Tampa Super Show Worst of New Design

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by exgman

We've been very happy with what we've found at the show.We've spent time at Newmar, Entegra and American Coach and have found very knowledgable salespersons and factory reps. We flew out from California for the show and it was money and time well spent.

We flew in from Buffalo and enjoyed our first time at the show. The show had substantially more Class A DP's than Hershey did and the variety of brands was interesting. The one thing that I was disappointed in was the lack of what I would call really innovative features. The most innovative ones I saw were in Newmars. One had a bar and stool setup across from the couch with a TV that came up out of the counter and the other was an add-on to the booth similar to the L shaped couches that every manufacturer seems to have. Other than that I didn't really see anything that was a "WOW" factor in the mid range Diesel Pushers.

[2Labs]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I was there Wednesday. I found most of the brochures stashed inside the microwaves. Never saw so many ugly interiors (IMHO). Some were so dark, even with all the lights on, that it looked like night. Only found 2 RVs (before we left) with light floors, light colored cabinetry, and ceilings that didn't look like they were from a cheesy Vegas nightclub. Can't imagine where they got some of the countertops ... and these were in $300k and up units. However, the exteriors all looked good and the fit of components looked pretty good!

I'm not usually one for coaches with dark cabinets - but at the same time, it seems like all the light colored interiors are just so boring and so the same.

We weren't able to make it to the show this year, but this Mountain Aire is one DP that I would really like to see in person. I don't know if this one was at the show, but to us - the combination of light and dark is very interesting. Plus the 4369 floor plan ... that's the one for us! Newmar does make this 4369 floor plan in the Ventana, Dutch Star and Mountain Aire.

2014 0 Newmar Mountain Aire 4369 Class A Diesel Motorhome (Stock# 7656)

[2Labs]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

We flew in from Buffalo and enjoyed our first time at the show. The show had substantially more Class A DP's than Hershey did and the variety of brands was interesting. The one thing that I was disappointed in was the lack of what I would call really innovative features. The most innovative ones I saw were in Newmars. One had a bar and stool setup across from the couch with a TV that came up out of the counter and the other was an add-on to the booth similar to the L shaped couches that every manufacturer seems to have. Other than that I didn't really see anything that was a "WOW" factor in the mid range Diesel Pushers.

The floor plan with the bar stool setup, if from Newmar, is the 4369. That's a great floor plan for the DW and I as we're not retired and do work from the road.

You can find that floor plan in the Ventana, Dutch Star and the Mountain Aire

We saw a Ventana 4369 at the CT RV Show a couple of weeks ago, and WOW what a difference the full wall slide makes! The whole coach is so open and wide.

We saw some other Newmars, Fleetwoods and even an Entegra Coach Aspire. I really love the Entegra Coach models. This was the first time I was in one and it didn't disappoint *EXCEPT* that it felt so "typical" and closed up after seeing the Ventana 4369 first.

We've now set our sights on a Newmar 4369 instead of an Entegra coach!

[tampabaybob]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

If you want a Class A Toy Hauler with a bedroom, look at the Outlaw 37MD. I really want to see one in person too, but they are all presold before they arrive at the dealer...never one at any RV shows.

Of course there is the Canyon Star 3920 and 3921...exactly the same chassis, similar build materials, slightly different floor plan, but $50,000 higher price tag(?).

The loft is the best part of the Outlaw...dedicated bedroom that gets no traffic from the garage and uses no valuable floorspace. I'm in my 50's and have no problem using the loft.

BTW, Voltage (by Dutchmen) and Cyclone (by Heartland) are Thor Industries brands.

Best luck

I'm aware that Thor owns those two companies and was just surprised when going up the stairs as too how little head room there was. I think it's a great idea to have it there, but come on. That small of a space cuts out a lot of buyers.
There were two Thor dealers at the show, one didn't bring an Outlaw with them, and I accidentally stumbled on the other. Other than that one feature, I did like it. Again, being a senior, it's just not a reasonable option. I'll check out the Canyon Stars. Can't say as I've seen them.

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by 2Labs

The floor plan with the bar stool setup, if from Newmar, is the 4369. That's a great floor plan for the DW and I as we're not retired and do work from the road.

You can find that floor plan in the Ventana, Dutch Star and the Mountain Aire

We saw a Ventana 4369 at the CT RV Show a couple of weeks ago, and WOW what a difference the full wall slide makes! The whole coach is so open and wide.

We saw some other Newmars, Fleetwoods and even an Entegra Coach Aspire. I really love the Entegra Coach models. This was the first time I was in one and it didn't disappoint *EXCEPT* that it felt so "typical" and closed up after seeing the Ventana 4369 first.

We've now set our sights on a Newmar 4369 instead of an Entegra coach!

One of the big issues we have is trying to sleep more than two people. This is the one biggest hang up with Entegra. I love the 44SL, but it is the only one that will definitely sleep four or more. The Aspire 44U might, but I have to find out the size of the hide a bed to see if two adults can sleep there comfortably.

The Dutch Star 4369 is a pretty cool looking model which does have a queen sized sleeper in the living room. It is a very distinct possibility for us because it will sleep more than two. Downsides to the Newmar is only the one year warranty and the lack of a Spartan chassis.

[TwelveVolt]

Some say that the internet is killing the trade show industry. While this may be true, the vendors at the trade show have an even bigger influence on whether or not you will be motivated to make the trip again next year.

The guy selling the "sharpest kitchen knives in the world" understands exactly why he is there. His job is to get in your face and convince you that you want his product because it is one of the greatest things you have ever seen. Unfortunately, too many of the RV product vendors seem to have missed this concept at the Tampa show.

I stopped in front of a booth to ask a question. The young lady never looked up from her cell phone. This happened more than once. At a major retailer's booth, there were four men sitting in a row, all practicing their best "how to scare small children" faces. Despite the crowd, everyone was walking past or even around this booth.

A Cummins booth. Great! I have a Cummins and I have questions. Lots of people in Cummins shirts chatting among themselves. Eventually, sorry, the guy who knows something about engines isn't here, but have a hat. No better luck at the Spartan display. They have trucked a whole chassis down from Michigan to demonstrate why theirs is the best in the world. Unfortunately, the same rep from the last show is sitting in the corner scowling at the customers. He is in Florida for his paid winter vacation and really does not want to hear one more chassis question from one more dumb tourist.

A Freightliner booth and another chassis. Several reps at the booth, and each is approaching and speaking to customers. I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your question, so let me introduce you to one of our mechanics. Finally! A company that gets it. The intelligent and well informed Freightliner mechanic spent almost half an hour explaining my Spartan chassis to me. Yes, I am now very open to the idea of having a FL chassis in my next RV (if the RV manufacturer has the sense to order the side mounted radiator).

Vendors need to understand that the trade show is the customer's first and possibly only contact with the company and the product. The face at the booth is the face of your company. We have taken time out of our day, paid for travel, parking and admission to come see you and your product. Please don't subject us and your bottom line to reps who really don't want to be there.

[go6car]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

One of the big issues we have is trying to sleep more than two people. This is the one biggest hang up with Entegra. I love the 44SL, but it is the only one that will definitely sleep four or more. The Aspire 44U might, but I have to find out the size of the hide a bed to see if two adults can sleep there comfortably.

The Dutch Star 4369 is a pretty cool looking model which does have a queen sized sleeper in the living room. It is a very distinct possibility for us because it will sleep more than two. Downsides to the Newmar is only the one year warranty and the lack of a Spartan chassis.

I couldn't agree more!

And, for the floorplans where you can sleep more, you will have to watch TV with your head turned to the side (or titled up). Very frustrating!

Another thing that bugs me is I want to have space for 4 to comfortably travel with us, sitting toward the front of the coach and not piled on top of each other with the slides closed. Our current coach is one of the best I've seen "closed" for travel. TONS of room.

Last gripe is for many of these "sectional" pull out sofas that are too small and literally on top of a huge TV. Really?!

(I'm very demanding! But, would gladly suffer through all these gripes for a shiny new Entegra Anthem, if anyone would like to shut me up by donating one, LOL!!)

[TwelveVolt]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Never saw so many ugly interiors (IMHO). Some were so dark, even with all the lights on, that it looked like night. Only found 2 RVs (before we left) with light floors, light colored cabinetry, and ceilings that didn't look like they were from a cheesy Vegas nightclub.

You are right. Several of the high end coaches had a Munsters / Addams Family feel to the interior. Dark colors, overly ornate trims, few small windows. Instead of camping in comfort and enjoying the outdoors, these felt more like hiding in your road cave. Perhaps if you spend your time parked next to a brick wall waiting for your next curtain call, this may be the way to go.

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by TwelveVolt

You are right. Several of the high end coaches had a Munsters / Addams Family feel to the interior. Dark colors, overly ornate trims, few small windows. Instead of camping in comfort and enjoying the outdoors, these felt more like hiding in your road cave. Perhaps if you spend your time parked next to a brick wall waiting for your next curtain call, this may be the way to go.

Some of the posts I've been reading remark that those same coaches don't have enough cabinet space in them. I guess to find that perfect RV we have to go inside where the Milleniums and the Prevost chassis rigs and, oh yeah, have a couple million in spare change laying around.

There was a wide variety of brands at the show, but almost every manufacturer now has the same cookie cutter designs. Everyone has the bath and a half and the L shaped couch and so on. There seems to be very little innovation that brings out the WOW factor.

[DSL417]

Have to agree...floor plans lack imagination, and after full timing or the first year, it drives me nuts to see a design where there is space for a couple of additional doors and wasted space that could offer another two or four shelves...even if it is just big enough for DVDs. There is a use for every size space, if they'll use it tastefully...e.g.door and shelves on either side of the fireplace.

As to darkness, we looked through a number of models that had lighter colored woods...seems like it was more prevalent in less expensive DPs (don't know why). What I would say, is the size of windows seems to make a big difference WRT lightening up the interiors. We like a mid-range in woods (too many memories of the blondes of the 60s and 70s), but more innovative windows and window treatments would lighten things up big time (if I want dark that is what the night shades are for).

Of interest, several of the Prevost models had moved to greys...don't know if that is a coming trend.

[wnytaxman]

Dave,

I noticed the same thing with the extreme high end coaches. The use of grays and whites. The other item on those coaches was the use of rounded corners and rounded woodwork. Obviously that is more expensive, but it wouldn't surprise me to see things like that crop up in some of the higher end mid-luxury lines.

After saying that I do remember there were some rigs that the interiors were black. You know, Johnny Cash style black. I'm not sure about black for the interior of any coach.

Ed

[DSL417]

Have to agree...went into several Newmar Essexs and thought I walked into a cave. But worse...I just don't get the price for Essex...MSRP of $725K for a K2 chassis and a 500HP DD engine...but I have said before, Newmar pricing structure just leaves me in a state of wonderment...but I guess when you build a good coach, there are some willing to pay the extra premium...just don't understand why this level of customer doesn't demand more in the chassis and engine.

[datrbone8]

Originally Posted by ctpres

One dine setup on $500,000 plus coach could not be used by someone with say 40 inch waist!

If you have a 40 inch waist you likely could use a bit less "dining"

[DSL417]

FWIW, a 40 inch waist is not obese on a 6'4" frame...certainly not a marathoner, but not fat.