all of the conveniences of a well appointed, feature-packed RV.  Along with Passport Ultra-Lite’s incredible selection of floorplans, Passport Express offers additional weight savings with super-lite travel and expandable trailers.

To help showcase Passport’s excellence, Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultants Chad Shepard and Randy Murray host a video to guide you through Passport Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer Features. It is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

Chad and Randy highlight many of the following Passport Travel Trailer features and options:

• Ultra-lightweight towing for light-duty trucks and SUVs
  
• Lightweight yet uncompromised construction
  
• Welded aluminum frames–not pinched or screwed
  
• Wider dinettes to accommodate adult sleeper
  
• Two-door refrigerators with separate freezer compartment
  
• Wide variety of floorplans to meet the needs of any family
  
• Curved exterior roof to prevent water and snow buildup
  
• Solid fiberglass wall construction with block insulation
  
• Plenty of cabinets with hardwood or etched glass front panels
  
• Spread axles for a smoother towing experience
  

Other notable features that come standard in most Passport travel trailers we carry at Pete’s RV:

Be sure to browse all features and specifications for Passport and Passport Express at PetesRV.com!

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 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.

Pete’s RV Lifestyle Consultant Randy Murray provides step-by-step instruction for leveling a camper.  The 5-minute video covers all the basics including gauging slideout clearance, front-to-back & left-to-right leveling, and proper use of stabilizer jacks.

For his demonstration, Randy uses a Keystone Cougar Xlite 28RBS travel trailer.  However, his recommendations are applicable to pop-ups, expandable trailers and other tow-behinds.  Leveling a fifth wheel is essentially the same, but it uses landing gear jacks, and not a tongue jack to complete the job.

This How to Level Your Camper video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel is highly recommended for all RV owners for proper care of their unit.

Here are a few key takeaways from Randy’s demonstration:

• Evaluate campsite first for levelest footing and park accordingly
• Open slideouts before leveling left-to-right
  
• Use arm’s length to gauge appropriate clearance before opening slideouts
• A wheel leveler and chock ensures secure left-to-right leveling
• Adjust front-to-back leveling with the tongue jack (or the landing gear on a fifth wheel)
• Do not use stabilizer jacks to level a camper
• Lowering stabilizer jacks is a snap with a power driver and socket

All of the accessories used in the RV leveling video are available for purchase at the Pete’s RV Parts Store:

Stick-On Levels	Tri-Leveler	Wheel Chock	Power Tongue Jack

Feel free to contact Pete’s RV with further questions regarding leveling techniques, parts and accessories.

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!

(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