Pennsylvania Celebrates RV & Camping Month

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has proclaimed the month of May as “Recreation Vehicle and Camping Month” for the 23rd straight year, according to a press release.

“The unique sites, history and culture of Pennsylvania can be discovered by the entire family from the comfort and convenience of recreational vehicles,” he said. “I encourages all citizens to pursue their passions and escape with their families on the road across the farthest reaches of our state.”

RVing and camping continues to be a strong force for Pennsylvania’s economy. From campgrounds that extend to the outermost corners of the state to RV dealerships, suppliers, distributors and service providers, Pennsylvania is an example of how people embrace the joys and benefits of RVing.

As host to the industry’s largest industry and retail show in the country at the Giant Center in Hershey, (www.largestRVshow.com), Pennsylvania introduces consumers to the latest products the RV industry has to offer. Visitors are even welcomed into Pennsylvania with seven statewide billboards directing them to the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) website.

Rebecca Lenington, PRVCA executive vice president noted, “In conjunction with the Governor’s proclamation, PRVCA is kicking off its annual Open House campaign. The goal of the Open House campaign is to direct consumers to their local campgrounds and dealerships and expose them to the many benefits of RV ownership and the freedom that traveling by RV provides,” To view the campgrounds and RV dealerships in your area, visit www.prvca.org and click on “Member Listings.”

Not only does the RV industry offer a great way to discover Pennsylvania, but it also offers career opportunities and apprenticeships to the many campgrounds and RV dealerships across the state of Pennsylvania. People can even become a trained RV technician from the comfort and convenience of their home with online instruction. For more details, visit www.prvca.org and click on “Training.”

RVers can also learn more about Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation opportunities by ordering a free copy of the 2013 RV and camping guide, Explore Pennsylvania. The 52-page publication includes feature articles on fun tips and helpful camping hints along with a full PRVCA membership directory connecting readers to hundreds of campgrounds, dealerships, suppliers and manufacturers.

For more information about PRVCA or for a free copy of Explore Pennsylvania, please call (888) 303-2887, e-mail rvcamping@prvca.org, or visit www.paRVing.com.

 

Tech Course on RV Service to Start on May 20

Introduction to recreation vehicle service, a distance learning course offered through Northampton Community College in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), delves into the workings of a typical RV dealership service center and exposes the student to the skills necessary to function within a dealership environment.

The course, which runs May 20 to June 23, is completed online with homework, quizzes and hands-on assignments required. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion from Northampton Community College.

Discussed in the course is the proper care and use of hand tools. Safety, work habits and the introduction to RV codes and standards are also presented. A deeper look into the various job classifications and pay structures at an RV dealership gives the student a well-rounded view of what is possible after training and certification. After successful completion of this course the student will effectively be able to:

• Identify the different terminology as well as the different classifications of RVs.

• Recognize and identify RV manufacturers and their products.

• Describe the methods of framing, laminating and construction techniques used.

• Locate the plumbing, electrical and LP systems on any RV

• Identify hand tools, shop equipment and specialty tools.

• Describe the safe use and proper care of tools.

• Identify appropriate dress and safety gear.

• Identify the safe storage of hazardous materials.

• Implement safe work habits.

• Find and use material safety data sheet.

• Identify applicable RV codes and standards (NEC, A119.2, DOT & state).

• Identify various RV occupations.

• Describe RV service technician job classifications.

• Identify and utilize service manual, service bulletins, user’s guides and troubleshooting manuals.

• Locate RV specifications in specified service literature.

Tuition cost for the course is $190. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition and textbooks upon successful completion of the course. Completion will qualify participants for 28 RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours.

PCOA Sees Attendance Increase at York Show

For Christine and James Cooper, the “lure of the open road” and a mutual love of camping brought them to the last day of the York, Pa., RV show, held over the weekend at the York Expo Center.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA), the 35th annual show boasted a total of 80 vendors and featured an estimated 200 recreational vehicles in a variety of styles.

According to PCOA Executive Director Beverly Gruber, helping to educate the public about campgrounds, dealers and vendors is hardly a job. She has owned an RV since 1966, and together with family, has, in addition to local trips, crossed the country to California three times.

“People should really consider them for traveling. They’re a great way for family to spend time with each other,” Gruber said.

She said the association begins planning in October for the annual expo, and attendance increased about 14% this year.

For Christine Cooper, a purchase of an RV would be a long-term investment for her and her family.

“We’re considering it. It would be great for vacations, especially with our children and pets,” she said, adding that while she had never compared the price of RV upkeep with the price of airfare, an RV does make sense compared with hotel prices.

Also present were Lancaster residents Jeff and Susan Gingrich, who had owned an RV in the past and were “contemplating” buying another one for travel when they retire.

“An RV would be good to have instead of paying for a hotel or motel each night,” Susan Gingrich said.

To read the entire article click here.

PRVCA RV Generators Course Begins in March

RV Generators, the next course offered in the RV Technician Distance Learning Program, begins March 18 and runs through May 5.

According to a press release, the course, which is supported by the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) and Northampton Community College, provides students a very detailed look into the idiosyncrasies of the voltage and power-producing device. Understanding that mechanical motion, including mechanical adjustments, has a direct electrical result helps students through the nuances of this sometimes difficult-to-understand machine. Generator sizing, installation, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance are all studied.

“The program is designed for someone who wants to go all the way as an RV technician,” Ron Donachie, the program’s instructor states. “If you want to become a certified tech, this is the way to do it.”

The online course requires hands-on assignments and quizzes and allows students to interact with the instructor and other participants. Students can log on 24/7.

“This is more than just watching step-by-step instructions in a training video,” Donachie says. “You get the training needed to become an RV tech.”

Tuition cost for the RV generator course is $325. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition and textbooks upon successful completion of the course. Graduates will receive 48 RV technician recertification credit hours.

To register for the courses, visit https://lifelearn.northampton.edu/modules/ and create a username and password. If you have any trouble registering for the course, call Northampton Community College at (877) 543-0998.

To purchase the textbooks required for the course, contact heather@prvca.org or call (888) 303-2887. The courses materials are supported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and feature competency-based instruction, assignments and testing.

For more information on the courses and instructor, Ron Donachie, visit

Roba Will Head PRVCA’s Education Foundation

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) announced that John Roba of JR Products has been named chairman of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Education Foundation.

“Education and training are important when it comes to keeping the RV industry strong,” Roba said in a press release. “And I look forward to making sure the foundation is doing everything it can to help promote industry education.”

Lori Morrow, of Keller Marine and RV, has also been named a trustee to the foundation. “I have a passion for the dealers and their success in the industry,” Morrow says. “I am glad to help in any way possible.”

The Education Foundation is designed to support education programs and opportunities for individuals who would like to make a career in the RV and campground industry. Some of the programs include the RV Technician Apprenticeship Program and RV Technician Distance Learning Program through Northampton Community College as well as scholarships to both Northampton and the National School of Campground Management.

The Education Foundation’s upcoming distance learning course, RV Electrical Services, begins Jan. 14. For more information, contact heather@prvca.org.

 

RV Technician Refrigerator Course Scheduled

Northampton Community College and the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association’s (PRVCA) next RV Technician Distance Learning Course, RV Absorption Refrigerators, is set to begin on Oct. 8 and run through Nov. 11.

According to a press release, the course (RVTNC101.1) will focus on the appliance that causes the most confusion; how to use heat to produce cold. The theory of absorption and associated processes are fine-tuned and presented in a way that makes this sometimes perplexing device a little easier to understand.

Like the other LP appliances studied, individual component testing and replacement is accomplished as well as an understanding of all operational ills on each energy source employed by the RV refrigerator.

Details include: Tuition cost is $270. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 40.

To purchase the textbook required for this course, contact Heather Leach at the PRVCA office at (888) 303-2887) or email heather@prvca.org.

To register for the course, visit https://lifelearn.northampton.edu/modules/, and create a login/password. If you experience any difficulty, please call Northampton Community College at (877) 543-0998.

Industry Shines as Hershey Show Posts Record

America’s Largest RV Show reported record attendance at this year’s event with a turnout of 43,131 people for the Retail Days alone, according to a press release.

As previously reported by RVBUSINESS.com, the Sept. 10-16 event at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., saw a 29% increase in attendance from 2011 and set a new record for the history of the show. The show had over 1,092 new units on display, 172 booth vendors and 45 manufacturers covering display space that surpassed 2011 by over 7%.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the increase in both show space and attendance,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), which annually hosts the show. “We sold out of booth vendor space inside the Giant Center and extended the manufacturer space further into the parking area. People coming to the show are always amazed at how many RVs and accessories the show has and this year’s show definitely exceeded expectations.”

Industry Days were the focus of the first two days of the show allowing dealers one-on-one time with manufacturers and the opportunity to see the debut of the 2013 products.

“There’s a lot of value in Hershey’s Industry Days,” said Dan Saltzgiver, general manager of Camping World of Hanover and PRVCA show chairman. “The show allows dealers and campgrounds to have the first glimpse of the new product and familiarize themselves with the models.”

Industry Days also included education clinics focusing on F&I, service writers and advertising along with a Red Carpet Breakfast featuring NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen and a party at Hersheypark.

This year, PRVCA held a trip giveaway to the Dominican Republic for campground and RV dealership owners attending Industry Days. The winners were John and Linda Sosko, owners of Silver Valley Campsites and RV Sales in Saylorsburg, Pa. “I can’t believe we won,” Linda Sosko said. “I am going home and packing my bags.”

Retail days brought consumers who were ready to shop. “We had our best show yet,” Saltzgiver said. “Our sales were up over 20% and, from what I could tell, all segments of the industry did well at Hershey.”

“Traffic has been up and sales have been steady,” Ed Lerch, owner of Lerch’s RV, said during the show. “We are ahead of last year.”

Jay Troyer, director of sales and marketing for first-time exhibitor Forks RV Inc. noted, “We were very pleased with traffic and public reaction. This show will become a staple in our show schedule.”

The Hershey Show also provided hourly seminars for both new and experienced RVers. Industry experts such as Bob Marx, Walter Cannon, John Holod and RV Doctor Gary Bunzer were on hand to share their know-how.

“This year, America’s Largest RV Show far exceeded all my expectations,” Bunzer states. “We were blessed with glorious weather, outstanding sales and, of course, enthusiastic crowds that attended in record numbers each day of the show. In my 23 years of presenting seminars at this show, I cannot recall any year where we had such perfect sunshine, moderate temperatures, low humidity and no rain for the entire run of the show, every single day – including the two Industry Days on Monday and Tuesday.

“The dealers and vendors I spoke with were ecstatic about the record attendance and how well their sales were progressing as each day built towards the big weekend. I especially liked chatting with the first-time vendors and attendees. Everybody wore smiles the entire week. That’s a great sign for the RV industry.”

The universal appeal of RVing, as well as the ability to shop and compare so many manufacturers at one place, continues to attract thousands of people to Hershey. “We are so happy to provide a place where people can come together and share their passion for RVing,” Lenington stated. “We are in planning mode for next year’s show to make it even better.”

The 2013 PA RV & Camping Show will be held on September 9–15. For more information, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

PRVCA Distance Learning Fall Schedule is Set

The RV Technician Distance Learning Program has announced its fall courses: RV Air Conditioners, RV Absorption Refrigerators and RV Heating Systems. According to a press release, the courses are held online through Northampton Community College in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA).

Details include:

• RV Air Conditioners (Beta 6015) will begin Aug. 27 and run through Oct. 7. This course examines the roof-top air conditioner in detail. Revisiting the fundamentals of alternating current electricity, the students jump into the science of the refrigeration cycle. Delving into the properties of vaporization and condensation and applying the principles of compression, students gain the skill necessary to troubleshoot component failures along with the ability to repair and/or replace vital components. Installation requirements and preventive maintenance practices are also learned in this course. Tuition cost: $325. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 48.

• RV Absorption Refrigerators (Beta 6016) will begin Oct. 8 and run through Nov. 11. This is the appliance that causes the most confusion – how to use heat to make cold. The theory of absorption and associated processes are fine-tuned and presented in a way that makes this sometimes perplexing device a little easier to understand. Like the other LP appliances studied, individual component testing and replacement is accomplished as well as an understanding of all operational ills on each energy source employed by the RV refrigerator. Tuition cost: $270. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 40.

• RV Heating Systems (Beta 6017) will begin Nov. 12 and run through Dec. 9. The last of the four LP-burning appliances is presented in this course. Though earlier designs of RV heaters and furnaces are discussed, the main focus is on the forced air furnace. Its sophistication and compactness both contribute to its difficulty in working on one. Like the other three appliances, each component part is dissected and discussed individually, as is the furnace, as a whole. Subjects covered include furnace installation, diagnosing operational faults, repairing and testing, and more. Tuition cost: $135. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 20.

To register for the courses, call Northampton Community College at 1-877-543-0998. The courses materials are supported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and feature competency-based instruction, assignments and testing. To purchase the most recent set of RVIA textbooks on DVD, please contact Heather at the PRVCA office, (888) 303-2887, or e-mail heather@prvca.org.

PRVCA Distance Learning Fall Schedule is Set

The RV Technician Distance Learning Program has announced its fall courses: RV Air Conditioners, RV Absorption Refrigerators and RV Heating Systems. According to a press release, the courses are held online through Northampton Community College in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA).

Details include:

• RV Air Conditioners (Beta 6015) will begin Aug. 27 and run through Oct. 7. This course examines the roof-top air conditioner in detail. Revisiting the fundamentals of alternating current electricity, the students jump into the science of the refrigeration cycle. Delving into the properties of vaporization and condensation and applying the principles of compression, students gain the skill necessary to troubleshoot component failures along with the ability to repair and/or replace vital components. Installation requirements and preventive maintenance practices are also learned in this course. Tuition cost: $325. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 48.

• RV Absorption Refrigerators (Beta 6016) will begin Oct. 8 and run through Nov. 11. This is the appliance that causes the most confusion – how to use heat to make cold. The theory of absorption and associated processes are fine-tuned and presented in a way that makes this sometimes perplexing device a little easier to understand. Like the other LP appliances studied, individual component testing and replacement is accomplished as well as an understanding of all operational ills on each energy source employed by the RV refrigerator. Tuition cost: $270. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 40.

• RV Heating Systems (Beta 6017) will begin Nov. 12 and run through Dec. 9. The last of the four LP-burning appliances is presented in this course. Though earlier designs of RV heaters and furnaces are discussed, the main focus is on the forced air furnace. Its sophistication and compactness both contribute to its difficulty in working on one. Like the other three appliances, each component part is dissected and discussed individually, as is the furnace, as a whole. Subjects covered include furnace installation, diagnosing operational faults, repairing and testing, and more. Tuition cost: $135. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course. RV Technician Recertification Credit Hours: 20.

To register for the courses, call Northampton Community College at 1-877-543-0998. The courses materials are supported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and feature competency-based instruction, assignments and testing. To purchase the most recent set of RVIA textbooks on DVD, please contact Heather at the PRVCA office, (888) 303-2887, or e-mail heather@prvca.org.

Dates Set for PRVCA’s RV Towing Tech Course

The next RV technician distance learning course, RV Towing Systems (Beta 6013), is set to begin June 25 and run through July 29.

The course, held online by Northampton Community College in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), will cover all elements of RV towing, including: a truck towing a travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer; a motorhome towing a small car; and all elements of electric trailer brakes, including troubleshooting, repair and maintenance. Hitch design and installation techniques are presented along with all associated electrical wiring between tow vehicle and trailer. Safety elements are stressed including weight data and all associated terminology.

Tuition cost is $190 for the course, which provides 20 RV technician recertification credit hours. Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition upon successful completion of the course.

The courses materials are supported by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and feature competency-based instruction, assignments and testing. To register for the courses, call Northampton Community College at (877) 543-0998. For more information on PRVCA member reimbursement, contact Heather at the PRVCA office, (888) 303-2887.

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