Community Forums

datrbone8 · 09-20-2012, 12:12 PM

I keep seeing all these references to Quartzite and was wondering why people make this a destination. I've lived in southern Arizona for many years and have been to Quartzite on a few occasions while travelling to CAlifornia.

I just don't understand the attraction of the place for so many people and was wondering why people go there. It's not particularly attractive and as far as I can see there is nothing there of any special interest.

So maybe I'm missing something about the place ??

JOMARFL (FMCA 401058) · 09-20-2012, 12:33 PM

Never been there, however; i believe it's one of the bucket list items for some RV folks. Past threads talk about good deals on items from installs of accessories, etc. Will be interesting to see the answers.

BFlinn181 · 09-20-2012, 12:43 PM

I also haven't been, except to drive thru. The town isn't much, but the rally attracts thousands, lots of deals on service, equipment, new friends, etc.

teera travel · 09-20-2012, 01:01 PM

free camping on hundreds of square miles of BLM land. more rvs and rv toys than you can imagine for sale! great atv riding ,great people of all kinds with same interests having fun in there rvs We have been going for the last ten years ,end of jan.-first of feb. Great place to start each season.

dan & cathy 07 36' 8.1 fleetwood teera lx with quads

Muddypaws · 09-20-2012, 01:11 PM

It's Burning Man for RV'ers.

danes-on-tour · 09-20-2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datrbone8

I keep seeing all these references to Quartzite and was wondering why people make this a destination. I've lived in southern Arizona for many years and have been to Quartzite on a few occasions while travelling to CAlifornia.

I just don't understand the attraction of the place for so many people and was wondering why people go there. It's not particularly attractive and as far as I can see there is nothing there of any special interest.

So maybe I'm missing something about the place ??

Well - I think you are missing the point.

The show is not the main attraction, although it's fun the browse the vendor streets and see if you can avoid buying some of the stuff that you didn't need in the first place.

The main attraction is to go and spend some quality time with old Rv friends, who keep turning up (like you do yourself). Have a drink - tell a lie - learn something new - relax - enjoy the friendship. That's what Quartzsite is to us.

Don't be a stranger. Come see us and let your hair down (no offence to bald people intended

)

Dunner · 09-20-2012, 04:50 PM

I said: "Since we're going to Quartzsite tomorrow, how `bout spending then night at my place so I don't have to drive across town to pick you up in the morning." That started a yearly trek to Quartzsite with my new GF. We went there every anniversary till she move 3 hours in the wrong direction.

I do have to wonder if there are truly good deals at Quartzsite or just a place for the vendors to jack up their prices, with the pretense that they are selling below normal, just because it is "Quartzsite". I do love going there to stock up on those hard to find items and tools, though, and don't care for the demos or seminars.

I have heard that if you go there and have ATVs on an open trailer, chain and padlock them down; they've been know to grow legs, although, a bolt cutter is just as fast as a knife on a tie-down. It may be better to leave them in a safe place or post a guard.

kcyeakel · 09-20-2012, 05:20 PM

A question for those with knowledge of Quartzite. I know there are hundreds if not thousands of vendors selling there goods. Do they all sell in the markets or do some just setup wherever they are camping to peddle their goods. What kind of licensing is required to sell your products?

kcyeakel

docj · 09-20-2012, 05:33 PM

We have never been to Quartzite and never intend to go there. We don't boondock and have no reason to go there to buy stuff. Anything we need to buy we can pretty much buy online anytime during the year. I don't need to buy from vendors hyping that they are giving a "show discount." Even at reputable RV rallies it seems as if at least half the vendors are selling stuff that isn't much above the Ginzu knife level. If I want to meet up with RV friends, we'll make arrangements to meet somewhere at our mutual convenience.

Mr_D · 09-20-2012, 05:51 PM

Been there a couple times when the Newmar owners group used to have a gathering there, then dropped down to Yuma to visit friends. That was back in '04 and '05. Haven't been since. My parents used to go also and they enjoyed it.
Will we go back? Maybe, maybe not. Really don't know but my wife did enjoy adding to her rock collection! Actually she bought small stones to make jewelry out of.
Yuma friends still have property there but he died (cancer) and she has Altzheimers and doesn't go down there anymore.

teera travel · 09-20-2012, 08:21 PM

docj loosen up you just might enjoy yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!

sgtjoe · 09-20-2012, 08:37 PM

I find that most Vendors charge more for the same exact item you can buy at the Yuma or Mesa swap meets. It is fun to walk around and see what is for sale. I'll be there this Jan during the "Big Top" so that I can get RoadMaster to hook up my Toad brake system. Also, will see what The Gambler has to offer. They are great for National stuff and other stuff for your RV at really reasonable prices. Bought a bay door latch for my Tradewinds for $7.50, now that was really a great buy.
And for the Wife the big attraction is Silly Al's, FANTASTIC PIZZA.

Vette Racer · 09-20-2012, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe

And for the Wife the big attraction is Silly Al's, FANTASTIC PIZZA.

Ditto times 2! Can't be beat.

Dunner · 09-20-2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe

I find that most Vendors charge more for the same exact item you can buy at the Yuma or Mesa swap meets. It is fun to walk around and see what is for sale.

And for the Wife the big attraction is Silly Al's, FANTASTIC PIZZA.

Thanks Joe, that confirms my suspicions. There are some vendors that sell things like separate drill bits, switches, zip ties, etc that seem to have good prices.

My problem with prices was when I met my brother there. He said he knew the vendor and if I stepped aside, he could get a better deal. He later sold me what I wanted for more than what he paid for it. My own, money obsessed, brother.