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Topic: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026 (Read 4152 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan26

Reply #1 –
January 13-18, 2026— Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa Bay. Billed as the largest RV show in the nation, this "SuperShow" features a wide array of RVs from major manufacturers. Wed-Sat: 9 am-6 pm; Sun: 9 am-4 pm. 2-day Admission: $15. Pre-sale tickets available early December. Onsite camping. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 North, Tampa FL, 33610. Nearby camping: Best camping near Tampa Bay

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan26

Reply #2 –
Always seemed like a fun event to attend, but we have never been able to make it.  Be sure to post some pics !

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan26

Reply #3 –
We will see what happens but Ginny and I may pop over to see the show.

Michael

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan26

Reply #4 –
Can someone please confirm the dates?

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan26

Reply #5 –
The website says: 

Public Days
January 14 – 18, 2026

Hours
Wednesday, January 14 – Saturday, January 17 => 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, January 18 => 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #7 –
I am on my way to the show. Plan to be there around 1PM and tomorrow. If some here, is there and would like to get together for any reason, say hello, let me know. 631-897-0345.
Dennis

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #8 –
I'll be walking around in my Foretravel jacket.... it's chilly here

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #9 –
Walking around here too.  I'll keep an eye out.  And my hands in my pockets. Hid the wife's checkbook.

jk

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #10 –
I may go back again tomorrow. I really enjoyed a lot of the vendor displays. Reminded me old style flea markets or the larger car shows like Hershey in the fall. The fairgrounds? All I can say is wow! What a set of facilities.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #11 –
Had a great time going the past two days, of course checked out the new Foretravels! Even met a fellow FT'er from NC. Definitely lots to look at, and lots of vendors with some near products for sale.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #12 –
Any insights, feedback, observations on the Freightliner-based Realm Limited from those who attended the Tampa show?  Y'all have been awfully quiet.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026 Realm Limited LVB

Reply #13 –
I paid a lot of attention to that coach. The bunks and dual bathrooms. I deal for grandkids or even and added family of 4. For this one I liked that the rear shower was a huge rear shower, not the spa tub. From what I was told only the Limited series is on the Freightliner chassis. This is a cost cutting line. Some features were missing such as the wine cooler and the front drop down TV. The marked down price put it near even with the Newmar Essex. My disappointment was the cabinetry. It did not feel right for $1M rig. Here is a link to some pics.

https://1drv.ms/f/c/9b02084a888884a6/IgCUG3E8IN8aTbFRi-1kMrTDAV0RDSKTsgDgloW2KaE_7A4?e=fikaIW

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
From what I was told only the Limited series is on the Freightliner chassis. This is a cost cutting line. Some features were missing such as the wine cooler and the front drop down TV. The marked down price put it near even with the Newmar Essex. My disappointment was the cabinetry. It did not feel right for $1M rig.

I definitely agree with your assessment of the cabinetry. 

Disappointed that they developed this as a cost-cutting line rather than just a chassis option.  There are definitely folks who prefer one chassis manufacturer over the other, and other manufacturers are able to offer the same higher-end coach with your option of either chassis.  Seems like a missed opportunity.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #15 –
Is the flooring carpet?  It does not look like tile?

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #16 –
Interesting. I wonder if Foretravel is trying to compete with some of the Newmar products by providing an entry level Foretravel. The price difference between the Realm and Realm Presidential has felt fairly close over the past couple of model years.

Just a general wonderment. I'm sure the challenge of remaining competitive in this market is a challenge.

Thank you Dennis for sharing your pictures.

Michael

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I definitely agree with your assessment of the cabinetry. 

Disappointed that they developed this as a cost-cutting line rather than just a chassis option.  There are definitely folks who prefer one chassis manufacturer over the other, and other manufacturers are able to offer the same higher-end coach with your option of either chassis.  Seems like a missed opportunity.

The Spartan K4 chassis is the main feature that justifies some of the higher cost of the motorhome. Without that one has to ask why? In many ways Foretravel floor plans are unique but not always mainstream and they often miss that magic mark needed to make them feel just right. The "Limited" is yet another step down. Once on a K3 or Freightliner chassis why not just get a Cornerstone, Essex, or American Eagle? Cornerstone or American Dream almost 2 for 1 pricing.
Going from the Presidential series to the plain Realm is step down. The Realm only has 3 ACs. often a smaller heating system, and only jack leveling. The Presidential is at near King Aire pricing and while I think that coach is bloated and I question some of the design details, the interior layouts with that near full wall slide and the cabinet quality are really appealing.
I would also suggest that should Foretravel move to other chassis options to save cost or better compete, they should also consider some other size coaches. Does an oversize rear bath really justify going from a 40 or 42 foot to a 45? My 39 foot Tropi-Cal had 2 couches and a sleep dinette. Single bath off the side. Was great. Use the potty or take a shower and one could still walk the rig front to rear and I could entertain up to 10 guests. Kids on the dinette could sleep 7.
This is all my opinion. I am a Foretravel fan. I just see the competitive challenges that they face. I also think that most of us enthusiasts are buying used, even much older.  Looking at 45 footers as they become used there will also be competition from the Prevost, Newel. I see many enthusiasts going in the direction now. As Loki is now offering Buses just above $2M do you buy a new Foretravel or a 5-year-old Loki?
I also think that if Foretravel wants to sell more units they need more marking partners. Being able to by only in Texas or Florida and not having service outside the factory limits sales opportunities.
OK, Sunday rant off. Really not trying to be negative. I just want to see them not only survive but thrive.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #18 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
Once on a K3 or Freightliner chassis why not just get a Cornerstone, Essex, or American Eagle? Cornerstone or American Dream almost 2 for 1 pricing.

One of the big differentiators for Foretravel in the past was their interiors - the quality of the materials and finishes and the clever use of space.  The first time we looked at one (in summer 2003), salesperson Karen Glasscock stood in the drawer under the sofa, then did a pullup hanging from the upper cabinets.

The other was stability on the road because of the lower height and outboard airbags. 

Shorter length coaches are much more appealing to us as well.  It's a shame the IC37 and Realm FS450 weren't positioned more as a smaller, high-end coach.  There's clearly a market if you bring the right product to it; just look at the New Aire.

Re: Tampa RV Super Show Jan 2026

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
My disappointment was the cabinetry.

Just looking at the pics, that cabinetry seems to resemble what newmar did to their cabinetry starting in 2025.  I think somewhere I heard you can still order the amish cabinetry as an option for a fee.  Though, even the Newmar's original Amish made cabinetry were showing signs of short cuts somewhere in late 20teens compared to their older models which were very well build cabinetries


Quote from: Michelle –
Shorter length coaches are much more appealing to us as well.
.
Likewise, I've a trailer in tow at all times, though, the 45 is nice, the shorter 38-40 seems to be much more practical.  specially given all the slides, the interior room is more than enough.    The 2014 Phenix 38 w/tag I was looking at last summer, seems to be a great length.  would be nice if FT would revisit the shorter models.  you are correct, newmar is making a killing with their new aire model.

One interesting tidbit about NA, they originally came on a freghtliner chassis.  The chassis was too tall for the NA.  Newmar cuts the chassis railing and lowers them, reweld and then place the body on the frame.  duno if the newer chassis are lower or if they perform the same process.

Last, it would be interesting if consumers would have a chance to view the freightliners hi-line chassis next to even a K3 spartan!!  Over the many recent years, any RV shows I've been too, never ever, find the 2 chassis present at the same time!!!!!  Its either freightliners hi-line chassis, or its the spartan K3.  If spartan is present, you'd only find freightliners lower model chassis.