Dell's Desk - Dell Sanders, General Manager

 I just returned from the annual meeting of Airstream dealers, held this year in Nashville, Where I attended dealer meetings and broke bread with Airstream dealers from all over the country. There were a number of large, corporate, multi-location dealers represented as well as smaller one lot operations like ours.

We've represented Airstream for a lot of years. We're the only Airstream dealer north of Tampa to Atlanta and one of only two in the State of Florida.  We may not sell as many Airstreams as the big dealerships, but I've noted over the years that Airstream owners from all over the Southeast - as well as Snowbirds - come to us for Airstream repair and service. I suppose that means we have somewhat of a reputation as the "go to" service center among Airstream owners.

So, while at the annual Airstream dealer banquet the other night I was surprised, shocked and gratified to be called to the stage to accept their 2012 award for Service Excellence.

This award is really a testament to our service technicians under the capable leadership of our Service Manager, Mark Maness, Certified Master RV Technician.

The award is already hanging on the wall over the parts counter. Come on in for a cup of coffee and take a peek.

2012 Airstream Service Excellence Award

Service Desk - Mark Maness, Service Manager

Did you know that Airstream trailers come equipped with their own brake-away protection? Well they do. And it requires periodic maintenance. Here's what your Airstream manual states: 

In THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL SEPARATION of the tow vehicle and the trailer, the BREAK-AWAY SWITCH will set and lock the trailer brakes for a sufficient length of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated when the wire attached to it and to the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front of the unit. THIS PIN SHOULD BE PULLED OUT, LUBRICATED WITH LIGHT HOUSEHOLD OIL, AND REPLACED EVERY 90 DAYS.

To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch's pin straight forward and spray the inside of the switch through the hole with an electric contact cleaner (such as Spra- Klee) and reinsert pin. A drop of light household oil on the groove near the base of the pin will allow the pin to operate freely. WHEN THE TRAILER IS CONNECTED TO THE TOW VEHICLE, THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH LOOP SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT FRAME OF YOUR HITCH. When disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle remove wire loop from the frame. DO NOT REMOVE THE PIN FROM THE SWITCH BECAUSE THIS WILL APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES.

NOTICE: Do not use breakaway switch for parking brake

Sales Desk - Ritchie Gillam, Sales Manager

 I've known Dell Sanders for more than 5 of my 15 years in the RV industry. I began my RV sales career in Atlanta working for a large and very busy RV dealership. The last five of those years I worked as sales manager for that dealership.

A while back Dell offered me the chance to join the Sanders boys at the RV dealership here in Alachua, Florida. I jumped at the opportunity to move back near my family in Lake Butler.

I grew up in Lake Butler and was graduated from Lake Butler High School in 1992. While in school there I met my sweetheart. We married after high school and are raising three beautiful children.

I look forward to writing to you each month in JD's Digest. I hope you look forward to reading it.

As Dell often likes to say ...come on down to the store for a cup of coffee, say hello and see what's going on.