We went to the RV show in Fort Worth Texas today...

Here are a few things we learned:

1) The new Redwoods are no longer T60 Gel Coat sides. They are now using fiberglass. You can see the difference in the paint coatings. Is it a good or bad thing? I guess only time will tell. The jury remains out on the vitality of the different materials. Visually, you would have to know what you are looking at but since we have the 2014, we can definitely see a difference. The T60 sides give a perfectly smooth paint appearance. The new fiberglass surfaces show the fiberglass strands (albeit small and hard to see at a distance).

2) The model at the show had 8000# axles. It still had electric brakes. How disappointing...But at least the axles were sized right.

3) The closet doors have changed. They are now a decorated glass without the wood "tree" cut into the doors.

There was really nothing else new for 2017. At this point, we would not have upgraded our current 2014 model.

Separately at the show, I also "polled" different salespersons to see if they knew that Texas residents were required to have an exempt Class A Drivers License for pulling a rig this large. Interestingly, most are still giving the answer of "no". But more interestingly, I ran into a Redwood salesman we were talking to a couple of years ago. He stated that as a result of our one-on-one conversation, he had gone back to the owner of his company. They checked it out and confirmed that it was accurate. As a result, they now have included this in their training program for all salesmen. I had completely forgotten about the discussion until he brought it up again.

Now for a serious challenge...Mobile Suites JUST introduced a brand new model at the San Antonio, Texas RV show. Its called the Mobile Aire. It was specifically redesigned for this price point and weight category. For those that know the DRV brands, this entry will be a serious threat to Redwood. Their black, gray and water tanks are going to be fully supported. They will come standard with the 8000# axles and G tires. H tires will be an option. Disc brakes will be standard. Just the decor on the inside is incredibly luxurious. When asking about the running frame, DRV stated that is would be very comparable to the Redwood frame and sidewalls. I would think that this has something to do with reducing the overall weight. Their sidewalls are the T60 gel coat and with full body paint. Their A/C and furnace duct will be metal (not styofoam that are filled with spray foam that cut down on air flow) just like a commercial installation. They are using sweeping 90's to eliminate back-pressure. They WILL NOT run the Supply duct thru the return duct. The water filter is located in a place easy to get to and change. They are including the 42000 BTU furnace. One the furnace, there are 5 vents in the living/kitchen area instead of 2. They are also including the power surge protection. Just from what we could tell, this will be a serious improvement for the same price point. Even the furniture quality looked and felt better (at least in the Mobile Suites and Mobile Elite that we visited). I just wish they would have had the model at the Ft Worth show so that we could have seen it in person. The Factory Rep did say that it would be at the Dallas Show in February. We will be there...

The Mobile Suites will remain the middle upper RV and the Mobile Elite Suites will stay the top end.

The Mobile Aire and Mobile Suites will continue with the TPO roof. The Elite Suites will stay with the Fiberglass roof.

As for the Cardinal, it is our opinion that they have now moved down in price point and overall quality. Its really beginning to show.

There were no other real price point/quality contenders at this years show. Looking at a few motorhomes, it would not be a fair comparison. That would be apples and oranges.

As a result of the RV shows that we continue to go to, the DRV Elite Suites has now given us pause to reconsider a long-term relationship with Redwood. Time will tell. While attending the Redwood Rally this year, we'll probably slip over to Howe, Indiana (12 miles away) and take the tour there. We'll see how they compare in quality.

Also at the RV Show today...

Tiffin has now introduced a new 5th wheel line to also compete with Redwood, Landmark and the likes. It was called a Vilano.

At this point, they are not quite there yet with the exterior. Full body paint is not an option at the moment according to one of the Tiffin family members at the show. But its on the drawing board. They listened closely to what we said that made a great full-time unit. They are VERY interested in heading that direction.

In the very near future, this will also be another serious contender for the market.

You gotta love the competition. Redwood best be watching what's coming. tiffin makes a great motorhome and service is above none.

Here is an article about the entry:

http://www.rvbusiness.com/2015/01/startup-vanleigh-rv-targets-fifth-wheel-sector/

This is a floor plan for the Vilano. The bathroom was especially impressive. The bedroom was a bit tight though. The kitchen and living room were heading in the right direction for a new up and coming 5th wheel:

http://www.byerlyrv.com/product-vanleigh-rv/vilano-fifth-wheel/375fl

It's misleading calling it a Tiffin. It is the son of Tiffin on his own venture through VanLeigh, but has nothing to do with Tiffin MH.

Too bad to hear about the Redwood degrade to Filon - that would be a deal breaker if we were to look again.

Interesting FL floor plan.

Like the 6 slides but without a rear entry door not sure the bathroom would be accessible when traveling.

That would probably be a show stopper for me.