G'day all.
Well, we got on the road at 6am, drove for 3 1/2 hours to IKEA, picked up the pot lid stacker that was needed, then 20 minutes to the "Caravan and Camping show".
Yes it was huge, lots of people and exhibiters. A few nice TC's and a lots of Caravans (TT's) and fold-out camper trailers ranging from motor cycle size to 60x20feet big when folded out. A modest amount of euro style motor homes (Iveco, Fiat & VW)that were mostly under 20' and with limited head room. We saw approx. 5 or 6 fifth wheelers, all but one were Aussie.
We had a look at a 18' TT and thought that it was well laid out with the most sensible use of space we had seen. No gold or lavish appointments, just enough head room for me at 6'1". Selling at the show for $32000 AUD. I won't tell you the prices of the rest because you will all think that this is a comedy review. Just jump on ebay.com.au and have a look for yourselves what we pay down here for TC's, TT's, A,B and C class, and the 5vers.
There were a lot of after sales add-on sellers, like camp ovens, led track lights (mostly with mid to low quality double sided tape) rope pulleys, jockey wheels, portable fridges, tour operators and destination points of interest and 4x4 equipment sellers. Don't let me forget the 60 different can openers that were all "the worlds best". Only a couple of the "build your own" suppliers were represented which was a let down.
We found the couple of things that we were looking for like long distance led spot lights (1 mile), Siding supplier for our TC, small portable quality stainless BBQ. Long water proof LED lights for the outside of the TC and in the back of the Dually.
Overall it was a pleasant overcast day, parking was well done, with most of the crowd in a good mood, not pushing and shoving thru the crowds. 99% of the sales people were polite and not pushy which makes for a good change. The layout of the event was well done. Took my walking stick and got thru the day without having to use it.
Was it worth the trip?, Will we go again next year?....yes!
