Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales

The late summer rush of warm weather appears to be over, and it would appear that fall is here.  The kids are all back in school, hockey tryouts are ongoing, and the winterizing phone calls have started to pour in.  It looks like the 2009 camping season is officially ending, however, for those thinking of a new unit for 2010, we have some great deals on remaining 2009 inventory as well as a select few hail units remaining.  Make your deal today and save thousands over waiting until spring!!  As always, we are fully staffed to serve your fall camping needs, be it for those last few trips out, or for help with winterizing and storage supplies.  Give us a call and let us get you prepared for winter.  Enjoy this month's newsletter, and if you are thinking of taking another few trips, it's this time of year that prompts manufacturers to put furnaces in units!!

Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager

It would appear that our summers' end may be in sight, although we can't really complain about the weather we've had so far this fall.  It is now time to properly winterize your RV and get it ready for winter storage, so it is ready for camping next spring or, for some, to change to a new travel trailer or 5th wheel.

With the changing of season’s, customers requests for travel trailers and 5th wheels also change.  Although some still look for the fall specials on year end inventory, many are looking for something to use as a winter home in warmer climates.  We currently have a good selection of larger travel trailers and 5th wheels that will be suitable for anyone wanting to winter down south.  We have a couple of 33'-35’ Autumn Ridge and Springdale travel trailers left that received some hail damage in August.  For those not bothered by the cosmetic dents in the aluminum, there are huge savings still to be had. 

For customers looking for higher quality, the Cameo and Topaz 5th wheels will be more suitable.  Both are designed for comfort and luxury during a long stay, and are insulated to extend your stay in cooler climates.

For those interested in saving some money and making a change for next springs' camping season, we still have a selection of 2009 travel trailers and 5th wheels that have to go to make room for the 2010 models.

Prepare for your trip south for warmer weather or be ready for an early start to next season’s camping. 

It is an El Nino year so hopefully we will see a mild winter and an early start to camping come spring.

Storing and Winterizing Your RV - Don Main (GM)/Heather Arthurson - Service Manager

There are always pros and cons involved with everything that goes on in life. And keeping in that frame of mind here are some pros and cons in reference to the storage and winterizing of one's RV.

In reference to storage, here are some steps that should be followed. All of these steps may not be related to your particular RV. RV’s are built to be outside, so storing yours won’t create any significant harm. It is, however, nice to be able to store inside where possible. In any case, the following steps should be taken:

• 1) Clean the interior of your RV 
  * Remove any stains (easier to do when fresh)
  * Clean cabinets of perishable goods or any items that can cause odors
  * Clean and defrost the fridge - insert a box of baking soda and prop the doors open
  * Make sure windows and roof vents are closed
  * Close blinds/shades to prevent interior sun fading
• 2) Wash and clean the exterior of your RV
  * Inspect all seams and seals around any attachments on the exterior of your coach (repair any damages found)
  * Lubricate all door locks and hinges
• 3) Turn off valves for the propane tanks/cylinders
• 4) Winterize your water system - drain/clean holding/fresh water tanks & drain water heater - pump antifreeze through water lines (use non-toxic RV antifreeze) and pour down the traps as well
• 5) Check fluid levels of battery - make sure the battery is charged. It is best if the battery is removed from the RV over the winter months as there are small battery drains that occur in every coach.  Once the battery drops in voltage it can freeze and crack. With the battery removed, it is still recommended that a charger be placed on the battery at least once a month.  **** Note **** If you need to move your RV to a storage location, the battery needs to remain in the RV until it is parked. The break-away switch in your coach needs that battery to operate. Please note that frozen batteries are not covered under warranty
• 6) Mouse-proof your RV - fill any holes under your RV where mice can enter. Do not store in long grass or in a storage facility where grain is stored. This provides more than ample opportunity for mice to work their way inside during the winter months

To Cover or Not to Cover?

If you are planning to cover your RV, then one needs to be aware of the pros & cons:

• 1) Some covers are better than others because they allow for evaporation of moisture
• 2) We recommend that you not use a tarp to cover your RV (plastic or canvas). Tarps trap moisture, and will rub on the corners of the RV in the wind, causing wear marks as they are too abrasive. There are special covers designed for the job and although a little more money, the only type of cover we recommend
• 3) A cover will keep the elements away from your RV (snow, water, leaves, branches, bird droppings, etc.). All-weather covers “breathe” allowing air circulation
• 4) Make sure before you cover your RV that it is clean and dry, this will help with mildew underneath
• 5) At minimum, we recommend covering the air conditioner (special covers are available to fit the brand of A/C on your unit) and if your tires are constantly exposed to the sun, they should be covered to protect from the ultra violet rays which will eventually crack the sidewalls of the tires

Whether to cover or not to cover your RV is a personal choice, but please be aware of the issues involved.

Ask us about covers to fit your RV. Some may have to be special ordered. We have a good supply of tire covers and air conditioner covers in stock.

Also: remember to winterize your water system. Water Freezes! And you don’t want to deal with the consequences! Should you have any questions about these matters, please call us at 728-8570 or parts/service at 728-2015.

Parts News - Jim Bridger - Parts Manager

Summer is all but gone, but this great fall weather has had many getting away a few more times before putting their RV to bed for the winter.

When it's time for you to winterize, be sure to use a proven brand of anti-freeze. We carry only brand name products that we know work properly. We also carry a full line of winter covers for air conditoners, as well as tire shades to keep your tires from being exposed to the winter sun. For the best cover-up, we have full-size RV covers to fit any size RV.
 
Remember to store your RV battery properly for winter. It should be fully charged and then taken in for winter. If it must stay in the unit, disconnect it, and keep a charge on it during the winter months.

Give us a call for any of your winterization needs or questions.

Campfire Recipe

Campfire Coffee

I figured that this campfire recipe may come in handy at this time of year, especially with the dew covering the ground first thing most mornings now. Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
1 pot of water
1 fresh ground coffee package

Directions:
Bring water to boil
Add fresh ground coffee
Immediately remove from fire
Fill your cup and enjoy

Makes 12 servings

October Calendar of Events

October 8-10 - 12th Annual Bandjam for Cancer - North 40, beginning at 8:00pm
October 31 - Halloween

All month long watch for Farmer's Markets at the Riverbank Discovery Centre and the Shopper's Mall