Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales

With sunny skies upon us, and the snow revealing the brown grass beneath it, the early days of spring are finally here. Which brings up the thought and planning of summer vacations, which lake to camp at, what services are needed in your site, and perhaps which new trailer to buy that will provide everything for your family's needs.

With that being said, be sure to visit Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre at the Brandon Home Show from April 9-11 at the Keystone Centre to have a look at our smaller, family oriented units from fold-ups to hybrids and bunk models.

This month's newsletter is centered on the RV Care Network, from why you should deal with an RV Care dealer in the sales department, to why buying from an RV Care dealer keeps money in your pocket and a smile on your face through the parts and service departments. I should also point out, especially since he mentioned the RV industry turning 100 in his article, that our GM Don Main had a recent milestone of his own, turning 60 years old on March 11.  Feel free to stop in and wish him a happy belated birthday!!

As always we have provided a campfire recipe for you to try (a vegetarian option this month), as well as a reminder that we will be switching to longer 'summer hours' as of April 5th. Should you have any questions or comments for any of our departments, please drop us a line or email me at rmain@pikadilly.com. Enjoy the read, we'll see you at the Home Show!!

Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager

Lots of great issues to report this time! As you know, Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre is Western Manitoba’s exclusive member of the RV Care Network – a group of like-minded RV Dealers from across Canada, aligned to provide service 'like family' to our customers while they travel.

Recently, the RV Care Network announced that it had added six locations to serve traveling RV Care customers across Canada. This brings the RV Care service network to a total of 49 locations from coast to coast.

“When people travel in the RV they purchased from an RV Care dealer, any of the other 48 RV Care dealers will be happy to treat them like family when they stop by for help, to stock up on supplies, or just for some local information,” according to the news release.

A map and full list of the RV Care dealers across Canada is available on the RV Care website at www.rvcare.ca.

In addition to RV Care providing added value for customers looking to purchase an RV, the RV Care dealers also have access to a growing list of exclusive partner supplier programs that help save money and provide additional benefits to the dealership, its customers and staff.

The recent earthquake in Haiti motivated the Network in a charitable way. In partnership with one of our supplier partners, Coast Distributing, we arranged to send 50 Kipor portable generators in an assortment of sizes to the organization in charge of Haiti relief. As well, we included portable emergency lighting, fuel tanks and other support material in order to help facilitate the long rebuilding process – just one of the feel-good benefits of a large organization that we are proud to be a part of.

In keeping with our commitment to training, Assistant Manager Ryan Main and accessory store supervisor Shannon Davis have just returned from an industry specific Parts and Accessory Department management upgrade course in Edmonton, AB. You can expect to see the results of the program in our dealership – probably on your next visit. Both report that they were happy with the agenda and feel they “learned a lot” during the training.

Did you know – the RV industry is 100 years old? 1910 was an exciting time for people of that era! Innovative 'horseless' vehicles were embarking on the highways and byways across the country. The lure of the 'open road' had enticed tourists prior to 1910. People traveled to camping spots by horse and wagon, but those trips were restricted by time and distance. A few wealthy excursionists had tent trailers custom built so they could enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort. But in 1910, the adventure on North America’s developing roads began to change as three manufacturers, led by Pierce Arrow, started building motorized campers and the RV industry was born! In 1914 towable tent trailers were introduced and believe it or not – in 1917 the first 5th wheel trailer appeared! More on the industry’s history another time.

I hope everyone is enjoying the break in the weather. Spring can’t be far away!

Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager

Why should you buy from an RV Care Dealer Member?

Peace of mind while you travel - buying from a RV Care Dealer puts you in touch with an association of 49 members, and still growing, who care that you enjoy your RV as much as your selling dealer does.  Whether you are 100 kms or 3000 kms from home, if you were to develop a problem with your RV that would prevent you from using it safely, the closest RV Care dealer will treat you like one of their own, giving you the best possible service and attention.  If you develop a problem that is warranty related while on the road, the RV Care dealerships will work together to ensure that any warranty issues are handled smoothly and you're back on the road quickly to enjoy a safe trip.

The buying power of the group - a group as large as the RV Care Network can negotiate contracts with suppliers that translate into savings for customers on parts, accessories, financing and insurance. You save on the essentials like hitches, towing supplies and accessories you need to travel with your RV as well as the day to day requirements such as toilet paper & chemical.  Many of the products are branded with the RV Care label so you know you are getting the quality and performance you are used to no matter where you are across Canada.

As thousands of RV Care customers across Canada already know, when you purchase your RV from a RV Care dealer you're a customer of not just one but an entire network of friendly, customer-focused RV dealerships across the country. 

The best part - it is completely free!  Any cost to the dealer is more than covered by the savings of volume purchasing and group buying allowing the benefits to be passed on to the customer at no cost.

Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager

Just a brief note this month about the RV Care Network of dealers from a service stand point. We at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre have helped several travelling customers of RV Care dealers get back on the road. These people were treated like family and given the service needed to rectify their problems. We as an RV Care dealer have also contacted dealers in the group to help our customers when they are away from home. RV Care dealers and their customers are considered family among the network of dealers. Welcome to our family, would you like a cup of coffee?

Parts Department News - Shannon Davis - Parts

As an RV care dealer we have access to great discounts through our distributors on parts and accessories. We are able to take advantage of truck load sales which in turn will give you better savings than you could find at any other camping supply store.

It's the buying power of the group. A group as large as the RV Care Network can negotiate contracts with suppliers that translate into savings and better deals for customers on parts and accessories.

In addition, RV Care branded products provide the highest quality available.

So stop in and see us for all your RV Care needs and to see what the latest deal from your RV Care dealer is this week!

Campfire Recipe - Stuffed Potato Feast

This month we present a vegetarian option for those non-carnivores amongst our camping family.  I hope you enjoy!! 

Ingredients
- Potato
- Vegetables (to your choosing)
- Cheese 
- Beans

Directions
- Wrap potato in tin foil
- Grill vegetables
- When potato is cooked, slice it open and hollow half out
- Stuff with beans and cheese and re-cook for 5 minutes in the foil
- Enjoy potato with vegetables

April Calendar of Events

March 29 - April 3 - Royal Manitoba Winter Fair - Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB
April 1 - Farmer's Market Easter Sale - Town Centre 9:30am - 4:00pm
April 2 - Good Friday
April 4 - Easter Sunday
April 9-11 - Brandon Home Show - Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB (F 1-10, Sa 10-10, Su 12-5)
April 22 - Earth Day

Pik-A-Dilly Summer Hours

On April 5th, Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre will return to 'summer hours'. The new hours will be; Monday to Friday from 8am - 6pm, Saturday from 9am - 4pm, and closed on Sunday.