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RV Show Packs In Potential Buyers

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By RUSSELL RAY

rray@tampatrib.com

Published: January 17, 2009

TAMPA - Visit this year's RV SuperShow at the Florida State Fairgrounds and you might find it hard to believe the nation is in a recession.

Huge crowds poured into the fairgrounds Friday to see the latest in recreational vehicles. The five-day event runs through Sunday.

"I came in here Wednesday afternoon and I was shocked by how many people were here," said Frank Konigseder, vice president of Liberty Coach, a luxury RV dealer based in Chicago. "This show has been very positive."

Sales of luxury RVs, however, have suffered because customers are hanging on to their cash in these tough economic times, Konigseder said.

"A lot of our customers have their own businesses and they've had to cut back on what they're doing," he said.

Frank Crum, regional vice president for Camping World RV Sales, said he sold 10 RVs on the first day of the trade show.

The sour economy, Crum said, hasn't deterred potential RV buyers.

"The mood of the consumer that's here is awesome," he said. "They see this as an investment in their life and their enjoyment."

More than 1,200 RVs are on display at the trade show. Prices range from $4,000 to $2.2 million, said David Kelly, marketing director for the Florida RV Trade Association.

"That's what's so nice about a show. You can see everything in one location," he said.

During the first two days of the event, attendance reached near-record levels at more than 10,000 people each day, Kelly said.

"The interest is certainly there," he said.

Free entertainment includes barbershop quartets, bagpipers, clowns, unicycle riders and Arneberg's Super Dog Show. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Kid's Zone with face painting, puppet shows, rock climbing and bounce houses.

Seminars include Tips for Choosing the Right RV, Alaska RV Adventure, and RV Adventures to the Gulf Coast and Baja Mexico.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.

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