Community Forums

TLGPE · 01-22-2013, 09:11 PM

Hi Maggie,

I also got to the show, but did not meet up with anyone I knew.

I enjoyed the show. It rained all of the first day I was there, so I spent most of my time in the booths just looking for RV related stuff. I agree with some other posters that the pricing and such were not impressive, but I did check out a lot of stuff that looked interesting.

I went back on Friday and spent much more time looking at all the motor homes. There were a BUNCH of them! I really didn't bother with the mega-mega coaches. I look at a lot of the 26 to 35 foot class A units. I was amazed at how cheaply they were priced. They were still much too expensive for me to consider, but in a few years they should be quite affordable. Nearly all that I saw were gassers, of course, but still quite nice. The newer units with slides offer so much more room than my '94 with no slides.

Anyway, the show came and went. I'm sorry you didn't get here, but maybe next time.........

Take care, and keep in touch.
Tom

Maggie8 · 01-23-2013, 02:02 PM

Hey Tom: Thanks to you and Barb (okmky) for a response on the Tampa RV Show. I thought the game plan, based on the threads, was for those solos that are currently in FL would meet at the show and share knowledge or establish friendships.... did that change or was there just not any interest? I know you posted a thread asking about a meet up.. did anyone respond? I did not go to FL this winter or I would have been there, as it is a great show with thousands of attendees.

Sometimes there are RV bargains at the show but you have to do your homework prior to going to know if it is a "bargain". The show helps you to narrow down your choices since you have so many manufacturers in one place and you can try out the rigs without a sales person distracting you...i.e., stand in the shower/close the door, can you sit comfortably on the toilet, see if you can see the TV without holding your head at an odd angle, does the bed fit/comfortable, sit in the driver's seat for several minutes and reach buttons, think about kitchen counter space for appliances/food prep, kitchen seating comfortable, storage space in the coach and outside. I'm on my second rig and I think I got it right this time other than the gas tank... it is the back by the ladder and is a royal pain to gas up. There are not many gas stations I can fit into and get out of easily. Flying J works but they are not everywhere. So check to see where the gas tank entry is and walk away if it in the back (Class A gas 2011 Newmar Canyon Star). Newmar knows they screwed up with that design and put the tank entry back on the side in 2012. Another lesson learned!!!

RVBaby · 01-24-2013, 04:31 AM

several of us did meet at the seminar tent thanks to Nancy aka nsleeper! Nancy wore a name tag to identify herself and she posted on the forum so that anyone interested in meeting up would be able to recognize her. We met and now are planning some rving adventures so please contact her if you want to get in on the fun!

Izzyblueye · 01-24-2013, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggie8

Hey Tom: Thanks to you and Barb (okmky) for a response on the Tampa RV Show. I thought the game plan, based on the threads, was for those solos that are currently in FL would meet at the show and share knowledge or establish friendships.... did that change or was there just not any interest? I know you posted a thread asking about a meet up.. did anyone respond? I did not go to FL this winter or I would have been there, as it is a great show with thousands of attendees.

Sometimes there are RV bargains at the show but you have to do your homework prior to going to know if it is a "bargain". The show helps you to narrow down your choices since you have so many manufacturers in one place and you can try out the rigs without a sales person distracting you...i.e., stand in the shower/close the door, can you sit comfortably on the toilet, see if you can see the TV without holding your head at an odd angle, does the bed fit/comfortable, sit in the driver's seat for several minutes and reach buttons, think about kitchen counter space for appliances/food prep, kitchen seating comfortable, storage space in the coach and outside. I'm on my second rig and I think I got it right this time other than the gas tank... it is the back by the ladder and is a royal pain to gas up. There are not many gas stations I can fit into and get out of easily. Flying J works but they are not everywhere. So check to see where the gas tank entry is and walk away if it in the back (Class A gas 2011 Newmar Canyon Star). Newmar knows they screwed up with that design and put the tank entry back on the side in 2012. Another lesson learned!!!

************************************************** ********

The most convenient gas filler I ever had on motor home was Bounder with the filler right in the center of the back end. I never had to worry about which side the filler was on, any pump would work just fine.

beachboy27 · 01-30-2013, 08:42 PM

Loving this Florida weather. Got here today.

beachboy27 · 01-31-2013, 06:17 PM

Set up here today. ow to relax for the next two weeks. Let the warm weather come back.

Maggie8 · 02-01-2013, 11:06 AM

Glad you got in safely and are enjoying the warmer weather. Where is Ft. Desoto? It is pretty chilly in NC today, as was it yesterday, but the sun is out and the skies are very blue. We are a ways from warmer weather but January is behind us so ~60 days to go. Are you catching up with other iRV2 solos... apparently there are several in FL right now somewhere? Did you have trouble finding a RV park this late in the snowbird season or did you reserve in advance? Maggie

okmunky · 02-01-2013, 09:28 PM

If you are anywhere near Tarpon Springs you should join a group of us for lunch at Hella's, 11:30.

ghoststories · 02-03-2013, 04:36 PM

Hi Barb,
Hopefully this time next year I will be in FL and we will be able to meet sometime for lunch.

Hope you are doing well. Take care.

beachboy27 · 02-06-2013, 05:23 PM

Fort Desoto is at the southern tip of St. Petes Beach. I reserved in August but there are sites availab le for a day or two anytime. I am here until the 14th. Haven't met anyone here. Really nice now - hope it stays that way.

Bowser · 02-27-2013, 04:44 PM

Hi. I'm Corky, got sober 35 years ago and divorced 32 years ago. I've moved from mountain climbing (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Orizabam eg) and hiking (length of Oregon, border to Lake Tahoe) in the last 15 years to a small RV. Easier on the knees. So far I'm the oldest at 72, don't know how that happened except that I kept waking up.
Leaving in a couple of days on a 4 month trip across Canada to Miami to Tucson, Death Valley and home with a 1 month stopover in the Bahamas to stay at a friends. Had to give my dog away so this will truly be solo.
I have an older Falcon 190, a huge step up from boots, tent and dirt, and I think I'd prefer to drive the Falcon to the base of a mountain and then climb. Don't seem to have much choice, though.
I enjoy the one commonality backpacking and climbing have with RVing, and that is I can stay wherever I want to. Love that freedom. Not much for RV parks, love to boondock.
So, have a great summer, hope to meet some of you along the way.

RVBaby · 02-28-2013, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Hi. I'm Corky, got sober 35 years ago and divorced 32 years ago. I've moved from mountain climbing (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Orizabam eg) and hiking (length of Oregon, border to Lake Tahoe) in the last 15 years to a small RV. Easier on the knees. So far I'm the oldest at 72, don't know how that happened except that I kept waking up.
Leaving in a couple of days on a 4 month trip across Canada to Miami to Tucson, Death Valley and home with a 1 month stopover in the Bahamas to stay at a friends. Had to give my dog away so this will truly be solo.
I have an older Falcon 190, a huge step up from boots, tent and dirt, and I think I'd prefer to drive the Falcon to the base of a mountain and then climb. Don't seem to have much choice, though.
I enjoy the one commonality backpacking and climbing have with RVing, and that is I can stay wherever I want to. Love that freedom. Not much for RV parks, love to boondock.
So, have a great summer, hope to meet some of you along the way.

Corky....I don't often run into people who have climbed Kilimanjaro so imagine my excitement when I read your post! I too succeeded in summiting that magnificent mountain! Got to the top on July 4th, 1976, our bi-centennial! In recognition of that date I flew a homemade 5'x7' box kite on which I painted the bi-centennial symbol! A birthday salute to America! What an amazing experience. Would love to hear about your climb!