Madison (WI) RV Show Report

[ThunderRoad]

Spent a couple hours this morning at the Madison (WI) RV Show. Several AFrames there. Rockwood, Flagstaff, Jayco and Starcraft were all represented by the different dealers. For the most part, they were all pretty much the same designs and much of the same components. I didn't see any Aliner.

Rockwood had the most models open and, since I own a Rockwood, I spent more time looking at them. I will say this: The quality and appearance of the Rockwoods today are SOOOO much better than even my 2013 I got 3 years ago. The new stove is lovely, the finish quality seems improved, add in the lift assist and other things, and I'm impressed. The price hasn't even gone up all that much. There was a A212HW that was listed as $12999, and a A192HW for $11999. I didn't see any models displayed by any of the vendors that didn't have the bed in them. A 2015 A122BH was listed as $10500, and this is the same model I paid $9,800 for 3 years ago so the price is pretty much the same.

To be honest, if the A212HW was available in a Toy Hauler version with the bigger front deck, I'd be hard pressed not to upgrade. It will be really interesting to see what Forest River does over the next couple years to both improve what they have and differentiate themselves from the competition.
My biggest complaint? Stop using that crappy folding table! There has to be a better way. Oh, and for the love of pete, make the microwave an option so we can have another cabinet instead!

I also spent a lot of time looking at Travel Trailers. I purchased 17 acres of wooded land last year, so depending on how much I use it and my longer term plans, it's possible I might move from the Aframe to a TT for a little more day-to-day stand-up space and amenities to have a little more permanent "home" on that property (although it'd still be boondocking). That won't happen until next summer or 2017 though.

[dts3204]

But did you ever find the solar connection on the Rockwood/flagstaff? They salesmen couldn't find it for me. Well maybe week after next in chicago.

[ThunderRoad]

I didn't. But I'll also admit I didn't look. I did see the "solar ready" sticker on it though.

[Big Vic]

I wish the microwave and furnace were both options. For those who boondock they are impractical and energy hogs. Much prefer using a small propane catalytic heater which is quiet and more efficient, and does not deplete the battery.

[ThunderRoad]

I keep promising myself that one of these days I'm going to hire someone to make a replacement cabinet and remove the microwave. Hell I can probably turn around and get $50 for the microwave :P

The furnace is fine - it doesn't really take up any space. But that microwave is just a hog :P

[dts3204]

I removed the Microwave and hung a door I bought at Mneards. And now have someplace to store silver ware etc. Spare Microwave. Plus with every mod I have done so far can turn Shiny back into stock factory

[Underthedog]

On the 2516g pop - up, finally found it on the front frame, well hidden by the propane tank and cover. Black on black was especially un-helpfull in the spotting of it.

To be fair, it has been cold enough since we picked it up that I've not really looked under the unit in detail.

The dealer had no clue what the solar sticker even meant, except for the really helpful gut in their store who at least knew there was a kit you could buy for it.