Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales
As we near the end of another month, it is starting to warm up and feel as though summer has finally arrived. With the kids out of school and summer holidays upon us, the camping industry has officially hit 'peak season'. So to provide you with reading material prior to that trip to the lake, we at Pik-A-Dilly send you our monthly newsletter in hopes that you'll pick up a tip or two for the trip.
Inside this issue we offer a reader submitted tip for keeping campgrounds 'dog friendly', as well as a great recipe for a twist on a classic campground snack that everyone will love.
As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or submissions for the newsletter please send me an email at rmain@pikadilly.com. I've also had the idea suggested to me to add a column about camping experiences or stories. As always be safe, and keep your feet out of the campfire!!
Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager
Periodically, I am given the opportunity to reflect on the history of our company. The other day, I was contacted by CKLQ radio. They wanted permission to do a feature on Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre as it is one of Brandon’s oldest continually operated family companies. Obviously we were pleased with the attention, but it got me to thinking how blessed we have been over the years with the loyalty accorded us by not only customers and friends but employees as well. My parents, Frank and Shirley Main had the vision to begin renting and selling folding campers, travel trailers and truck campers in 1962 – a short 46 years ago! I started to work for the company in 1970 and was able to purchase it in 1978. I am proud to tell you that quick math says that we have a collective 160 plus years of experience within our “family” of employees. I believe that’s a strong statement in this day and age! We are very committed to education and all of our employees are given the opportunity to learn and grow and stay on the cutting edge of their trade. I will attempt to “showcase” our staff in future newsletters to allow you to get to know them a little better. I am particularly proud that my son Ryan has joined the company, making him a 3rd generation member of the Pik-A-Dilly family.
On another note, as mentioned in the last newsletter, we are always interested in new ways to better service our customers. I initiated a program called “My Pik-A-Dilly Idea” and I am interested in any feedback you may have that will improve our ability to serve you. Don’t be shy! Give me your thoughts. I am anxious to hear from you. You may e-mail me at dmain@pikadilly.com or call toll free 1-877-728-8570 or local calls are 728-8570. I’m waiting to hear from you.
Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager
Summer Sizzles
Finally, weather we can enjoy camping in! By all predictions the warm weather will continue throughout the summer.
That being said, anyone wanting to enjoy this camping season should do it in a new, or new to them, RV from Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre. With a trend towards more seasonal camping, we still have a limited number of 2008 travel trailers and 5th wheels that are ideal for seasonal sites. If you are not set up for towing, we will arrange to deliver your new trailer or 5th wheel to your seasonal site. For those with a unit now and looking to upgrade, we need your trade. There is a huge demand for used RV’s and the supply is low.
Campers with the wanderlust will want to consider the Fleetwood Folding Trailers. Still the best way for the young families to start enjoying the camping lifestyle and build memories that will last a lifetime. You will want to hurry as Fleetwood’s 'Fun in the Sun' promotion is in its last few weeks. Buy one of our few remaining 2008 Fleetwood Folding Trailers and receiver a $500 instant rebate from Fleetwood (or use the rebate towards an air conditioner or X-bar kit and bike carriers).
If you are planning a trip this summer, stop in and let us ensure that your summer holiday is a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether it be to purchase a new RV or just to check you are towing safely with the one you have, we have the expertise to help.
Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager
In this month's newsletter I would like to suggest reasons why you should consider installing Ventmate vent covers, air conditioners, and slidetoppers over your RV's slide outs.
Ventmates allow the fresh air to come in no matter what the weatherman brings. They allow the odors from within the trailer to escape as well rain or shine. They are very easy to install and fit over most 14"x 14" standard roof vents. However, they are not recommended to be installed over high powered vents.
Slidetoppers have huge advantages as well. They prevent debris from dropping on your slideout roof. As the room retracts, the debris then gets dumped over the side of your slideroom. Slidetoppers are available in two different models. You can get the Elite SlideTopper that comes with an aluminum weathershield or a Deluxe SlideTopper that has a polar white vinyl weathershield. Both models come with an anti-billowing device that prevents wind damage when retracted for travel or extended in the campground. The SlideTopper mounts to the vehicle's sidewall and operates automatically with the retracting and extending of your slideroom. On some trailers we do, however, need to install an awning rail as some do not have the rail in place.
As for air conditioners, they are pretty self explanatory. They can make those hot summer days and nights bearable when you just can't take the heat. Most newer model trailers are all set up to have an air conditioner installed. It is just a matter of removing the roof vent and placing the A/C in its place. The wiring in this case is beside the same vent or in a cupboard closely by.
With the purchase of a trailer there are accessories that can make your camping experience even more enjoyable. The purchase of these accessories can save you time in packing up and take the worry away of whether or not one left the vents open if it starts to rain.
Have a great time camping.
Parts Department News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager
Hotter Than July Specials
Brisk Air - Air Conditioners by Dometic 13,500 BTU
Regular Price $739.00 15% off NOW 628.15
Ventmate Vent Covers
Regular Price $39.95 20% off NOW $31.96
Deluxe Slide Toppers by A&E - All Sizes
15% OFF
These prices are in effect until the close of business on July 31st, 2008. Our summer specials are still on for Sealand holding tank treatment (64oz. regular $35.69, sale price $25.69) and toilet tissue (buy one, get one free). Come in for details on these products and any other parts and accessories you may need to simplify your camping experience.
Camping Tips
This month's camping tip comes from Susan and Art James, who decided that being able to take the family dog with them in their 5th wheel instead of hunting for cottage rentals that would allow pets would be a much better option for them.
Most campsites have rules that all dogs must be leashed or tied up at all times, and that the owners must clean up after them. To our disappointment, on several camping outings we have seen dogs running loose around the campsites uncontrolled. Thankfully, most owners do abide by the rules, but it's a well known fact, it only takes a few offenders to ruin it for everyone. We have shared our concern with fellow campers who also have seen unleashed, uncontrolled dogs in the campgrounds. My point being, it's not gone unnoticed and in time we fear campgrounds may restrict dog owners to certain areas or perhaps not allow dogs at all. Because of our cottage renting experiences, we consider being able to take our dog on vacation with us a privilege. What a shame if this privilege were to be taken away.
I'm sure that everyone who camps with the family dog does it because they're part of the family, and they want to enjoy their company as part of the camping experience.
To this end, I would ask that all fellow campers join us in following the rules pertaining to leashed dogs in campgrounds.
Campfire Recipes
Tortilla S'mores
Ingredients
Flour tortillas (small round size found in refrigerator section)
Mini marshmallows
Mini Snickers or Minis Milky Way Bars (substitute with candy bar of your choosing)
Aluminum foil
Directions
Take 1 tortilla, put a handful of mini marshmallows and bits of 2 cut up candy bars in the middle of the tortilla shell, fold the end and roll up like a burrito. Wrap in aluminum foil and place on a warm grill or fire embers for about 3 minutes, take off, unroll and enjoy! These are very fun and a unique twist to traditional S'mores.
***Recipe from KOA Campground recipes