Are you dreaming about purchasing your first RV? Or upgrading to a new one? Or just looking for a something fun to do on a cold winter day? For about the price of admission to a movie, you can buy a ticket for a full day of seminars, kid-friendly entertainment, and window-shopping at your local RV show. We recently attended the Atlantic City show and had a blast browsing through family-friendly floorplans and dreaming about the day when we will be flying without the kids in a smaller, sleeker unit.
So after inspecting the best that the industry has to offer here are five great picks for a wide range of travelers–from a sporty Class B for adventurous couples to a cozy fifth wheel with privacy for mom and dad and plenty of room for the kids.
The Winnebago Travato (Class B Gas)
The first rig that really grabbed our attention was the brand new Winnebago Travato. Its bold red exterior color and sporty looking bike and kayak racks made us want to hop in and head out for an adventure. We were not the only ones to feel this way–dozens of shoppers were struck by the same sense of wanderlust. But we have three little boys, and this Winnebago was clearly not designed with our family in mind. Could we see ourselves touring the country in a unit like this after the boys head off to college? Possibly. But only if Winnebago found a way to make the bed bigger. It was just a bit too cozy for us!
The Itasca Reyo 25P (Class A Diesel)
The Itasca Reyo 25P had both of us dreaming about early retirement and leisurely cross-country road trips without the kids (sorry boys!). At under 26 feet, the compact size of the Reyo would make it possible to travel without towing a car–and we find that mobility very appealing. The style and comfort of the Reyo’s interior took our breath away and the size of the bathroom felt incredibly spacious for such a small rig. Could we see ourselves in a sweet Itasca like this someday? You betchya!
The Itasca Tribute 26A (Class A Gas)
Is the retro- inspired Itasca Tribute 26A designed for a young family or for an adventurous couple? Well, with its flexible sleeping options, its actually designed for just about anyone. We loved the retractable StudioLoft beds (one above the queen and one above the cockpit) that can be stored along the ceiling at the push of the button–perfect for using every night for the kids–or just dropping it down occasionally for the grandkids. For a rig without a slide we found the 26A to be surprisingly spacious and comfortable–and we loved, loved, loved the retro styling.
The Airstream 30FB Flying Cloud Bunk Model
We have both always loved the timeless look and quality build of an Airstream. But we never think we’ll own one. Why? Because they never seem spacious enough for our family of five. But the 30FB Flying Cloud Bunk Model does boast a family-friendly floor plan. One of the boys would have to convert the dinette into a bed every night–and the top bunk was very tiny. But if your family values form over function and the Airstream makes your heart skip a beat–then this bunk model may be for you.
The Jayco Eagle 29.5BHDS (Fifth Wheel)
Do you dream of the luxury and comfort of a fifth wheel? Do you want some privacy from the kids and cozy bunks to boot? Then the Jayco Eagle 29.5BHDS may be the right fit for you. This rig is half ton towable and has space and storage for the whole family and the dog. The double over double bunks could easily fit four if they had to–and the master bedroom will make mom and dad feel like they have their own private retreat. If your tow vehicle has the power why not move into a fifth wheel? They are often called the Cadillacs of the towable world–and for good reason.
As you can see, an RV show provides the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and daydream about your next rig, and your next great adventure! Here is a list of all of the RV Shows across our great country:
http://www.rvia.org/?esid=rvshows&all=1
We encourage all of our fellow campers to beat the winter blues and head to a show. There’s no harm in looking, right?
Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi are the co-hosts of the RV Family Travel Atlas podcast, which is available for free in the iTunes store, and on their blog.
