Successful run to Elkhart...

[Danny]

Just got back from Elkhart!  Good trip.  Came back with a lot more stuff than I was planning on getting - but I believe it was worth it.  I went to several locations but was somewhat disappointed at the options.  Oh, if you go - take the audio tour of the Amish community.  You can pick up a CD packet from the welcome center and return it when you are finished.  Well worth the time!

Danny

[Dallas]

So, Danny,

What DID you buy, and what did you use for rationalization to justify it?

Actually, we are glad you had a good trip and are really envious.

We were stuck with a bunch of reprobates that did nothing but cut themselves with plasma cutters and drink lots of Coronas.

It's a good thing I don't partake of the hops and barley.

I'm so innocent and virginal!

Dallas

[belfert]

The number of surplus places in Elkhart seems to be going down in number every year.  I first went to Elkhart a year and a half ago.  About half of the places listed on the various web sites either were out of business or not really RV surplus places.

During my first trip to Elkhart, I visited four surplus stores and drove to a lot of places that were either not surplus stores or were closed.  On my second trip, I only visited two surplus places as one had closed to be replaced by a flea market and the other one wasn't open.  (Factory RV Surplus is rarely open from what I hear.)  I got quite a haul on my second trip to Elkhart with the bus.  I bought tanks, stove, and some other stuff.  I would have bought a few other minor things, but they kicked me out at 5 pm when they closed.  It didn't hardly cost me any fuel as I was driving by on I80 anyhow.

Brian Elfert

[Danny]

What I got?   

Lights
Inverter
Couch
Captain chairs
Tanks
Plumbing stuff

Now - putting it in the bus and making it work

Danny

[JerryH]

I went to Elkhart several years ago.  Went to Indy for a seminar and headed north to visit converters, suppliers and of course the "surplus" places.  I then returned within the years with my cargo trailer and did load up.  Wasn't too bad.  Not sure if (at the time) I'd male the journey "just for that".  I did sell something to someone out west and drove it that far to a Yellow Freight dock -- my sale paid for the trip.  Point being, it wouldn't have been worth it strictly for that I don't think.

Since that time, I think the deals have not gotten any better.  I don't think the same deals exist at RV Salvage Surplus as they once did.  We made out ok.  Not sure (correct me if I am wrong), but I think wheeling and dealing was easier then.

Just my $0.02.

Jerry H.

[white-eagle]

we're goin to the surplus and salvage rally next week.  What places did you find were most helpful or most equipment and or best prices.  if there are lots of places, i'd like to narrow it down some.  We have a pretty much converted eagle 15, but we need an engine heater, coach heater for basement bays, a new driver's seat mount (seems the gas, brake and floor keep getting further away from my knees.  suggestions welcome other than extending my legs surgically).  we could also use a few hooks for hanging pants up, different wall lights, pnuematic lifts for bay doors (mine keep coming down on my head). and a few other odds and ends.

i'm sure george will have some suggestions, and i'm really looking forward to checking out how other people have done some things, getting some ideas, but since you were just there, thought you might have some ideas also.

thnaks for any help.

[Danny]

There really aren't many options now...we tried to contact several and most weren't answering their phones - disconnected/out of service.  The most current listings are available with a map at the welcome center by the interstate.  We went to all but one of them, but bought everything we got at one place - RV Surplus.

[Devin & Amy]

Hi all,
I was at the RV surplus and Salvage store on Sat. and they didn't even know about the surplus rally.
The furniture selection seems to be at a pretty high level, and they have one 24v inverter left, but the rest is about normal.
You're right about the dickering just not being any fun anymore. We have spent probably 10+K at these places and only get the "look" when we ask for a better price.
But, they are a good deal anyway for the BIG stuff, not the little stuff.

I bought a pair of Easy beds by flexsteel in brown leather for $1300. Ok deal.
the 24v inverter is 500. 2400/4800

Devin

[NJT5047]

Did any of you guys notice electrical panels being sold?  I've been trying to find a nice take-out.  Maybe from a large nice RV?  Looking for a complete LED  panel for 110AC  and 12VDC. Similar to the ones used to manage the interior lights, pumps, etc.
Let me know if anyone sees something like this and doesn't want it.
Maybe I gotta go to Elkhart!   Or liberty, NC.  They are a lot closer....and have a ton of stuff...just expensive.  Oh well.
Thanks, JR