Intro/Letter From the Editor - Ryan Main - Sales

The sun is shining and the grass is starting to turn green again.  This must mean we're approaching the May Long Weekend, or the unofficial kick-off to camping season.  If you're a camper who likes to be out to start the season on the long weekend, don't wait any longer if you need work done to be ready.

In this month's newsletter, be sure to check out the parts article featuring two must have items for any camper, young and old alike.  You may also be inclined to sample this month's campfire recipe of Orange Half Muffins.  As always you can get ahold of us here by dropping me an email at rmain@pikadilly.com with any questions or comments you may have.

Dealership News - Don Main - General Manager

Get to know our employees:

I’m sure most of you know our sales manager, Dave Shepherd. Dave has been a fixture at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre for 29 years. He began his career here immediately following graduation from Brandon University, first as a salesman until he ultimately, about 15 years ago, became our sales manager. Dave has been a major contributor to the company’s success.

What you probably don’t know about Dave is that he has been very active within the community, especially in the sport of curling. Not only is Dave a good curler, he has become a fine administrator within the sport. Dave was president of the Wheat City Curling Club for the past 10 years. Unfortunately, due to a loss of a lease agreement, the Wheat City Curling Club was recently forced to close it's doors. Dave poured his heart and soul into the club for the last 25 years and with a great deal of sadness, held the broom for Shirley Bray (one of the club’s longest standing members) while she threw the final stone during the closing ceremony.

Dave was recognized on the last day of club operations as a recipient of the Curl Manitoba Volunteer Award – a very prestigious award within the curling fraternity!

Further to his Wheat City Curling Club chores, Dave spent several years as a member of the Brandon Men’s Bonspiel committee. On top of that, he has volunteered for many National and International curling events.

The entire team at Pik-A-Dilly is proud of Dave and his accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating him on his volunteer activity and the awards he has won.

Sales Department News - Dave Shepherd - Sales Manager

Judging by the activity in retail RV sales, and production from RV manufacturers, the economic problems are over.  Coming off one of the most successful indoor shows we have had in the last 15 years this past February, the upbeat trend continues.  Sales are great and with an early start to spring, camping is not far away. In fact, for some it has already started.

The increased retail activity has manufacturers with sales orders 8 to 10 weeks out.  Most of the transport companies have a 3 week backlog.  What this tells us is for those wanting to get camping, don’t wait – get ready now!!!  Whether it is purchasing a new camper, picking up the new one you bought over the winter or getting your current RV ready for the season, those who wait until the last minute will be missing part of their camping season.

If you are in the market for a change, check with our sales staff.  We have been building up our inventory in preparation for the spring rush and have many models in stock and many more in the order bank.  For those wanting a floorplan not immediately available, we have a great working relationship with a number of other dealers and are often able to source out the floorplan you want.  Once again, the longer you wait to buy – the longer you wait to get camping.

Service Department News - Heather Arthurson - Service Manager

This month I would like to talk about getting your gas system checked. It is important to have your system checked for several reasons.

1) Proper operating pressure is vital for your appliances to operate properly
- insufficeint pressure can cause the burner heads in your furnace to burn through as well
- it can also cause sooting (black marking) which can be noticed on the outside of your trailer above your water heater
- appliances can also fail due to insufficient pressure because the regulator is unable to keep up with the demand placed upon it

2) Clean/check your appliances
- DSI model water heaters need to be checked because bugs love to make nests in and around appliances with the propane scent on them and when that heater is turned on for the first time in a season it can cause problems with backflashing (having the appliance light to the blockage, then reverse back to the appliance itself) 

*** with DSI water heaters it is common that they do not receive the attention they need because one does not necessarily have to look at the appliance to get it lit - all they have to do is push the button - unlike the pilot model heater where you have to go to the heater and light it outside one can actually see the condition of the gas controls

3) Oil in the propane lines
-Completing a propane test can also show indications of oil in your lines. This can cause problems as the temperatures get colder because the oil can congeal, not allowing the propane to pass through the line.

There are so many things that can go wrong when your gas sytem/appliances are not maintained. It is a good idea to start your camping season on a clean note to avoid preventable problems during the camping season.

Parts Department News - Shannon Davis - Parts

Well, I think we are finally over the cold weather and it is time to think about some fun in the sun.
Let me introduce you to two new items for this summer.

Ladder golf is the new rage in outdoor games. Great for the whole family, and we have them in stock.

They regularly retail for $110.76, but our price is $83.07.

We are also bringing in the Port-A-Fire. It is a propane-fuelled, portable campfire. The Port-A-Fire is a safe and convenient way to enjoy a fire wherever you go even while fire bans are in effect.

It is a smokeless and spark-free fire to be enjoyed anytime.

Drop on by and check out these and many other fun camping ideas in our parts department today!

Finance Department News - Pat Watson - F & I

There are many benefits to financing through your dealer.

• Your home and assets are not used as security
• Leave your line of credit open for other opportunities
• Purchase without using your retirement fund
• Best financial rates and terms available
• Flexible payment options
• Ammortize up to 20 years
• No penalty for paying loan off early
• Able to make extra payments that go directly to pinciple

Call or come in today to receive a payment quote for worry-free purchasing. A credit application takes just minutes to complete!

Campfire Recipe - Orange Half Muffins

Ingredients:
Oranges
Instant muffin mix
Tin foil

Directions:
Cut an orange in half and take out the insides
Put prepared muffin mix in one half of the orange
Put the other half back on the orange and wrap foil around the whole thing
Put in hot coals or off the side or on a rack to bake the muffin inside of the orange shell

May Calendar of Events

May 9 - Mother's Day - Gentlemen, may I suggest you make sure the mother, or special woman in your life gets spoiled today (remember that father's day is next month)
May 24 - Victoria Day/May Long Weekend - The unofficial kick-off to camping season