Newsletter August ​2016
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Wishing you great"end of summer" vacation destinations!

A little "Plan & Prep" goes a long way

Carefully planning your trip before you take it can make a huge difference while you’re on it. Here’s an example of a pre-trip checklist for you.

1. Schedule an RV Pre-trip inspection.
   If it’s been a while since your last trip, make an appointment at Leale’s for a pre-trip inspection. Call for information and to schedule your inspection. (408) 0286-5353
2. Do a quick visual safety inspection.
   Always take a few moments to do your own safety check on your RV before you leave for a trip. Here’s a short “walk around” checklist our techs recommend:
   • Make sure that all your power cords are disconnected from outlets.
   • Is there anything underneath your coach that you would run over when it’s moved?
   • Are all of your jacks retracted?
   • Make sure your antenna is down.
   • Check all the fluid levels.
   • Check your batteries. A good thing for RV owners to have is a voltmeter so you can easily check them to make sure they’re charging properly.
   • Are your tires in good condition? No cracks in the walls? Leale’s also offers a free visual safety inspection specifically tailored to the mileage on your RV. Call for information and to schedule an inspection.

   Leale’s also offers a free visual safety inspection specifically tailored to the mileage on your RV. Call for information and to schedule an inspection. (408) 286-5353

3. Outline your route and build a timeline.
   Answers to the following questions will help you map out not only your route, but where you will stay and other stopping points. Also be sure to build into your route and timeline stops to stretch your legs and have fun along the way. Ask yourself:
   • Are you in a hurry to get to your destination?
   • Do you want to avoid paying tolls?
   • Do you want to take a scenic route?
   • Are there specific places of interest that you want to visit on the way?
   • What will the weather be like?
   • How much flexibility do you have in your schedule?
   • How far do you want to drive each day?
   • When do you want to reach your destination?
4. Create a budget.
   
   • Decide how often you will eat out.
   • What groceries do you need to buy?
   • How much will your emergency fund be?
   • Which RV parks and campgrounds do you plan to stay in?
   • What are your anticipated fuel costs?
   • Is your RV insurance policy up-to-date?
5. Make campground reservations.
   
   • Be sure to make them well in advance.
   • Have a backup plan.
6. Figure out your electrical load.
   
   • Remember, you can’t run all of your appliances at the same time.
   • Label each of your appliances with the number of amps it uses. That will help you stay within your power usage limit.
   • Knowing your electrical load will help keep everything running and safe.
7. Make lists.
   
   • Lists help keep you prepared so you don’t have to stop for basic things along the way.
   • Checklists will also help you keep your sanity while packing and preparing for your trip.
   • You will be more likely to have what you need when you need it.
   • Some lists to use:
     Spare parts……Food……Misc. supplies……Linens……Stuff to keep the kids (or you) occupied
8. Spread out the packing.
   
   • Pack in stages.
   • Spread it out over several days or a week.
   • Pack in categories: for example, games and entertainment for the kids, kitchen items, food, etc.
   • You will be less likely to forget something than if you pack everything at one time.
9. Secure everything.
   
   • Road bumps and turns can really mess up the inside of your RV if things are not secured.
   • There are lots of ideas for keeping items in their places. Pinterest has several good ones contributed by real RVers.
   • Lots of possibilities: bungee cords, spring loaded curtain rods, childproof locks, etc.
10. Manage your weight.
    
    • Know the legal weight limits for your RV.
    • Know the weight of your RV.
    • Pack according to the weight allowed.
    • When packed, weigh your loaded RV at a truck weigh station before you leave on your trip.
    • If overweight, you can lighten up by getting water and fuel each time you stop instead of carrying it all with you in your RV.
    • Try to distribute weight evenly throughout the RV.
11. Be aware of weather and road conditions.
    
    • Check weather forecasts before you leave.
    • Check every day while you’re traveling.
    • Be prepared to alter your timeline or route if necessary.
    • Most important: avoid potentially dangerous conditions.

Another way to stay cool this summer - Awnings!!!

Awnings help keep you cool both inside and outside your RV.

As you enjoy hot summer weather and you’ve made sure your cooling and air conditioning systems are all in good working order, check out your awnings too:

• Is the fabric coming apart where they attach to the coach or do they have holes or tears?
• Is the fabric starting to look weathered or brittle?
• If one is torn, have you checked the others?
• Are they securely attached to your RV?

Torn/peeling awning.

Call for information on repair or replacement of awnings and awning assemblies. (408) 286-5353

Remember your tow vehicle.

Remember that Leale’s provides expert automotive care in our Transmission and Auto Repair facility.

For high-quality, fast service for your car, contact Leale's Transmission and Auto Repair:

408 286-5350

Tires too old for the road?

Hot weather is very hard on tires. During the hot summer travel season we always notice an increase in tire failure. We are also seeing a lot of tire failure due to poor tire condition.

For RV tire durability, it’s not just the mileage to consider, but also tire age. We replace the tires on our car every few years when the tread has worn down, but for an RV, the life expectancy is five to seven years, regardless of the mileage and tread.

Don’t risk your safety. Know the age of your tires.

The cracks in the tire wall show signs of aging.

Every RV owner should know the age of his/her RV tires and be aware of signs of aging. To determine tire age:

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires every tire to be marked on the sidewall with the day it was in the mold (its birthday).
• Locate a line of numbers and letters beginning with “DOT” on the sidewall (on only one sidewall of each tire).
• There are four numbers at the end of the line. The first two indicate the calendar week of the tire’s “birthday”. For example, “01” for the first week of January. The second two numbers indicate the year. For example, “0815”would be the eighth week of 2015.

Tire age information on the sidewall of an RV tire.

Enter our 2016 Customer Photo Contest!

Our first customer photo contest was so much fun that we’re going to do it again! “Thanks” to all of you who sent us your photos last year. Our calendars have been a huge success! Our customers love them! So, we’re asking you to again share some of your favorite pictures from your RV travels.

This year’s theme……… Traveling with your co-pilot(s).

Where will the photos be used?

• In our Leale’s 2017 Customer Calendar.
• On our Website.
• In our newsletter or company literature.

How the contest works:

• Send us your photos.
• We will select one photo for each month of our 2017 calendar. These will be the contest winners.
• The rest of the photos may be used in other places.
• Contest winners will be announced in November.

About the photos:

• In your photos, feature your favorite traveling companion(s): Husband, wife, friends, children, grandchildren, dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, bobble heads, teddy bears, etc…..
• Put your co-pilot in a scene inside your RV, outside your RV, anywhere…but include an RV somehow, somewhere in the photo. Make it interesting. Remember, it might end up on our calendar.
• Show some scenery, points of interest, sunsets, sunrises, mountains, deserts, activities….whatever you find interesting or beautiful during your travels in your RV.
• Different seasons with RVs. Holidays would be great too. You can even dress up your co-pilot.

Contest guidelines:

• No limit to the number of photos you submit. More is better.
• No limit to your creativity.
• Have fun!
• Include a caption for each photo. Tell us the story of each photo: where you are and a little about your co-pilot.
• Send the largest file size you have. (Minimum 250 dpi. 300 dpi is best.)
• Send each photo in a separate file.
• Send photos by email to:
  babette@leales.com (or)
  marketing@leales.com
• In your email message, include this statement: “I give Leale’s permission to publish this (these) photos in the following places: Leale’s newsletter, Website, Calendar or company literature.”
• In your message also include your name and phone number so we can contact you.
• Contest ends October 31, 2016.

In memoriam

Jim and the love of his life, his wife, Brenda, raised two children, Jim Jr. and Sherri, both of whom work for the family business. He opened his auto and transmission repair shop in 1965 and quickly gained a reputation for excellent service and a jovial, caring approach with his customers. His commitment to outstanding quality and customer service remains a major part of the current Leale’s culture.

When we think of Jim Sr., it’s hard not to hear in our minds……..

“Yep, that there is how it’s done!”

Rest in peace, Jim Sr. You are missed.

RV Camping Tip

Try a lemon with cloves to keep away flies and mosquitoes.

Summer camping = bugs. Tired of those annoying little pests in your RV, flying around your outdoor eating area? Try this:

Cover a lemon with whole cloves. It’s easy to bring both ingredients with you. Set it on a plate wherever you’re bothered by those little flying pests. It works great keeping flies, mosquitoes and those irritating little fruit flies away.

Clove studded lemon to repel flying insects.

(Idea from Roxanne Lewis on Pinterest)

And now...a word from our customers

"We managed to find a cement post with the front left side of the fifth wheel RV we live in. Leale’s RV fit us into their schedule quickly and made fast work of tracking parts down. The company kept us updated of all the progress being made every step of the way as well as custom making and painting a metal panel to match the one that got bent up. They were very professional, patient (I can be a pest at times and no one ever seemed upset) and quick. When we picked up the fifth wheel it looked beautiful! You could not tell at all the panel was custom made and painted. I am so happy my “home” looks perfect again. I could not have asked for a better experience getting repairs done. Thanks again Kory and the team at Leale’s RV service and repair shop!!!"

- Sierra Horne