Water Leak Prevention- Tech Tips By Rick Lema, Service Manager

Living in the New England climate RVers have to be even more careful of roof water leaks.  With the extreme temperature change roof sealants will expand and contract causing sealant to crack and let water leak and do damage or cause mold.  Most people don't know that you should inspect your roof sealants every 60-90 days for cracking or peeling.  You should also check your side walls: look around your marker lights, porch lights, top of windows and your belt line molding for loose sealant or cracks.  We recommend trying to safely remove heavy amounts of snow from the roof  and you should also bring in your slideouts when snow is approaching.  The most missed area on your roof that needs to be checked is your air conditioning units.

To ensure that your roof A/C's are properly secured to your roof so you don't get water leaks, climb on your roof and grab the A/C unit and give it a little wiggle.  If the A/C feels secure then you’re in good shape.   If it feels loose then you need to tighten the A/C.  From the inside of your RV remove the interior trim of the A/C, you will see 4 bolts that holds down the A/C.  Slightly tighten the bolts, that will help compress the gasket, allowing for a better seal. 

If you don’t feel comfortable being on the roof or you are having a difficult time finding the water leak, USRV has invested in a machine called Sealtech to help efficiently and accurately find roof, sidewall or window water leaks.  The Sealtech machine works by pressurizing the inside of the RV, allowing air to escape out of the water damaged area. Soapy water solution is applied to suspicious areas and will cause bubbles to appear.

If your interested in more information about sealtech or have other ideas that you would like to see covered in my monthly tech tips, email me at service@martysusrv.comor call me at 508-823-7571.

Did you know that USRV has a YouTube Page that is linked to our website under Video Library? New videos are being added continually. Videos are added in Playlist so when you are on our Video Library Page you can click VIEW MORE OF MARTY'S VIDEOS to see them all. You can also subscribe to our YouTube page and get notifications on when a new video is added.

Our goal is to have video tours of our products, tech tips, parts and accessories and customer interviews. You can also watch some videos of Marty Hanoud, Owner of USRV singing during our annual camp-outs. If you have an idea for a video you would like to see, email me at danielle@martysusrv.com.

Two of USRV’s veteran Techs, Lee Creel and Service Manager, Rick Lema flew out to Fort Lupton, CO to the Aqua-Hot factory for 2 days worth of training on Aqua Hot Hydronic heating systems.  

Lee and Rick was immersed in a complete comprehensive training on all current and past products from Aqua-Hot.  They reviewed Hydronic heating principles, diesel and LP burner design, maintenance, and repair on Aqua-Hot RV products.

The training was a combination of both classroom diagnostics training and hands on troubleshooting.  They worked with refractometer which is a testing device for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol: found in antifreeze.  USRV received current troubleshooting manuals that are available for all the technicians at USRV to read and use.

“Investing in training and education of our employees is the utmost importance for our customers.” stated Marty Hanoud, owner of USRV.   “We are proud to have 2 Aqua-Hot Certified Technicians as part of our team.”

Berkley, MA- USRV was recognized by RVTrader for over 10 years of Preferred Partnership.  USRV received a certificate along with an award for advertising with them since 2000.  RVTrader is the country's #1 RV marketplace, with approximately 1 million visitors every month at www.rvtrader.com.

All of USRVs inventory is listed with RVTrader with photos, unit description and some videos.  As part fo USRVs Consignment program, the RV being sold will be listed at no charge to the consignee.

Berkley, MA-  So you hear bad weather is coming and you have made precautions for your family and home but what about your other loved possession, your RV?  Marty's USRV has put together a short list of some tech tips to safe guard your RV and to make life better in case you loose power.

-Have a full tank of fuel for your RV generator or engine on your motorhome.  If you have to evacuate you will want all the comforts of your RV around you.  If you are stranded at home and have a power outage your RV generator will provide electricity to cook food, lights at night, charge phones or charge your kids IPod's.

-Fill your LP tank.  If you loose poewr you will be able to keep your food cold in the refrigerator, have heat with your furnace if weather gets cold, and take HOT showers.

-Your refrigerator can take up to 24 hours to get down to temp, so turn your refrigerator on ahead of time and stock up on the necessities.

-Keep your RV UNPLUGGED from power source.  A surge of power could cause thousands of dollars of damage to appliances and electrical items.  Your safe bet is to keep it unplugged but make sure your batteries are charged and up to par.

-You should map out the best evacuation route for RV's.  Keeping in mind low bridges, possible flooding and any other hazards to get to safety.

-Check your fire extinuishers and make sure they are up to date.

-Keep your RV off grass or dirt.  If your not able to park on pavement or a hard surface, place wood blocks to keep tires off the ground. Do not use your jacks!

-Check for possible flying debris such as tree limbs, outdoor furniture or low hanging power lines.

-Bring in your Slideouts!!!!!

-Get up on your roof and inspect your roof seam seals.  With hi-speed winds, possible rain or snow you don't want any voids in your sealant that could cause major rain water damage.  Don't forgt that sealent can take up to 24 hours for it to dry and seal properly, so if you find void take care of it early.

-While your up on your roof, you should check your TV antenna, solar panels, A/C covers, refrigerator vent covers, vent covers and make sure they are secured and propely sealed.  Speaking fo vents; if you have a vent that is thermostat controlled you may want to make sure that it is disconnected so it does not open on its own.

-Confirm that your compartment doors are closed and locked so the wind can not cause them to pop open.  You should also check your awning straps and ensure that your awning arms are locked closed.

-Get a visual of your power cords and make sure you have all types of adapters handy.

-If weather permitting, we recommend that you should fill your fresh water tank. If you loose power you can still have fresh running water.  I am sure after a few days of no running water a nice hot shower can make anything better.

If you have any issues or need help with your RV, feel free to call USRV serivce department at 508-823-7571.  We also have storage in our rally field.  If you have other tech tips, feel free to add them to the comments.  USRV wishes you and your family the utmost safety.

Good luck and button down the hatches, for it may be a bumpy ride.~Danielle Hanoud

Thank You for Attending USRV's Octoberfest Rally 2012  From Danielle Hanoud

There may have been frost warnings Friday night at USRV's Octoberfest Rally, (October 12-14, 2012) but everyone who attended this year's event was warm with joy from the fun they had.  For almost as long as Marty's USRV has been in business for 20 year, we have been hosting our annual Octoberfest Rally; a free weekend of camping filled with educational seminars, huge discounts on RVs, Service & Parts and entertainment at our dealership.

Friday night featured the movie "RV" starring Robin Williams on a large inflatable screen.  Old and new friends settled into a nice warm building as the smell and sound of delicious popcorn popping as the Berkley Cub Scouts pack 16 collected donations.

Mom and I were up nice and early the next morning to turn the coffee on and set up a wonderful selection of food for the continental breakfast.  Good thing we slept at the dealership but there is something to be said about loving your job so much you sleep where you work.

Saturday was a full schedule of informative and educational seminars.  This year we added a Pampered Chef class this year and learned how to make a "death by chocolate" in the microwave.  Talk about being able to impress your fellow campers with a dessert like this while entertaining by the campfire, YUMMY!

The Berkley Lions Club and Berkley Open Shelves Food Pantry was on hand to help raise money for their charities.  The Berkley Lions Club hosted lunch of wonderful soup lunch with soft Italian bread while the Berkley Open Shevles had a huge table of delicious baked goods and yes I broke down and bought a ....ok 2 strawberry cake pops covered in chocolate!

As Saturday night approached, campers, guests and friends of our community started to get settled in for the main attraction, Show Time with Marty.  You know it's a funny thing, when our staff tells customers that Marty sings, we usually get that skeptical giggle and look of "oh yah...sure."  But when they finally get to hear my dad sing, they are wowed by his showmanship and his voice.  Then we usually hear "I never knew Marty could sing like that, we can't wait till next year"!  Of course like father like daughter, I got on stage and sang a few songs too.

Thank you to the Berkley Cub Scouts pack 16 for hosting Sunday breakfast to help raise funds while mom and I got to sleep in.  The boys did a great job at breakfast; cleaning up after customers, delivering coffee and orange juice and being so polite and kind.  They made the Boy Scouts of America proud!

We had a wonderfully sucessful Rally!  Our Sales, Service and Parts departments were very busy with customers.  More then that, this weekend was a huge success because customers enjoyed themselves and we were able to help support our community.

I would like to personally thank the following people who gave of their time to put on seminars; Mike Pedone of Island Harbor Sales, Ben Barels of Extra Ride Warranty, Rick Lema of USRV Serivce Department Manager, Wendy Andrews of Pampered Chef, Bob & Eileen Pierro's of RV Safety, Ed Roy of USRV Collision Manager, Mark Hathaway of Dometic, Dan Tucker of Blue Ox, Barbara & Dan St. Rock of DSR Truck & Auto Repair, Lew & Jo-Ann Bonito of Formula-X2 and Rene Lachapelle of Ralco Electric.

In addition, a very special thanks to our friends and fellow campers who were your welcoming & parking committe; The Pierro's, The Geiss's, The Clicquennoi's, and The Petit's and anyone else who helped.  My family and I are so fortunate and lucky to have you part of our family and give of your time.  Thank you so much; it means more to us then you could ever know.

Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you all enjoyed yourself and we look forward to seeing you and your friends at our Spring 2013 USRV Rally. 

Atwood Mobile Products has sent out on Ocotber 12, 2012 for immediate release a Voluntarty Safety Service Campaign.  Issue may be present in the 8935-IIIAC and 8940-III AC Atwood furnaces powered by 110-volt/AC power (12-volt/DC models are not affected).  There have been gas control valves whick are suspect and need to be replaced.  The suspect furnaces are contained with a manufacturing date between May 18, 2009 and March 29,2012.

It is possible for the units affected that the gas valves can stick in the open position causing a potential fire hazard.  Customers with one of these units must not operate the furnace until the replacement of the valve assembly has been completed by an Atwood Authorized Service Center (like Marty's USRV).

To confirm whether or not a furnace is part of this campaign, review the serial number of the suspect furnace.  The serial number will be listed on the blower housing of the furnace on the data tag.  Identified units will meet the following criteria:

- The model numbers affected are 8935-III AC and 8940-III AC furnaces

- Manufacturing dates between 5/18/2009 and 3/29/2012

Once a unit has been identified as part of the service campaign, contact USRV service department at 508-823-7571 or email service@martysusrv.com

1.  Marty has Forty years of experience as a leader in the RV industry.

2.  Marty's reputation in the business is outstanding

3.  We have the best selection of top quality RV brands.

4.  Our Salespeople are factory trained and certified.

5.  We offer trained and experienced RV Technicians.

6.  We have state-of-art service, complete wiht motorhome lifts.

7.  We have a collision and paint center.

8.  Our management team has over 150 years in combined experience.

9.  You will receive a 150 point check list inspection at time of delivery of your RV.

10.  We care about you!

Berkley, MA-  USRV employees received week long training September 10-13, 2012 at USRV for their computer system.  USRV partnered up with Intergraded Dealer Systems, a operational dealer management software back in 1998.  USRV was one of the first dealers IDS had on the RV software and USRV has still continued the relationship. 

If you ever visited our dealership you would have noticed that our computers has a dos based "blue screen" and staff would have to use multiple key strokes to get certain "menus".  To help stream line our management software and increase efficiency, Marty Hanoud, owner of USRV decided to invest in our future and upgrade our system to IDS G2.  It is a windows based software that will allow better communications with each department and with our customers.

Each department at USRV received a days worth of training on the new program.  "I couldn't wait for the service departments turn for training" stated Rick Lema, USRV Service Manager, "all the important information is in front of you in one screen.  I can view special order parts in the work order without having to get updates from our parts department".

USRV made a financial investment in upgrading and training our employees on G2 management software to better enhance customer satisfaction.  Please let us kown what you think, next time your in.