2014 Seattle RV Show in Seahawks Territory

On Saturday I made a run over to Seattle to the annual Seattle RV Show. Just days after an estimated 700 thousand Seahawks fans converged on the city for the Super Bowl victory ceremony, Centurylink Field was hosting the 2014 Seattle RV Show. 

I could still feel the Seahawks fever in the air. Some dealers were even offering Super Bowl specials. Here are some highlights from my RV show adventure:

After sleeping in, I took the ferry from Bainbridge Island over to Seattle. It was below freezing outside but a beautiful day. I couldn't resist spending the 30 minute ride outside taking pictures and shooting some video while the rest of the passengers remained inside staying warm.

A look ahead at Seattle and the Cascade Mountains

Looking back at Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Mountains

When I arrived at Centurylink field, I payed my $12 for a ticket and started my journey through the many, many, many RVs, trailers, campers, and RV stuff. There were so many RVs this year in multiple rooms, that I found it very difficult to get my bearings at first. I tossed the show map I was given at the door because I didn't think I'd need it. Turns out I needed it several times. After a while I figured out the lay of the land and started touring rigs...one section at a time.  Check out my video for a recap.

I also picked a couple seminars to attend. My favorite was the show director himself sharing tips on boondocking. I learned a few things that got me excited to come home and plan a boondocking adventure of my own. I'll have to put some of those tips together in a future post. Keep an eye out for that.

The show organizers promised a "Bigger and Better" show this year and they certainly delivered. I couldn't even see everything. After about five hours I was exhausted. It was time to head back to the ferry before darkness set in.

If you are in the market to buy, I recommend attending an RV show near you. You will be able to comparison shop and tour many RVs under one roof. As a bonus, most dealers offer RV show discount pricing. So save yourself the headache, time and gas driving all over the place to find the right RV for you. Go to an RV show first. You'll enjoy it.

Have you attended an RV show this year? What was your favorite RV?

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2014 RV Show - Coming to a City Near You

February is the month most RV shows come to town. Whether you are in the market for a shiny new RV or just want to see what products are hot in 2014, an RV show is the best place to see it all under one roof. Many shows also host seminars with industry experts on a variety of hot RV topics including my favorites...solar power and boondocking.

The RV industry has taken a big beating in sales in the last four years. If you've attended an RV show lately, you may have noticed the abundance of used travel trailers and RVs and the absence of high-end rigs. I noted this in my last RV Show video.

A look back at a past Seattle RV Show

Lately, the word on the street is that the RV industry is starting to bounce back and I'm sure that will be reflected in RV shows this year. The Seattle RV Show promises to be "Bigger and Better Than Ever." 

Click here to find an RV show near you

Eight cities, including Seattle, are hosting RV shows this weekend. The rest will host events throughout February and March. So why not drag the family out and check out the latest motorhomes, travel trailers and RV products.

UPDATE!

I'm back. The Seattle RV Show was huge and packed full of cool stuff! Read more about my visit and check out the video.

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Florida Woman's Brand New Newmar RV Is A Lemon

What a nightmare. Virginia Wilson claims the $315,000 Newmar Luxury RV she bought was a lemon.

Virginia saved up $80,000 dollars for two years as a down payment on the RV that she planned to use as a retirement home. She later realized that faulty equipment and what she called "shoddy workmanship" caused water lines to leak steadily inside the RV causing serious damage over several months. Watch the video.

The problem eventually got worse when she said "water began to pour into the vehicle. It was coming out of the walls. The tiles on the floor popped up."

"...Her insurance company told her if it had been called when a manufacturer’s defect first caused the vehicle to flood, it would have been written off as a total loss. But because Wilson took it back to ... where she had bought the vehicle...it was now a manufacturer’s warranty issue, her insurance company told her. And the battle to get her money back was now hers alone..."

What a dream crusher. That really sucks!! I sure hope the North Trail RV Center in Fort Meyers, FL and Newmar RV pull through and do the right thing to get her taken care of.  

Read the full article

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New 2013 Super C Diesel Motorhome From Thor

As much as I love my class-C motorhome, Super Cs have always caught my eye. Many RV manufactures have struggled to survive over the last few years and, as a result, have focussed on more economical travel trailers and smaller RVs. There has been a notable absence of new super Cs entering the market until now.

2013 Four Winds 33SW Super C

This year, Thor Motorcoach has stepped up to the plate with the new 33SW line of Super C Diesel rigs. Loaded with a Ford F-550 chassis, full-wall slide, full size refrigerator, dual air conditioners, solid surface counter tops and other high-end features.

Four Winds 33SW Luxury Interior

Thor, who also manufactures buses, is one company that has weathered the storm well. I'm especially glad about that since my Four Winds RV is also made by Thor. 

Is this a sign that the RV industry is turning around? One can only hope.

For full specs and details about this RV visit the Thor RV site.

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The Siberian Tiger

I love compact, rugged, fully self-sufficient RVs and I have to say that I love the new Siberian Tiger from Tiger Adventure Vehicles. Designed for off-road and on-road travel, this RV is sleek on the outside as well as being highly functional and stylish on the inside.

Built on a F450 Crew Cab chassis, the Siberian sports a bathroom, kitchen, king size memory foam bed, satellite, sound system, generator, solar power, storage and numerous off-road enhancements. This means that wherever you go, on or off the grid, you're sure to be self-sufficient and comfortable.

With a starting price of $163,000 the Siberian is also Tiger's most expensive vehicle. But if you prefer a smaller more compact off-road RV with comfort to boot, this unit is worth checking out.

I'll be adding this to my list of favorites. How about you?

For photos and detailed specifications visit the Tiger Adventure Vehicles website.

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Travel Channel's America's Craziest RVs Is Looking For You

You've seen me write about my favorite amazing, cool and crazy RVs over the years like Vin Diesel's monster RV and some other favorites. Well now you too can have the opportunity to share your crazy RV creation with America.

High Noon Entertainment, the producers of Cake Boss, Heat Seekers, Bang for Your Buck and Food Network Challenge is producing a no holds barred special for Travel Channel that takes an inside peek at America’s most tricked out, pimped out and over-the-top RVs. From the converted school bus to the Boatorhome and everything in between, America’s Craziest RVS is looking for the most outrageous vehicles and the people who own and design them.

They've asked me to help spread the word, so here is your chance. Do you want to share your recreational vehicular creation with the rest of America? If you can drive it and sleep in it, they want to see it! All interested vans, buses, campers, trailers and their owners are welcome to apply. 

Contact High Noon Entertainment at rvshow@highnoontv.com to submit your RV for consideration.

Even if you don't have an RV to submit, you can still visit TravelChannel.com and vote for your favorites. I'll be participating. How about you? 

~Tito

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Tour Vin Diesel's Massive Trailer

Like the rest of us who enjoy our RVs, many movie stars and touring musicians also appreciate the comfort of a motor home while filming on location or touring the country.

Vin Diesel's custom built $1.1 million motor home is just over the top. If you think you've got slides on your RV, well check out Vin's.

Of course, Vin Diesel is not alone. Country artists Kelly Pickler and Zac Brown also enjoy hanging out in their motor homes.

Kelly Pickler never checks into hotels when on tour. Everything she needs is in her motor home. Ladies, check out her shoe rack.

Zac Brown's cool motor home doubles as a recording studio where he writes and records new music.

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Cool Aussie Off Road Trailer

Nobody does rugged like the Aussies do. If you own an RV (I'm sorry Caravan) in Australia, odds are it's smaller and a lot tougher than what we are accustomed to here in the U.S.

This relatively small UEV 490 Trailer from Conqueror Australia is like the Swiss Army Knife of Trailers. Why do I like this kind of stuff? Hell, if you've ever been into forts, tree houses, erector sets, survival you're gonna love this too. Check it out.

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RiverSide 32LOFTRB Tri-Level Trailer with Basement

Back in 2008 I wrote about the Outback Loft, the travel trailer with an upstairs loft. We stumbled upon it at the 2008 Seattle RV show where we also checked out the Country Coach Veranda. It was pretty cool sitting upstairs in the Outback Loft watching TV while peering out over the other RVs. I haven't seen anything like it since, until now.

Introducing the 2012 RiverSide Tri-Level travel trailer from Riverside. Instead of the just the loft concept, this trailer comes with three levels. You enter into the living area, and can go upstairs to the bedroom or downstairs to the cool mini-basement.

When you were a kid, did you ever want a fort or a secret hiding place? YES...me too. Check out the RiverSide 32LOFTRB. One thing is for sure, you're kids are going to love this and you may end up fighting over this cozy little space. The guy in the video's sweater actually matches the interior of the trailer. Coincidence? Don't think so.



If the cozy little downstairs doesn't sell you, this tri-level trailer also sports a spacious living area and upstairs bedroom. So just like at home, you can send the kids downstairs to watch RV or play video games while the "grown ups" hang out upstairs in the living room. You may feel right at home in this trailer.

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Cool VW and Jeep RV Conversions

I ran across a couple of not new RV conversions that caught my eye. I couldn't help myself, I had to look.   

Not your Dad's Old VW
I'll start with the VW Camper conversion. I thought this was pretty cool because I used to own a 1970 VW Camper myself. In fact it was my first pseudo RV back in the day. Now these things have come along way from the old "VeeDub" Bus of the 60s and 70s. The latest cool innovation can be seen in the new VW DoubleBack.

At first I thought this was just a concept conversion, but I guess you can actually buy these. Too cool if you ask me, but the classic VW bus will always have a special place in my heart. There's nothing like enjoying a nice weekend in the wilderness only to realize that when it's over you can't get your bus started. Good times.

My old 1970s VW Camper - Oh the memories

Jeep All-Terrain RV
Here's another cool new camper built on top of the popular Jeep Wrangler frame. Like the VW camper, it's got a pop-up roof and built in living space. The Jeep Action Camper is not just a jeep. It's a go-anywhere RV.

So there you have it. If the large land yacht RV is not your thing, then maybe consider one of these cool new entries into the RV market. 

I love my land yacht, but have always eyed those rugged little RVs. That's not cheating is it?

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Another super cool amphibious RV

Yes this is pretty stunning. It's the latest addition to my super cool RV list. Priced at $3 million, the 40 foot Ellement Palazzo is a boat and luxury RV in one. 

The 20-ton Palazzo can also reach speeds of 93 mph, and uses 20% less fuel than vehicles of comparable size due to its aerodynamic design. Doesn't seem possible right? I'll let you know when I get mine.

I'm speechless.

Visit their website and read more

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My Favorite Cool RVs

I'm a sucker for cool and amazing boats and RVs. Aren't you? Whether it's a boat with a helicopter pad or an RV with a deck, I would go see it and say "Wow...if I was Tiger Woods I would have one of these."

When my wife and I were much younger, we used to go to the "Street of Dreams" tour in Seattle. We could tour multi-million dollar homes and dream. I would be thinking "how much does it cost to heat this place" and my wife would be wondering how long it would take her to fill the enormous walk in closet.

This is what I used to enjoy about going to the annual RV or boat shows. Along with the new standard models on display, there was usually at least one RV or boat that was the buzz of the show. You would hear "ooohs" and "aaaahs" as mere mortals such as us walked through.

But, as the RV industry continues to struggle, RV dealers seem to be keeping inventory down and selling a lot more consignments, travel trailers and fifth-wheels. The annual RV show seems to be an extension of that. This is an understandable side-effect of a struggling industry I guess.

So here is a collection of some of my favorite cool and extreme RVs from past and present. Enjoy!

The Country Coach Veranda

Country Coach Veranda
The only RV on my list that I've actually toured in person is the Country Coach Veranda. At the RV show we couldn't wait to walk through it. The salesman even had it roped off with velvet rope and required you sign in before stepping on the red carpet. I have to say it was pretty cool, but I didn't give my real phone number.

Having a deck on your home is not uncommon. However, adding a deck on an RV is a different thing all together. Country Coach figured out a way to add a roomy deck to a luxury motor coach without compromising any amenities inside. With a push of a button, this coach produces a full sized deck off of the living area. There was even a sliding glass door just like at home. This coach is also packed full of automated features.

Read my blog post after touring the Veranda at the RV show

Watch videos of the Country Coach Veranda

See more photos of the Veranda

Mercedes Benz Zestros

This is what you get when you put a luxury RV on military off-road chassis. Two Mongolian millionaires who love to hunt, had this custom RV built in Germany. 

Loaded with modern furnishings and electronics, this vehicle is lets you travel in style under the most extreme conditions. Oh and it sports a garage for your ATV and other toys. Click "Replay" below for a photo slide show of this cool rugged coach.

Terra Wind Amphibious RV

I first featured this amphibious RV two years ago and it is still one of the coolest RVs I've ever seen. Read my post from May 2009. Not only does this RV turn into the ultimate house boat, it is also packed full of luxury features.

If you've got the money and want an RV and a houseboat, then this is the coach for you.

Volkner Mobil
German built Volkner RVs are some of the most technically sophisticated and stylish RVs out there. Leave it to the Germans to build an RV with a garage in the basement for your sports car. Volkner has a few garage models to choose from. Here are some pictures.

As you can see below, Volkner has several cool models to choose from.

Trucks Trucks Trucks
Finally there are these giants. These RVs are basically Kenworth and Freighliner semi-truck conversions so you'll probably need a commercial drivers license to operate one. I've seen these custom built monsters parked at NASCAR or NHRA races and have wondered "where do you get one of those?" You'll definitely feel like the king of the road behind the wheel of one of these. Here are a couple from Kingsley Coach.

Well that's it for this dose of cool RVs. Do you have any other favorites. Let me know.

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RV Cooking Show : VW 5th Wheel Shadow Camper Package...Circa '74

I saw this on the RVCookingShow Blog and had to share it. It's the coolest little 5th wheel designed for the VW Beetle. This 5th wheel hooks to the roof of your bug and pivots 360 degrees. Isn't this the coolest thing?

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RV or Houseboat? Check out the Terra Wind Amphibious Coach

Imagine driving your class A coach right down the boat ramp into the water. With the new Terra Wind amphibious motor coach you can do just that. This thing is seriously Chitty Chitty Bang Bang....RV style. You can even extend the slides and diving platform to complete the house boat transformation. Too cool...but the $1.2 million price tag puts it out of reach for most of us. It would be cool though just to see the expression on the faces of boaters at the marina as you drive it into the water. Someone will probably call 911.

What's next? Maybe a flying RV like in the old Disney movie "Escape to Witch Mountain" in which the Winnebago flies away at the end. Who wouldn't want one of those. Right? -T

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