Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales
Spring must be here, as nothing is getting done around my home due to the multiple NHL playoff games on TV each night. In all honesty though, the camping season is upon us and the campground reservations are already being pencilled in. Make sure to book yours early for the best sites at your favorite campgrounds. Everyone at Pik-A-Dilly is excited for the upcoming season, we've been busy getting our customers into their new campers, and cleaning up the inventory for those customers eager to get a new camper.
Please remember that I am searching for camping tips, recipes, and stories to share with your fellow readers each and every month. You can forward your experiences, tips, and recipes to me directly at rmain@pikadilly.com. I look forward to reading all of your feedback, until then enjoy this months newsletter.
Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager
I’m sure most of you are quickly planning your summer season, and this note is intended to provide a check list of the “little things” that will require attention to ensure it will be smooth and enjoyable.
Winter, (especially as severe as the one we’ve just experienced), can cause issues that are annoying. Follow these points during your prep for the season. Some are simple and obvious but surprisingly often forgotten. In no particular order:
Check tire pressure. Under inflated tires run hot and will create abnormal wear and shorten the life of the tire. They also require more effort to tow and use more fuel. Conversely, over-inflated tires will provide a rougher ride and prematurely wear in the middle of the tread, shortening tire life. The recommended pressure range is stated on the side of the tire.
Wheel bearings should be checked for proper grease. If the trailer has been stored outside, constant movement in the wind will create spots on the bearings that lack sufficient lubrication and could score the bearing or race that it turns in. If re-packing is required, be sure to use the proper grade of grease to eliminate the chance of melting from heat while braking at high speed. At minimum, we recommend that wheel bearings be checked every other year. (Depending entirely on the number of kilometers pulled).
Be sure that the coach battery is properly charged and ready for the season. If the cell caps are removable, check the fluid level before charging. Distilled water is recommended for re-filling if necessary. Hopefully, you have stored the battery for the winter. If it was left connected to the RV during the winter, chances are it will have run down and froze, and will no longer retain its charge. Unfortunately, if that is the case, it will need to be replaced and doesn’t qualify for warranty if previously frozen. If a new battery is needed, be sure to install a deep cycle battery, which is designed specifically to handle the constant deep drain and recharging cycles of RV use.
If your RV has an aluminum roof it is recommended that the joints be re-sealed at least every second year and certainly checked for cracks annually. With temperature spreads from –40c to +40C, the roof must be able to expand and contract with the weather. With this movement, sealant is prone to cracking in time and no one wants to deal with a roof leak and the resulting damage. Please be sure to use the proper sealant and whatever you do, DON'T USE SILICONE OR TAR!
LP gas appliance orifices and burner tubes should be checked for cleanliness. Spiders and moths really like the smell of LP and occasionally build a nest or web in these areas causing a blockage to the burner. If you are having trouble lighting one of your appliances after normal expected time, be aware. This can have serious consequences. On a rare occasion, a build-up of gas can be enough to cause a fire! This is a repair that should be left to a professional. This warning is simply to alert you, not to create any fear.
Fill your propane tanks prior to the first trip.
A little paint on the hitch and step retains the appearance of your unit and prevents rust.
Check the roof vent covers for cracks. These can get brittle with age and severe weather and will leak in the rain. Nobody needs this problem, so catch it before it causes any additional trouble. Be careful when walking on the roof! It can be slippery and dangerous! This is another of those issues that may be better left to professionals!
Lubricate the hitch coupler, stabilizer jacks and anything else necessary to make the operation smooth. (Especially storage door locks).
Check the operation of all of the exterior lights. Corrosion happens during the winter and some older style lights will need cleaning prior to the first trip to make them operational. Newer, sealed, LCD lighting should be just fine.
Check the safety chains on your travel trailer or camper for condition.
Space dictates that this is not a complete list by any means but hopefully, this will help to make the maiden voyage a little more enjoyable. We would be happy to provide additional information on any of the above and of course we are here to help if professional service is required. Have a great camping season!
Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager
Finally, spring weather. I think everyone was beginning to wonder if winter would ever end.
With the arrival of warmer weather and the disappearance of the snow, we have notice a marked increase in the traffic on our lot. This means the RV’s are moving from our lot quickly. Take heed of the phrase “the RV you look at TODAY but want to think about until TOMORROW - is the one that someone looked at YESTERDAY and will buy TODAY”.
There is a saying that “the family that camps together, stays together”. Currently we have a number of travel trailer and 5th wheel floor plans geared towards family camping. With front bedrooms featuring a queen bed for mom & dad, and a rear bedroom complete with bunks and an entertainment area for the kids, families can camp together in style.
Whether it is seasonal camping or travelling down the road, we have the floor plan and trailer for you. Stop in for a visit with one of our sales professionals today.
Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager
Spring is here, although it may not feel like it just yet. If we can only get rid of some of the water and have a little more heat, things might be a little more convincing.
This month I would like to talk about getting ready for camping. We are running a special on dewinterizing/sanitizing your fresh water system. It is important to flush your system as well as your water heater so that all of the sediments that are in the bottom of the water heater get flushed out. It is a good idea to sanitize your system after winter storage, if it has not been used for a long period of time or if your system has been contaminated. We can do a simple dewinterize/flush which does not take much time to pressure test and flush the water system. In regards to the sanitizing/flush, this takes more time in order to allow the solution to cleanse the complete system. We will also check to ensure that your anode rod is in good condition in Suburban water heaters. The anode rod helps increase the life span of your water heater by allowing the minerals that enter into the water heater through the water to decay the anode rod instead of your water heater, thus increasing the lifespan of your water heater.
Give us a call and book your appointment today.
Parts Department News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager
It's finally here. The time to get your RV out and ready for that first weekend out. Just a few things to tick off your check list before you head out.
Before you head out check to ensure all systems are in proper working order. Flush your water system with Happy Tank (a good product for cleaning the system). Make sure your propane tanks are full. Clean up your battery and make sure it's fully charged.
We can help with all your needs or answer any questions you may have. Give us a call or drop in to see us.
F & I Department News - Garry Taylor - Financial Services Manager
Protecting Your Investment
One of your largest purchasing decisions is the purchase of your next RV. This is a decision that we can give you peace of mind in by offering Life-Disability-Critical Illness insurances.
Disability insurance will take care of your payment while away from work and does not have to be paid back. Once you return to work you continue to make payments on the existing loan. This provides protection for your credit and family.
Please contact my office in order to discuss your options with our insurance policies and to inquire about the cost of these benefits.
Employee Profile - David Hutchison
This month we are pleased to feature the newest member of our sales team – David Hutchison.
David hails from Brandon and is a graduate of Crocus Plains High School and lives with his family in Brandon.
He brings with him a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, a likeable personality and a quiet demeanour that has quickly shown that he will be a strong member of our sales team. His interest in football, hockey, baseball and other team sports has given him a strong team spirit. David possesses a fierce competitive spirit that comes through when he is in the sports arena or going to bat for his customer's rights. Truly someone you want on your side.
He has quickly become very knowledgeable about the products we sell and is always willing to lend a hand with whatever needs to be done. Always willing to help a customer find what they want, not just what is convenient to sell him. David has already found some success in his short sales career, a career we see filled with promise and longevity.
Campfire Recipe
Grilled Veggies
Ingredients;
Green and yellow zucchini
Red and green peppers
Onions, chopped
Citrus marinade
Directions;
Slice green and yellow zucchini, red and green peppers and chopped onions, marinate in citrus marinade, and wrap in tin foil. Then place on the grill and let steam until almost cooked. Open foil and brush marinade on veggies and grill until soft.
May Calendar of Events
May 8-9 - Passport Open House - Pik-A-Dilly showroom and lot
May 15-18 - May Long Weekend - Official kickoff to camping season!!
May 18 - Victoria Day
I am looking to add any of your events to upcoming issues of the newsletter. To submit please send your event to rmain@pikadilly.com with the subject line; calendar of events.