10 Things I’ve Learned About RVs on the Job!

Before starting my internship at Pete’s RV Center, I had little to no RV knowledge. Although my family members own RVs, I was still very unfamiliar with them. However, through my experience as a marketing intern at Pete’s, I have learned a ton.

  1. There are many different RV types
    Before working with RVs, I used to think that there were only standard fifth wheel trailers or motor homes. Well, I was wrong. There are fifth wheels, motor homes (Class A/B/C), expandable trailers, teardrop campers, toy haulers, and even truck campers!
  2. RVs can feel like a small home
    RVs may vary by shape, size, and style; however, most of them feel like a small apartment. Many RVs include fireplaces, cozy sofas and recliners, and some even have bunkhouses.
  3. How to jump-start an RV battery
    Learning how to jump-start an RV battery was a life skill I didn’t know I needed. It turns out, it is very similar to jump-starting a car— which I had to learn this winter. Thankfully, Pete’s RV Center had me prepared!
  4. There is a lot of storage space
    While it may seem like there is little space in an RV, there are many compartments and hidden storage areas. RVs are strategically designed to make the most out of every space. 
  5. RV shows are very popular
    During the RV season, there is a show almost every weekend. Since January, Pete’s RV Center has attended 9 RV shows! Typically held at convention centers, hundreds of RVs are brought out and displayed.
  6. You can accessorize your RV
    In the parts and service department at Pete’s RV Center, there are a variety of add-ons available to enhance your RV experience.
  7. RV manufacturers have several different makes and models
    Learning RV brands and their makes and models was definitely a learning curve at first, but I would now consider myself knowledgeable. Cherokee Wolf Den, Grey Wolf, Alpha Wolf, and Wolf Pup are just a few of Forest River’s models.
  8. RV winterization
    While working at the dealership during the peak of winter, I learned that all RVs should be winterized. It is important to use RV antifreeze to prevent freezing and damage to the plumbing. 
  9. RVs can have built-in outdoor kitchens and entertainment
    Typically found in fifth wheels and travel trailers, RVs can have miniature refrigerators, sinks, and even TVs in exterior compartments. This setup is perfect for outdoor entertainment!
  10. There is an RV for everyone
    New or used, there is an RV out there for everyone. Whether it has modern features, a family-friendly layout, or space for solo travel, you are almost guaranteed to find one that suits your lifestyle best.

Pete’s RV Achieves Success During New England Winter RV Show Season

Burlington, Vermont – Pete’s RV Center is pleased to announce the success of the 2026 winter RV promoter show season in New England. Despite facing periods of poor weather, the company reported experiencing a marked increase in attendance this year, accompanied by strong buying intent from customers.

Aerial view of the 2026 Boston RV Show showcasing numerous RVs for sale, with a group of staff in yellow shirts posing in front of a promotional booth for Pete's RV Center.

Co-owner Chad Shepard commented, “Despite the weather challenges, we saw a significant uptick in attendance and a positive increase in sales this year during the winter New England RV show season.”

Chad Shepard further expressed appreciation for the team’s efforts, stating, “A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff for their hard work and commitment to customer service. Their expertise and enthusiasm played a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that made show season a success.”

About Pete’s RV Center
Pete’s RV Center is a premier provider of recreational vehicles in New England, committed to delivering exceptional service and a diverse selection of high-quality RVs.

Pete’s RV Center Highly-Anticipated Opening in Maine Happening this Spring

Pete’s RV Center is planning to open in Saco, Maine this spring. The Maine dealership will be the dealership group’s ninth location, and is going to offer sales, a parts and accessories store, and service center with multiple bays.

Pete’s RV Center – Maine is set to carry a wide variety of travel trailer, fifth wheel, and motorhome brands, including Jayco’s full lineup, Brinkley, nuCamp, and Modern Buggy.

Surrounded by hundreds of iconic destinations for Maine RVers, Saco is just four miles from Old Orchard Beach, minutes from the popular Bayley’s Camping Resort, and only twenty minutes from historic downtown Portland.

“Maine is called ‘Vacationland’ for a reason.  We’re thrilled to get the opportunity to become a community fixture in the Saco and greater Portland area, plus be surrounded by amazing campgrounds, beaches, and national parks,” remarked Pete’s RV co-owner Chad Shepard.

Along with the flagship store in Vermont, Pete’s RV Center has dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Virginia.

For upcoming Pete’s RV Center – Maine news, events, and inventory, check out our website today!

Check out our 2026 RV shows and events!

Graphic promoting Pete's RV Center 2026 Tour with bold red and blue text on a yellow background.

RV and Camping shows:

January 8-11: South Bend RV Show, South Bend IN

January 9-11: Chicago RV Show, Schaumburg, IL

January 9-11, 16-18: Pittsburgh RV Show, Pittsburgh PA

January 16-19: Tidewater RV Show, Virginia Beach VA

January 16-19: Boston RV Show, Boston MA

January 30- Feb 1: Northeast RV & Camping Show, Hartford CT

February 13-16: Springfield RV Show, Springfield MA

February 20-22: Manchester RV Show, Bedford NH

February 20-22: Providence RV Show, Providence RI

February 25- March 1: Vermont RV Show, Essex Junction VT

February 26- March 1:Harrisburg RV Show, Harrisburg PA

February 26- March 1:Harrisburg RV Show KRV, Harrisburg PA

Febuary 27th – March 1 : Richmond RV Show, Richmond VA

March 13-15: Hampton RV Show, Hampton VA

March 13-15: Mohegan Sun RV Show, Uncasvile CT

March 13-15: New Hampshire Domes RV Show, Milford NH

March 20-22: York RV Show, York PA

April 11-12: Vacationland RV & Camping Show, Auburn ME

September 16-20: Hershey RV Show, Hershey PA


10 Things I’ve learned about RV’s on the job!

Before starting at Pete’s, my RV knowledge was limited to towable and drivable, big ones and small ones. It took a little bit to feel confident and comfortable naming, identifying, and knowing what each RV was, but me 6 months ago would be shocked to know all that I know now!

1. There are more types of RV’s than I thought

I used to think of RV’s as trailers or drivable, but now I know it is so much more than that! There are: Fifth wheels, Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Motorhomes ( Class A, B, C ), Teardrop, Pop-ups, Expandable, Truck Camper

    2. You can boondocks your RV

    I always thought your RV was limited to the campsite, but with proper preparations and planning, you can go virtually anywhere you can park the camper!

    3. There is the perfect RV for everyone

    Whether you’re looking for something for the whole extended family to fit in, or something for your solo adventure, there is an RV type for you.

    4. RV’s can be luxurious 

    Some of the new, and older RV’s are like luxury apartments! They have the newest and best looking features and tech, you can take the feeling of home wherever you go!

    5. RV’s have as many makes and models as cars

    Every day when we have a trade in come in, I discover a new brand of RV and model! It’s hard to keep up with it all, but it keeps it interesting!

    6. RV culture is very popular

    All it took was seeing Hershey 2025 in person to realize just how big the RV community really is! 

    7. How to jumpstart a battery

    While I’ve been very lucky to never have to jumpstart a car battery, I now feel confident after getting all the practice in with RV’s!

    8. You have to winterize your RV

    If you don’t travel south for the winter, it’s very important to your RV’s health and function that you get it winterized every year! 

    9. RV’ing has been around for over a hundred years

    The first RV dates back to the late 1800’s! That’s several generations of camping and family exploration and adventure.

    10. My favorite kind of RV

    With all of my newfound knowledge of RV’s, I can confidently say I am a big fan of the truck camper- its perfect for camping and optimal space, while providing the luxury of a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom! 

    Pete’s RV Achieves Record Sales at the 2025 America’s Largest RV Show

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Pete’s RV Center Achieves Record Sales at the 2025 America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA

    The Pete's RV and Keystone RV Center winning team at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA

    Hershey, PA – November 1, 2025 – Despite slightly lower attendance at this year’s America’s Largest RV Show, Pete’s RV Center emerged triumphant with record sales of No Boundaries, nuCamp, Seismic, and Jay Flight SLX recreational vehicles.

    As one of the leading dealerships in the region, Pete’s RV Center (Keystone RV Center is part of the dealer group and also represented at Hershey) reported a remarkable increase in sales figures compared to previous years. The dealership showcased its extensive inventory and innovative models, attracting discerning customers eager to explore new horizons in RV travel.

    “Our success underscores our commitment to providing high-quality recreational vehicles and exceptional customer service,” said Chad Shepard, co-owner of Pete’s RV Center. “While attendance may have been lower than previous years, our dedicated team engaged effectively with potential buyers, fostering meaningful connections and understanding their needs.”

    The 2025 RV Show served as a significant opportunity for Pete’s RV Center to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for RV enthusiasts. The dealership looks forward to continuing this momentum as it embarks on 2026.

    Pete’s RV Center is an exceptional dealership group serving the United States and Canada since 1952. With multiple locations, Pete’s RV provides sales, service, parts, accessories, and education to their community of RVers all across North America.

    Pete’s RV Racks Up Jayco Top Dealer Awards

    Announced during the awards dinner at Jayco, Inc’s annual Dealer Homecoming (this year in Grapevine, TX), Pete’s RV Center retained their top ten retailer status for the model year 2025.

    Group of individuals posing on stage during an awards ceremony, celebrating Pete's RV Center's achievements in the RV industry, with an award trophy displayed in the foreground.

    Pete’s RV Center was recognized as the number two and number seven volume retailer in the category of Top Ten Towables (Single Locations: South Windsor, CT and Mountville, PA). They also placed number two and number nine in the category of Top Ten Motorized (Single Locations: Also Mountville and South Windsor).

    “I am so proud of these accomplishments, and the hard work put forth by every employee under the Pete’s RV dealer group…We’re up on that stage because of them”, reflected co-owner Chad Shepard.  “We are also grateful for our partnership with Jayco, and embrace their ‘better, not different’ philosophy for achieving excellence. See you at Hershey!”

    Established in 1968, Jayco, Inc., manufactures and markets towable and motorized RVs. Jayco, Entegra Coach, Open Range RV, Starcraft RV and Heartland RV make up a historically influential and iconic group of companies.

    Pete’s RV Center is an exceptional dealership group serving the United States and Canada since 1952. With multiple locations, Pete’s RV provides sales, service, parts, accessories, and education to their community of RVers all across North America.

    10 Things I’ve Learned About RVs On The Job

    Most of my experience with RVs was from when I was a little girl in our family camper, which I can now confidently tell you was a truck-style camper. Before beginning my new job, my knowledge of RVs started and ended with the fact that they are a great investment for lots of fun and are also a backbone for childhood memories.

    A family standing infront of a truck style camper

    10 Things I have learned:   

    1. They are not as intimidating as you think they are  

    By the end of my first week, I am able to confidently open slides, pull down ladders, and navigate the biggest of motorhomes. Most importantly they are shockingly mobile while being maneuvered around the lot.  

    2. How to jump an RV Battery  

    I have officially jump-started an RV battery before a car. If I can do it, anyone can. Despite my fears about the electric cables, RVs come with many safety features to ease any worries you may have.   

    3. RVs are very nice  

    RVs are fancier and more comfortable than a lot of apartments. Nowadays some RVs come with private bedrooms, fireplaces, and Kitchen Islands.   

    4. They are not fragile  

    At first, you may be worried about hurting a brand-new RV, but they are tougher than they look. Lots of things can move around while traveling and sometimes a little extra force to open the door is needed.  

    5. The space utilization is impressive  

    There is no wasted space in an RV. There is likely a special compartment under every bench, bed, or any large surface. It is amazing how efficient the use of space is.  

    6. They are timeless  

    My childhood camper may have had shaggy carpets and a “striking” red interior but many models these days have a cozy and sleek design that won’t date your unit. 

    7. There is a layout for everyone   

    There is 100% a layout out there for everyone. There are many different models to accommodate everyone’s needs. I have seen larger kitchens, extra bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms. Even doors that go straight to the bathroom in case you need to wash off after a muddy hike.  

    8. Outside amenities  

    RVs utilize both interior and exterior space- I was shocked to see how many RVs come with outside TVs, mini-fridges, and kitchenettes built in.  

    9. There are many types of RVs  

    There are multiple styles to accommodate any lifestyle. 

    • Fifth wheels  
    • Motor homes A/B/C  
    • Expandable trailers 
    • Teardrop campers  
    • Toy haulers 
    • Truck campers  

    10. My ideal RV  

    After touring many RVs, it is hard not to imagine which one you would pick given the chance. I personally have been eyeing the teardrop trailers since they seem ideal with their fun retro style that can easily accommodate my household of two for a quick trip.  

    Thinking about hitting the road? Head over to https://www.petesrv.com/

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    For more Pete’s RV Center news and to view our RV inventory, visit PetesRVCenter.com.

    10 Things I’ve Learned About RV’s

    1. Travel Trailers vs. Fifth Wheels: What’s the Difference?

    When it comes to RVing, two of the most popular options are travel trailers and fifth wheels. While they both offer a mobile home on wheels, there are some key differences to consider.

    • Towing: Travel trailers are towed behind a vehicle using a hitch, while fifth wheels connect directly to the bed of a pickup truck. This means fifth wheels offer better maneuverability and stability, especially in windy conditions.
    • Size: Fifth wheels tend to be larger than travel trailers, making them a good choice for families or those who prefer more space.
    • Weight: Fifth wheels are generally heavier than travel trailers, so you’ll need a larger tow vehicle.

    2. Connecting and Disconnecting Power

    Both travel trailers and fifth wheels require electricity to power their appliances and lights. The connection process is similar, involving plugging the RV’s power cord into a campsite’s electrical outlet. However, there are different types of electrical outlets at campgrounds, so it’s important to ensure your RV is compatible.

    3. Airstreams: Timeless Classics

    Airstreams are iconic travel trailers known for their sleek, aerodynamic design and durability. These RVs are often passed down through generations, as they are built to last.

    4. Airstream Dealerships: A Limited Supply

    Unlike other RV brands, Airstream dealerships are not as widespread. In fact, there may only be one Airstream dealer in a particular state. This limited availability can make it challenging to find a new or used Airstream, but it also adds to their exclusivity.

    5. Winterizing Your RV: The Pink Fluid Mystery

    Preparing your RV for winter is essential to prevent freezing and damage. This process, known as winterizing, involves draining the water system and adding a pink antifreeze solution. This fluid is safe for your RV’s pipes and plumbing but should not be consumed.

    6. RV Rentals: A Convenient Option

    If you’re not ready to commit to buying an RV, renting is a great way to try it out. Bayley’s Campground in Maine offers RV rentals, making it easy to explore without the hassle of owning your own camper.

    7. Cortes Campers: A Unique Design

    Cortes Campers are known for their innovative design, which is inspired by boats. This unique construction makes them easy to clean and maintain, as they can be simply sprayed out with a hose.

    8. Popular RV Floor Plans

    When choosing an RV, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. Some of the most popular floor plan options include:

    • Bunkhouse: Ideal for families with children, bunkhouse floor plans offer separate sleeping areas.
    • Rear Kitchen: This layout places the kitchen at the back of the RV, providing a spacious living area.
    • Rear Living Room: Similar to the rear kitchen, this floor plan features a large living area at the rear of the RV.
    • Front Living Room: This layout places the living area at the front of the RV, offering panoramic views.

    9. Camper Liquidators: A Secondhand Option

    If you’re looking for a more affordable RV, Camper Liquidators is a great place to start. Pete’s RV Center specializes in selling used RVs that are over a certain age.

    10. Class A, B, and C Motorhomes: Understanding the Differences

    In addition to travel trailers and fifth wheels, there are also motorhomes. These RVs are self-contained vehicles that combine a living space with a driving compartment. There are three main types of motorhomes:

    • Class A: The largest and most luxurious type of motorhome, offering all the comforts of a home on wheels.
    • Class B: Smaller and more maneuverable than Class A motorhomes, often referred to as “van campers.”
    • Class C: A mid-sized option that combines features of Class A and Class B motorhomes.

    By understanding the different types of RVs and their unique features, you can choose the perfect one to suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time RVer, there’s an RV out there waiting for you!