Because we happen to be in Adelaide at the right time, we are heading off to it tomorrow to see if there is anything different. Not looking forward to the 34 deg. but it is supposed to be hotter for the next 3 days. Will give a report when we return. Anyone else heading to the show?
Cruising Granny said
07:09 AM Feb 23, 2012
Most of the pavillions are airconditioned so it shouldn't be too bad. Adelaide is actually quite nice at that temp, as long as you can find a shady spot, and there's plent of those at the show grounds as well. Have fun and tell us about anything useful that takes your fancy. I went a couple of years ago, expecting to find all the trinkets and handy things at special prices, but was disappointed. Maybe this year will be better. It really is a good opportunity to check out vans and everything relevant to road travel and camping. Have fun.
milo said
07:23 AM Feb 23, 2012
i often wonder how many vans are sold at these shows.?? I know when i went to the rose hill show in sydney a couple years ago its just so overwhelming of all sorts of vans dont think I could buy one there and then..
fireheart said
03:03 PM Feb 23, 2012
Heading to Adelaide today to attend the show tomorrow. I know what you mean Milo about it all being overwhelming, but a good chance to check out all options. The heat will be interesting, however I am looking forward to have a good poke around and see if what I think will suit me, actually will or if there are other options. A bit push and shove and talking to some lovely people and pushy salespeople. A way to spend the day. Will also let you know how I go.
Sharon.
gordon_adl said
06:03 PM Feb 23, 2012
The show used to be pretty good but the last two times I went I was not impressed. Especially the last one, was far less vendors there.
PeterS said
06:11 PM Feb 23, 2012
I am off to the Adelaide Caravan show in a few mins. will let you know tonight what its like this year. Milo: A guy I know works for Jayco and he tells me they sell up to 200 vans over the 4 days, I find that very hard to believe but who knows. As times get tighter I guess less companies are able to spend the money to do these shows, think it costs them heaps to secure their sites at them.
Yuglamron said
06:37 PM Feb 23, 2012
Once again we are held hostage to the mighty dollar.
Gone are the days when the exhibitions were there to show off their wares and the public were enticed by good pricing.
Now it's charge what the market will bear and sell food and drinks at exhorbitant prices with the excuse that they only have the few days to sell enough to make a profit.
I have been to quite a few Caravan and camping shows and the so called 'Show Specials' seem to be the old Woolworths Ploy.
The RRP is 'X' dollars and we will give you 20% off.
The RRP is inflated anyway so it seems like a good deal.
A friend flew from Brisbane to Adelaide last year specifically to purchase a $50K boat 'Show Package'
He checked out the so called deal and decided to buy locally in Hervey Bay at $3K less from the local dealer.Same boat same accessories.
I must be getting cynical in my old age!
Safe Travels
JRH said
06:41 PM Feb 23, 2012
Yuglamron wrote:
I must be getting cynical in my old age!
Safe Travels
So are we all friend, so are we all. Getting fed up with being ripped off all the time.
PeterS said
11:40 PM Feb 23, 2012
Well I think that is the last time I will go to the Caravan Show! Think it is bigger this year but spred all over the place, hard as hell to find what your lookiing for.If I remember past shows had like things grouped together, not this year! More there I think. Went to a few stalls that had the items i was there to check out (Solar, Gens, Sat TV and A-frames) and watched the staff standing around talking among themselves. If I could have got the info and service I was there to spend a lot of money but I bought NOTHING except a bottle of Coke for $4.50 NOT HAPPY JAN! they wonder why the internet is taking over their sales! Save you $13 to get in!
pricey43 said
07:05 AM Feb 24, 2012
Well we enjoyed our day. The airconditioned pavilions made it much more comfortable than the Melbourne show. Yes it was very spread out but I suppose that meant that more pavilions were used.
The parking was excellent. I guess we were lucky as we scored a spot on the fence with shade from trees all day.
I liked the fact that things were mixed up. I guess if you just wanted to look at very specific things this would have been annoying, but it broke it up from looking at vans to accessories and then back to vans.
Some of the shops had poor service but others were excellent.
After 5 hours we came home with a few purchases and firmer decisions about our next van.
Well worth while!!!
PeterS said
04:42 PM Feb 24, 2012
Pricey, you could be right I did go there to look at specific items and try and get a deal on them plus I didnt have a lot of time to spend there. I guess if you went there to get ideas for your next or first van/home it had all you wanted. As far as service I guess that is the way its gone even in the big stores its hard to find some one to give you info or help. Maybe it's just as well I am hitting the road and going to be relaxed and under no pressure. WOW does that mean I amgetting OLD :(
Ma said
04:46 PM Feb 24, 2012
PeterS wrote:
Pricey, you could be right I did go there to look at specific items and try and get a deal on them plus I didnt have a lot of time to spend there. I guess if you went there to get ideas for your next or first van/home it had all you wanted. As far as service I guess that is the way its gone even in the big stores its hard to find some one to give you info or help. Maybe it's just as well I am hitting the road and going to be relaxed and under no pressure. WOW does that mean I amgetting OLD :(
No, it means that you are finally seeing the light and getting out there and "LIVING THE DREAM" you enjoy it all now won't you.
JRH said
06:20 PM Feb 24, 2012
Popeye wrote:
Well of tomorrow to the show for my birthday. Sixtyfive years young. Feel eighty legs hips fingers don't work as I have Diabetic Neuropathy. So you good people with diabeties look after your selves.
Sorry to hear that Popeye, I am one of the fortunates as I have type 2 Diabetes but so far have managed to keep it under control with diet and excercise. I count myself fortunate 'cause I know it could be a lot worse.
Enjoy the show pal.
PS:- Damned memory again, Happy birthday for tomorrow, hope you have a great day.
-- Edited by JRH on Friday 24th of February 2012 06:21:05 PM
Popeye said
02:15 AM Feb 25, 2012
Well of tomorrow to the show for my birthday. Sixtyfive years young. Feel eighty legs hips fingers don't work as I have Diabetic Neuropathy. So you good people with diabeties look after your selves.
Because we happen to be in Adelaide at the right time, we are heading off to it tomorrow to see if there is anything different. Not looking forward to the 34 deg. but it is supposed to be hotter for the next 3 days. Will give a report when we return. Anyone else heading to the show?
Have fun and tell us about anything useful that takes your fancy.
I went a couple of years ago, expecting to find all the trinkets and handy things at special prices, but was disappointed. Maybe this year will be better. It really is a good opportunity to check out vans and everything relevant to road travel and camping.
Have fun.
I know when i went to the rose hill show in sydney a couple years ago its just so overwhelming of all sorts of vans
dont think I could buy one there and then..
Sharon.
Once again we are held hostage to the mighty dollar.
Gone are the days when the exhibitions were there to show off their wares and the public were enticed by good pricing.
Now it's charge what the market will bear and sell food and drinks at exhorbitant prices with the excuse that they only have the few days to sell enough to make a profit.
I have been to quite a few Caravan and camping shows and the so called 'Show Specials' seem to be the old Woolworths Ploy.
The RRP is 'X' dollars and we will give you 20% off.
The RRP is inflated anyway so it seems like a good deal.
A friend flew from Brisbane to Adelaide last year specifically to purchase a $50K boat 'Show Package'
He checked out the so called deal and decided to buy locally in Hervey Bay at $3K less from the local dealer.Same boat same accessories.
I must be getting cynical in my old age!
Safe Travels
So are we all friend, so are we all. Getting fed up with being ripped off all the time.



Save you $13 to get in!
Well we enjoyed our day. The airconditioned pavilions made it much more comfortable than the Melbourne show. Yes it was very spread out but I suppose that meant that more pavilions were used.
The parking was excellent. I guess we were lucky as we scored a spot on the fence with shade from trees all day.
I liked the fact that things were mixed up. I guess if you just wanted to look at very specific things this would have been annoying, but it broke it up from looking at vans to accessories and then back to vans.
Some of the shops had poor service but others were excellent.
After 5 hours we came home with a few purchases and firmer decisions about our next van.
Well worth while!!!
No, it means that you are finally seeing the light and getting out there and "LIVING THE DREAM" you enjoy it all now won't you.
Sorry to hear that Popeye, I am one of the fortunates as I have type 2 Diabetes but so far have managed to keep it under control with diet and excercise. I count myself fortunate 'cause I know it could be a lot worse.
Enjoy the show pal.
PS:- Damned memory again, Happy birthday for tomorrow, hope you have a great day.
-- Edited by JRH on Friday 24th of February 2012 06:21:05 PM
Well of tomorrow to the show for my birthday. Sixtyfive years young. Feel eighty legs hips fingers don't work as I have Diabetic Neuropathy. So you good people with diabeties look after your selves.