From a pop-up camper to a motorhome, a fully charged, well-maintained deep-cycle RV battery is must.  Proper maintenance will extend the life of the battery, saving you the expense of a replacement.  More so, it spares you from the annoyance of a battery dying midway through a camping trip.  Even if you are not dry camping, you never know when electrical access is going to be compromised.  Be prepared!

We recommend watching the RV Battery Care and Storage video on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. Here’s just a few of the key takeaways from the informative, five minute video with Certified Service Technician Randy Murray:

• Below 10.5 volts is considered an improperly charged 12 volt deep cycle battery.  In addition to losing charge, sulfation occurs, causing corrosive buildup on battery’s inner plates.
• Batteries are measured in amp hours.  Usage rate and charge level determine how long they will last.
• An unused battery can lose 1 to 15% of its charge monthly
• When it is necessary to add water to the battery’s acid solution, wear hand and eye protection.  Use only distilled, mineral-free water.
• Unless inner plates are exposed, only add water after charging is complete.
• Charge battery in two stages:  Bulk charge up to 90% then trickle charge for remaining 10%.
• Battery chargers and multimeters for measuring charge are inexpensive and can be found at your local auto parts store.
• When not in use, disconnect the battery from your RV and store in a cool, dry place.  Proper storage temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit and safely below 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Don’t rely on your shoreline or truck battery to recharge your deep cycle battery.

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 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

RV buyers are on the prowl so far this year, and manufacturers and RV dealers couldn’t be happier.  After a sluggish 2009, nationwide sales numbers are way up as well as attendance at RV trade shows.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Association (RVIA), RV units shipped from manufacturers to dealers increased by 116% from January 2009 to January 2010.  With such a staggering rise in activity, RVIA predicts shipments to increase by 30% this year.

While manufacturers have bumped up shifts to meet the welcome demand, a shortage in drivers is delaying the delivery times to dealers across the nation.

Manufacturers, and dealers alike, are working diligently to seek new drivers and creative solutions to reduce delivery time.  However, RV buyers should be prepared to wait up to six weeks for an ordered model.

For RV buyers looking to be camping in a new travel trailer or fifth wheel by May 1st, Pete’s RV recommends acting sooner than later. Pete’s RV entered 2010 with a solid inventory.  There is still a decent selection of models to choose from, but they are selling faster than previous years.

New units purchased straight off the lot can be prepped and readied in time for the campground, or to hit the open road. For those looking for a specific floorplan or interior color, custom orders are no problem, but please be aware they will not be ready for delivery until late spring, early summer.

With the sharp increase in RV sales and May 1st right around the corner, RV owners should also book service and maintenance appointments as early as possible. Again, this will ensure that you and the family are grilling burgers and roasting marshmallows for the first weekend of the 2010 camping season!

False holding tank readings are a common problem with RVs.  Horst Dynamics has introduced its Miracle  Probes for gray and black holding tanks that will solve this situation. The shafts are now coated with Teflon. Because Teflon is virtually self-cleaning, residue will not stick to the probes, therefore eliminating probes from failure. They can be purchased in 4-packs.  Please contact Pete’s RV Center for odering info at 1-800-639-5093

We would like to announce our spring hours of operation.

Parts and Accessories: M - F 9:00am - 6:00pm,  Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm,  closed Sundays.

Service: M-F 8:30am - 5:00pm,  closed Saturday and Sunday

Sales: Open anytime by appointment or M-F 9:00am - 6:00pm,  Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm,  closed Sundays,