NANCY and BILL: FLORIDA TRIP - Tampa RV Supershow

As forecasted, the temperature was below freezing this morning. As forecasted, I walked to the bath house and took a freezing shower. As forecasted, Nancy DID NOT!!

Thanks to Howard and Linda Payne of RV-Dreams, we used our complimentary pass for two to the RV Supershow in Tampa. We had several things we wanted to accomplish there. First, we wanted to confirm what we thought was our selection for our “future” home on wheels. Second, we wanted to meet with some of the RV-Dreams Family. Third, we wanted to see all the new RVs and accessories for 2011.

We arrived right at opening—9am. Because of the cold weather, the crowds were very thin this early.

We started in the vendors area (indoors=warmer) first. We saw all the new RV stuff and got lots of info about things we will need for fulltiming. We also picked up many travel guides.

We walked around the vendor buildings until 11am when we met up with quite a few of the RV-Dreams Family. Some of these folks we had met at last year’s RV-Dreams Rally and some we met for the first time today.

Of course the “Rock Stars” were there – Howard and Linda. As always, it was great seeing them again. They are an inspiration to a lot of us future fulltimers as well as current fulltimers!!

Following that, we were off to see what was new as far as RVs go. This show has it all: truck campers, travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, vans and motorhomes.

We spent all afternoon roaming about looking at rigs.

Of course, the people attending make an attraction as well :o)

As we walk around looking at everything, I kept hearing the same thing… ”No Bill! No Bill!” It was repeated over and over!!

No...Bill!

There was one last task to complete. Just a formality, to visit and see all the Class A Diesel Pushers to confirm our selection from last year, a Winnebago Journey, model 34Y. To our surprise, we liked several units including the Journey, a Monaco and a Newmar. We went through all of them (at least 3 times). We sat in them and listed our likes, dislikes and changes we would make if it was ours. We both came to the same conclusion that we have a new fulltiming rig selection: the Newmar Ventana, Model 3434…at least for now!

We spent a lot of time with the sales rep from North Trail RV Center in Fort Myers, Florida named Kevin Richardson. We also met the president of Newmar, Matthew Miller, who told us they would be happy to make the necessary changes we would like to the coach. He also extended an invitation for a factory tour in Nappanee, Indiana. With his business card in hand, we certainly will follow-up with him at a later date.

Oh well, another fun, confusing but productive day! Every time we think we are SURE – we’re NOT!! As we drove back to the State Park, we looked at each and said, “Let’s just get the house sold – then we will figure it out.”

Could this be a sign...our reflections in the Ventana

WE’RE SURE!! MAYBE NOT!! WE'RE SURE!!

5 comments:

owensontheroadJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Wow, beautiful coach! Keeping my fingers crossed on houses selling. I know we figured out what we want, and so far haven't changed our mind. I guess when you find what you want, you'll know!
SherryJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Well it sure is gorgeous inside. Don't think you can't go wrong with any of those 3. I'm partial to Winnebago of course :-) Their customer support is phenomenal whether you are the 1st or the 10th owner of one of their rigs.

You guys have lots to think about now that's for sure. Have you decided for certain you are buying new?

Love hearing about your trip, your plans and your thoughts on it all. Keep it up!!
Gin and SylJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:10 PM
Newmar does make a good MH. We test drove a Dutch Star a couple of years ago and it was sooo smooth even when the salesman drove it onto the dirt at the exit ramp at 65mph. We were impressed. I hope you get an offer on the house soon. Safe travels always.
Syl
TravelwithwhippetsJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:12 PM
I am hesitant to post this (knock on wood), but we have had very few (and minor) problems with our used 2003 Newmar, gasser, Mountainaire. We would look for a Newmar again if, for some unlikely reason, ours ever broke down and could not be (reasonably) repaired. We have a Workhorse Chassis and an Allison Transmission. No problems with either. The only thing we would change would be to change out the prevalent carpeting for hard surface flooring. It has even done well (sometimes slow - but still passing the semis), for a gasser, on the western steep grades. A diesel pusher would solve this. Otherwise, it has been perfect for us. Call us if you want to talk. Roger
Nancy and BillJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:40 PM
Thanks to all for your support. Bill and I do have some things to figure out. However, we have decided we are on vacation right now and the details will wait til we are done enjoying our trip. But we do appreciate all the input. Thanks again...