Tampa RV Show

We attended this massive show on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa this year after hearing about it and seeing their ads. It is supposed to be the second largest in the US, next to the one in Hershey, Pa. The purpose was just to look around at the new RVs and see what has changed from when we bought ours in April 2017. What functionality and cosmetic changes have crept in over the last six years?

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5th Wheel Trailers

We are still very satisfied with our 2018 model Bighorn 5th wheel trailer. Sure, there is the upkeep and small repairs needed occasionally. That is just part of owning an RV. Almost like home ownership except you have the earthquake effect each time that it is moved. And on I-95 through South Carolina it can be a 10 magnitude!

We have looked at the newer models before. Not to buy, but out of curiosity. Whenever ours was in for servicing at the dealership. During those past visits, there were very few innovations or changes from our model. Well, that has now changed.

Appearance wise, some of the common changes were a lighter look inside with a white washed look to both walls and cabinets. I like the light/white look but when it is throughout without some contrast, it becomes too much. Some do have dark trim and black handle pulls.

Another popular change in 5th wheel trailers is an optional floor plan with front step up living room and back step up bedroom, leaving the kitchen area on the main level. This breaks up the open concept and provides basement space under both ends. Almost doubling the storage space. Pros and cons to that. More space just means more stuff will fill it up. And then there is the weight limit to also keep an eye on.

I thought that the best 5th wheel trailers at the show were the Montana and Redwood models. I’ve added a few photos below of those.

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We were disappointed that Heartland did not bring out any Bighorn units (our brand). Instead they had some more basic models.

The bottom line was some very interesting new units. But very expensive compared to what we paid about six years ago. The Montana units were 66% more that I paid for our 41 foot Bighorn. Some serious inflation over the last couple of years.

From a technical standpoint, solar panels and lithium batteries are a big change. Six years ago, solar panels were only an aftermarket addition. Now, they are either standard or optional factory equipment.

Residential refrigerators have also replaced the old RV absorption style in most of the nicer units. Also, some of the electronic controls can be accessed on cell phone apps. That may be handy, but I would still want to have some fixed controls in the unit. Just in case. Another nice change is more hard surface plank flooring instead of carpet. Carpet on the areas with slide outs can be a real issue to replace. And the factory carpet is usually not the better stuff either.

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MotorHomes

The extreme high end units were inside and needed a reservation to tour. Maybe also a credit report? These were probably well over $1million. Very pretty though.

I did tour a few Tiffins and some other brands. All very well done, but quite pricey.

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Pull Behind Trailers and Accessory Dealers

We walked a total of 3.9 miles at the RV show. On a very hot, sunny and sweaty day. Not complaining mind you. I could be Up North looking at some cold dismal skies.

To round out the day I briefly looked some smaller trailers and truck campers. Many options for families to retired seniors to get into the RV travel mode.

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Inside about five different buildings were the parts and accessory dealers. And many other booths for RV parks, insurance, and food trucks.

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Wrap Up

We did not find anything that made us want to trade in on a newer unit. Sure, a few more bells and whistles, but it comes with a huge price tag to just gain those features. But, it was fun to walk around and look and do the walk throughs.

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