Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales
As October slowly creeps into November, the snowbirds are anxiously packing their belongings to head south for another winter in warmer pastures. Some may be envious of the thought of having year-round warm weather, but others will be just as happy at the rink (curling, hockey, figure skating), on the sled snowmobiling, on the skis (cross-country, downhill) or snowboards, or building snow forts and snowmen with the kids. For those heading south this season, we have tips and specials from all departments, as we have focussed this month on the snowbird.
As always, I appreciate your feedback, comments, questions and suggestions, be it good, bad, or indifferent. I can be reached at rmain@pikadilly.com. Enjoy the read and remember that our fall clear-out is on now!!
Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager
Tips for Snowbirds:
Snowbird season is upon us. For those unfamiliar, the term “snowbirds” refers to Canadians and northern United States residents that spend all or some of their winter in the warmer climate of the Southern US. Those fortunate, typically spend on average, three of the coldest months of winter in Texas, Arizona, Florida, etc. Today, I would like to offer some things to think about (especially if you are a first timer) when planning your winter vacation. We are aware of most regulations, but since changes occur frequently, this is simply a checklist to get you thinking. If you are unsure of rules and regulations, please inquire at the proper authorities.
Most of this is common sense, but with so much to prepare, often the simplest things get overlooked, so please bear with me.
In no particular order:
-Be sure you have a sight booked for your arrival.
-Make friends and family aware of your plans.
-Plan your route carefully. There is a shortage of overnight sights available in the northern US after freeze-up. Depending on the type of RV you own, you may have to spend the first few nights in a hotel.
-If you are a first timer, you may want to move around a little and get to know more than one area. Spend some time exploring to determine where you want to spend a long-term stay in future.
-If you are a CAA member, you may want to pick up free maps and tour books prior to departure. CAA will also create a “Trip-Tik” which maps your route and provides points of interest, etc. Remember that your CAA card is welcomed at retailers and tourist attractions for discounts wherever the AAA card is accepted.
-Think about how you will pay monthly bills. (On-line, have a family member look after them in your absence, have them forwarded to you, etc.)
-Make arrangements to have mail picked up or forwarded and stop your newspaper subscription. A full mailbox is like a neon sign – alerting would-be thieves that there is no one at home!
-Purchase travel accident and health insurance. The cost of health care in the US is exorbitant!
-There are restrictions on health insurance related to coverage for an ailment for which you have recently started treatment or medication. Check with your provider!
-There is a limit to how long you can live in the US without a visa – 180 days at last check. You may have to return to Canada once during the winter – depending on how long you plan to be away. Also, some insurance issues arise as a result of long-term stay. Check your coverage as well as your Manitoba Health coverage.
-Consider how you will communicate with family while away. Cell phone costs are very high when using out of country plans. Roaming charges can eat you up!
-Arrange to have your house checked regularly. If the heat goes out in extreme cold – well, I don’t have to remind you about the potential damage!
-Leaving your house empty for an extended period can be an issue for your insurance company. Check with your agent!
-Have your sidewalk and driveway cleaned after each snowfall to give your home a lived-in look.
-Ask a neighbour to park frequently in your driveway, again, to provide a lived-in look. Have the garbage bins taken to the curb on occasion if applicable.
-Be sure you take your passport with you. Renew it prior to your trip if it expires during your absence.
-If you are on regular medication, be sure to take enough with you to get through the time away. If this isn’t possible, make necessary arrangements! Check with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider regarding your RV:
-Have you had the wheel bearings checked? Brakes working properly?
-Are all appliances in proper working order?
-Are any adjustments required?
-Are you prepared to winterize if you are returning during cold weather? (Be sure to blow out the pressure water inlet).
-Check the spare tire for air pressure.
-Have the tow vehicle serviced.
This is a small checklist to get you thinking. Obviously, there can be lots more. If you have experienced friends, why not invite them for coffee and ask for their input if this is your first “snowbird” trip. Our staff at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre is also here to help. Please feel free to call.
Enjoy your winter. We’ll be envious!
Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager
As we creep closer to the colder months, snowbirds are starting to make plans for the trip south.
For those considering a change in the RV they take south, the 2008 Topaz FS290RK deserves a good look. The rear kitchen/centre living room floor plan provides ample space for long term stays. The dual Euro recliner chairs make for comfortable lounging to watch a favorite TV show or a movie on the built in 27” TV with a complete home theatre system. The bedroom comes with a slide allowing for a full size queen bed and enough wardrobe and drawer space for the long winter stay.
Topaz’s enclosed, heated and insulated fresh water and holding tanks provide extended stays in the cooler climates and the 'thermal break' wall construction and thermal pane windows ensure the coach will stay warm in cooler climates and cool in hotter climates. Built on a durable frame and axle combined with the 16” radial tires make it a dream to tow even on the longest of trips.
Topaz’s reputation for quality construction and interior comfort will make any stay a pleasant one.
If a change is in your plans for this winter, check out the Topaz FS290RK.
Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager
In this month's newsletter, I would like to mention some ideas to all of our snowbird friends. When heading down south the last thing anyone wants to deal with is problems on the road or when you are parked. You might want to consider having some things checked before you head out on the road.
- have your RV's propane system checked out
- make sure the suspension and wheel bearings on your RV are ready for that long haul
- have your appliances checked to ensure everything is in tip top shape
- check all the sealants around your RV (sidewalls, front and rear and the roof of your RV) so that you won't have any problems with water leaking
- check the water system on your RV as well, again you don't want to deal with leaking water
There are so many different things on an RV that the list could be endless as to what should be looked at. If you are having any doubts about a certain item on your RV, let us ease your mind, we can check it out for you.
I would like to mention again that Dometic has a fridge recall in effect, and if your fridge is one of them, we strongly recommend that you get the recall completed before you go. The recall does not normally take that long to do (1/2 to 3/4 of an hour). If you would like to stop in on your way down south, let us know, and we will gladly complete the recall before you get started south. Peace of mind is everything.
Parts Department News - Shannon Davis - Parts
Well, it is that time of year again. The leaves have fallen, the weather is turning cold, frost covers the ground, and the snowbirds take flight.
So in honor of all of our Pik-A-Dilly snowbirds we thought you could take advantage of our 'Snowbird Package' to help start your journey;
- 2 packages of dissolving toilet tissue (regular $3.40 each)
- 1 32oz. bottle of holding tank treatment (regular $7.63)
- A 10ft. heavy duty drain hose (regular $28.95)
- 2 x 1 gal. jugs of RV anti-freeze (regular $5.99 each)
These items would regularly sell for $55.36, but you can pick them up now in the 'Snowbird Package' for the limited time price of only $44.29.
We also have the following items on for 20% off for a limited time;
- Slide Toppers (20% off all sizes)
- 80 Watt solar panel w. 22 amp regulator (regular $1095, buy today for $876)
- Winegard roof satellite mount w. digital sensor (regular $526.68, but today for $421.35)
Have fun!! Stay warm (we are envious), and fly away little birdies!! We'll see you in the spring!
F & I Department News - Garry Taylor - Financial Services Manager
Just a reminder to all of you heading south for the upcoming winter who may not have purchased an Extended Service Contract at the time of your RV purchase. It is not too late, you still have time and the option to purchase an Extended Service Contract on your new or used RV.
An Extended Service Contract is like a "Mechanical Service Plan". It allows you to pre-pay future repairs 4 to 7 years from now in today's dollars. It provides repair cost protection for all the mechanical & electrical components of your RV.
Benefits of Extended Service Contracts
* Repair cost protection for the mechanical, electrical & computerized components of your RV
* Complete road-side assistance programs
* Service available at dealerships across Canada & the United States
* Providing protection against future rising repair costs
* Unlimited claims permitted-cannot be cancelled
For more information/questions you may have or pricing please contact me at 728-8570.
Supplier's Corner - Bob Douglas - Cameo by Carriage
We at Carriage are excited to have our line represented exclusively in Manitoba by Pik-A-Dilly RV in Brandon. Their long-standing reputation makes them a perfect addition to the network of nearly 150 Carriage dealers stretching across Canada and the USA. Carriage has been well received in Western Canada; in fact it has become one of the strongest market regions in all of North America. I believe there are a number of reasons for that success:
First is the selection of the highest quality dealers like Pik-A-Dilly RV combined with the fact that Carriage has led the industry in innovation. We are proud to build over 80% of the entire content of every Carriage coach in the 13 buildings on 60 acres of our manufacturing facility. From the full box steel chassis built in our own shop to full box aluminum wall structure with every opening individually framed, to hand-made 100% solid hardwood cabinetry with 14 ball-bearing full extension drawers to hand-made furniture and Corian counter tops, every Carriage is a hand-built top-line coach. Where a mass production company can assemble a fifth-wheel in as little as 2 days, it takes us 3 weeks to build the components, and a full production week to put a Cameo together. From the industry's first 5 slide-out fifth-wheel in 2003, to the new 2009 full-wall slide Cameo 36FWS with a left side slide-out nearly the full length of the coach these coaches are something you really have to see.
Another major reason is our severe weather capability. In 2008 we introduced the Canadian Edition package which was put together between Carriage and our Western Canadian dealers to specifically meet the requirements of our owners here in Canada. It is available only to Carriage dealers in Canada and includes the 13 engineering changes that are required to comply with CSA Canadian built standards plus GL20 dual pane windows, reversible heat pump, 40,000 BTU high output furnace, and Astrofoil insulation in all walls, end caps and ceiling together with the Owens Corning Fiberglas insulation glued in place, to accomplish R15 in the walls, R25 in the ceiling and end caps, and R24 in the floors. Combine that with the fact Cameo is the only coach to offer dual floor construction with a true basement insulated top and bottom, and a built-in fully microprocessor controlled Carrier climate control system including a full coach dehumidifier, and you have a severe weather package unmatched in the industry. This combination of naturally breathable walls and attic (no forced air ventilation required), individual hand craftsmanship, and attention to detail make Carriage a true residential coach that is engineered, built and warrantied for full time use for 2 years bumper-bumper, 5 year structural with no exclusions whatsoever for full time use. whether it is the cold of a Canadian winter or the heat of the Arizona Desert with nearly 4 out of 5 Carriage owners living in their coaches all or part of the year, Carriage is the choice of residential fifth-wheel owners across North America. As Carriage celebrates our 40th Anniversary this year, and Pik-A-Dilly RV celebrates their 46th, we invite you to drop by to see just how much of a home your fifth-wheel can be.
Employee Profile - Shannon Davis
We are pleased to introduce to you this month – Shannon Davis of our Parts Department.
Shannon has spent the better part of her life living here in Brandon and continues to make her home in the city she's come to call home.
She arrived at Pik-A-Dilly in May 2005 after many years as a Customer Support Representative for Scotiabank. Her willingness and desire to learn has given her a great knowledge of the parts and accessories available and needed for today’s RV lifestyle. Her helpful attitude and quick smile makes a visit to our parts department fun and enjoyable. She is always willing to ‘go the extra mile’ to help a customer and ensure they get what they need or find what they want.
Shannon’s experience working to keep bank customers happy coupled with a desire to ensure everyone’s experience with Pik-A-Dilly is a happy and positive one have made Shannon a great asset to our parts department.
Campfire Recipe
Early Bird's Nest
Ingredients:
-Eggs
-Sliced Bread (white or wheat)
-Bacon Bits
-Salt and Pepper
-Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray
Directions:
Heat skillet over fire/grill, spray with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Tear the center out of the bread, set in skillet and toast until brown. Crack 1 egg into the center (hole) of the bread. Cook until egg is firm. Top with bacon bits. Add salt and pepper to taste. A simple recipe that even the kids can make on their own.
November Calendar of Events
October 25/26 - BIG ONE Craft Sale - Keystone Centre - 10-6 on Saturday, 10-5 on Sunday - Admission $3, under 12 free
November 15 - Santa Parade - Same route as last year - For information or to enter a float go to www.brandonsantaparade.ca