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.

Upon finalizing the purchase of an RV and completing the paperwork, it can be difficult (and sometimes intimidating) to determine whether or not you need fabric protection. Pete’s RV prepared an informative five minute video to take the mystery out of fabric protection and point out why we recommend it for new and used RVs.  You gotta see the “pillow test” to appreciate the fabric protection difference!

This informative RV Buyer Tip video is available for viewing on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel.

In brief, fabric protection prevents damage from water and unsightly oil-based stains on all fabrics and carpets. Inhibitors within the non-toxic 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)!

RV Buyer Tip takeaways:

• Fabric protection sealant is non-toxic and sprayed on all carpet, upholstered furniture and window treatments.
• Pete’s RV fabric protects all of the units we use in our showroom and place on display at RV shows.  Even after thousands of footsteps, the combination of fabric protection and a good shampooing leaves carpets looking good as new.
• There is no deductible
• If a stingy stain does not come out with regular treatment, the fabric protection service will make a house call.
• Fabric protection even resists oil-based stains causing them to bead rather than absorb into fibers.

A printer-friendly brochure on RV fabric protection from Resistall is available 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

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.

Pete’s RV Center is a proud dealer of PullRite 5th wheel hitches. In addition, we offer professional installation on all towing vehicle makes, models and bed types.

Product training is a big deal at Pete’s RV Center. PullRite hitches are no exception. At least once a year, service technicians, parts and sales personnel are brought up to speed on the newest innovations and installation techniques offered by PullRite.

This invaluable knowledge allows us fit your vehicle and RV with the right equipment for a safe and smooth ride!

PullRite has been designing and manufacturing extraordinary hitches for over 30 years. They are recognized as the leading innovator in the design and manufacture of 5th wheel hitches, short-bed truck hitches and travel trailer hitches.

Pete’s RV specializes in Super 5th, SuperGlide, and Industry Standard product lines.

The Super 5th line provides safe and secure towing with less bump and fewer accidents. Super 5th has a number of models available to meet your towing capacity requirement. Mounting kits for Super 5th range from UniversalBrackets, to heavy-duty SuperBrackets, to the ultimate SuperRails–which are removable and allow you utilize a clutter-free bed when the hitch is not in use.

Super 5th	SuperGlide

SuperGlide for short bed trucks is the true testament of PullRite’s innovation and engineering expertise. SuperGlide automatically–not manually- moves the trailer away from the cab while making turns- allowing up to 90° turning without stopping, slowing down or even thinking about the space between the truck and trailer. It automatically returns the hitch and trailer to the safe towing position over the truck axle when the turn is completed.  Mounting kits for SuperGlide are similar to Super 5th with an additional “No Rail” system made for PullRite’s heaviest capacity hitch.  One other piece, a Capture Plate, is installed on the king pin box and isolates any turning on the king pin (the turning is done via SuperGlide’s Cam Assembly).  Quick Connect Capture Plates are available in Multi-Fit and Universal sizes.

The Industry Standard line is designed to fit competitor’s base rails allowing you to dispatch the old hitch and replace it with a Super 5th or SuperGlide in a cost-effective manner.  Now that’s forward thinking!

Super 5th and SuperGlide hitches are manufactured with the following features:

• Rotary Gear Driven Latch - Wraps 140° around the king pin to reduce chucking
• Automatic Locking Handle - Easy access without hanging over the bedrail or using a step stool
• Lower Handle Design - Allows bed cover use without removing the handle or hitch
• Tilt - Up to 14° each way reduces truck frame stress when hooking and unhooking

PullRite hitches are available at all Pete’s RV Center locations.  Contact us for Super 5th and SuperGlide pricing and installation service details.

Summer is upon us and we’d love to have every day full of sunshine and blue skies.  Unfortunately, that’s not the case (especially for those like us in the northeast).  Improper storage after camping in wet weather can create the unpleasant experience of dealing with a moist and mildewy camper as well as other unwanted surprises.

We recommend watching the Storing Your Camper Video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. Here’s just a few of the key takeaways from the informative, 6.5 minute video with RV Lifestyle Consultant Randy Murray:

• Leave the awning open to dry in the sun before storing
  
• Let a pop-up camper top dry before folding down
  
• Release all water from the main tank
  
• Crack the fridge door open so moisture can escape
• Open air vents and windows a tad to prevent interior mildew from forming
  
• Disconnect the negative cable on the battery to maintain charge
  

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

If you are in the greater Burlington, VT or Schererville, IN area, our dealerships offer professional service and repair on most RV brands and types. The Pete’s RV Store stocks a full-selection of parts and accessories.  For further assistance with service or parts, call the Pete’s RV Center location nearest you.

Snow removal from RV roofs is not a topic that is readily covered in RV owner’s manuals.  Left undisturbed, a well-constructed and maintained camper roof should not be affected by snow buildup.  However, for RV owners feeling the need to take on the task of snow removal, Pete’s RV offers this informative RV Service tip.

We recommend watching the RV Roof Snow Removal video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. Here’s just a few of the key takeaways from the informative, three minute video with in-house expert Chad Shepard:

• Always use a plastic shovel.  A metal or metal-edged shovel can easily damage the roof’s rubber membrane.
• Use caution when shoveling or walking around roof vents.  They are extra fragile in cold temperatures and susceptible to cracking.
• Black and gray tank air vents are also easily damaged (They are the round vent with a cap on them).  If it does get damaged, be sure to repair or replace it as soon as possible.  A cracked vent cap can allow melted snow and rain to enter the vent and worse yet, the space between the roof and ceiling.
• Safety first!  Use a reliable ladder that reaches high enough and is set up on a sturdy, level surface. Walk carefully on the roof, wary of the edges, antenna, vents, covers and other roof projectiles that may cause you to trip.

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

If you are in the greater Burlington, VT area, our dealership offers professional service and repair form most RV brands and types. The Pete’s RV Store stocks a full-selection of parts and accessories. Contact Pete’s RV for further details via email or call 1.888.738.3778