Fall RV Shows in the Midwest??

[Bethers]

There's lots I like about Born Free's. But I can't justify the higher cost (for me)- even of the used models. The things I've had go wrong with mine could have gone wrong if I had purchased that (have replaced the fridge and microwave, for example - same brands were in the Born Free). Repairs on generator and hot water tank (same brands again). Don't get me wrong. I would never rule one out, but it's kind of like buying a car. I'll look at the Ford or Chevy and not the Mercedes or Audi. I do believe the last two are better built, but not in my price range, even used. I purchased mine mostly on the fact it was well taken care of inside, and it appeared to have had all maintenance done, etc with lower mileage and, tops for me, a floorplan that I can live in (and have learned that I picked exactly the right floorplan for me - would buy this rig over again).

Get inside rig after rig after rig and make sure you find what floorplan works for you - as if it doesn't - no matter what you spend, you will never be happy with it.

[Excel]

Well...had to put in my 2 cents as I own a Born Free. Bought it from an Owner in Oklahoma...I've had it for almost 7 years & I can only say it's the best RV I've ever owned. I took her to the factory (for a Rally) a few years ago & had some upgrades installed...cost me next to nothing compared to prices here in CA...got a new mattress, new gas stove top, didn't like the one that came with it, & stuff like that...Anyhow, I too looked at other brands & was sadly disappointed at the quality. If you look past the glitz & check out the real materials used & how they're installed, you can be quite shocked...plus salesmen think women aren't smart enough to understand all that RV stuff so they don't go into detail & only answer questions with limited info. However, BF's are extremely expensive, even the used ones but sometimes you can pick up a deal off the BF owners website...The one thing I can positively attest to (from all the BF rallies & owners I've attended & talked with is that people who buy a BF....they take excellent care of them so most used vehicles are in perfect condition....probably cause they've invested so much money....don't know. I paid a fair price for mine & have had no major problems...But of course she is well taken care of, has maintenance done routinely, & is stored indoors most of the year & of course, washed, waxed & buffed at least once a year & sometimes two times...I like her to look new...
However, BF did not build their units with pop outs till I believe this year they finally came out with one. BF is a family owned company & John Dodgen (owner)never believed that pop outs were a good idea due to weight & leakage....but this year, I guess to stay in competition he did build one....It's new & don't know what it goes for but I'm sure it's probably over $100K & not much over 24-26 ft. in length. Last info. I don't know from personal experience but from peoply who deal with RV's that Jayco builds a heck of a good RV... & the floor plan is super...Anyhow, just my 2 cents...If anyone wants to check out the BF owners website just PM me & I'll get the web address to you.............

[BirdbyBird]

Judy, I don't know how the dates of the PA RV show line up with the gtg and with your availability to get to PA ....but I do know that most of us LOVE to climb in and out of RVs at RV shows, at gtg's, at any campground when we can wrangle an invite. So don't feel like you would be twisting someone's arm. If the dates line up I would think you could find willing company. The more eyes you have the more you see.

[Birdie]

Rigs that make my short list are made by Tiffin, Winnebago, Fleetwoood, Thor Motor Coach, and Jayco. But, I am still looking for the right one.

[JudyJB]

Thanks to all of you for your advice and kind offers to attend the PA get-together, but I have decided not to go to that one this year.

Not only am I trying very hard to get my credit cards paid off and this would put me back in the red, but I am going to be out-of-town the two previous weekends. Also, there is a show in Cleveland I might attend with my son and his family, and that will be a lot less expensive to travel to.

So maybe next year, but if any of you see a nice Class C with a chair and couch instead of one of those dratted dinettes, let me know. I am going to start trying to visit some dealers, even if I have to travel a couple of hours to get to bigger ones that might have more inventory in stock than the ones I have called previously.

[Bethers]

Actually, Judy, it doesn't really matter how many they have - as chances are each one will be different than any you've seen before. I, also, am a couch fan - although I could do the new rounded/squared off dinettes. My rig is too short for couch AND chair though.

Sorry you can't make it to PA. It's billed as the largest outdoor rv show, and it's gigantic! I can attest to that as I went while in this part of the country 4 years ago. That doesn't mean it'll have what you want though. I do know that Dee will be there helping on PA dealer (the one she got her rig from).