Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales
With less sunlight for warmth, and the kids back in school, we are getting more and more calls about getting RV's winterized and put away for the winter months that are fast approaching. Not to worry though, there are still a couple more weeks to think camping judging from the forecasts. If you haven't done so already this summer, stop in and check out our remodelled showroom, and while you're here inquire about the few remaining 2008 RV's in stock, and check out the first wave of 2009's.
Inside this issue you'll find tips and savings on everything you need to get your RV ready for winter and for winter storage. There is also another contribution from one of our financial suppliers, SAL Group on loan protection plans. As always there is a new campfire recipe, and some helpful tips for around the campsite. I appreciate your feedback and value your contributions on anything you'd like to see in an upcoming newsletter. I can be reached at rmain@pikadilly.com or give me a call here at the dealership.
And should you have any concern about where to store your RV for the winter, give our service department a call. They have some options available for customers, but act quick as spaces are limited. Until next month, enjoy the newsletter, and keep warm!
Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager
This is a sad time of the year for most RV’ers as well as dealers. RV’s need to have proper care before winter storage. This newsletter will provide all the appropriate information required.
I would like to thank our many customers for their loyalty and trust in our dealership this year. In spite of the season coming to an end soon, I want to remind you that we are here for you year round. If you have a few nagging warranty issues or some service work that you know is needed before next season, now is an excellent time to have it completed. Obviously, there is less pressure on our service department in the fall and wait times are minimal. As well, should you have any insurance work, please contact our service department and schedule accordingly. Depending on the size of the repair, we can arrange pick up and delivery on your behalf.
If you are headed for a warmer climate this winter, now is a great time to trade your unit for something a little more comfortable to live in long term. Why not beat the January price increases?
Remember, we are currently clearing out the few remaining 2008 models. Take advantage of us! We want to be completely clear of all '08 models before the snow flies!
Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager
Although summer is making a good fight to stay around, we all know that fall is close. For many it is trying to squeeze in the last camping weekend or time to get our campers winterized and ready for winter storage while others are making plans for their southern journey to warmer climates to avoid the winter season.
If you are one of the ones whose lifestyle carries you to the warmer climates or to full time RV living, you might want to consider the fully insulated Cameo 5th wheels. With its residential style construction, the Cameo is ideal for comfortable living in our fall temperatures until it is time to head south.
With its “Canadian Edition” package, Cameo provides a comfort second to none. Upgraded furnace, dual pane windows, Astro Foil insulation and full-coach dehumidifier to control interior moisture all combined with a truly luxurious décor package make Cameo a must have for long term RV living.
For those who ‘Buy Canadian’, the Topaz by Triple E is the one. Made right here in Manitoba, they know the weather we deal with and build accordingly. With Triple E’s “thermal break” wall construction and unequalled XL package with the ‘Enclosed, Insulated & Heated’ fresh water and holding tanks, Topaz is ideal for cold weather use.
Topaz interiors are built with a quality that is second-to-none. The glued and screwed cabinetry and features like full extension drawers and solid oak table and chairs, give the Topaz a feeling of comfort and ease of use that we would expect in our own homes.
Cameo and Topaz – built with quality and strength for long term comfortable use. Stop in and see our sales department to get more information on these and any other RV that interests you.
Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager
For this month's newsletter we would like to make sure that everybody is ready for winter, especially when it comes to their RV's. Please remember that the water sytem in your trailer does need to be winterized. I know that there are alot of people out there that use compressed air to clear the water system of their RV. We strongly recommend pumping antifreeze through the system just to make sure that all the water gets pushed out of the water system. You want to be sure that you do not miss any portion of the water system so that you have no problems come spring.
We also recommend the removal of your RV battery and storing it some where warm. A frozen battery is usually a cracked battery, which doesn't do anyone any good.
Another major problem that occurs when storing RV's, is that mice can get inside and make their home in your RV. Keep in mind that mice can get into your RV through very small holes, and can also jump, climb or swim, which helps them access these holes and get inside your RV. Before storing your RV, make a visual inspection around your RV and fill in all visible holes (even the small ones). If it is a bigger hole you can fill it with spray foam, but it is recommended that you place a piece of aluminum or another material that mice cannot chew through. It is said that the best way to keep mice out of your RV is to make it very hard for them to get in and to also not leave anything in the RV that would be of interest if they did get in. It is recommended that the vegetation around your trailer be cut short as mice like tall grass. It is a good idea to set traps in your trailer as well just in case the mice do get in. I copied the following from a web page and it really puts the abilities of mice into perspective.
Mice;
-Can jump from a standing position up to 12 inches from the floor
-Can jump from a running start up to 38 inches
-Can use vertical surfaces as a spring board to gain additional height
-Can jump downward 8 feet to the floor
-Can run up almost any vertical surface, including wood, brick, metal pipes and girders, sheet metal, wire mesh, and cables.
-Can easily run along suspended electric wires and ropes of most common sizes
-Can squeeze through openings slightly more than 1/4 inch in diameter
-Able to travel upside down, clinging to 1/4 inch screen
-Are capable swimmers but tend not to dive below the surface
These are just a few things that you may want to do prior to storing your RV.
If you need any work done, or your RV winterized, please call for an appointment.
Parts Department News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager
COVER IT UP FOR WINTER
The best way to protect your RV this winter is to put on a winter cover (you wouldn't go the whole winter without a coat would you?). This will prevent fading from the sun, as well as prolong the life of roof seals and vents. No matter what type of RV you own, we can get the right size to fit.
We also stock tire shade covers and air conditioner covers (think of them as winter boots and a toque!).
We have many fall savings of up to 20% off.
Call Shannon or Jim for all your winter storage needs.
And don't forget, if you have not yet winterized your water system, we still have specials on anti freeze and water by-pass kits. For these and any of your RV needs call us today.
Supplier's Corner - Barry Skrudland - SAL Group
LOAN PROTECTION PLANS
Component one is Credit Life Protection. This is an "Asset Management Plan". In the event of your death, whether natural or accidental, the loan/lease balance of your RV is paid off. It's just like home mortgage insurance. It ensures that your family (or estate) is not left with RV payments, and may have the uninterrupted use of the RV without having to pay it off.
The second component is Disability protection. This is a "Payment Protection Plan". In the event that you were unable to work due to illness or injury, whether it happened on the job or at home, the payment protection will make your monthly payments for you. This protection will continue until you return to work, and is paid regardless of other income. There is no income tax payable on it. It does not have to be repaid and there are no limits to the number of claims during the life of the agreement. Disability protection also protects your credit rating.
The third component of our loan protection is "Critical Illness" protection. In the event that you were diagnosed with a critical illness (such as a life threatening cancer, heart attack, or a stroke) and you survive for thirty days, the loan/lease balance of your RV is paid off.
With so many people battling diseases such as cancer (and winning), this protection allows you to redirect your money towards your recovery, lifestyle changes, or maybe a vacation.
All three components provide complete credit protection. It's excellent coverage, provides peace of mind and is highly recommended.
For more information on these three components of insurance, please contact Garry Taylor, the financial services manager, at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre.
Camping Tips
Camping tips from the Camping Canada website (part 1)
Before connecting your RV to a campground’s electric box, always test the wiring with a small plug-in tester/monitor. Some electric boxes can have reversed polarity while others can have an open ground and fires can and do result from improper wiring.
To protect your RV appliances, install a surge protector to your unit. You can temporarily attach a surge protector to the park electrical outlet or you can use an inline power line monitor (PLM) that is permanently be installed in your RV's electrical system. PLM's simply turn all power OFF in micro-seconds (to avoid damage) for up to four minutes.
If you will not be using your RV for any length of time, disconnect the battery. Your RV may have many systems that draw a small amount of current all the time. Things like your propane leak detector, tank monitors or digital clocks will draw enough current to drain your battery if you are not plugged in.
In some parks, water pressure surges to an excess of 100 psi. Place the water pressure regulator, at the tap end of the hose (ie. at the park connection) to reduce the water pressure to 45 psi, the recommended level for RV plumbing.
Never use a green garden hose to connect your RV to park water. This is a dangerous practice because these hoses are not insulated – the heat generated from the sun creates a perfect atmosphere to grow bacteria.
Always use an outside sediment water filter on any water source. You won't believe what you'll find when you clean it out!
Campfire Recipes
ANGELS ON HORSEBACK
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of hot dogs
- 12oz. uncooked bacon
- Sliced cheese
- Toothpicks
- Campfire skewers (with long handles)
Directions:
Split the hot dog without going all the way through. Tear strips of cheese and tuck into the slit. Wrap the entire hot dog with a slice of bacon and fasten with toothpicks. Roast over open flame or hot coals until bacon is crispy-tender and hot dog is heated through.
***Recipe from Chuck Wagon Diner website.
October Calendar of Events
October 5 - CIBC Run For the Cure - Riverbank Discovery Centre - For information call 728-4517
October 7-9 - Rembrandt at the Evans Theatre - by Mecca Productions - Brandon University 7:30PM
October 13 - Thanksgiving
October 31 - Halloween