Who Wants To Try a DIS-Meet At Gulf State Park In May-June 2016?

[Teamubr]

Thanks for the comments on the Keystones. I don't remember ever being in a Keystone product. I'm sure they make some lemons (like all manufacturers), not sure what their "lemon rate" is compared to others.

I am only going to share what I know about the "loft" in a fifth wheel... It was beastly hot, and really never cooled down. Seemed like a solution for two age groups of kids, but in hindsight, sold it two years later!

I have the same concern about the loft too. We have a king size loft in the race toy hauler that is above the garage. I have slept up there a couple of times at races. It seemed fine on temperature. It had a small crank up vent and a little slide window and 2 A/C vents. That may have helped. I didn't mind the small height, but I figured it would become my DS' space. He is pretty small.

Will spend more time reading your post when I get a moment - but... The Columbus, unless something has changed recently, has 1" thick sidewalls. So it should not be on your "best insulated" list. Not sure how they arrive at an r-11 sidewall

I agree. There are a lot of things that don't quite add up on the Compass line. The web site groups Columbus and the Compass together. On the specs, it lists a lot of things that say "Columbus only". So I'm not sure what the Compass really has. The Columbus is $5-8000 more. That puts it higher than I'd like.

K-Z Durango is coming out with a cool mid-bunk that has a rear patio deck off the back. Price will be mid 40's to 50's however. Based on my experiences I would say the Elkridge is probably the highest quality rig on your list.

I forgot about KZ. I'm not sure if there are any dealers around me. I'll check that one out. I was in a rear patio model at the show last year, but I thought it was a toy hauler that the ramp converted into a patio.

Right now, the Elkridge is probably near the top choice. With dual A/C, theater seats and the normal "package" stuff, it is at $41k. I'd like to stay under $45. I wish it had a larger water tank. My Cruiser has a 62 gallon compared to the Elkridge's 47.

j

 

[dmaxphil]

Where you finding the Eldridge so cheap, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[dmaxphil]

Here is the one I found. These guys are normally very competitive.

http://www.funtownrvhouston.com/product/new-2016-heartland-elkridge-39mbhs-434127-5

 

[Teamubr]

Where you finding the Eldridge so cheap, if you don't mind me asking?

Phil.

I've worked with this company when they were very small, just starting out and pissing off other much larger dealers because they were the first to understand and leverage internet marketing. There isn't enough room (or flame resistant suits) to go into a lot of detail, but click here and you'll see where I can get it for the above prices.

j

 

[dmaxphil]

I'm in the "Industry" so I'm somewhat familiar with their business model. One, they save approx $2300 on shipping, two (I think) they make you finance through them where they mark up the the buy rate from the bank full pop.. So if the bank buys it at 5%, they make 6-8 points on finance and sell it at 6.5-7% and make 6-8% of the finance amount in reserve. Just make sure there are no hidden fees and that you can opt out of any extended warranty.

If you can really get it for $41ish, that is outstanding and I'd go for it. I don't know how another dealer could touch it. But I don't have access to Eldridge invoices so can't say for sure. In the Funtown link above, those guys are normally marking up units for a 4-6k profit. Sometimes a bit more, sometimes less.

 

[Teamubr]

One, they save approx $2300 on shipping, two (I think) they make you finance through them where they mark up the the buy rate from the bank full pop.. So if the bank buys it at 5%, they make 6-8 points on finance and sell it at 6.5-7% and make 6-8% of the finance amount in reserve.

Ya,
I'm aware of the finance dance. The dealer I bought my current camper from was fairly upfront with how much kick back they were getting. Offered me the option to do what I wanted. My prior truck dealer did the same thing. I bought the truck in Florida and refinanced it after I got home. Ended up saving me quite a bit. Just need to make sure early buy out is without a penalty before agreeing to anything. In communicating with RVW, they make the comment many times that they will "work with you" on financing. I always chuckle because I translate this into "work to get as much out of you."

They quoted about $1000 delivery if I wanted them to bring it to StL. I factor that into my local dealer's price. I'm still just looking right now and using their pricing as a guide. I prefer to keep my business local, but there are only a couple of RV dealers within 150 miles of me that seem interested in working with you on an equitable price. Most are just plain rude and act completely insulted if you want anything less than 10% off MSRP. Not my style and I will deliberately drive several states to not buy from them.

The local RV show is in mid January here. I'll get a little more serious then and see what kind of incentives the manufacturers bring.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

So my wife and I were talking and my youngest DD will turn 5 the day we return from this trip to the beach. So this means you guys get to have some cake one of those days we're down there!

 

[bama_ed]

So my wife and I were talking and my youngest DD will turn 5 the day we return from this trip to the beach. So this means you guys get to have some cake one of those days we're down there!

Tiggerdad,

I bet this group doesn't need a reason to party.

But that's a damn fine reason right there.

Bama Ed

 

[Teamubr]

So this means you guys get to have some cake one of those days we're down there!

Make sure you let us know what kind of cake. I hate to bring the wrong beer.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

Trying to talk my wife into baking a strawberry cake. I don't do Wally Weird cakes and I'm not familiar enough with any of the bakeries down there.

 

[friendofeeyore]

Grumpy Aggie (Arnold & Friendofeeyore (Glo) will be there in spirit!! We are hoping one of these days to meet everyone.

 

[Flametamr]

For store bought in that area Publix is the best according to my wife.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Tiggerdad, we might can help you out with a this, we (as in my wife) know some good bakeries around Mobile, and she has to work a couple days so she will be back and forth across the Bay to Mobile. As small as the oven is in a camper, she'll have to bake 10 little cakes for this bunch of cross country DIS campers, burn up all your gas, heat up the camper, plus not to mention Mrs. Tiggerdad having to do all of that work on a vacation, just saying...

I bet she'll agree with me on that...

 

[PaHunter]

Tiggerdad, we might can help you out with a this, we (as in my wife) know some good bakeries around Mobile, and she has to work a couple days so she will be back and forth across the Bay to Mobile. As small as the oven is in a camper, she'll have to bake 10 little cakes for this bunch of cross country DIS campers, burn up all your gas, heat up the camper, plus not to mention Mrs. Tiggerdad having to do all of that work on a vacation, just saying...

I bet she'll agree with me on that...

You just make little pineapple upside down cakes in a muffin pan. Individual little cakes, viola.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

With the New Year here that means new camping plans for the year. Hopefully some more DIS'ers will join us down at Gulf State Park! Just the crazy entertainment plans we have have lined up should be worth the drive from almost anywhere! Not to mention the idea of a bunch of great DIS'ers in one spot. Gulf State Park will be like a mini Fort Wilderness! DIS signs and Mickey Street Lamps everywhere!

 

[Bishoparc]

@bama_ed Count us in y'all! I figure we can make the drive over from Pensacola ;-) Just booked our reservation. DW and I will be checking in on Tuesday 5/31 and out on Saturday 6/4. We're on site 69. Can't wait to meet all of you. I hadn't signed in to the boards in a bit, been so busy and this made my day!

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Glad yall booked Bishoparc, it's really going to be something!

 

[Teamubr]

@Bishoparc,

Glad you can join all of us. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and spending a week at the beach!

j

 

[tiggerdad]

Bishop,

Glad to have you along. Site 69, that means you are right behind me. This will make it easier for me to watch your backing in from my site so I don't have to transport the refreshments. I'm jealous of your short ride over to get there. Will be good to meet you guys as well.

On a side note, I have picked up our first camping trip of 2016. We'll be heading to Foscue Campground in Demopolis, AL for spring break. Got a site that backs right up to the Tombigbee River. Will be staying March 4-8.

We got this same site back during the summer.

 

[bama_ed]

Yea Bishoparc! Glad you can join us. I will add your info to the table in post #1.

Bama Ed