A Funny Thing Happened at the RV Show

I was worried that looking at new RVs would make us feel less satisfied with our 1999 used model, but the opposite happened! Ours has many features newer RVs, even from the same brand, don't seem to have, for about a quarter of the price. Such as excellent counter space, good amount of storage, gas oven, and nice storage drawers under the dinette benches. Also the outside storage space underneath with the pass-through that goes all the way under the MoHo.

Things they did have that ours doesn't: some models have better can pantries in the kitchen areas, but we may be able to replace ours. The outside storage doors that open out instead of up are really nice, and would be especially nice for the storage under the slide-out room. Some have bigger refrigerators, but we could probably get a bigger one installed if it's a problem. I think it will be fine. That's about it...

Ideas we got looking at them - put a snap-on map pocket on the sides next to the front seats (aka, "captain's chairs"), add a screw-on cup holder that folds flat up there, too. Our console on the "doghouse" (hump over the engine) is not very functional, but it could be easily replaced. Maybe we could even install a sliding laptop / dining tray on the passenger side, like some have.

It Slices, It Dices...!
We mostly cruised around the tent that had various products and services for RVers - one of the coolest things we saw was the Soda Club soda-making machine! We tested some sodas they made, quite easily, with no power needed, and they were quite good. Devin could save a lot of money on Diet Coke using that!! I'm not much of a soda drinker, but you can make sparkling water, add just about any flavoring, or maybe just lemon or lime juice. The young man from Kentucky that demonstrated it was so cute with his sales pitch, it made me want to buy it right there - but I have this weird love of infomercials and demonstrations.

In fact, Devin recently bought me a product I first saw at a county fair probably 20 years ago and have wanted ever since - a Bamix Hand Blender. It is every bit as good as I remember! I have been making smoothies right in the glass, filling it up to the top with fresh and frozen fruit, yogurt, juice, protein powder, and then just blending it right up in the glass with the Bamix. Easy clean up! I also have made frothy milk that makes coffee like an instant latte! You can make whipped topping from non-fat milk with it - it rocks!

Like I said, I have a soft-spot for infomercials and fair demos and gadgets, but I usually just enjoy watching them and rarely buy. The Bamix is an exception and I waited 20 years - ha! the cool thing is it costs about the same as it did 20 years ago.

Other Highlights
Devin's highlight of the RV Show, besides feeling even better about our own RV, was the great deal on the Banks Power system they are offering - 20% off on both parts and labor, which is a significant savings, so we are considering doing this. It would be about $3200, including TransCommand . But would give it more power, save wear and tear on the engine and transmission, and improve gas mileage by 7%. He also liked seeing what the Autoformer and other Voltage conditioners looked like. The one we would need (30 amp) is fairly small - and for around $300, could save us a lot of trouble if we are hooked up to power that isn't steady. It is not only a surge protector, but protects against low power as well. They are highly recommended for travel in Mexico, too.

We also enrolled in Passport America, a 50% off camping club, which we had already determined was a good deal and planned to enroll. The good thing is that normally it's $44 for a year, and at the Show it was $39 for a year and 3 months (with even better deals for longer memberships). The first time or two we use it, it will pay for itself. There are Passport America parks all over the US, Canada and even Mexico!

Show Me the Money!
Of course, we entered contests that will likely have us getting junk mail for a while, but you never know... I got to go into a glass booth and stuff fake $100 bills into a slot - the person that had the most at the end of the day would win $100. I got $2300, so pretty good, but I probably won't win - but it was fun, anyway! Like being on one of those crazy game shows. I can't say I have always wanted to go into a booth with money blowing all around and try to catch as much as I could, but I was grinning pretty big when I was in there!