Phoenix RV Show

As planned, we went to the "mini" RV show at the Stadium in Glendale. We didn't realize how big the La Mesa RV dealer was until we saw the show and found out from a salesman that they had 13 stores in 4 states - AZ, NM, CA and FL. They carry several different brands, including Holiday Rambler, Heartland (which makes several different lines) and Winnebago. Their motorhome line includes the top brands made by Tiffin, Itasca and Winnebago. We were surprised to discover that Winnebago now makes travel trailers in addition to motorhomes. Actually, 2013 is the first year for those. The entire stadium floor was filled with rigs, plus some outside.

We were primarily interested in getting some idea about travel trailers for future consideration. We have some ideas as to what we would want, but we had no clue about prices and options. It was a very interesting and fun trip as we discovered a couple trailers that would be perfect for weekending and possible seasonal use. Our two favorites were this 29' Heartland Prowler:

which was selling at the show for $24,000, and this 30' Winnebago:

which was selling at the show for $28,000. The only thing we didn't like about the Prowler was the ridged aluminum siding where we would prefer the smooth sides of fiberglass.Of course, we were only looking at possibilities, so we don't know about detailed options at this point.

The one brand that they carry but was not present at this show was the Holiday Rambler line that we have always liked. Since the economic downturn, many brands, including Holiday Rambler, have been absorbed and merged with other brands. Heartland - makers of the Montana fifth wheel - also sell the Prowler brand which used to be a Fleetwood product. It's tough to tell the players today, but there are some quality rigs being manufactured with some terrific new options.

Their show pricing was excellent as near as we could tell. We went into a Tiffin Allegro Bus that lists for almost $400,000 and was available for $312,000. We still think that they are overpriced considering that you can buy a decent house on a nice property for that same money. It will be fun at some point down the road when the time comes for us to make the switch. Unless, of course, we win the lottery in the meantime which could change our thinking entirely. We spent a couple hours at the show and it was totally free which made the trip worthwhile.

It is dreary and raining outside this morning. We've had over .10" of rain so far today and it is still early. We do need the rain so there's no complaining...