Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales

As I look out my window, contemplating what to write to kick off this month's newsletter, I am forced to wonder what happened to the signs of spring I was looking at yesterday.  Rest assured this snow won't hang around long, as the forecast is predicting warmer temperatures very shortly, and we'll be looking at booking campsites once again.

We just wrapped up our Open House introduction of the new Starcraft Autumn Ridge travel trailers, and had very positive feedback to the new line.  Our thanks to David Josephthal, our Autumn Ridge rep, for spending the weekend with us here and helping to kick off the partnership.  And a big thanks to all those who were able to make it out and make the weekend a success.

On the topic of open houses, we are in the planning stages of another Open House to properly introduce the Passport line by Keystone, to be held in April.  Keep your eyes and ears open for details.

As always, I can be reached with comments or questions at rmain@pikadilly.com.  With that being said, I'm off to spend my lunch hour shovelling this lousy snow.  Enjoy the newsletter and don't spend too much time dwelling on the recent snowfall, it'll be gone before you know it!!

Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager

As I write this, we have passed the official day of spring and I’m optimistic that warmer weather is just around the corner (although you wouldn’t know it today). It has to be close, and that’s an exciting thought for all of us RV’ers!

I can tell you that the Pik-A-Dilly Team is ready for spring! All of the off-season changes we have completed have been dusted off and we’re ready to strut our stuff. We are just putting the finishing touches on the first stage of a revamp in our parts and accessory store, two new product lines have been added to our trailer inventory, new and up-to-date training is behind us, and we’re anxious! Our patience has been tested trying to get new inventory from American manufacturers, but the lot is full and new units are arriving almost daily. We’re here to take care of all your pent up RV demands.

By now you have heard about the Keystone Passport product and the new Starcraft Autumn Ridge travel trailers. The Autumn Ridge units were late arriving and missed our show, but we now have a strong inventory and we featured them at an Open House last Friday and Saturday with great success. If you missed the Open House, you should pop in and have a peek. You’ll love what you see!

Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager

With everyone able to enjoy the odd warm day, nature is telling us we are getting closer and closer to camping season.  It’s time for everyone to assess their camping needs for the coming season. 

Do I have the right camper for me and my family?  Do I have the right tow vehicle for what I have, or plan to purchase?  These are just some of the questions we can answer, and give you the advice to make your camping season safe and enjoyable.  If you have any questions or concerns about your current camper or tow vehicle, check with our sales professionals today and they will get the answers you need.

This spring finds us introducing new products to try and meet the demands of our customers.  March has seen the introduction of the Starcraft Autumn Ridge travel trailers complete with a recently held Open House on March 20th & 21st.

April will see us on display at the Home & Leisure Show April 10, 11 & 12.  We will be concentrating on family camping with the major part of our display dedicated to Coleman folding campers.

Later on in April we will be holding an Open House to introduce the Passport Ultra Lite line of travel trailers built by Keystone RV.  The demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient travel trailers is at an all-time high and the Passport fits the bill.  Family orientated floor plans & easy to tow makes a great combination.  Watch for more details on the Passport Open House coming in April.

Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager

Spring is coming very quickly, whether it feels like it or not.  We are still trying to finish off our winter work and scheduling appointments for all those who purchased units during our annual show and sale. If you purchased a trailer, give us a call to schedule an appointment for demo and pick-up. As time goes on from this point on we are only going to get busier.

If there are any customers out there that have some spring work that they'd like done before the season is upon us, once again please give us a call to book your appointment.

We are currently delivering units as we speak and we don't want to dissappoint anyone by waiting too long to schedule an appointment.  When we have people picking up their new campers, at least it gives us more of an optimistic view, no matter what the weather is. We've had a very cold winter and I am sure you will all agree that we can't wait until the weather warms up.

Parts Department News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager

Protect your investment.

RV theft is on the rise.  We have received many notices from police and RVDA to be on the watch for stolen RV's that may come through our area, as well as units that have been stolen in our area.  RV thiefs are looking for easy to steal units that they can hook on to quickly and quietly and be on the road in minutes with.  The best way to combat these thefts is by securring your unit by way of RV theft protection.

Would be thieves will by-pass your unit should they see that you have a properly installed hitch lock.  We carry locks for all types of trailers.  Give us a call or stop in and see just how easy, yet effective, a hitch lock can be.

Remember - Lock It, or Lose It!!

Supplier's Corner - Ryan Shuff - Passport RV

I would like to take this time to welcome, and introduce Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre as a new Passport RV dealer in 2009.

The Passport Ultra-Lite by Keystone is one of the most popular travel trailers on the market today.  With customer demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient travel trailers at an all-time high, the Passport is sure to favor with families who want to maximize fuel efficiency but still maintain all the conveniences of a well-appointed, feature-packed RV.

We look forward to doing business with the team at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre, and hope that customers enjoy the Passport throughout Brandon and it's surrounding areas. 

Employee Profile - Heather Arthurson 

This month we are profiling our Service Manager, Heather Arthurson.

Many of you will know Heather as a big part of Team Pik-A-Dilly. Heather joined the company as a young lady and began her career as a PDI technician and detail person in 1992. It wasn’t long before she was looking for more responsibility and aggressively pursued a training program to become a licensed technician. Heather is a committed woman and she quickly obtained her RV Gas Fitter and Electrical licenses. She became a very valuable member of the service team and ultimately challenged and was successful in acquiring a “Master” Certified Technician designation – the only female to do so in Canada! Heather is very much an expert in the RV service world!

In December of 2001, Heather was appointed Service Manager and continues to be an outstanding department manager that is very well respected by her customers and her peers. She has completed many industry-training programs and is constantly upgrading her professional skills. She has also been rewarded within the industry. Heather was appointed to the Provincial Trade Advisory Committee and attended meetings in Ottawa, which established the examination process for a Red Seal Technician program sponsored by the Provincial and Federal Governments.

Heather is an accomplished volleyball and softball player and enjoys as much camping time as possible. We are proud to have her as part of our management team. If you haven’t met her, please stop in and introduce yourself. You’ll love dealing with her!

Campfire Recipe

Should your RV not be equipped with a coffee maker, or you forgot yours at home, this info should come in quite handy, especially if you need that cup in the morning to wake up!!

Campfire Coffee To Die For:

Boil four quarts of water in your camping coffee pot.  Add 4 scoops of fine grind coffee and steep for 6 to 7 minutes.  Now add ¼ cup of cold water to cause the grounds to settle to the bottom.

If you like coffee that’s a little stronger just add more scoops.  If you like it weaker add less scoops.

Now there are a few other things you can do to change the taste of your campfire coffee.  You could add some hot chocolate mix, a dab of honey, or a couple of teaspoons of the syrups that you brought with you.

If you are lucky enough to have an actual coffee percolator you don’t have to bother adding the cold water to get the grounds to sink as they are already contained, but you can use all of the other ideas just as you would for traditional camp coffee.

April Calendar of Events

April 5 - Trailer Park Boys - Ricky, Bubbles and Julian - 8PM @ Westman Centennial Auditorium
April 10-12 - Brandon Home and Leisure Show - Keystone Centre - 1PM-10PM Friday, 10AM-10PM Saturday, & Noon-5PM Sunday
April 16-18 - Little Women, the Musical - Presented by Neelin High School - 7:30PM @ Westman Centennial Auditorium with a 2:00 show on the 18th
April 25 - Brandon Highland Festival - Events start at 9AM @ Crocus Plains High School