Southwest RV Show - Trip Report

[LadyTexan]

I attended my second RV show today, the first with a serious intent of shopping for a rig. No intent to buy, just shop at this point. All I can say is, Wow. I walked into Dallas Market Hall, and all I could see was (what seemed to be) miles and miles of motorized and towable homes on wheels. According to the website, there were 400 RVs from Texas' best RV dealers in more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, and I think I walked past most of them. Everything from the small Aliner trailer to the most lavish motor home was on display. Salespeople were discreet but ever-present, and almost all rigs had 'Show Special' pricetags attached.

I was looking primarily for Class B and C units, but I toured all different kinds. I found a really cute Aliner that was well within my budget, and although it didn't have a stove, it did have a hookup for a microwave, which is my specialty anyway. Not a lot of B and C's but there were enough so that I got a good idea of what the interiors looked like, what those size numbers really meant, and how I would 'fit' in one.

Good things: I got to tour all types of rigs and see the features and sizes in person. Reading '25 foot long' is completely different from seeing and walking in a 25 foot long rig. I saw what the prices were for the various rigs. I saw lots of trailers that I could afford, even with the extra expense of having to buy a vehicle to pull it.

Bad things: I can't really afford what I think I want What I think I can afford is either a little cramped for anything more than a few days, is a trailer that entails buying a tow vehicle, or it doesn't have the features I want (toilet, stove, seating). I found one Class C that was lovely, comfortable, good arrangement, lots of clever features, and colors I could live with. However, I forgot to look at the price until I got outside, and almost had a heart attack. That one unit was over $100,000 (I'm not being judgmental of anyone who has one like this, it's just that my budget can't handle that large a number, and that's almost what my stick-and-brick house is worth right now).

Serendipity: When I was in my dream unit, I began chatting with the couple who was also looking at it. They have a 36 foot Class A that they travel in, and they shared with me their experiences and some valuable tips based on their experiences with several rigs that they have owned. I'll post that conversation in another thread. They were excited and happy for me that I was starting the RV journey, and they encouraged me to not let my solo female status keep me home.

Anyway, it was a pleasant, educational morning, and I'm really glad I went. Now it's back to waiting until my first pension check comes in (probably November 1) to see what my finances will look like in the future, and then I can do some more serious planning. Meanwhile, I'll keep reading and participating here and living vicariously through you ladies!

Cari

[Echo]

Cari, have you thought about buying used? There are a lot of rigs that are called used but for the most part are new rigs. They are bought by someone a single or couple because they plan on full timing but either they find they hate living in an RV, hate the RV lifestyle or because of health they give it up. Or even tragically one of them passes away and the other just isn't interested anymore.

Once a rig rolls out of the lot and hits that street they take a wicked hit on value. So check out PPL or any number of online used RV dealers and see what there is out there being offered.

[Dawn309]

Keep looking for sure! The right rig at the right price is out there for you somewhere.

[BirdbyBird]

Neat time... The good part of looking at all the units is that you can also now think about used units also. The first unit I bought was new because I was worried about things breaking down. After traveling around these past years I would be more than happy purchasing a decent used unit.

[Joan]

I agree with Echo. My first trip to a dealer, he took me on a tour of the different types of RVs. A lot were used RVs that were not very old and had low mileage. I asked him about this and he said that they were usually a rig that a couple bought but turned out to be too small. I would do an Internet search of your dream RV and you might be surprised at what is out there.

I am going to the RV show in Portland tomorrow. I am just beginning to put my plan together and will be looking at rigs with a more critical eye.

[Bethers]

A comment about size. Everyone told me that I would go bigger within a year. Well it didn't happen. And the smaller rigs are selling the fastest now so I think that dealer out and out lied to you Joan. Omg a dealer lying. Sorry but they do all the time.

and at a show you probably could have taken 30 or more percent off the prices, about how much a new rig depreciates as soon as you drive off with it. I also believe in used. Let someone else take care of all the problems the new rigs usually have.

[Rufflesgurl]

Remember too, that you do not pay the MSRP price. Usually deduct at least 25% from that. Good luck.

Linda

[Joan]

Beth, I agree with you that the dealer was trying to sell me a bigger rig since I went in there looking at class b's and he had me sitting in a 30 foot class a by the time we were through. He didn't thnk you could full time in anything smaller. My point really is that there are a lot of used RVs out there that as many have pointed out (including you ) are less expensive than new.

I personally do not want anything over 24 to 26 feet. For full timing, I want either a class c, (class b+?) or class a, just a matter of figuring out my needs and wants.

[LadyTexan]

I'm definitely thinking about getting a used RV, especially now that I have seen what new ones go for

[Sandersmr]

PPL is a fun place to check out - just sayin Actually I think that's where Liz got her current rig.

[monik7]

I just wanted to add that I love my B+. I could easily full time in it with my 2 dogs. Since I still have my house and don't foresee selling, I won't be full timing any time soon. However, if I were in a position where I could full time, I would love to in my 24' 9" rig. The ease of driving and knowing I'm not in a huge rig give me the confidence that I can go anywhere. Just wanted to add my vote for the smaller rigs. Of course it all depends on individual past experience, likes and needs.

Have a great time in your search for just the right rig that suits you perfectly. Isn't shopping fun?!!!!!
Sandi