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.”

Click Image for Video Recap

Phil LeClair, Todd McGinnis and Kris Craven represented Pete’s RV at the annual RV Manufacturer’s Open House in Elkhart, IN. With visits to Jayco, Forest River, Winnebago and Thor over a three-day span, they stepped in and out of hundreds of RVs–all staking claim as the “it” floorplan of 2012!

Internet Marketing Manager LeClair and VP of Sales McGinnis flew in to Chicago from Vermont and swung through Schererville, IN for dealership GM Craven before heading down to Elkhart.

Along the way, a plan of action was ironed out to ensure they previewed marquee manufacturers as well as others creating a stir in the industry.  From a sales and marketing perspective it is extremely important to hit Elkhart with a strategy and list of takeaways.  Otherwise, you likely find yourself wandering punch-drunk through thousands of RVs–which most first-timers do when attending this mega-event (and the RVDA National Convention in Louisville, KY!).

Here’s a few eye-catchers:

Beautiful Winnebago Ellipse Class A motorhome w/ drawer dishwasher.	Solid surface countertop with funky pattern found in a XLR Thunderbolt Toy Hauler.	Salem Hemisphere outdoor kitchen w/ patio system.

Click here to see more highlights in the Pete’s RV 2012 Open House Photo Album on Facebook!

As an exclusive Keystone RV dealer, it’s no surprise that Pete’s RV focuses most of their time at Keystone’s display during RV Open House. This year was no exception. In preparation for the 2012 selling season, a day and a half was dedicated to meeting with sales managers, general managers and even quality time with Keystone RV President Bob Martin (plus bonus handshake from Thor CEO Peter Orthwein).

While the biggest unveiling was for the new Vantage travel trailer line (hints of Airstream), just about every line brought something new and exciting to the table.

With 2011 winding down, Pete’s RV is looking forward to sharing more and more of what is in store for Cougar, Montana, Outback, Springdale, Sprinter and the other Keystone RV lines we carry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see from Keystone RV Company in 2012:

New Euro-style Vantage travel trailer. Definitely a new look for Keystone.	New Fireside travel trailer is a field & streamers delight (easy on the wallet too).	Revamped Outback Sydney fifth wheel is NOW on par with Outback travel trailers.

Click here to see more highlights in the Pete’s RV 2012 Keystone RV Open House Photo Album on Facebook!

Plus a few more tasty morsels:

• Cougar - Several new floorplans led by knockouts 331MKS rear kitchen and 21RBS shorty travel trailer
• Montana - New leather furniture and 6-point leveling system option available for all models
• Copper Canyon - New look fifth wheel is looking impressive inside and out
• Raptor - Updated interiors are gorgeous
• Passport - New 3100RK sharp-looking rear kitchen floorplan and updated exterior graphics
• Summerland - Spread dual axles and overall coach refresh

Finally, thanks to all of the manufacturers, the RV Hall of Fame and Greater Elkhart.  The hospitality was top-notch!

An annual rite marking the end of summer, Pete’s RV set up shop at the Champlain Valley Fair for ten days followed up by the two-day Vermont Fall RV Show. Both are held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT.

The 2011 Champlain Valley Fair kicked-off as Tropical Storm Irene was tearing up the East Coast. Along with attendance numbers being down on opening day due to the approaching storm, organizers took precaution and closed the Fair on day two. While southern and other pockets of Vermont were hit hard with flooding and power outages, the sun was back out and shining brightly on day three.

“There’s no doubt the storm had an impact on fairground attendance. While numbers increased after the storm passed, they still did not meet the expectations of previous years–for obvious reasons of course,” said Sales Manager Todd McGinnis. “Considering the circumstances, we still accomplished what we wanted to do [here] at the fair. The most important thing is that all of our Vermont friends and families got through the storm okay.”

Attendance perked up for the 9th Annual Vermont Fall RV Show. Pete’s brought in twenty new RVs to add to the ones still on location from the Champlain Valley Fair. They showcased everything from the 2012 Montana 3700RL fifth wheel with luxurious Big Sky Package to the new 2012 Cougar X-Lite 28RBS travel trailer. The latter–which contains two double-wide bunks–received excellent feedback from attendees and will no doubt be top-seller in 2012.

Check out more photos of Pete’s RV at the 2011 Champlain Valley Fair and 9th Annual Vermont Fall RV Show on our Facebook page!

(l to r) Paul Craven, Dave McGinnis, Kris Craven

On May 2nd, Vermont-based Pete’s RV Center officially assumed ownership of Rollin-On RV in Schererville, IN.

Located just 34 miles from Chicago, Rollin-On served thousands of customers in Southern Illinois, Indiana and surrounding states since opening its doors in 1977.

Pete’s RV co-owner and treasurer Dave McGinnis explained the acquisition was an amicable one, “We’ve had a great, longstanding relationship with Rollin-On RV over the years. There’s lots of similarities in how we run our dealerships including being family operated. With owner Paul Craven looking to step out of the business after nearly 35 successful years, it definitely piqued our interest when the opportunity arose to buy Rollin-On.”

Like Pete’s RV, Rollin-On RV was also a Keystone RV Company dealer, so Cougar, Montana, Passport, Sprinter and other popular brands of fifth wheels and travel trailers are now more widely available in the United States and Canada from Pete’s RV. McGinnis further explained, “With our Indiana location, Pete’s RV can expand and grow our customer base, providing the same excellent sales and service our Vermont, Northeast U.S and Canadian customers have enjoyed for almost 60 years.”

Pete’s RV is retaining the services of the employees at Rollin-On RV. Kris Craven was named the general manager of the Indiana dealership and is excited about the dealership’s growth opportunities under Pete’s RV. “Knowing Pete’s RV as long as we have, the Indiana team and I are very much looking forward to combining our experience, plus the omnipresence of two dealerships, to reach a much larger community of RVers.”

Pete’s RV Center-Indiana location details are available on PetesRV.com.

Come see our extensive inventory of Cougar, Montana, Outback, Sprinter, and even more new Keystone RVs. A wide selection of quality used Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Class A Motorhomes are also in stock and available for viewing at Pete’s RV Center.

With reported RV sales even better this year than 2010, winter is the perfect time to shop for an RV. Here’s why you should plan on visiting us and buying now at the Pete’s RV Sales Event:

• Over $17,000,000 of Inventory on Sale
• Huge Choice of Floorplans and Interiors
• Among the Largest Heated Showrooms in New England
  
• Warehouse Pricing on All New RVs
  
• We’ll Beat Any RV Show Price in North America
• Best Buys on Used RVs and Inventory Clearance Units
• Low Monthly Payments Available
  
• Free Storage Until Spring Available
• RV Parts and Accessories on Sale
• Free Food and Drinks

You can also get a first look at our new Bullet Premier travel trailer line and specially-equipped Montana fifth wheels!

Whether coming from New England, New York, or Canada, it is an easy and scenic ride to our dealership in beautiful South Burlington, VT. Please feel free to contact Pete’s RV for directions or with questions about our Sales Event and Open House Weekend. You can also follow Pete’s RV on Facebook for further details and event updates.

We look forward to seeing you! Can’t make it? No problem. Browse our complete inventory on the Pete’s RV website and request a price quote. You’ll be surprised on how much money we can save you!

First time on our website? Please go to the Pete’s RV homepage to search our inventory, learn more about us, and sign up for the free Pete’s RV e-newsletter.

Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Sales Event and Open House Hours:

2/18 Friday 9am-6pm
2/19 Saturday 9am-6pm
2/20 Sunday 9am-5pm

If a recent event held by Pete’s RV Center in South Burlington, VT is any indicator of how RV sales will go in 2011, RV dealers and manufacturers could be in for another good year.

The dealership opened up its sales event season with a weekend open house January 14th-16th.  Even with a major snowstorm hitting the area a couple days prior and another looming, Pete’s RV enjoyed higher attendance than expected for this time of year.  Visitors came from throughout northern New England, New York, and the province of Quebec.  Sales were approximately 25% better than last January’s event.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of our first sales weekend.” said co-owner and treasurer Dave McGinnis.  “It’s great to know that even though it’s cold and snowy outside, there’s a bunch of people already planning for spring camping.”

Along with a steady flow of foot traffic throughout the weekend, the dealership also received many phone calls and emails from folks who couldn’t make the event.  Units sold were a mix of new and used pop-ups, travel trailers, fifth wheels and used motorhomes.

As an exclusive Keystone RV Company dealer, Pete’s RV showcased new 2011 models such as the Sprinter 255RKS, Cougar High Country 296BHS, and Montana 3580RL.

A photo album of the event can be viewed on the Pete’s RV Facebook page.

Come see our extensive inventory of Cougar, Montana, Outback, Sprinter, and even more new RVs. A wide selection of quality used Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Class A Motorhomes are also in stock and available for viewing at Pete’s RV Center.

With RV sales expected to be even better this year than 2010, January is the perfect time to shop for an RV. Here’s why you should plan on buying now at the Pete’s RV Sales Event:

• $14,000,000 of Inventory on Sale
• Huge Choice of Floorplans and Interiors
• Over $4,800,000 in Discounts
• Factory Rebates Up to $10,000
• Lowest Prices You’ll See in 2011
• We’ll Beat Any RV Show Price in North America
• Best Selection of Used RV’s in Years
• Low Monthly Payments Available
  
• Free Storage Until Spring Available
• RV Parts and Accessories on Sale
• Free Food and Drinks

Whether coming from New England, New York, or Canada, it is an easy and scenic ride to our dealership in beautiful South Burlington, VT. Please feel free to contact Pete’s RV for directions or with questions about our January Sales Event and Open House Weekend. You can also follow Pete’s RV on Facebook for further details and event updates.

We look forward to seeing you!  Can’t make it?  No problem.  Browse our complete inventory on the Pete’s RV website and request a price quote.  You’ll be surprised on how much money we can save you!

First time our website?  Please go to our home page to search our inventory, learn more about us, and sign up for the free Pete’s RV e-newsletter.

Thanks for thinking Pete’s RV!

Sales Event and Open House Hours:

1/14 Friday 9am-6pm
1/15 Saturday 9am-6pm
1/16 Sunday 9am-5pm