I am fresh back from a trip out to Chicago and back in the rig and on the way we stopped in to see Lonnie at Show Hauler. (I didn't even have anything for him to fix on mine) I did get a good opportunity to test out my anti-spray mudflaps I added with S.S. FL logo anti-sail weights on all 4 corners. These really made a big difference, because I ran through alot of rain and the MH stills looks pretty decent.
While we where there we looked at what was in production, boy people are doing some crazy stuff. There was a unit being setup for dog grooming at the major dog shows, a unit setup to carry bikes with a storage area above (a config I had not seen yet), and a lot of other garage style units.
Saw some picutes of the new Volvo VNL 300 with a 28' motorhome which looked very cool, and it seems like everyone is using the FL Columbia chassis. Show Hauler is also using some really trick clear lense marker lights which really blend in with the body.
Now I love my rig, it cruises the highways like a Cadillac, has about a 2500 mile range, tons of power, and tricked out with all kinds of add-ons. But there is one problem, it is the wrong setup for the majority of my usage. About 90% of our time is spent doing weekend camping at small campgrounds in Pa, Ohio, WVa, & Michigan. We would really like to down size by at least 6-8 ft. So we are in the initial stages of thinking out a new conversion for a possible build date of late next fall.
To shorten things up we will be looking at FL's new M2 business class chassis. Also we may consider a 26' box with a super slide to make up for the lost space. I will detail out the whole process using the knowledge I have gained from doing the first one. To be honest the first time really went better than I could have imagined and there really was not one compremise or item I would have changed if I where to do it again. The reason I say that is if I went smaller I could be think larger now, you really don't know until you actually experience it for yourself.
So the first item I will be looking at is the M2 chassis, all of the specifications, get some pictures, power options, ect... I also hope to test drive one if possible, if nothing else drive a box truck version just to get a idea of how it handles. Look for that in a month or so.
The thought of giving up my current rig and all of the looks I get everywhere we go is something I am going to really have to consider over the next few months.
Bill
2003 28' Show Hauler Motorhome on a 1995 FL 120
www.showhauler.com