Jayco 2020 Preview | We’ve Got the Inside Scoop

saigetprv Dealer News, Jayco, Pete's RV Center

To wrap up the year of 2019, we have a gift for you RVers who are excited to see what’s new and shiny for 2020. Back in late summer, we had the privilege to be guests at Jayco’s annual dealer meeting in Indianapolis.

During this meeting, we were able to learn about new features and see all new floorpans for the year to come. (It was also Pete’s RV’s second year on the award stage moving up four spots to second place for the Top Ten Jayco Towable Dealers AND placed fifth for Top Jayco Motorhome dealer category!)

Our take? Along with the the new fiberglass sided Jay Flight SLX, we are ecstatic to show you the upgraded appliances and all of the new sleek exterior designs for every brand. There are so many more features to see!

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 2020 line-up.

Click for Exclusive Jayco Preview!

Recap of the Pete’s RV 3rd Annual Campground Road Show at Bayley’s Camping Resort

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During the heart of leaf peeper season, in the coastal town of Saco, Maine, we found ourselves at the luxurious Bayley’s Camping Resort for Pete’s RV Center’s annual Campground Road Show.  For the third straight year, we treated campground guests to a wide selection of this season’s best selling Jayco motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.

Campers excitedly approach our new display

Typically located by the Troy Pond section of the campground, we found ourselves in a new area this year. Being located next to the parking lot outside of the Little River Complex, the campground guests were treated to a display with even better accessibility. Being able to connect our RVs allowed us to show at their best. So even though we missed out on the beauty Troy Pond provided as a backdrop, the new display space was a hit!

The beautiful foliage around Troy Ponrd

The Jayco product line featured at this year’s Bayleys RV Road Show did not fail to impress. Two of the biggest standouts were the Eagle 332CBOK travel trailer and the North Point 381FLWS. The Eagle 332CBOK travel trailer is a brand new floor plan for 2020 and put campers in awe with its modern farmhouse interior and rustic center bar! The North Point 381FLWS shone bright with its six slide out rooms, and breathtaking front living room with automotive-style windshield. 

The North Point 381FLWS aimed to please!

With another year in the books, the Pete’s RV show crew sends our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Bayley’s Camping Resort for making the event a success. We can’t wait to see you all with our new collection of RVs next Columbus Day Weekend!

We are eager to see everyone again next year!

Jayco 2019 Preview | We’ve Got the Inside Scoop

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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.

Click for Exclusive Jayco Preview

Pete’s RV Named Top Ten Jayco Towable Dealer

philleclair Dealer News, General RV, Jayco

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.

IMG_4586Pictured 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

Airstream Debuts Smart Control Technology

saigetprv Travel Trailers, Uncategorized

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!

Pete’s RV Top 10 Basecamp Dealer

saigetprv Dealer News, Pete's RV Center, Pete's RV Vermont, Uncategorized

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 Officially Retires Van’s RV Center Name on Connecticut Store

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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.

IMG_2837

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.

Pete’s RV Center Acquires Massachusetts Dealership Macdonald’s RV

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On February 1st, Vermont-based Pete’s RV Center officially assumed ownership of Macdonald’s RV Center in Plainville, MA.

KarenMac_PetesOwnersKaren 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.