Tampa RV show in January

[harleyman134]

Our late summer/fall travel plans took a setback, the wife had knee replacement surgery and about the time she was able to travel I broke my arm in 4 places and had to have the ebow joint replaced requiring 4 hours of surgery. Looking ahead we hope to be able to travel in January, at the last minute we went to the show in Tampa last year and enjoyed it. After owning this thing for a little over a year I have some things I want to look at and we are thinking about going back this year for a little get-a-way. I'm looking for advice to make the trip more enjoyable, I don't think we can get a spot at Lazy Days during the show so I'm looking for advice on a place to stay, I also saw a few people staying at the fairgrounds but I think I would prefer hookups, maybe someone with experience staying on site could provide more information.

Thanks

Sonny

["007"]

Stayed at show with Newmar group back in 2010 we had power from Gen supplied by fair grounds.
Filled up fresh water tank before entering and got assigned spot and had a great time.
We visited all displays at our leisure and enjoyed the Newmar meetings and get togethers.
Was not expensive stay and you can probally still register for the Newmar rally.
That was the last long trip to FL. for us because of my wife's situation but we made it there and all the places we visited in FL. the pass 25 years and even hit the Newmar plant in JAN & FEB.
Hope you and your wife are on the mends and can make the trip because you never know what the future may hold.
Safe travels my friend & friends on the forum.

[Dav5942]

Have stayed at Newmar site and have dry camped in the parking lot out front. Enjoyed both and will be there again next year.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

We were there in 2009 at the Newmar site. enjoyed the stay, fellowship, and full access to the show every day. I would do it every year if wasn't on the other side of the country.

[pkmesser]

Sonny;
After a knee replacement 5 years ago, it was 4 months before I wanted to attempt the MH steps. Went to Calico, I was slow climbing around the hills, but enjoyed the first outing after the surgury. Wishing a good recuperation for you and your wife.

[GaryKD]

Hi harleyman134,
If you want full hookups, call Lazy Days immediately. There may still be space available. If you would like to stay with the Newmar Kountry Klub, on site, go to Special Events - Newmar Kountry Klub read about and register for the NKK rally. We stay on site right next to the show. There will be 30 AMP electric provided. If you come and end up in desperate in need of water or dump, I know where this place is located on the fair grounds (in the past).

[harleyman134]

Gary, thanks for the insight, the DW and I talked about this last night and decided it would be fun to stay on site. We think we will be ok with the fresh and black water, the grey water bothers us, even though we conserve water usage (get wet, turn water off, lather up then rinse) our grey water gauge will show full awfully fast, it certainly doesn't jive with our fresh water usage (I'm thinking the gauge could be off).

One more question, if we stay on site and bring our toad, are there any limitations about coming and going from the campgrounds with the toad?

[GaryKD]

Hi harleyman134,
The short answer is no.

Once registered with the NKK, you'll be sent a package of instructions. The package will contain a placard to be hung on the rear view mirror. This will allow you to leave and return to the fair grounds as much as you need to.

To get to the show, there will be a shuttle bus or one can walk. One can also rent a golf car. If one brings their own golf car, there will need to be a handicap card visible to show security. There are many entrances to the show. Which one is used depends on what one is looking to go see.

The shuttle buss stop is buy one of the after market vendor buildings. This is quite convenient. Most of the coach displays (including Newmar) are closer to where the NKK rally site is located. All this is based on past experience (6 years). The show has been known to move rally sites around, from time to time.

[harleyman134]

Gary, thanks for the info, do you have to be a member of NKK to register with them for the rally?

Sonny

[GaryKD]

Hi harleyman134,
The Tampa Super Show rally is a buddy rally. This means you do not need to be a member of the NKK to attend the rally. All you need is a NKK member to have you as their buddy. If you want to go you can use my NKK number (17178L) when you register.

[harleyman134]

Gary, thanks for the offer. As I sit today I'm 85% sure we'll be going, I just need to wait a little longer to make sure my arm is healed enough to drive. I'll let you know when I make the reservations.

[riverbender]

We will be at the Tampa super show in jan. we man a booth for NCA (Northeast Campground Association) and pass along camping guides from the northeast Associations. We are picking up our Newmar Ventana on Tuesday. It's not brand new, 2008, but in great condition, or at least we hope it is! We would like to meet other Newmar owners, can we join? We will be staying on site, but in the vendor area. If allowed, I would love to find you guys and spend some time learning from you. How do we find you?

[GaryKD]

Hi riverbender,
Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar family of owners. Staying in the vendor area,,,,I'm jealous about your full hookups. If we are in the same place as the last couple of years, from the vendor area, walk toward the casino (not on the fair grounds, use it as a direction finder). As you approach the end of the property, you'll see a tent and a bunch of Newmar coaches. As to events, right now all I can tell you is what I host.
January 12 at 4 PM, in the tent is the iRV2 social. Bring your own drink and chair, snacks are provided.

January 13 at 4 PM in the tent. Is the NKK Sea Turtle social. Join with members of the Sea Turtles for an hour of fun. We'll talk about the chapter and provide our rally schedule.

There are other events, in the tent, but at this time I do not know the times and hosts.

[riverbender]

Sounds easy enough! We will be there a day earlier to help set up and look around. I am sure we will find you and hopefully spend sometime with the group. Looking forward to owning the Newmar. We had a Winnebago Adventurer and are hoping to have better luck with the Ventana!