Registration Information and FAQ's for the 2019 Grand Design RV National Rally

[el Rojo]

Here's the latest from Red and Pam. Please note that there is a change in the length of Power cord that is needed. The pdf file states 75 feet. It is now 60 feet.

[TucsonJim]

The file Red posted is in PDF format. If you have any further questions or comments, please do so on the 2019 Elkhart rally thread. Here is a link to it:

2019 Rally Thread

I'm closing this thread to further comments and questions.

Jim

[TucsonJim]

Page 1 of Frequently Asked Questions about the 2019 Grand Design Owners Rally in Indiana


When will registration begin? Registration will begin on Tuesday, April 9 at 1 p.m. (EST). Contrary to popular
believe, this rally DOES NOT fill up overnight. So, with that said, PLEASE take a deep breathe, and begin
registration answering all of the required questions AND be sure to have your rig’s VIN# available when you
begin the process.


What does it cost to attend? The cost to attend the rally is $330 for each rig. This includes up to 2 adults and
any minor children under the age of 18. Each additional adult staying in the rig is an additional $75.


How do we register to attend the Rally? Registration will open online on Tuesday, April 9 at 1 p.m. (EST) The
registration link will be at GDRV4life under “Events”, on the “Official Events Calendar” – 2019
Indiana Grand Design Owner's Rally. Events Calendar


How can I volunteer to help at the Rally? Volunteers are always welcome and are the lifeblood of the Rally.
We have a lot of jobs that need to be done during, and after the event. These include setting up and cleaning
tables and chairs in the dining room and seminar areas; driving golf cart shuttles; loading buses for tours, and
more. Sign up for these opportunities at on-site check-in, or throughout the week at the Rally Host table.


How can I get Full Hook ups? When you register you will be purchasing a ticket for the area you would like to
camp in. Your specific site in the area will be assigned when you arrive at the fairgrounds. Each area will have
a description of what is offered, i.e. Full Hook Ups (FHU), water, 50/30amp electricity, honey wagon AND there
is a size limitation for each area. Much like a concert there will be a limited number of tickets for each area,
and when they are gone, they're gone, and you have to pick a different area. See Addendum A for the
fairground map and the descriptions of each area.


Is “group parking” available? Yes, you must arrive together and have chosen the same camping area during
registration. Groups must send an email with the subject line “Group Parking” to [email protected].
The email should contain the number of rigs in your group, the names of those in the group and the camping
area that was chosen.


How are sites assigned in each area? Parking and assigning of sites (within YOUR chosen area) is done “rally
style” (also known as “hobo style”). “Rally style” parking means that the parking crew assigns each rig a site as
they arrive. There will be a large number of rigs arriving in a short amount of time, and rally style parking
allows us to get everyone in a site as quickly as possible.


Is there a handicap parking area? Yes, there is handicap RV parking available to registrants possessing and
displaying a valid state-issued handicap permit, on a first-come first-served basis. There is limited amount of
handicap parking available. Please purchase a ticket for a handicap area and provide your handicap permit
number during registration for handicap parking. NOTE. Handicap parking does not guarantee full or 50 amp
hook ups.


Is there a honey-wagon pump-out service available? Yes. An independent mobile pump-out service will be
available on site. It is highly recommended you arrive with empty holding tanks. Dump tickets, are required for
dumping and will be provided free of charge for all non-sewer sites. Tickets will be available at on-site check-in
as well as the Rally Host table.

[TucsonJim]

Page 2 of Frequently Asked Questions about the 2019 Grand Design Owners Rally in Indiana

How much electric cord, sewer hose and water hose is necessary to reach the services at the fairgrounds?
40ft of sewer hose, 50ft of water hose and 60 ft (Was 75) of power cord is required for most sites. While there are RV
supplies available in Goshen we are following another large rally and supplies may be limited.


Are power adapters needed? Depending upon your rig and the ticket that you purchased, you may need a
50amp to 30amp power adapter. Please read the ticket descriptions carefully as some sites only have 50amp
and in this case you may need a 30amp to 50amp adapter, if you have a 30amp rig.


Where and how do we receive our name badges, agenda and welcome bags? Upon arrival and after your rig
is parked, your first job will be to visit the on-site check-in and exchange your E-Ticket AND Parking Designator
for your name badge, agenda and welcome bag. You will also sign up for crafts, volunteering and factory tours
at this time. The E-Ticket and Parking Designator are the two documents that you used to enter the
fairgrounds AND you should now have your site number handwritten on the Parking Designator.


What is the “E-ticket” and “parking designator”? The E-ticket is your entry ticket and proof of registration for
admission upon arrival at fairgrounds. Please print and have it available for presentation to the parking
greeters when you first arrive to be parked. The parking designator indicates your selection for campground
parking and has a large letter designating your paid selection. Please print and place the parking designator
prominently in your driver’s side windshield at arrival so the parking team can identify the correct area and
direct you to your site quickly.


Do I have to sign up for seminars or crafts before the rally? Seminars are open to all attendees but may be
limited to available seating. Most craft classes are limited and require that you sign-up during the on-site check
in. Some craft classes have a small fee to cover supplies.


Are children and grandchildren welcome? Absolutely, children are always welcome at GDRV events.


What is the pet policy? All buildings at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds are pet-free (with the exception of
certified service animals in working mode). If your pet is outside, it must be in a carrier, restrained in an
appropriate manner and on a short (8-foot or less) leash if being exercised. Please remember to pick up after
your pet(s) and dispose of waste properly. Expect the pet policy to be strictly enforced. If you are having GDRV
service done inside of your RV, the pet must be crated or removed for the safety of the technicians, as well as
to prevent your pet from accidentally escaping from the unit.

How many meals are included? The Rally fee helps to cover four dinners – Tuesday (Potluck), Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday – and four breakfasts, Tuesday through Friday.


Do you have meals for special diets – allergies, gluten-free, etc.? Unfortunately, in serving nearly 10,000
meals during the week, we are not able to survey for individual diet needs and prepare special menus.

Do you have reduced-price reservations if we don’t want to have the meals? No, the volume of people and
the need to create meal tickets and monitor who does and does not have them is simply not practical. We
require that you wear your Rally name badge, which is your ticket to all meals and activities except tours,
which require a ticket. Sometimes other public events are being held at the fair grounds and we need to
monitor that only GDRV attendees go through the food line.


Is alcohol allowed at the Rally? Alcohol is not sold or provided at any of the events. However, if you are of
legal age and are behaving responsibly and courteously, you may have alcohol to consume at your site, or to
take to another campsite for consumption. You may also bring wine or another beverage to dinner, and
evening programs.

[TucsonJim]

Page 3 of Frequently Asked Questions about the 2019 Grand Design Owners Rally in Indiana

May I bring my scooter, bike, moped, or Segway? Yes, this is highly recommended as vehicle parking is very
limited and not available near event buildings.


Will there be courtesy transportation available between the buildings and campground? Yes, transportation
will be available from Sunday noon to Friday evening. Monday through Friday hours: 7AM to 9PM – Watch for
the 6 six seater golf shuttles running throughout the grounds.


What happens if I have to cancel? We understand that people’s schedules change for a variety of reasons,
many out of their control. As a result, we have instituted the following cancellation policy:


Before July 1, the cancellation fee is 10% of registration and tour fees.


From July 1 through July 31, cancellation fee is 20% of registration and tour fees.


On or after August 1, there are no refunds.


How do we register for optional tours at the Rally? You can register for the optional tours when you register
for the Rally itself. You can also come back and register for tours later IF THEY’RE STILL AVAILABLE. There are
three bus tours available with about 300 seats in total, and they tend to fill up. In addition, this year there will
also be an organized Motorcycle Tour! There will be a standby list for the optional tours. There is an
additional charge for the optional tours. All optional tours include bus transportation, all admission fees and
tips, and any meals as shown in the tour description. See Addendum B for excursion details.


If I have tickets for an optional tour and decide not to go, can I get a refund or sell my tickets? We are not
able to refund your tickets on optional tours at the event. Near the Rally Host Table there will be a bulletin
board where you may post that you are trying to sell or buy tickets for a tour. The transaction is strictly
between the seller and the buyer. HOWEVER, please let us know if you’ve sold tickets so that we can remove
the seller’s name and add the buyer’s name to the tour roster to speed the boarding of buses. Prior to the
event, the cancellation policy will apply.


How do we register for factory tours? Is there a charge? Tickets for factory tours will be available during onsite
check-in at the fairgrounds. There is no charge for factory tours. Bus transportation is provided.
Is there a rally agenda available? See Addendum C for the rally agenda. Please remember, the agenda is
subject to change up until the time of the rally.


When does rally parking begin? The rally gates open on Sunday, August 25 at 9am for rally parking. This will
allow everyone ample time to get settled, meet your neighbors and get ready for the “First Timer’s
Orientation” at 3pm (if applicable) and the Ice Cream Social for ALL on Monday at 4pm. The rally’s opening
ceremony is on Tuesday, August 27 at 9am. (Rally parking is Sunday and Monday from 9a-5p).


Can we arrive before Sunday? How do we make reservations? There is a rally before GDRV’s and the grounds
need to be mowed. No arrivals will be permitted prior to Wednesday, August 21. To make a reservation for
arrival between Wednesday and Saturday, August 21-24, please call the Fairgrounds at (574) 533-3247. You
will make payment directly to the Fairgrounds for these early nights. When you arrive, please check-in at the
Fairground’s office and they will call the Parking Crew who will direct you to the area that you selected for the
rally. Arriving early DOES NOT change the area that you have selected for rally parking. The pre-rally parking
crew is available from 10am-4pm, Wednesday – Saturday. If you park yourself outside of these hours, YOU
WILL NEED TO BE REPARKED IN THE CORRECT AREA AND SITE WHEN THE CREW COMES BACK ON DUTY.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.

[TucsonJim]

Page 4 of Frequently Asked Questions about the 2019 Grand Design Owners Rally in Indiana

Can we stay following the Rally? Yes. This is a holiday weekend and some of us choose to remain a few extra
days. Please check with the Fairgrounds for availability while at the rally. You will make payment directly to
the Fairgrounds for extra nights.


Is there a dump station available? Yes. The fairgrounds has a dump station. The location will be noted on the
map. Please notify the Parking Crew if you need to dump prior to being parked. It is highly recommended you
arrive with empty holding tanks so as not to delay having your rig parked.


Are there showers on site? Yes, there are showers and restrooms at the facility for attendee use.


Is there a laundry facility on site? No.


Is there propane on site? No


May I attend the Rally in an RV that wasn’t built by Grand Design? No. Rally attendees MUST be in an RV
built by Grand Design.


Is it true Grand Design will work on my rig at the rally? The answer to this is yes. Grand Design RV along with
LCI and other OEM’s have many technicians on the grounds during the rally but they DO NOT DROP
UNDERBELLIES and they DO NOT DO MAJOR repairs (as in pull slides or change front caps, etc.) During
registration, you will have an opportunity to request THREE repairs. Regrettably, changes to your requests are
not allowed after July 15. The only exception of course are emergency repairs and recalls.


What do we do in case of inclement weather? The Fairgrounds are equipped with a siren warning system in
case of inclement weather. There are three designated storm shelter on the grounds:
- The basement restrooms on the west end of the Community Center, next to the Main Gate on Locust
Street
- The Home and Family Arts Building on Maple Street
- The dining room
Please make a point of locating these sites in advance of the unlikely chance of needing them.

[TucsonJim]

Addendum A - Parking


Area A "Area A" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 amp & 30 amp,water, and sewage.


Area B "Area B" is suitable for rigs 35' and under. It is open field parking. Hook-ups include 30 amp ONLY, water, and dump tickets.


Area C "Area C" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. It is open field parking. Hook-ups include 30 amp ONLY, water, and dump tickets.


Area C (Handicap) "Area C (Handicap) can accommodate rigs of all sizes. It is open field parking. Hook-ups include
30 amp ONLY, water, and dump tickets. Registrants MUST possess and display a valid state issued handicap permit.

Area D "Area D" is suitable for rigs 35' and under. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 amp ONLY,water, and sewage.


Area E (Handicap) "Area E (Handicap)" is suitable for rigs 35' and under. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 &
30 amp,water, and sewage. Registrants MUST possess and display a valid state-issued handicap permit.


Area F "Area F" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 & 30
amp,water, and sewage.


Area G "Area G" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. It is open field parking. Hook-ups include 30 amp
ONLY, water, and dump tickets.


Area H - 30 Area H - 30" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. It is open field parking. Hook-ups include 30
amp ONLY, water, and dump tickets.


Area H - 50 "Area H - 50" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 amp
ONLY,water, and sewage.

[TucsonJim]

Addendum A - Parking (Continued)

Area I "Area I" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Hook-ups include 30 amp ONLY, water, and dump tickets.


Area J "Area J" can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Sites are full-hookup which include 50 amp & 30
amp,water, and sewage.


Click For Full-Size Image.

[TucsonJim]

Addendum B - Tours


Wednesday, 8/28
Amish Brown Bag Tour 9A-4P


Shipshewana and surrounding areasRound trip bus transportation is provided. Guide for Tour with stops at various “Amish” sites
including Amish Buggy Shop, Quilt Shop, Bakery, E & S Bulk Food Store, and Dutch Country
Market. A Thresher’s dinner (noon meal) in an Amish home is included with a Q & A session
after the meal. You will receive a brown bag with a locally made gift from each stop along
your way!
$65 per person
Maximum of 100 people

Thursday, 8/29
Excursion – Four Winds Casino, South Bend 10A – 5P
Day at the Casino!
Round trip bus transportation provided. We will visit the Four Winds Casino in South Bend
where you can enjoy various Gaming and Bingo options by trying your luck at over 1,800 of the
latest games. You know you want to match wits with friendly competition at the various
gaming tables! Must be 21 years of age and valid government issued identification will be
required. You will receive $15 in Casino Cash and a $10 Lunch voucher.
Cost: $15 per person
Maximum of 100 People

Friday, 8/30
Excursion – Motorcycle Ride / Harley Store / Lunch 11A – 3P
Motorcycle Ride with Jerry
Hosted by our own Jerry McCarthy! Bring your motorcycle and join Jerry for a scenic ride
through the Indiana & Michigan countryside with a stop at Hamilton Harley Davidson in Sturgis
MI for a light lunch of hot dogs and chips. There will be some time to shop and browse there!
No Cost
Maximum of 40 Motorcycles

Excursion – RV Hall of Fame, Vintage Car collections, Lunch, & More 9A-3P
RV Hall of Fame and More!
Round trip bus transportation provided. The first stop is the RV Hall of Fame and museum
highlighting the history and evolution of the RV Industry. Next is a visit to an extensive display
of Elkhart historical collection including Miles Laboratory memorabilia as well as a Coca Cola
Collection. There is also antique store to enjoy! The next stop includes a pizza lunch with
dessert catered by the South Side Soda Shop of Goshen. This stop also includes a personal car
& Coca Cola collection displayed in a nostalgic 1950’s style room complete with jukeboxes
playing classic oldies during your visit. The last stop will be another private collection of
historic Elk Cars & classic Studebakers, with host being past President of the Studebaker Drivers
Club.
$50 per person
Maximum of 100 people

[TucsonJim]

Addendum C – Rally Agenda


Sunday, August 25:
9:00 – 5:00 Rally Parking & Check-in


Monday August 26:
9:00 – 5:00 Rally Parking & Check-in
3:00 First Timers Orientation
4:00 Ice Cream Social – for all attendees


Tuesday, August 27:
7:30 – 8:45 Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 Opening Ceremony
9:30 – 11:00 Q&A along with Statements from Don Clark, President of GDRV
11:00 – 4:00 GDRV & Lippert Customer Service Desks Open
OEM Suppliers and Vendor Area Open
GDRV Display Units Open
12:00 Lunch on your own
12:30 – 5:00 Afternoon Seminars
12:45 – 3:30 GDRV Plant Tours
6:00 – 7:00 Potluck
7:00 – 9:00 Bonfire


Wednesday, August 28:
7:30 – 8:45 Breakfast
8:00 – 4:00 GDRV & Lippert Customer Service Desks Open
OEM Suppliers and Vendor Area Open
GDRV Display Units Open
9:00 – 4:00 Amish Brown Bag Tour
9:00 – 10:30 Make & Take/Craft Projects
9:00 – 12:00 Morning Seminars
12:00 Lunch on your own
12:45 – 3:30 GDRV Plant Tours
1:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Seminars
5:00 – 6:00 Wine & Cheese Social
6:00 – 7:00 Italian Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 Fireside Chat with Don


Thursday, August 29:
7:30 – 8:45 Breakfast
8:00 – 4:00 GDRV & Lippert Customer Service Desks Open
OEM Suppliers and Vendor Area Open
GDRV Display Units Open
9:00 – 10:30 Make & Take/Craft Projects
9:00 – 12:15 Morning Seminars
10:00 – 5:00 Casino Tour
10:00 – 2:00 Show & Sell – Rally participants display and sell their handiwork. AMISH BAKE SALE!
12:00 Lunch on your own
12:45 – 3:30 GDRV Plant Tours
1:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Seminars
4:00 Family Picture, followed by Outdoor Games
5:30 – 6:30 Cookout in the Park
7:00 Band at the Park Stage


Friday, August 30:
7:30 – 8:45 Breakfast
8:00 – 12:00 GDRV & Lippert Customer Service Desks Open
OEM Suppliers and Vendor Area Open
GDRV Display Units Open
9:00 – 3:00 RV Hall of Fame and More! Tour
9:00 – 10:30 Make & Take/Craft Projects
9:00 – 12:15 Morning Seminars
11:00 – 3:00 Motorcycle Ride with Jerry
12:00 Lunch on your own
12:45 – 3:30 GDRV Plant Tours
1:00 – 4:00 Afternoon Seminars
5:30 – 7:30 Farewell Dinner, Door Prizes, Closing Remarks & Recognitions
7:30 - ??? Dancing at the Park Stage


Saturday, August 31:
Safe travels till we meet again!


 The agenda is subject to change up until the time of the rally.