NEC visit
We are off to the NEC next week, to look at Motorhomes, not to buy but to look at what we can add to our own, special things that the new ones come with. One thing l am looking for are the flip up shelves, or anything that puts our own stamp on it. Ours is a entry level model but with added extras. We have never been to the NEC before and would appreciate if some one can tells us how easy it is to get from the Birmingham international station to the arena, is it far to walk. We have been to the Manchesters show but that was when we were caravanners, we only intend to look at MH, some one as told us the the nec is lot bigger than the Manchester show and there will be alot to take in, we only have 3 hours to spend their so we will have to target what we look at.
Heethers
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We have been to the NEC a couple of times by train. The walk is all under cover and probably takes about ten minutes or so depending on an individual's mobility. The time can vary a bit depending on what Halls the use for the show. It is usually well signed as its a very big show. Accessory stands are usually around the perimeter of the various halls.
David
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If going by train there is normally a free shuttle bus that starts from a well sign posted internal road, the staff on the walkway from the station have also advised of pick up, drops off at main exhibition entrance,but as David says depends what halls
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Like l said we will be looking at specific motorhomes mainly the u shaped lounge models, plus a look at products from the vendors that are their, l agree 3 hours is not ideal if you are buying a new motorhome, time has to be kept to a minimum, we need to be back for the wife's elderly parents
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It’s vast but also tiring. I would guess we only spend around 4 hours actually looking around if you exclude lunch and coffee breaks. Ned to be very focused.
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As you say you have 3hrs then perhaps carry snacks/drinks and wear comfy footwear. It is very large so perhaps research sellers of what you are looking for to see where they located if they are there. Also ensure phone is charged to take photos of anything of interest. Good Luck.
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With limited time there, HEETHERS,
1 ) check if there is an on-line guide to the show and do your route checks at home.
2 ) if you cannot find one on line then make sure you pick up the FREE GUIDE and map at the Entrances to the show { I'd do that any way } and spend 10 minutes looking for what you wish to see, then HEAD FOR IT
3 ) Enjoy yourselves !!
P.S. / Edit -- Manchester's show is but an appetizer in comparison, Honest
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Thanks all l am sure we will get some ideas, a week later off to Hawes, so much easier to book late and just set off in a MH. In Fact we are packing winter essentials to day, Motorhome is at home so we can load up for the winter months, l have it ticking over on low heat to keep it aired.
Heethers
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Off tomorrow to the show, hoping it's quiet didn't pre order the tickets, heading straight for the motor homes, last hour looking at the stalls. Not going to buy just to look at different innovations from the manufacturers, what's new. Quite happy with the MH we bought in July looking to add things to it. Someone said to me its a waste of £100 if your not going to buy, looking at the new models gives you some idea what you can add to make our own that much more pleasurable. So looking forward to it we will enjoy.
Heethers.
Ps did you see overnighters TV so sorry they had their motorhome pinched by the pond life of this world, hope they get fixed up at the show
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David have good day, at the moment waiting for the taxi to take us to the train station, as normal raining here in Cheshire, got our lunch packed, aiming to do 3 manufacturers Autotrail, Bailey, Hymer Group which l believe includes the Elddis plus a couple of others. Will also call at our dealers who are their this time, Spinney group. Anyway brollies at the ready taxi due in 30 mins.
Heethers
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David yes we got their, wouldn't say we had a good time, we found it hard to view the motorhomes, always someone in the ones we wanted to look at. We found it hard to orientate where we wanted to go, got the map but always seemed to be at the opposite end we needed to be at. Having said that we did get some ideas the wife was quite surprised in how big the van conversions were, needless to say the the large ones were around the 70k mark, something to think of in the future when we are in our 70s. Couldn't believe how many were signing up to buy, expensive ones and mid range MH, not many for the entry level. Don't think we would go again, would find it easier going round the dealers to find the one that suits us,that won't be for at least another 4 years
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Don't think we would go again, would find it easier going round the dealers to find the one that suits us
Much my way of thinking too. Only been twice. Once when a neighbour had bought tickets and then won some and so just a day out to nose.
The last time was specifically to check seating comfort of a few models
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ABM, Yes l know you warned us, but it was day out, now we can say we have done it, like l l have said we will only be doing the dealers from now on. We are lucky quite a lot within a 40 mile radius, a couple very close. One thing we saw that surprised us was the van conversions the wife was really surprised how much room their is in the 6m ones. But we didn't find any that would persuade us to swap ours for in the near future. Now onto Hawes next week for 4 days, really looking forward to it, so much easier to get ready for short trips in the MH. We will also be off to Lytham this week for 2 days looking after our Grandson but will be leaving the MH on her drive, sleeping in the guest bedroom, it gives the MH a run out
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One thing l forgot to tell you, saw some cornish pasties, wife said do you fancy one for your tea, asked the price £5 said to him where you going for it penzance, had sausage egg an chips when l got home. Not their fault probably the rent they were having to pay for the site
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And I bet it wasn’t even a decent Cornish Oggie!
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Lornalou, with living their he's been through upteen times, the day will comprise of a walk to the windmill and then the park followed by lunch in the Queens. We may go on Tuesday to Fairhaven lake depends on the weather, we usually stay at the CMC site but decided to stay at the daughters, we looked at Piper Heights but they don't take Motorhomes. Haven't a clue why, it's rather expensive anyway
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Just remember... you are off to the NEC - not to buy!!
How many times have I heard that...... Seriously, Enjoy.... have a great time.P.S. Just read the remainder of the posts. Well done! You didn't buy. We did last time we went, but we bought from our local dealer at the show. I think he saw me coming!!!
I do like visiting the Snowdonia Cheese counter though.. David
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Have just read an article about VED and how much with fuel duty the treasury get per annum it works out at about £40bn
And the transport select committee are hoping to have a public debate next year as to ways of filling the black hole left by the increase ev and no tax small vehicles
The favored method is via pay by mile for all vehicles via a satellite tracking system
Oops wrong thread but just as important
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We went yesterday and found it much quieter than previous years when we have been on the “Club day” (Tuesday). M42 accident caused half hour delay and we would have avoided it had we not stopped to charge the EV.
Been looking at Autosleepers van conversions. They have introduced a new garage style van to compete with the continentals but otherwise not much change. Amazing what can be squeezed into a 6 meter van and we are looking to downsize from our coachbuilt.
The big advantage of going to the show is that you can see the complete range whereas many dealers just have a selection. Also you can get good discounts on new vans and generous trade-in offers which you can then use as leverage with your local dealer. Currently in negotiations with our local dealer as a result of the visit.
List prices for 2020 have of course increased due to the extra £2k or so tax, plus the extra tax that the owner has to pay for years 2 - 5 which adds another £1200 or thereabouts.
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