What We Did at the Minneapolis RV Show!


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Well this is a first.

 

I’m pretty sure this is the fastest video turn-around in the history of The Fit RV. James is probably rolling his eyes right now, as this is a running joke around here. Takes us forever to get videos “producerated”… which is our made-up word for getting videos up. Yes folks, we have our own Fit RV lingo.

As I type, the Good Sam Minneapolis St. Paul RV Vacation and Camping Show is still going on all around me, wrapping up in just a few more hours. I’m sitting in the back of one of the huge ballrooms where a session’s going on in the front; a little history lesson on National Parks. The doors are thrown open along both sides of the ballroom, and I can see tons of people walking by the RVs on display and I’m trying not to think about the smell of mini-donuts that permeates every corner of the convention center. Torture.

James is off nerding out somewhere in the sea of RVs, I’m sure. We’ve had a great four days here at the show. The unseasonably warm weather made sure the show stayed packed all 4 days, and we were glad to see it. James and I both led sessions each day and got to meet loads of Fit RV followers, which is always a hoot for us. Oh and get this: James’ sessions were always packed. Hundreds of people showed up to hear him speak! But MY sessions? Most I had were about 20 people. You’ll see James’ audience yourselves in the video where I panned around and showed them.

Of course my session was about healthy RVing, and that’s clearly not on the radar of the general RV-hunting population… Yet…  BUT – I did have 20 people. It’s a start! I’m not giving up. One gentleman I met is about to buy a rig to hit the road full-time. He is just retiring, is solo, and struggles with obesity and some health issues. I got to talk to him after my session. He gave me the back story about his struggle, told me his plan to RV full-time, then shyly asked me, “Do you think I’m up for this? Can I handle it?” Guys. THOSE are the moments I do this Fit RV thing for. I don’t need an audience of 300. I just want to reach one. I’m sure you can imagine how I answered his question. Yes of course he can do it!  And I gave him some tips and encouragement to help him on his way. I hope I hear from him again down the road, and that he’s happy in his new rig & in his new life journey.

But besides those feel-good moments, this RV show was full of the usual RVs, James’ antics, and the smell of mini-donuts; which I’m proud to say we were able to resist the entire show! Unless that’s where James is now…

Excuse me, I have to go find my husband.

xoxo,

Stef



After 15 years as an educator in both the public K-12 setting and the University level in Special Physical Education, Stef made the leap to her true passion… the fitness world. She’s currently a personal trainer and wellness coach specializing in seniors, medical conditions, and injuries. Stef loves running, cycling, and being “Mugga” to her two favorite mini-humans — Punky and Marshmallow. ❤️


    23 thoughts on “What We Did at the Minneapolis RV Show!

      1. Stefany - Post author

        LOL! Loved meeting you two…and THANKS for those lanyards! They were much prettier than the standard black ones. Hope to see you again someday very soon! xoxo

        Reply
      1. Interstate Blog

        If you are a Class B enthusiast or shopper, then I bet you found this past weekend’s Houston RV show to be a challenge. I wrote a detailed blog review (The Interstate Blog) on the five major Class B manufacturers whose models we were able to locate at the show, and in critiquing them, I incorporated some of James and Stefany’s excellent work, which is totally relevant (and in some measure is actually driving) what’s transpiring in the market right now. But some models were conspicuous by their absence, which limits the effectiveness of any such model review. I hope that others will continue to focus on Class Bs in particular, to elevate their profile at shows like these.

        Reply
    1. Kimberly

      Hey Stef,

      I always read/watch your posts about healthy RV’ing. I integrate your work out tips while traveling OR while at home. Keep up the great work! I think both of you are doing a great job and thoroughly enjoy (and trust) the technical info James provides.

      Reply
      1. Stefany - Post author

        Awww, Kimberly, I always love hearing this! Thanks for the kind words, and I do hope we’ll see you out there on the road someday! xoxo

        Reply
      1. Stefany - Post author

        WOOT! Congrats, Rob! We have the OTHER Travato that doesn’t have twin beds so I’m not sure what everyone’s doing. You should go join the Travato Owners Group over on Facebook! They’ve talked about bedding tons of times and you can search the group for old conversations about it. Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/travatoowners

        Reply
    2. Kathi

      We would have been there to listen to your presentation! You know we are all about fitness. It is hard to compete with all the RV bling. LOL

      Reply
    3. Owen McOmber

      Hi guys, stay warm. Have you ever had a chance to review a Renegade B+ RV. If so I would like your thoughts on their rigs?

      Reply
    4. Lorrie

      I would definitely have come to your session, Stef, if it was the Boston RV show last month! I enjoy your site and would, I’m sure, enjoy meeting you. One of the main reason we’re looking to get an RV is to have healthier options on long road trips than the typical hotel breakfast buffet and ‘fast food’. Thanks for all the tips you’ve shared…really liked the co-pilot exercises!

      Reply
      1. Stefany - Post author

        Hi Lorrie! SOOOO great to hear you’re interested in an RV to keep your travels healthier. AWESOME! If only more people would share your attitude and healthy-lifestyle focus….

        Reply
    5. Ben Doucette

      Hello, Stef and James,
      I am writting to ask about something in your last video at the rv show. Stef was lifting a black round hatch in the floor. There apeared to be at least three of them in the floor of the rv. Could you tell me what they are for ? I am guessing access to valves, or something under the floor, or storage.
      Thanks for the great videos,
      Ben

      Reply
      1. James

        Hi Ben –
        Those holes in the floor were actually ICE FISHING HOLES!
        Don’t know if you caught it, but the wheels on that trailer raised up to set the rig directly down on the ice.
        Only in Minnesota!

        Reply
    6. Jon Penfield

      I was just in Minneapolis yesterday for personal business and I didn’t even know there was an RV show in town. An RV show in the middle of winter in the Midwest, crazy.

      If you’re still in the Minneapolis area and are heading out via I-94 West let me know, I live about 2 hours away from Minneapolis off of 94. There’s a lot of nice restaurants around here that I can suggest.

      Reply
    7. Physician on FIRE

      Thanks for coming to the show! My wife and I enjoyed the Choosing Your First RV talk — you can see us in the front row shadows in the still image from the Youtube video above. Say “enhance” a few times and you might be better able to make out our faces.

      We learned quite a bit from your talk and more from wandering around. We’re plotting something that we’ll call a sabbatical, but might end up looking like early retirement starting next summer, and an open-ended RV trip with our boys is first on the agenda. Hope to see you on the open road!

      Cheers!
      -PoF

      Reply
      1. James

        Be careful with those RV trips. They have a way of taking over your life! (I’m voting for early retirement, and I hope you have a blast.)
        SO glad you made it out to the show and our seminar! It was great to see so many people interested in what we had to say.
        Best of luck in your RV hunt, and we’ll see you on the road!

        Reply

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