The FMCA Experience

Friday was our last day at the FMCA Conference at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It was the conference to attend--a real chance to see the state of the RV industry. With diesel prices at an all-time high, the attendance was way down. Typically these conferences draw anywhere from 4000-7500 coaches. This year, the estimate was about 2500 total coaches attending. The vendors were putting on a brave face, but once you started talking, you would hear the stories of no sales, layoffs, and a very bleak future. On the last day, everyone was talking about the latest fatality - the closing of the Monaco factory in Wakarusa, Indiana. Coming on the heels of the closing of Travel Supreme and the multiple layoffs at Newmar, the impact to these small communities must be devastating. On the bright side, we did get alot of free maintenance done. Newmar took care of our keyless entry (which hasn't worked in months) and a few minor fixes. Dometic fixed our rear air-conditioner (a just in time fix- given the summer heat and humidity here in Minnesota!). All in all- it was well worth the trip.