…of the 2020 Louisville Boat, RV & Sport show… (Facebook – website)
Over the past few years we have been researching campers & RVs. We have done our share of visits to dealerships, watched YouTube and joined interest groups. The time to buy has yet to arrive for us but we are doing our research.
Many years ago, I owned my own boat/outdoor custom cover business…so we attended the Lexington Boat and RV show as vendors. This is NOT a new interest of ours by any means.
That being said, I felt that documenting our journey into potential RV ownership would be helpful to others. So I will start off with MY PERSPECTIVE of the 2020 Louisville Boat, RV & Sport show.
As we began our adventure, the first thing we noticed was the size of the crowd. Parking was not too bad, but a definite representation of the size of this show. Thankful for the location because they really drew the crowd! Once we made our way into the venue, we saw the ticket line.
So, as we made our way to the line we picked up on a time saving tip… E-TICKET! By the time we we made our way to the back of the line we had already begun the purchase of said E-TICKET. So we walked towards the entrance bypassing all of those standing and waiting. Once we got thru and stamped our hands, the smell of food hit us from all directions. Very smart! Walk through all the food vendors BEFORE you can get in to see the toys. Thankfully there were tables too but they were all full and we were NOT there for food. So we made our way to the restrooms then in to see the toys!
Boats, pontoons, boats and more pontoons. While we were NOT there to see them, we did look at a few water toys.
Of course, I gravitated towards those that match my car …..
Once we made our way thru to the campers, we saw all different sizes, makes and models of from simplistic Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro camper to the exquisite Newmar diesel pushers.
Travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A and Class C, we went in every one of them! Toy haulers seemed to be VERY popular. There were lines to get into some of the top of the line Class A’s as well as some of the fifth wheels. Sadly, the ONE model we were there to see, the Thor Outlaw Class A , was advertised to be there but WASN’T! Had it been, we are almost certain it would have sold FAST! We did ask the vendor, Camping World and the guy we spoke to had no idea it was listed as being there BUT he did invite us to the lot to see, walk and drive it. He offered a hotel stay if we took the 6 hour trip. Being as we already have a connection to one, we will just wait…but it would have made the trip even better had we gotten to see one.
Okay…now on to the purpose of this post…my soapbox.
People, people, people! You continue to amaze me. First, EVERY SINGLE CAMPER/RV and BOAT had a sign kindly requesting NO FOOD OR DRINKS inside their models. Yet, there was an abundance of beer bottles, water bottles and cups in your hands as you stepped through these doors. RULES FOLKS! There is a reason for them. I don’t understand WHY alcohol had to even be served other than being a money maker.
Second, we were crammed in many of those RV’s like sardines. There were lines for people waiting to go inside. WHY, WHY, WHY do you go in and cop a squat on the sofa, recliner or dining table!?!?!?!? WHY!!!!???? PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME!! Some were shooting the shit about anything BUT the RV you were sitting in like it was your own. Go in, touch, open, feel, spin around, sit and GO!! No one wants to buy a BRAND NEW RV/CAMPER/BOAT after you have sat your sweaty ass in it drinking your beer!! I would have had to demand a steep discount so I could clean it properly.
Third, this place was packed! The walkways were tight! I understand it was sensory overload and there was no race. If you want to carry on a conversation with your entire party of 8 while trying to walk around GO SIT DOWN! DO NOT, for the love of God, STOP in the middle of the walkway and talk. This does NOT mean go sit in the RV/CAMPER or BOAT!
And last, the folks with baby strollers. Now I am NOT ignorant to these wonderful and very much needed devices. I get that the kiddos need to be kept comfy so mommy and daddy can enjoy their shopping. I also understand the safety aspect for the strollers. The thing I DO NOT understand is the ignorance of the adults pushing them! Why do you insist on stopping short and trying to drive the stroller into the crowd against the traffic!? Just be mindful that those strollers are NOT your FREE PASS to get around the rest of us.
As always, going out into crowded venues tests our ability to be civil. Common sense and respect is hard to find. I always remind myself that my expectations of others must be lowered.
CLIMB ABOARD MY SOAPBOX 