The Camping and RV show at the Big E

[MrLiMBO]

I went to  the Camping show at the Big E over this past weekend.  I've been going to the show for the past 8-10 years or so.  While, I really haven't been in the market for a new camper, its fun to see what the RV companies are stuffing into those rolling palaces these days.  



Tons of HUGE diesel power 40' RV's.  Scary prices too.  I paid less for my house.  The camper does have leather seats and a big screen TV.    Is there really that much expendable cash out there?  I wish I had some.



I didn't see much that tickled my fancy. I did see some 'oversized' Tear drop campers.  They looked like a regular tear drop camper, but you can stand up inside.  Almost like the old Scotty trailers.  



Not one VW camper.  Since VW stopped making the Eurovan a couple of years back, Winnebago has been making their 'Vista' camper with the Mercedes/ Freightliner/Sprinter Chassis. The price has gone up accordingly.  You could buy a Eurovan powered Vista for about 50K now the Mercedes/Freightliner/Sprinter powered Vista is 70K.



Overall, not a bad show.  I wish there were a few more parts dealers. What little there was for dealers pretty much had all the same stuff, plug adapters, folding chairs and Patio lights.  But I did make a few contacts to RV repair shops just in case I get into something I can't handle with my old Mallard.

[cc6344454]

Thats what I feel too. "Is there really that much expendable cash out there" WHo the hell has that kind of money for an RV. Expensive to buy, expensive to operate, expensive to repair, and where do you store the damn thing?

Great to look at and fantasize about, but not practical or realistic at all.

[mark & carol]

jim here is a link for everything that is rv related



http://www.go-rv.com/coast/do/catalog/main?dealerId=893



https://www.ntpdistribution.com/Via/ind ... t=R0012092



how this helps





mark

[MrLiMBO]

Thanks. Nice links.  I pretty much do my own work, but its nice to know where I can get stuff when I need it.

[Vanagonjr]

I wish there was a greater choice of smaller campers in the US.  I had the idea of a US van with a slide-out.  I saw Coleman had a design patent on such a few years ago, but I've never seen one.  



I think what limits the US choice for small campers, is the same with small house.  You get "1/2" the camper (or house) for 85-95% of the price.  While with the camper, I still make an argument for the smaller model at nearly the full size price, re-sale would be poor.  



Also a used van front (class C - Class A? - Hell I don't know what these are called) camper can be had for 1/2 the price of a new Sprinter-based camper.  Still, I hope when I retire there is more choice and that I can afford a Sprinter or something similar camper.  



They look top heavy, but a slide-in pick-up truck camper for an 8' bed (do they still make those with all the double cabs now) would allow you to "park" the camper and use a bare truck for exploring out of the camp site or a functional vechicle for the rest of the year.







I think the bottom line big campers sell is because we have marketed to too strongly.  People are always asking if I have seen such and such a TV show (I only recently got basic cable) what my favorite hi-end restaraunt  (I'm saving for kid's coledge).  



They have remote starters so they burn more gas to save 5 minutes in a somewhat cold vechicle.  One guy has a remote for the TV/stereo, ect that cost $600.00 installed!  While he can afford it, we as Amercians expect a level of living that was true luxury as little as 10 years ago.  A Jacuzzi tub is now no big deal, neither is a hot tub ona expansive deck.  And with China cranking out these items cheaper than ever, some of these are not so hard to purchase - its just that some of us want it all.  



Still lots are buying more than they can afford.  People keep asking me when my wife is going back to work.  Why, so the kids can spend summer with someone else?  If we can afford to live on one salary, why not?  Luckily I make enough money that we can - I just can't afford that BMW or a new car every 3 years.  



I'm lucky, I have a great home I bought before real estate took off here.  I own a new car - Honda Civic, but is only 2-3 years old.  It's not that luxuries are all evil, it's the desire to have them all that is driving America into a hollow living.  



The camper is to escape, but some just want all the trappings with them.  



OK I getting too bloggy here!  :oops: Time to sign off.

JR

[MrLiMBO]

I forsee a time when American's will be like a relative of mine.  Consuming my resources while contributing KNOTHING. We are already the worlds biggest consumers, but at some point, we'll also stop contributing to the worlds market place.  (other than pornography of course).   Sad really. At one point everyone in the world wanted to be American.  But now, thanks in part to George W, Americans are despised.   Some still think America is paved in gold, but now they can't come here anymore.  If it weren't for imigation, none of us would be here.  



For the record.  RV classes are:

Class A is those large greyhouse bus style palaces.

Class B is any van chassis camper. IE sprinter, road teks even full Westies

Class C is the van nosed campers with the over hang over the nose.  My Mallard is a Class C.

[phil]

I don't get it either. I struggle to find a reason why anyone would want a monster RV. It costs a fortune. Plus it will cost a fortune to drive given the ever rising fuel costs. Driving it around cities is a pain in  the ass. You miss a turn, you got to find parking lot to turn around.

All for what? To have something that resembles your house except on wheels. Why?