Sept 2014 Rally Agenda

[THelton9414]

Welcome to the forum THelton, looking forward to meeting you guys at the rally!

We're looking forward to meeting everyone also. It sounds like a good time for all and also very informative about the units we bought.

[Navigator]

I have a suggestion for another seminar....

Lessons on how to drive and park your 5th wheel.

The Montana Owners Club used to offer a seminar like this at their rallies but they were for the ladies. I've always wanted to learn and I bet there are some guys out there that would like to brush up on their skills too.

Kathy

[mtpocket]

I like navigator's idea. Even if its not hands on, tips or pointers are helpful. My wife can pull and back most any trailer better than most men but she doesn't get the way a fifth wheel takes time to straighten out and to begin to turn. She is used to the almost immediate change you experience in a bumper pulled trailer. That cause some sometimes lively discussions when backing up. Might make her a better spotter if she hears it from a stranger since she listens to them more than me. I can always learn something too. I have never failed getting the trailer where I wanted it but sometimes its pretty ugly and requires a beer break.

[Vietvet66-67]

We're in process of ordering a Momentum and are planning to attend. We were told by a friend that there's an RV Museum in Elkhart that is a "must see"...

I was at that museum a few years ago and it is well worth stopping to see. Has some very early RV's and all kinds of camping gear.
The wife and I, and my daughter and son in law had a good time there. spent about 3-4 hours looking at the massive amount of things there.

[WallyBird77]

Hi Dave, it would be nice to have a class on using the Grand Design Owners Forum. I enjoy reading it, but get lost or go the long way around to find things. Thanks, Kitty P.S. I hope you get this.

[Dave and Monica]

Thanks for all the ideas...keep them coming!

Dave

[LostinCanada]

I've had discussions with GD's Bill and Janice trying to outline a rough, 3 day agenda for the Sept 8-10th rally. Here's some of the activities that have been identified...

Plant tour at Grand Design.
Seminars...subjects to be identified, conducted by GD or their suppliers.
Plant tour of a Lippert facility...hopefully the frame plant.

Could members please help out with some ideas of what you'd like for the seminars.

Bill has agreed to provide servicing of the attendee's campers! I'll provide details later how servicing needs can be identified to GD in advance.

Lippert will also be on hand for those interested in any of their aftermarket products, installed or not, at a rally discounted price. I will try to provide a list of their products/services/pricing as soon as I can.

For those interested, there's a Amish flea market in Shipshewana on Tuesday/Wednesday.

If members have some ideas of what could be included, please post them in this thread.

Dave

I know I would be in the market for an installed set of JT strongarms at a show discounted price!

[Dave and Monica]

RALLY SCHEDULE – as of July 22, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
9:00 AM – 12 PM - Registration and Meet/Greet Activities

12 PM – 1:00 PM - Lunch on your own

1:00 PM – 6:30 PM - Tour at Grand Design RV (transportation provided)
Tour includes production facilities and display units.
Snacks also provided.

6:30 PM - Dinner - on your own
Monday night would be a good for those who would like to dine out as a group. There are many fine restaurants in the area.

8:00 PM - Group Campfire

Tuesday, September 9, 2014
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - LUNCH provided by supplier(s)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Supplier Seminar (TBD)

Note: Seminars by Grand Design and their vendors (Atwood, Lionshead, Lippert, Suburban,Thetford).

6:00 PM - Pot Luck Dinner

8:00 PM - Group Campfire

Wednesday,September 10, 2014
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Open day to explore the local area points of interest:
Many local attractions to see while in the Elkhart area; RV Museum, Shipshewana Market and Amish Shops, Studebaker Museum, Pumpkinvine hike/bike trail, Bonneyville Mill. More information at this link:
http://www.amishcountry.org/things-to-do

6:00 PM - Dinner provided by Grand Design

8:00 PM - Group Campfire

Additional Information
There will be tables/displays set up for all three days by Grand Design and all of the major suppliers.The suppliers have techs also on hand for consultation and repairs.

There will be a display for Grand Design apparel manned by Martin Marketing all three days.

There will be a display for Grass Haven Outdoor products all three days. Dawn Bitz will be on hand to conduct a RV Lifestyle presentation on Wednesday for those interested. For more information follow this link - http://www.grasshavenoutdoor.com/

Lippert Components will have their products and services available at discounted rally pricing. I will publish a list of products and services available and the pricing in early August. For information follow this link – http://www.lci1.com/products-list

[Dave and Monica]

I posted the above rally agenda as it stands. I'm planning on a 50/50 draw to cover incidental costs that will be incurred otherwise there is no cost to the attendees other than their site fee. A special thanks to Janice, Jerry, Bill and all the folks at Grand Design RV for their support and assistance in making this happen!

As some of the attendees are full-timers, please let me know if you'd be interested in participating in a round table discussion of full-timing.

Dave

[WallyBird77]

Dave, we would be interested in the round table discussion of full timing. Thanks Al & Kitty