Pete’s RV Center is elated that Brinkley RV’s luxury campers will be joining our extensive inventory. Brinkley currently offers two models—Model Z 3100 & Model G 3500, with more on the way. Model Z 3100 is a mid-sized fifth wheel with ‘7k axles, 17.5” H-rated Cooper tires, flush floor slides, and a class-leading 79.5″ bed & bath interior height’. While Model G 3500 is a luxury toy hauler that ‘offers dozens of intelligently designed features, an automotive exterior, and a true residential interior’.
Model Z 3100 interior photo.
Brinkley RV is owned by Ryan Thwaits, Ron Fenech, Micah Staley, Bill Fenech, and Nate Goldenberg, who came together with years of respective RV experience to build a brand that focuses on customer satisfaction. They say, “Due to the industry’s noticeable shift in focus away from customer experience and product design, we saw a unique opportunity to recreate the RV experience for dealers and customers”. Brinkley aims to put customer feedback at the center of their production work to create campers that are truly for their audience.
Model Z 3100’s bedroom.
Check out the current selection of Brinkley RV’s in our inventory.
If you’re familiar with nuCamp, you may easily recognize their teardrop, clamshell, or cirrus campers—all uniquely shaped travel trailers designed to accommodate those interested in an off-the-beaten-path type of camping experience. These RVs are compact, easy-to-tow and the epitome of tiny-living.
This line-up will soon have company as nuCamp is finally sending their long-awaited Barefoot travel trailer off to production. Diverting from the brand’s usual style—this camper has a bold seaglass colored exterior and round fiberglass body. It sets itself apart with its ‘retro-chic’ aesthetic and more spacious interior.
This is an incredibly unique product we are sure you will love
nuCamp CEO Scott Hubble
nuCamp initially announced plans to manufacture Barefoot in 2019 when they partnered with the British company Barefoot Caravans. It took two years to “Americanize” the trailer for North American patronage due to COVID restrictions, and the first official unit was produced only this past December.
The brand is excited to finally release this product now that they’ve finished fine tuning. nuCamp CEO Scott Hubble says, “Our goal was to take the beautiful UK Barefoot and transition it to the U.S. market. We wanted to maintain the look and feel of the unit all while adding in components and features the North American market has come to think of as a standard. The high quality you have come to expect with all the nuCamp products will be no exception with the Barefoot. This is an incredibly unique product we are sure you will love.”
Prior to joining the marketing team at Pete’s RV Center, I could name maybe one RV manufacturer and thought the word ‘motorhome’ was interchangeable with ‘camper’. After just a few weeks, however, I can name at least five or six manufacturers off the top of my head and I know the main difference between a travel trailer and a fifth wheel. But, the learning doesn’t stop there, so here’s what Pete’s has made me contemplate about RVs and the RVing lifestyles so far.
1. RVs come in all different shapes and sizes
Growing up, I’d be invited on the occasional camping trip with friends or family members who owned your standard travel trailer or expandable unit. These experiences led me to associate camping (on wheels) closely with these specific types of trailers. Pete’s RV Center, however, has opened my eyes to the wide selection of units the RV world has to offer.
2. They’re made to fit different lifestyles
From massive fifth wheels or class A motorhomes to your more compact nuCamp Cirrus or Airstream Basecamp, RVs are made to fit a range of lifestyles and camping journeys. A solo traveler that prefers to take trips in the mountains or deep wilderness may enjoy a smaller trailer that is made to endure rougher terrain. While a retired couple who are planning a long term road trip around the country are probably more interested in a fifth wheel with lots of space and amenities.
3. Small space ≠ small amount of possibilities
When you consider furnishing a small space, it may seem like the options are limited—and depending on the dimensions, they can be. But looking at just a handful of RV floor plans from different models and manufacturers makes it apparent that ‘small space’ does not necessarily equate to a small amount of possibilities. Just because a trailer is on the tinier side doesn’t mean it can’t still have a spacious rear bath with a full tub or a large pantry closet. Living in a compact environment doesn’t necessarily mean limiting your options or letting go of amenities that are important to you.
4. RVs are versatile
Contraptions like murphy beds, convertible u-dinettes or jack knife sofas allow you to have functional living areas without giving up space, or needing more. There are also units such as toy haulers, which have a garage at the rear, making your trailer an even more adaptable vehicle.
5. You can accessorize
Upon purchasing an RV, many come with add ons for an additional cost—such as extra TVs, a security kit, extra furniture, solar panels, etc. They are a great way to upgrade your camping experience. You can also install accessories later on, and Pete’s parts department carries plenty.
6. If you’re handy…
Buying used and renovating is always an option. Like most things bought secondhand, the severity of wear and usability varies from trailer to trailer, some may be ready to go while others require major updating. And while accessorizing is one thing, reconstructing is a whole other ball game. But if you’re up for a challenge, purchasing a significantly cheaper option and reselling down the road could be a great investment.
7. RV names mean something
The names of RVs break down into five different parts. For an example we’ll use the 2022 Forest River Alpha Wolf 388BHRD. The number at the front, of course, refers to the year. The next phrase is the manufacturer, ‘Forest River’, followed by the model, ‘Alpha Wolf’, and the most interesting part (in my opinion), the last sequence of letters at the very end indicate the model’s floor plan, ‘FK’ meaning ‘front kitchen’. Floor plans that end in RB mean ‘rear bathroom’, BH means ‘bunkhouse’, SLX/XLT are ‘lightweight or ultra-light’, and the list goes on. Additionally, numbers that come before these acronyms refer to the model number, or in some cases, the length of the trailer.
8. There are RV specific navigation tools
When driving an RV, it’s best to use an RV-specific GPS or GPS app. The average navigation system doesn’t account for the larger dimensions of a trailer, and may lead you to lower clearance bridges or roads with weight limits. Many RV GPS devices also come with resources from other RVers regarding where the best places are to stop, fuel up, or get a repair.
9. Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean camping is
Much like actual birds, ‘snowbirds’ migrate south for winter. When the temperatures start to drop up north, those who enjoy the warmer weather and want to prolong their time camping head to warmer places. And those who don’t have to winterize their RV to avoid internal damage.
10. RVs need specific toilet paper
If you already own an RV, it’s very concerning if you don’t already know this, but RVs need toilet paper that disintegrates quickly. Unlike regular toilet paper, RV-friendly paper dissolves faster to avoid clogs in your holding tank or sewage system.
Just as learning about anything unfamiliar is..getting to know more about RVs is a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types, brands, models, accessories, not to mention the inner workings of how they function—how to take care of them, what sort of maintenance they need. RVs are complex in many ways. But, the more interesting things in life have more to offer once you’re past face value, and I can think of far less compelling things than a entire homes on wheels.
On July 22nd, Vermont-based Pete’s RV Center officially assumed ownership of American Family RV with dealership locations in Chesapeake and Salem, Virginia.
Opened in 2012 by Layne and Carol Rowland, American Family RV grew into a reputable dealership for sales and service in the Hampton Roads area and into the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In 2018, American Family RV continued to grow with the opening of a dealership in the Roanoke Valley. The Salem dealership is centrally located on eight-plus acres with twelve service bays, and carrying premier lines including Jayco and Grand Design.
With multiple dealer groups showing interest in acquiring American Family RV over the past year, Layne welcomed this changing of hands, “Pete’s RV embraces the family concept, and is the dealer group we felt would continue to build the existing team–maintaining the values that were intrinsically American Family RV.”
In gaining the Virginia locations, Pete’s RV takes their first step into the lower Mid-Atlantic States. “My business partners Todd McGinnis, Scott Borden, and I relish the opportunity to build upon businesses already well-established in their local and surrounding communities,” added Pete’s RV co-owner Chad Shepard.
American Family RV is Pete’s RV Center’s eighth and ninth dealership locations in seven states. The original location in South Burlington, Vermont has been operating since 1952.
Pete’s RV co-owner Chad Shepard shown in the attached photo (left to right) with Layne Rowland.
Ever dreamed of camping for a lifetime? Getting yourself a parking spot in a warm weather campground for full-time RVing is a great way to keep the camping going, and an ideal retirement option. These East Coast RV parks are a quiet destination for retirement RVing full-time, with many holding an aged 55+ rule for entry to keep noisy visitors away. Check them out and fulfill your dream camping scenario.
With 210 RV sites for rent and sale, this centrally located resort surrounds a 20-acre fishing lake and boasts a community feel. They also have one and two bedroom vacation rentals for when the family wants to visit, along with biking trails and a library.
Marketing themselves as “The Top-Rated, Adults-Only, 55+ RV Resort In Scenic Hendersonville, NC. Your new home away from home in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Can be a tough legacy to live up to, but rave reviews say they aren’t exaggerating. Located 30 minutes south of Asheville and an hour away from The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Lakewood’s peaceful spot in Hendersonville offers pull-thru RV sites and apartments.
With 427 sites, this is the largest resort on this list, but one of the best cared for. “Each spacious site measures from 40′ x 60′ up to 50′ x 100, with an 8′ x 20′ pad, picnic tables and full hook-ups (20/30/50 amp service). We are a pet friendly resort, dogs under 40 lbs. are welcome (limit 2 per rig).” The resort sits proudly next to the beautiful spring fed Lake Pearl, and is located about an hour from both Tampa and Orlando.
Known for its sheer beauty and Dolphin Tours, Hilton Head Harbor isn’t strictly for retirement campers, but maintains a quiet and relaxing atmosphere that retirees desire. They have a significant water sports program, with jet skis, boats, paddle boards, and kayaks all welcome by their “sea monkeys”.
The smallest RVing destination on this list with just 20 sites, this beautiful place is adults only 18+ and is now accepting annual campers. The park is close to the Georgia – South Carolina border and praised for its excellent location, scenery, and atmosphere.
For more RV tips, travel insight, and news, be sure to follow our Pete’s RV Info Blog for weekly updates!
On the Pete’s RV-TV YouTube Channel, Randy Murray gives a quick important lesson teaching us that air conditioners work by removing warm air and moisture from around the room, which then gets sucked outside leaving the room cooler.
In order to make sure your AC is running properly, Randy shows us how to remove and check the air filter to make sure there isn’t a buildup of dirt and dust hindering performance. Making sure the fan is on will increase efficiently with the AC system, as well as making sure that all doors, windows, and shades are closed to prevent heat from working its way back inside the camper.
Randy advises turning on the AC when temperatures are cooler (typically early morning) for optimal air flow and a cooler camper throughout the day. By using the quick cool option to restrict airflow from the ducts, the AC can effectively cool the room faster and when it reaches a temperature to your liking, airflow can be redirected back through the vents for everyone to enjoy.
To learn more from Randy and stay up to date on all things Pete’s RV be sure to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Video Transcript | How to Properly Use The Air Conditioner in Your Camper Randy: Hey guys, Randy with Pete’s RV TV today, another quick-tip segment for you. Today I’m going to talk about air conditioners and the proper way to use them. I’ve been taking a lot of calls around the country and we’re in the middle of our warm season in Vermont, the little warm season that we get up here in the northeast. But people are having trouble with their air conditioners freezing up. People are saying they’re not cooling properly for them. And sometimes that’s the case, but usually it’s operator error about 99 percent of the time.
When I went to RVIA school back a million years ago when I first started in the industry and got certified to do this kind of stuff, one of the first things they taught me about air conditioners is they don’t make cool. They remove heat and they remove moisture, as well. cool just happens to be a byproduct.
So, when we allow our coach to heat up inside, we go to the pool all day, we’re out shopping or doing, visiting the sights around the area and we’ve got the air conditioner off, we go back to our camper at 5 o’clock at night. It’s 100 degrees inside the camper. We turn that air conditioner on. That air conditioner actually has to pull the heat out of the carpet, out of the bedding, out of the couches, out of everything inside before we start to feel cool.
So what I want you to do is I want you to do is turn that air conditioner on in the morning. it’s a little bit cooler at night, so when it’s a little bit cooler at night, of course, the coach stays a little bit cooler. So when you get up in the morning set that thermostat at about 65 degrees, 67 degrees. Let’s maintain that cool from the night before. Now, if we never let our coach heat up, the air conditioner is going to have to work a lot less hard to maintain that cool and we’re actually saving energy.
The other thing that we want to do with our air conditioner, too, is while we maintain it while we’re using it is we want to make sure that the filters are clean. So we can remove that very easily on this guy here and we just want to take this guy out and make sure it’s vacuumed. If it starts to turn brown that usually means there’s a lot of dust.
Another thing that makes an air conditioner work very effectively for us, or makes them work better, is more air flow. So with a clean filter we can get more air through this air conditioner, especially on those [00:02:00] hot, humid days.
the other thing we’ll, we’ll want to do is we want to set our fan on high. I usually use the auto setting on mine, if you let the air conditioner run all day. Again, the more air that we’re moving, the more heat we can take out of the coach and expend outside and put the cold air back inside the coach. So fan definitely on high.
We also want to make sure our doors and windows and vents are closed. I went to a camper on a campground the other day. A lady says, “My air conditioner is not cooling very well. Can you take a look at it?” I went inside. I put my hand up to the air conditioner, it was cooling just fine. What she had was both of her doors were open. She had some vents open, a couple windows open. So what that air conditioner was doing was pulling the heat from the outside and just getting rid of that and returning it so it could never bring the temperature of the coach down because it was just kind of maintaining.
What these guys will do is they’ll actually do about a 20-degree air differential, air temperature differential. So, it sucks in here, blows out here or out through our vents, and it’s going to be about a 20-degree differential. Now, if it’s just pulling air from a door, it’s never going to really bring the temperature of the coach down, so make sure all windows and doors and vents are closed. and again, that high air flow moving through the air conditioner is going to get that heat escape faster and help us with freeze up a little bit, too. The moisture will actually pass over the evaporator coil a lot quicker and not have a tendency to grab on there.
Another thing, we just got to our campgrounds, its 5 o’clock at night, we’ve been traveling all day, inside the camper it’s very hot because it’s a hot day out, so you got to turn your air conditioner on to cool this guy down. Instead of forcing it through the vents, if you’ve got a ducted air conditioner, open up the quick-cool option. This way we’re going to get a lot of airflow and we’re going to cool the coach down a little bit quicker.
Once we bring the temperature down, we can go ahead and close this and we can go through the ducts. The ducts are going to restrict the airflow a little bit, but once we bring the coach down the air conditioner is running efficiently, then we can go ahead and put it through the vents in the ceiling.
So if you try out my quick tips here, run it on high, set it in the morning, let it run all day to keep that cool inside so we don’t have to remove all that heat from building up in the sun all day. Also, if you can close your shades and things [00:04:00] like that, keep the UVs down, that’s going to help out a lot as well.
But all these should help you make your air conditioner work a lot more effectively for you. Save a phone call to me and just have a better camping experience, keep you guys cool. Now, out there having fun, you get hot, you want to come into a cool area, at least I do, and it makes it a lot more fun when you’re drinking a soda or whatever while you’re watching TV, as well.
So thanks again for watching Pete’s RV with Randy today. keep an eye out for our quick tips. Join us on our Facebook page. Sign up [ 00:04:26] on Youtube and happy camping (laughs). Have a great one.
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 our community of RVers all across North America.
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 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 our community of RVers all across North America.
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 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 our community of RVers all across North America.
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.
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 our community of RVers all across North America.
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 our community of RVers all across North America.
Airstream Inc. recently honored its top dealers based on retail units sold between May 2017 and May 2018.
