No AS at Cleveland RV Show!

[Pick]

The wife and I were very disappointed that there were none, not even any AS motorhomes. No Thor Skydeckers either. There are multiple RV shows going on in our region at the same time, Pittsburg, and Columbus just to name two, maybe that was the reason.

But, we did get a chance to look at the SOB's, which made us appreciate our Airstream even more. Dang, some of those trailers are really chincy! The interiors look nice, but construction is shoddy. In 10 years, they will have a pile of junk. I really got a laugh when I saw the ceiling vents with 3 inch fan blade, powered by a "D cell" sized motor. Another thing I noticed is they all set VERY high. Most had 3 step stairs.

Another disappointment at the show, was the lack of RV goodies and accessories. You could find plenty pots and pans, glass cleaner and mops though.

There was a good showing of campgrounds and RV parks at the show. We picked up plenty of literature on campgrounds, plus I got a 3 year subscription to Trailer Life for $36.

[John]

Pick,

Talking about SOB, a couple in an SOB that's about 8 yrs old just arrived here the other day. They extended the slide-out and within minutes, we heard a crashing sound followed by some choice words, as the owners leg went through the floor and was dangling out the bottom.

I really tried to surpress my laughter, but was unable to as it was an comical site.

John

[jcanavera]

We know there will be Airstreams next week at the St. Louis RV Show. Our WBCCI unit has a table at the local dealers booth. We will be down there at the table Saturday evening.

Jack

[j54mark]

jcanavera -

Is the St. Louis show usually a good one? I was thinking of driving up just to goof off for the day.

Mark

[jcanavera]

Personally, I think the show is somewhat on the decline. I say this only from the number of dealers and size. They use one of the convention halls at the America's Center. Years ago they used to use 2 halls.

Cost to the dealers is the biggest factor, with a competing show held in a shopping center parking lot in the fall, seeming to garnering a little more support.

But there is nothing like getting the juices flowing than getting to the show during a cold mid winter day. We bought our Safari based on a visit to the show in January 2001. Patty really wanted that 70th anniversary trailer but it was a little out of our price range $$$$$$. It was the first widebody I had ever seen and the widebody was the major reason we bought.

The dates of the show are January 16th through Jan 19th. Note the show ends on Sunday the 19th at 5 pm. Start time is noon on the 16th, 11 am on the 17th and 19th, and 10 am on the 18th. Closing time on all days other than Sunday is 10 pm.

Our dealer sells multiple trailer lines so I expect 2 to 3 Airstream's there. I don't know what models he will have. Last year he had a Safari and a Classic.

If you are in town Saturday night, look for Patty and me there at the WBCCI table!

Regards,

Jack

[wallybyam]

If there aren't enough Airstreams at the St. Louis Show, one can always vist Bill Thomas Airstream Dealership in Wentzville, just outside of St. Louis and see a good selection of Airstreams of all types.