As a wrap on 2018, we have a special treat for those RVers out there chomping at the bit to see what’s shiny and new for 2019. Back in late summer, we were privileged guests at Jayco’s annual dealer meeting in Indianapolis.
Celebrating the company’s 50th year in business, Jayco and the Bontrager family shared a historical perspective extending all the way back to a first run vintage pop-up to the dazzling 2019 Seneca luxury class C motorhome (It was also the first trip for Pete’s RV to the awards stage taking sixth in the Top Ten Jayco Towables Dealer category!).
Our take? Along with the Seneca, we’re digging the distressed, whitewashed cabinetry, jazzed up outdoor kitchens, upgraded residential furniture packages, and breathtaking walk-in showers, just to name a few.
But you decide for yourself! Along with the few teasers above, we shared a Facebook photo album of the event highlights and sneak peek of every new Jayco brand and model in the 2019 line-up.
Announced during the awards dinner at Jayco, Inc’s annual Dealer Homecoming, Pete’s RV Center was announced number three in the category of Top Ten Towable Dealers for Model Year 2018.
Pictured Left to Right: Matt Thompson, Wilbur Bontrager, Phil LeClair, Chad Shepard, Nick Campbell, Rocky Holman, Randy Murray, Bertha Bontrager, Derald Bontrager.
Their South Windsor, CT store led the charge with the sale with a combination of nearly seven hundred Jayco travel trailers and fifth wheels. An outstanding achievement considering Pete’s RV Center was not ranked in the top ten last year.
“It was difficult walking out of the awards ceremony last year knowing we had just missed the cut for top ten. That disappointment diminished with this year’s announcement”, reflected co-owner Chad Shepard. “It was a thrilling moment accepting the award from Jayco’s founding family, the Bontragers. I did so on behalf of everybody at Pete’s RV who worked so hard to help propel us into the number three ranking.”
Established in 1968, Jayco, Inc., manufactures and markets towable and motorized RVs through its Jayco, Starcraft, Entegra Coach, and Highland Ridge RV divisions.
Pete’s RV Center is an extraordinary recreational vehicle dealer group with three New England locations and a fourth in Schererville, Indiana. A RV sales and service provider since 1952, Pete’s RV Center carries an extensive inventory of Keystone, Forest River, Airstream, and of course, Jayco-branded campers and motorhomes.
Original Release: https://www.prlog.org/12726431-petes-rv-named-top-ten-jayco-towable-dealer.html
Editor’s Note: Airstream is at it again! First Nest, then Basecamp X, now Smart Technology. Starting in 2019, the Classic is going to be equipped with an application that allows owners to access key information about their Airstream from a mobile device as well as improving access to the internet in the most remote locations. Most impressive, indeed!
The 2019 Airstream Classic features an unprecedented level of digital capability to provide owners with connectivity, comfort, and control
Jackson Center, Ohio (August 2, 2018) – Airstream, innovative maker of the iconic “silver bullet” travel trailers, has announced that its 2019 Classic models will feature the company’s Smart Technology, which digitally connects owners to their RVs for a more enjoyable camping experience.
The integrated, Airstream-designed Smart Technology and connectivity solution is the first of its kind developed and produced by an RV manufacturer. Fueled by extensive consumer research and the opportunity to lead the industry, Airstream’s new platform will transform how customers interact with and use their recreational vehicle.
“Digital technology has improved almost every aspect of our lives,” said Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler. “Shouldn’t it make camping better, too? We think so. That’s why, in keeping with our commitment to innovation, we’re leading the way with our new Smart Control Technology and connectivity solution, starting with our Airstream Classic travel trailers.”
The Smart Control Technology enables 2019 Airstream Classic owners to control and monitor systems and amenities from anywhere – keeping them connected to the comforts of home, even when they’re far from it. Lighting, HVAC, awning, vent fans, water, propane and battery levels, and more can all be controlled and monitored remotely with an intuitive app – creating a more comfortable camping experience every time.
To view the rest of this article by Airstream, click Here!
Airstream Inc. recently honored its top dealers based on retail units sold between May 2017 and May 2018.
According to a press release, South Burlington, Vt.-based Pete’s RV earned a No. 6 ranking in Basecamp sales, representing the first time a first-year Airstream dealer had placed in the top ten.
Pete’s RV achieved the top ten ranking in Basecamp sales in less than the normally allotted 12-month period as the dealer sold its first unit in mid-July. Also during the period, five of Pete’s RV sales consultants achieved Master Sales Certification status for travel trailers.
For more information or details on starting your own Airstream adventure, click here.
Pete’s RV Center acquired Van’s RV Center in South Windsor, Connecticut back in September 2015, but did not publicly change their name until a recent grand re-opening sales event. In June, the transition was finalized with the Van’s RV Center sign being lowered for a Pete’s RV Center replacement.
The storefront with new Pete’s RV Center sign located at 417 John Fitch Boulevard in South Windor, CT.
“It was an honor for us to continue operating under the Van’s RV name beyond acquisition,” says marketing manager Phil LeClair. The family ownership ran an outstanding business since 1963. They were a fixture in the community and reached thousands of customers throughout New York and New England. We are delighted to be carrying on their legacy as Pete’s RV.”
The Connecticut location is Pete’s third dealership. The original location in South Burlington, Vermont has been operating since 1952. A second location in Schererville, Indiana was acquired from Rollin-On RV in May 2011, and a fourth in Plainville, Massachusetts in February 2018 from Macdonald’s RV.
On February 1st, Vermont-based Pete’s RV Center officially assumed ownership of Macdonald’s RV Center in Plainville, MA.
Karen Macdonald shown in photo with Pete’s RV owners (left to right): Scott Borden, Todd McGinnis, and Chad Shepard.
Located just short drives from Boston and Providence, Macdonald’s RV served thousands of customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and throughout New England since opening its doors in 1947.
Looking to retire after many successful years at the helm, owner Karen Macdonald explained the acquisition as being well-timed and an appropriate fit, “I’m excited for another established family business to take over management of Macdonald’s RV. I see only positive things coming for our loyal customers, employees, and the local community. I leave the business in good hands with Pete’s RV, and look forward to spending more time with friends, family, and being a grandmother.”
Upon acquisition of the celebrated Massachusetts location, Pete’s RV significantly increases accessibility to their southeastern New England customer base. “For three generations, the Macdonald family worked tirelessly to maintain a highly reputable business. We share the same mentality and look forward to building on their successes in this region and beyond,” added Pete’s RV co-owner Chad Shepard.
Macdonald’s RV is Pete’s fourth dealership. The original location in South Burlington, Vermont has been operating since 1952. A second location in Schererville, Indiana was acquired from Rollin-On RV in May 2011, followed by Van’s RV in South Windsor, Connecticut in September 2015.
PetesRV.com expert, Randy Murray provides an overview of basic camping essentials and the tools required to make your next trip safe, worry free, and fun!
Video Transcript for “Basic Camping Essentials | Pete’s RV Quick Tips”
Randy: Hey, folks. Randy with Pete’s RV TV here today. Another Quick Tip segment for you. I just want to take a couple minutes and show you some of the things that I bring me … with me when I go camping.
I take a lot of phone calls from customers that have small problems while they’re camping that do arise. and when I direct them on the best way to take care of that problem, they need a couple tools that, they may not have with them. So, if you put together a basic tool [00:00:30] kit, when you go camping, leave it right in the camper, no problem whatsoever. We can talk you through most anything.
So, some of the things that I bring with me is, first of all, I always bring some sort of, like, source. Either something I can put on my head, or … This little guy right here in kinda neat. We sell him in the store. It’s got a magnet on the back, so we can stick it to a piece of metal in the camper where I’m working there. It’s got a hook on it and it gives me some light underneath the cabinet or in the front storage compartment or by the battery, cause nothing ever goes wrong in the daylight. It always happens at night, especially [00:01:00] if you go camping with me.
So, a couple lights, which are nice to have, or even if you’ve got just a regular flashlight that you store, and keep charge in the camper. Another thing I bring is I’ve got a bag of fuses. So, every fuse … every camper has multiple different size fuses in them. So, I kind of got a bag of … Just, a variety of everything that I run into in a camper and a good thing to have with me. Roll of electrical tape. Never know (laughs) and you can fix most anything with electrical tape, if needed.
I also bring some crimp-connectors, which you can buy [00:01:30] in a kit like at, your local, home goods store or something like that. And these are just if I have to re-attach a wire, or we have to shorten something up, or we have a mishap or something pulled loose. Just, to be able to make a crimp connection is nice. That will also work in conjunction with a pair of crimping pliers. And, again, sometimes the kits you purchase will come with an inexpensive pair of pliers that you can use, to get by for the weekend.
Now, most campers are built with, screws, obviously. And the type of screws they [00:02:00] use are a square-tip, or a screw had has got a square tip, so you need a special square tip, to go to those screws. And that’s this guy right here, if Josh can pan in on it, and you’ll see I got a Phillips right next to it.
most people have a Phillips, because that’s what we have at home. Campers are a little odd, and they require that square tip. So, this tip that I purchased from, again one of the local box stores. It’s a Milwaukee kit. I think it cost like $20. It’s got everything I need in it. It’s got, screw acceptor for my screw gun. You will need a screw gun as well. and [00:02:30] it’s got the square tips, it’s got fill-ups, it’s got a couple torques here, and it’s got spares of all, because if you lose them like I do, nice to have a spare. But anyway, for the cost of this kit, I think it’s just a great kit to (laughs) … I have one at home, and on my carry-around tool box that I do bring with me when I go camping.
Sheet-rock knife, or a box cutter. This one actually folds up like a jackknife. I actually carry this one with me all the time, right in the pocket of my pants, but, good to have. you never know when you’re gonna need that. Wire-strippers, and cutters. Again, if we [00:03:00] have an electrical problem … A lot of times, we can talk you through it, or you can find it very easily yourself, but having a good pair of strippers on board, it makes that job a lot easier for us stripping that wire back.
I like to bring a couple pair of channellocks if I’ve got a plumbing issue, and usually I can get by with a bind if I got to tighten something up with a channellocks. And again, this can be purchased at your local box store. Christmas is a great time to pick this stuff up because they’ve usually got kits on sale, relatively low price. And you don’t need the best ones. A lot of these tools are very expensive tools. This is how I make my living. You don’t need the best tools for your-your [00:03:30] basic kit that you keep in your camper.
I usually will carry a Phillips and a regular screwdriver. These are like mid-size so they’re pretty much good for almost every application, unless it’s something specific. we’ve already talked about the crimpers. I do carry a pair of side cutters with me. Sometimes these are just a little easier to make a cut close to something or pull a staple out that may be in our carpet or what have you. But, again, pair of side cutters.
Needle nose. You can always get yourself out of a bind with a pair of needle nose. Especially, when you drop something in that spot [00:04:00] that my little fat fingers can’t get into. Needle nose, it makes it very easy for that. there is some neat, small kits out there. Again, the big box store, Sears, all of them have kits that have couple different size open end box wrenches. This is one of the ones I carry in the small kit that I have that’s all over my toolbox cause I left it open. i also bring a couple of adjustable wrenches with me as well. Reason for the adjustable wrenches is, they’re adjustable. We can use them for almost any size, anything to get you out of a bind.
Again, these aren’t tools to, you know, fix the [00:04:30] problem per se, but enough to get us by for the weekend before you can get it in for service and get it ap- repaired appropriately. an electrical tested. This particular one right here is for 120 volt power. Pretty much, I’m just going to plug it into the outlet and it’ll tell me if my power is good, tell me if it’s wired properly, and tell me if power is present. So that’s a good one. I-I-I take phone calls a lot where, “My re- My TV’s not working.” “Well, do you have power at the outlet?” “I don’t know, Randy.” (laughs) well, I’m gonna- Having you plug something else in, but if you’ve got a quick electrical tester to plug it in, then [00:05:00] you can tell me.
This guy right here is for checking 12 volt power. It’s called a stab tester, 12 volt tester. We’d hook this into ground or anything pretty much metal on the camper and then we can test our fuses with this guy here. I’m gonna have Josh pan in on one of these fuses here. This is a great way to test our fuses so if you can pan right in on that and see the two metal tabs on either side of the 40 there, Josh. Each one of those is a test point so I can test if I’ve got power coming in in the fuse and I can test if I’ve got power going out of the fuse.
[00:05:30] So when you’re looking at a whole fuse panel and you’re trying to determine which one is the one for your furnace or your LP detector, something like that, which is labeled incorrectly, by testing both sides, as well as the fuses, we can quickly determine whether one is blown or not. And again, we would do that in conjunction with this tester here. This will also test if we’ve got power at breakers and things like that on the 12 volt side of things so when you call me up and tell me that your slide outs not going out, I’m going to ask you if you’ve got 12 volt power to the breaker going through the breaker to the slide out. This is a great way to test that.
This is another tester that I carry with me. Kind of [00:06:00] on the same lines of this one here, but I can actually put this next to any wire and it’ll tell if it’s 120 volt wire and it’ll tell me if I have voltage present rather than putting it into an outlet. It’s called a [wiggie 00:06:09] tester.
Multimeter. This is what I love for customers to have cause we can do all sorts of testing with this guy here. Not everyone’s gonna put this, in their tool box that they keep in their camper because these can be a little bit more pricey, but if you’ve got like an inexpensive version of this and one of these, which aren’t too bad, we can usually get by anything.
So anyway, there’s just some of the tools that I bring with [00:06:30] me camping and, again, enough to get you out of trouble in a pinch. maybe not make the final repair, but definitely continue on with your camping weekend if you are having a small problem. So, just wanted to share that with you guys and if you’re looking for presents for Father’s day, birthdays, or even Christmas, great time to put this little tool kit together and can be done for relatively, inexpensive on the Father Day, on the Christmas side of things, cause that’s when we see a lot of tools on sale at our local box store. So, thanks for watching Quick Tips with Randy today. look forward to seeing you on the road and happy camping.
Making the trip to Elkhart Indiana from South Burlington, Vermont, Pete’s RV center arrived to the ninth annual Manufacturers’ Open House event. Being dubbed, “The best open house event in history,” manufacturers like Thor and Forest River previewed what’s new and exciting for 2017. The following photo album provides a nice mix of everything displayed this year. Enjoy!
Pictured Left to Right: Matt Thompson, Wilbur Bontrager, Phil LeClair, Chad Shepard, Nick Campbell, Rocky Holman, Randy Murray, Bertha Bontrager, Derald Bontrager.
Airstream Inc. recently honored its top dealers based on retail units sold between May 2017 and May 2018.
Karen Macdonald shown in photo with Pete’s RV owners (left to right): Scott Borden, Todd McGinnis, and Chad Shepard.
Making the trip to Elkhart Indiana from South Burlington, Vermont, Pete’s RV center arrived to the ninth annual Manufacturers’ Open House event. Being dubbed, “The best open house event in history,” manufacturers like Thor and Forest River previewed what’s new and exciting for 2017. The following photo album provides a nice mix of everything displayed this year. Enjoy!
