May 18th, 2012 -
We are proud to announce that for the second year in a row Fretz RV has been awarded the Winnebago Circle of Excellence Award. This award was given to 104 dealers this year, and we are honored that our Pennsylvania RV dealership was one of them.
Winnebago selects the winning dealerships from dealers that exhibit these traits:
- A Sales and Marketing Assessment that evaluates a dealership’s sales and market share.
- A Purchase and Delivery Satisfaction Study which is a direct customer feedback after the purchase of a motor home.
- A Customer Satisfaction Study which surveys customers six months after their purchase
- A Service Parts Assessment that evaluates a dealership’s warranty/parts inventory, service training and certified technicians, and traveling customer care.
“Winnebago Industries is pleased to recognize the 104 outstanding dealers that earned this year’s Circle of Excellence award,” said Randy Potts, Winnebago Industries’ chairman, CEO and president. “These dealers proved that they are the best of the best by providing exceptional customer service. These dealerships provide knowledgeable sales personnel, qualified service technicians and quality warranty and after-market service support to customers. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service is why they are deserving of this award.”
Earning the Circle of Excellence award, for the second year in a row, is an impressive achievement and we are humbled by this recognition.
[Source: RV Daily Report]
May 11th, 2012 -
 Photo Coutesy of Lisisoft.com Thanks to Active Network, Inc. Pennsylvania RVers now have two new smart phone apps to utilize on their RV summer trips. Active Network, Inc. recently launched a mobile app for Recreation.gov and for ReserveAmerica.com. Both apps will change the way RVers choose and reserve campsites. They will allow users to download a real-time listing of campsites at national parks, forests, campgrounds, and easily reserve an available campsite.
“We developed these apps to easily connect people to a wide range of outdoor activities and are thrilled that the ReserveAmerica app has been selected as a top Outdoor app on the iTunes store,” said Darko Dejanovic, chief technology, product and innovation officer at Active Network. “Now consumers can find great activities and experiences, explore national and state lands, lakes and trails, and easily reserve great camping spots with the tap of a button.”
Both the Recreation.gov and the ReserveAmerica.com apps allow RVers to:
– View descriptions, details and photos of the campground
– Browse campsites nearest their current location with built-in GPS
– Filter and find a campsite based on city, state or zip, specific arrival and departure dates, type of campsite and by specific amenities like hook-ups, pets allowed, etc.; users can also save frequently used search settings to simplify future searches
– View campgrounds on a map or toggle to a list, get driving directions and bookmark your favorite campgrounds
– Complete reservations online or by phoning the reservation call centers
We have heard a lot of positive feedback on both of these new apps, and we can’t wait to try them out on our next trip in our Jayco RV. Do you use mobile apps on your RV trips? What are the best apps you have found for RVers?
[Source: RV Daily Report]
May 4th, 2012 -
The temperatures have started to warm up, and before we know it we are going to be in the middle of the summer heat! Before you take your Jayco RV out on the road this summer, there are a few steps you need to take to un-winterize your PA RV.
Make sure to flush out your fresh water system, charge your battery, and check your roof sealants. Need some help cleaning your fresh water tank? Here is a great way to freshen up your fresh water:
FRESH WATER TANK CLEANING
1. Drain your drinking water tank.
2. Prepare a bleach solution to put into your clean water tank. The solution needs to be based on a ratio of 1/4 cup of bleach for every 10 gallons of water your will be using to clean your tank.
3. Fill your tank halfway up with fresh water. If you have a forty gallon tank you will want to fill it up with twenty gallons of water. You will then want to take 1/2 cup of bleach and funnel it into a gallon jug of water. Cap and shake. Funnel this solution into your clean water tank.
4. Agitate the tank so that the bleach solution is properly spread throughout the tank. If you drive an RV this can easily be done by driving your RV around the block. Let this solution rest in your water tank for four hours.
5. Begin to drain your tank by opening up the hot and cold water faucets. Let them run until the tank is completely drained.
6. Fill the tank up completely with fresh water. Drain through the hot and cold water faucet until empty. This will flush out any excess bleach that may linger in the tank.
7. Mix together 1 lb. of baking soda in a gallon of hot water. Cap and shake. Pour this solution into your tank then top off your tank with fresh water.
8. Drain your tank one more time. Refill it with fresh water to drink.
9. Fill with clean drinking water. Repeat every three months.
If you need any help getting your RV ready for the summer season come by our Pennsylvania RV Dealership and we will be happy to help you!
April 30th, 2012 -
I don’t know about you, but sometimes by the time I finish parking our Jayco RV, getting my kids settled, setting up a fire and unpacking my RV cooking accessories, I am not exactly in the mood to cook a huge meal. Sometimes the best food we make on our Pennsylvania RV trips is the easiest food to make.
On our last RV trip we tried a simple recipe from AllRecipes.com for a campfire apple dessert. My kids loved it and it was easy to make. (Not to mention, it was much healthier than most desert options.)
 Photo Courtesy of All Recipes Ingredients
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by getting a nice and hot campfire going.
- Take your apple and cut out the core.
- Fill the core of the apple with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Wrap the apple in a large piece of heavy foil, twisting the extra foil into a tail for a handle.
- Place the apple in the coals of a campfire or barbeque and let cook 5 to 10 minutes, until softened.
- Remove and unwrap, being careful of the hot sugar.
What recipes do you love to make when you take your Jayco camper out on a camping trip?
April 11th, 2012 -
When William D. Fretz first opened the doors of Fretz RV in 1946, he set out to provide the community with quality products and excellent customer service. Sixty-six years later, Fretz RV is still being managed with the same philosophies William Fretz established six decades ago, the dealership announced today.
“We believe in providing the best products accompanied with outstanding customer service, and all at a great price. My grandfather would tell me about the importance of customer service and how the customer is the back-bone of the business. Today, over 66 years later, we still consider our customers as the most important part of our business,” said Steve Fretz, grandson of William Fretz.
To celebrate their 66 years of business Fretz RV will be hosting an Open House from April 12 to 15. The public is invited to visit the Pennsylvania RV dealership and view the new 2012 Jayco, Winnebago, Roadtrek, and Crossroads; as well as hundreds of new and used RVs. Factory reps will be on hand, free food and refreshments will be provided, and there will be hourly door prize drawings.
“We are proud of our accomplishments and thankful to all of our loyal customers. This is our biggest event of the year. Our RVs will be open, unlocked and have our sale prices posted. We don’t believe our customers should have to fight to get a good deal,” said Fretz.
April 4th, 2012 -
Food poisoning can be an issue all year round, but summertime is the season to be particularly careful to avoid this illness. There is a higher incidence of these outbreaks during the summer months due to the warmer temperatures, our love of picnicking and the susceptibility of types of popular picnic foods to harbor these bacteria. Here at your local PA RV Dealership, we want to make sure that all your travels are safe and enjoyable.
What It Is
Staphylococcal food poisoning is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is found in the ears, noses and throats of up to 25 percent of the general population — carriers — without causing any signs of illness. It is heat-resistant and thus, cooking will not eliminate it.
What It Does
When food contaminated by S. aureus is ingested, the natural byproducts of the bacteria’s metabolism are extremely toxic to the human gastrointestinal system. In as short a time as 30 minutes, an individual may begin to develop symptoms including severe abdominal cramping, overwhelming nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, the illness runs its course within one to three days. The severity of the condition is related to the degree of bacterial colonization in the food and the size of the patient. Antibiotics are not used to treat the bacterial infection. S. aureus is not contagious. It often occurs in groups, however, as people share food and meals together.
What to Do
Most food poisoning victims do not require medical care unless they are very young, older or have a pre-existing medical condition. Diagnosis is usually made through a patient’s history, although the bacteria can be found in laboratory tests. Dehydration is one of the most common problems resulting from the effects of the bacteria and can be treated with small sips of Pedialyte or Pedialyte icicles.
How to Avoid
Food poisoning caused by Staph aureus is best avoided by frequent hand washing, proper food preparation techniques, keeping cool foods cooled to at least 40*F and hot foods heated to at least 140*F to minimize contamination. Stop by our RV dealership to purchase a small thermometer for your RV’s refrigerator.
More suggestions are available at the Centers for Disease Control.
March 30th, 2012 -
RV Dealers and RV old-timers know that not all great road trips require hours behind the wheel and six state line crossings. RV dealers in Pennsylvania know this tenet of travel even more strongly, aware of the many events within the state taking place throughout the entire year.
A mere 20 miles south of Souderton — just a 40-minute drive — is the burg of Norristown. Norristown begins their bicentennial celebration this Saturday, March 31 and continues festivities scheduled throughout the year. The 40,000 citizens of Norristown, in conjunction with the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, begin their festivities at Elmwood Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. In addition to multiple children’s activities such as petting zoos, face painting and crafts, there will be plenty of activities for adults to enjoy. The park festival will begin with The Star Spangled Banner performed as it was originally written and arranged. The Winfield Scott Hancock Society of Norristown will then perform reenactments of 19th century daily life and later in the afternoon the Allen Reynolds Band will play in the park’s legendary band shell. Guided tours of the Selma Mansion and St. John’s Church will take place throughout the day.
If this is too short a notice for you to fire up your motorhome, rest assured that the very diverse and varied bicentennial celebrations are scheduled throughout the year. “Friend” the town’s celebratory Facebook page to get the latest updates on upcoming festivities and an ear to local news. According to the organization’s webpage, the following events are scheduled:
- March 31st, Elmwood Park Opening Festivities
- April 21st, Kennedy-Kendrick High School Spring Carnival
- April 26th, Knots in My Yo Yo String reading by author Jerry Spinelli at Norristown Public Library
- April 30th, Gotwals Elementary School, El dia de los Ninos / El dia de los libros
- May 5th, DeKalb Street, Norristown Arts Hill Festival
- May 12th, West Marshall Street’s “International Festival”
- May 19th, Elmwood Park, Bike Race
- June 2nd, Elmwood Park, Maniac Magee Day
- June 16th, The Centre Theater, Juneteenth Day: A Celebration of Black History
- June 16th, 8th Annual Norristown Rally for Youth at Greater Norristown PAL
- June 23rd, Elmwood Park Band Shell, Gospel Concert
- July 4th, Parade and fireworks
- Aug 5th, Elmwood Park, Bocce tournament
- Sept 15th, Festival del Grito de la Independcia de Mexico
- Sept 29th, Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Convention & Parade
March 28th, 2012 -
One of the best things about taking your Jayco Camper on a camping trip is the ability to make a meal over the campfire. Nothing quite matches the taste of a meal cooked over a fire. We all have our favorites: hot dogs, burgers, stew, or for those of us with a sweet tooth, a s’more. For RVers who want to make a healthier meal, foil packs are a great option. You can fill them with almost any meat and vegetable combo you want, and most of the prep work can be done beforehand.
Here is a great recipe for a chicken foil pack:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat – cubed
- 2 onions, diced
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 4 small potatoes, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Directions (Recipe Makes 4 Foil Pack)
- In a large bowl, or in a large zip-top bag if you are preparing this at home, combine your chicken cubes, onions, mushrooms, yellow and red bell peppers, garlic if you prefer, and cubed potatoes.
- Next, pour the olive oil and lemon juice over your meat and veggies, and mix well.
- Evenly divide the mixture between 4 large square sheets of aluminum foil. Cover each with an additional sheet of aluminum foil, and roll up all four edges tightly. For safety’s sake, wrap each packet again securely in another sheet of foil to help keep the juices and flavors in as well as to avoid losing any of your ingredients in the cooking process.
- Cook the foil packs on the hot coals of your campfire until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The entire cook time should take around 40 minutes, give or take the amount and size of your ingredients.
Don’t forget to stop by our PA RV Dealership and tell us how your RV trip (and your campfire meal) went!
March 26th, 2012 -
With the arrival of spring comes the beginning of America’s favorite pastime: baseball. At our RV Dealership we love watching the games on television, recapping them in our office, and going to the game. There is nothing better than going to a baseball game. The smell of hot dogs, the sound of a bat cracking and the excitement of the fans can’t be beat! We have such a passion for baseball and we want to share it with our facebook fans. Fan us on Facebook and you can win two tickets to the April 13th Philadelphia baseball game against their Northern rivals!
All you have to do is enter a photo of your “biggest little” baseball fan on our Facebook contest tab. Then share our page with your friends and have them vote. (You must be a fan to enter or to vote.) The photo with the most votes will win the tickets! The contest ends 4/2/12 at 11:59 pm so get your photos in now!
March 19th, 2012 -
A Quick Summary
The 2012 Jayco Jay Feather Ultra Lite 228 Model is for sale and available at Fretz RV! This 25’9″-long, 118″-high aerodynamically styled travel trailer is truly feather-light with a dry hitch weight of only 375 pounds. Inside, the Jayco Jay boasts 78″ interior ceilings and is roomy enough to sleep a family or group of four to six people. Its MSRP of $24,031 doesn’t reflect the actual purchase price that Fretz RV can offer you, the incredible quality of the trailer’s workmanship or the long lists of standard interior and exterior amenities.
Interior Amenities
The 2012 Jayco Jay Feather Ultra Lite is designed and built to be your “home away from home” and features quality interior cabinetry, appliances, flooring and those little details that underscore the process of fine workmanship. The kitchen and cabinet storage areas feature hardwood cabinet doors of Concord cherry that is glued or cabinet-screwed. This type of quality, combined with ball bearing drawer guides, allows you to fully open and extend drawers with an amazing 50-pound capacity.
Special optional interior features include high efficiency, energy-saving Atwood appliances: a 6-gallon auto-ignite water heater, furnace, 6-cubic foot double door refrigerator, oven, 3-burner gas stove with hooded vent top, built-in microwave oven and a double-sided deep sink with a high curved faucet for ease and functionality of use. Specially designed MaxView windows with pleated shades add to the trailer’s feeling of spaciousness. Durable Diamond vinyl flooring is laid wall-to-wall for easy clean up. Finally, the 228 Model includes Jayco Jay’s new technology package at no extra cost!
Exterior Amenities
Outside, the Jayco Jay Feather Ultra Lite provides the company’s Feather Dry lock leak prevention system with laminated and reinforced entrance and baggage doors. This particular model also offers a water repellant Power Awning to almost double your living space when parked.
Manufacturer Background
Jayco began building trailers in 1968 and now produces the number one top selling US RV model. These RV’s are produced by a workforce that draws from the primarily Amish community of Middlebury, Indiana and reflect the owners’ and the workers’ worth ethic and commitment to excellence. Stop by our dealership and see all of the Jayco trailers we have available!
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About Me 
My name is Steve Fretz and I am the General Manager/Owner of Fretz RV in Souderton, PA. I've worked my way through the dealership starting in detail, working in the store, sales, F&I and the service department. I'm an RVIA certified technician and a third generation owner. I enjoy spending time with my family (I am a father of four!), camping, traveling, martial arts, and target shooting. If you have any questions or need anything please email me at milesofrvsmiles@gmail.com |
By Steve Fretz
