I attended this show on Sunday, the last of the 5-day event at the Adelaide Showgrounds. A stall holder told me the numbers were down from last year, and there were less exhibitors. I didn't get that impression. There were people and kids everywhere. My legs are still tired from climbing up into vans, motorhomes and campervans just to get an idea of layouts, materials, quality and trends. I think I've found a niche in the recreational vehicle market. Consulting. During the day I had the opportunity to chat to other "shoppers", sharing my experiences of this lifestyle. While the salesman is plying them with promises and deals, they omit, or don't know, the ups and downs, the benefits and pitfalls of caravan design and performance. Many had washing machines included in the bathroom. Glass doors on the overhead cupboards had me wondering how they performed when things move about when actually on the road. Very few roads are table-top flat and smooth. Some had outdoor kitchens with cookers and fridges under the van, accessible from the outside. One motorhome had a large locker at the rear for a bike or scooter. They all looked very glamorous and well-presented on the day, but would they do the job in the dust and rain in reality?

Was there on Saturday........didnt get to look at the vans and campertrailers....spent time at the different camping gear spots....got a set of levellers wedges and a new coleman table....my 4ft x 2ft one is too big for our awning area of our van...I felt there wasnt as many exhibitors as last year.....they seemed more spread out

the food mall seemed packed with ppl so must been lot there

CG think you are right about " some " of the new caravans all bling and not the good stuff made from plastic.. have never been a look at what I got person, if it dont work or do the job dump it. would have loved to have gone but had family thingos. hope fuly next time.. love looking at that stuff, you lucky buggers.......

I could have set up a consultancy advising the newbies of the good and bad points and what to look for in the caravan before they make the final choice. The salesman isn't going to do this. All he wants is the sale. The final trim and finish is not as you'd expect on a van which costs $70,000+. All very superficial and cosmetic on display, but not practical for long life actually on the road.

well the bride and i were there both sat'day and sunday on the SOUTHERN TOW BARS STAND and there were times when we were run off our feet with enquiries about towing equipment and tow bars etc,, there were a few that were there last year that didn't have a stand this year but over all it was a very busy weekend considering that it ws quite hot and humid this time around..i even managed some time to look around in my break and spend some money too...

I didnt see you there BB...2 others...but was Saturday afternoon