Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales
Another month has passed us by, and the unofficial kick off long weekend has come and gone as well. We here at Pik-A-Dilly hope if you have had your RV out for a night or a week, that it was enjoyable and the first of a season full of memories.
On another note, I would like offer my sincerest apologies to all of our newsletter subscribers for the oversending of last months issue. I have been informed that there was a technical glitch with the server that we use to distribute the monthly newsletter. This has since been rectified and we are hoping that you will all bear with us as this newsletter is still in it's infancy and growing pains do occur. Once again, our apologies for overloading your inboxes with the April newsletter.
So now that the glitches are fixed and the RV's are out of storage and taking to the roads and highways each weekend, I'd like to invite all of you to sit back and relax and enjoy the latest version of the Pik-A-Dilly newsletter. You'll find another valuable camping tip, an easy to make campfire recipe, as well as tips and information from every department in the building. I am still accepting reader submissions for all columns (tips, recipes, and calendar of events), as well as any questions that you would like to have answered in an upcoming newsletter. I can be reached at rmain@pikadilly.com.
Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager
My Pik-A-Dilly Idea: We are constantly striving to be the best we can be and regularly discuss ideas for change amongst our staff. I would like to extend an invitation to our friends to participate. Do you have an idea that would make us a better company to deal with? Could we make a change that would provide you with better service? Are we missing a product that you would like to own? What are we missing? What is your “Pik-A-Dilly Idea”?
We are working with our website provider to create a direct link to your “Pik-A-Dilly Idea” but in the meantime, please feel free to email me with any thoughts you may have at dmain@pikadilly.com. If the idea is usable, we will reward you for your effort. Thank-you in advance for your input.
On another note, I am very proud of the work that our Service Manager Heather Arthurson does for you the customer and for us here at Pik-A-Dilly. Heather has been a big part of our company since she was a teenager (I won’t tell you how many years)!! She is not only a strong administrator, but a Master Certified Technician as well. Heather has a great deal of respect within the RV industry and was recently featured in a Go-West Magazine article (an industry publication) for her high quality work. She was also a participant on the Provincial Trade Advisory Committee, which met in Ottawa to establish the examination criteria for the Red Seal Program for apprentices in our industry. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Heather on her lofty achievements!
Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager
Presently we are noticing more requests for travel trailers and 5th wheels to park at seasonal sites. With the RV remaining stationary, the right floor plan and space are the main requirement. We stock travel trailers and 5th wheels that provide the space for comfortable long term stays while providing privacy for sleeping by combining front queen beds and rear bunk beds.
For those wanting to remain mobile and see different parts of our great country, towing factors will be a concern. If it's economy and ultra light towing you are looking for, we have the Trail-Sport and, brand new to us, the Trail-Cruiser LE. Both are built by R-Vision, recognized as one of the pioneers in ultra-light towables. The ultra-light design puts them in the range for towing with most of today’s SUV’s and allows the space to keep the average family comfortable. For those looking for easier to tow combined with higher end appearance and luxury, the Pilgrim line is the way to go. With its technological advances and quality construction, luxury and quality do not have to be compromised for towability.
Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre continually strives to keep up with the times. Having the right mix of product to meet the customers needs, the knowledge to address their needs and the towing needs of today’s fuel conscious vehicles, and the ability to match it all together, requires ongoing attention and is a priority for us.
For those looking to change the way they camp or the vehicle they are towing with, and have questions regarding fuel consumption and towing, stop in and talk with any of our sales professionals and they will be happy to answer your questions.
Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager
In this month's newsletter I would just like to remind customers of the Dometic recall that is still in effect. We have been busy repairing these fridges but we know there are still numerous fridges that need to be repaired.
I would also like to remind customers to have their batteries checked before they head out to the campgrounds. There are so many problems in the power side of the trailer caused by shorted or dead batteries that are too numerous to mention. I am including a care & usage sheet that we supply with all of our sold units.
Deep-Cycle Batteries – Care & Use
Use
Deep cycle batteries are designed specifically to endure repetitive deep discharges. To withstand the repeated deep cycles, the battery is manufactured with thicker plates combined with a denser chemical active material.
A "deep cycle" means using 50% - 80% of a battery’s capacity before recharging.
For longest life – batteries should be discharged to only about 50% of capacity.
During idle times, to prevent battery drain, it is best to disconnect the battery. There are items in the RV that continually consume battery power:
LP Leak Detectors & CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detectors – run continuously & do not have ON/OFF switches. They can discharge a battery in 7-10 days.
Stereos / Clocks / Radios / 12v TV – even if turned OFF have a constant draw to run memories to store preset stations, time, etc.
Converters (w/chargers) - they have dummy loads and capacitive circuits which create a continuous battery drain when the converter is not plugged in & operating.
Refrigerators – The control circuit is powered by 12v DC thus running RV refrigerators on LP gas with the converter not plugged in and charging will cause battery to drain. With no battery, the fridge will shut down.
Maintenance
Fully recharge battery, as soon as possible, after each use. Leaving battery partially discharged or discharged for long periods allows the plate to harden to the point where it is very difficult to recharge the battery completely.
Batteries must be kept full of electrolytes. Check the level of electrolytes frequently – low electrolyte levels dry out the plates, reducing the battery capacity significantly.
Make sure plates are covered – add distilled water – avoid over-filling.
During extended operation and battery charging, the battery must be closely monitored, as the water level will slowly go down. A battery low in fluid will not accept a charge & supply power.
Keep terminal connections & cables free from corrosion – corrosion reduces or may block power flow.
Clean terminals until shiny & coat with a heavy-bodied lubricant.
Keep the top of the battery free of dirt. Dirt can act as a conductor & cause the battery to discharge. Plain water works best for cleaning batteries.
Do not overcharge. Overcharging creates excessive heat, which may cause the plates within the cells to buckle and shed their active material.
Storage
Store fully charged in a cool, dry place.
Recharge every 60-90 days.
A battery low in charge will freeze & break during cold weather
***FROZEN BATTERIES CANNOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY***
Safety
Always wear rubber gloves when working with batteries, and keep a supply of water & baking soda nearby.
If someone gets acid on their skin – flush with lots of water
If someone gets acid in their eyes – flush with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
If someone ingests acid – rinse mouth & drink a glass of water to dilute acid – seek immediate medical attention.
**We would be pleased to answer any inquiries regarding the care and maintenance of your RV battery.
On another note, we would like to remind people to make sure that they have their wheel bearings repacked. This is another important component of the trailer that if something is wrong could leave you stranded on the road. We all know that if something is going to go wrong it is usually late at night and on a long weekend when everybody is closed. Come on in or give us a call, and we can set up an appointment to have your bearings checked.
We want everyone to have the best camping season possible!!
Parts Department News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager
The weather is finally getting better, so we can get out and enjoy camping season.
Just a quick note on your RV's sewage holding tanks; it's most important to use a good holding tank treatment along with dissolving toilet tissue. This will allow for proper drainage with no chance of build up in the tanks. I recommend Sealand products which are proven to do the job.
Always leave the drain valves closed when hooked to sewer and let the tanks fill before draining, this will allow for proper tank drainage. Portable sewage tanks are a great idea if you don't have a serviced lot. They are on wheels and are towable to save you from having to hook up and go to the dump site. If you are camping at a seasonal site you may want to upgrade your drain hose and connectors to heavy duty which will withstand the weather conditions a lot better.
We stock a full line of portabe tanks (in all sizes), sewer hoses, and connectors.
For the month off June, all portable tanks are 15% off. We also have Sealand toilet tissue on at buy one, get one at no charge. Stop in and see us for all your parts and accessories needs!!
F & I Department News - Garry Taylor - Finance and Insurance Manager
When you're ready to purchase your next RV, phone ahead and get a pre-approval to simplify your visit. We have several lenders to choose from, giving flexibility to the financing. All lenders offer full protection on their loans, offering you complete peace of mind.
Camping Tips
Camping Etiquette
Many people go camping to leave the city behind. Even though you're spending time away from your neighbours, it's important that you don't forget about the people who are camping around you. Following these simple suggestions will keep you in good terms with your fellow campers. Remember that many people camp to escape the city's close quarters. Be considerate when selecting a campsite and try to leave a spot in between you and your neighbours. It's not that campers are unfriendly, just that it's hard to enjoy the great wide open when you're boxed in on all sides. Many campgrounds have a set quiet time, often from 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Even if your campground doesn't, be considerate and think of your neighbours. Even during the day, loud stereos can bother those who are not out to party. The same applies to generators - if you feel it necessary to use one, try to do it when it will bother the least other people.
It's a general rule that when you leave a campsite, you leave it cleaner than when you found it. There's nothing worse than arriving at a site to find litter on the ground and in the fire pit. It only takes a few minutes to pick up your empty cans, banana peels and cigarette butts. Most campsites will have garbage cans for you to use, and if not, most highway rest stops have trash cans for travellers.
Campfire Recipes
Poor Camper Steak and Potato Dinner
Ingredients
1 pound(s) ground beef
4 - 5 large potatoes, sliced
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 onion, sliced
Directions
Make foil pouches, about 6" X 6". Divide and press ground beef into 4 patties. Place patty in the bag, add 1/4 of potato slices and onions. Pour 1/4 of soup in bag and seal tightly. Cook on grill about 45 minutes or until done, turning about every 10 minutes. Cut open down the center and eat from the foil.
**Recipe from KOA Campground website
June Calendar of Events
June 4-8 - Provincial Ex Summer Fair - Keystone Centre Grounds
Rides for the kids, entertainment for the adults, Summer Saloon, Chrome in the Trees Car Show.
June 5 - 'Cruisin the Dub' - Rosser Avenue Dowtown Brandon between 6:00pm and 10:00 pm
Come out and view custom, vintage, and antique vehicles of all makes.
June 17-21 - Million Dollar Hole in One - Keystone Centre Grounds South
Daily prizes for closest to the hole, as well as a chance to win cars, boats, RV's, hot tubs, scooters and $1,000,000.
June 21 - National Aboriginal Day - Stanley Park beginning at 12:00
Local powwow dancers, and square dancing presentations. Craft and activity tents for the kids. There will be a BBQ for inner city youth and a piece of cake for everyone!!