are there big specials at Camping and Caravan Shows?

Hey Jude

We went with our friends to the one in Maitland, NSW a couple of years ago. Friends looked at a tent, found it suitable, but didn't have the right amount in the budget.

Continued walking along browsing, then a few minutes later, an announcement came over the loudspeaker, saying that any 'demo' tent at such and such a display would be sold at 1/2 price, to be packed up & taken away by the purchaser. Needless to say, we back-tracked rapidly, and my mate bought his new tent!

Best thing to do though, is be aware of every day prices, as the so called 'show specials' might not be so special. Good to see different brands, styles and models of stuff to enable you to compare, but like I said, watch for 'specials', they might not be special. My mate was very lucky at the time.

Happy bargain hunting, Dave

P.S. I know what 'not having much dosh at the minute' feels like...lol

Yes and no. Most is at or above retail. Every now and then there is a really good price on things. Do some research before you go so you can spot the difference.

Steve

Special price ? Be it at shows or at the store double check that the price is actually lower than normal , lift the 'special' tag a little and you may be surprised at what you find.

Gidday

If you are getting 100s off a fridge or 1000s off a caravan or camper great ... but if the budget really is a bit tight weigh up the likely small savings on a sleeping bag against the price of getting there, parking, admission, drinks and food for the kids etc ...

And there is the danger of getting wowed by it all and ending up with something that isn't quite what you wanted ... but the salesman said the price was sooo good.

OK, I am a bit of a cynic about these shows. I am sure they work for the cashed up who know what they want and are hot to buy but I find the $15 or so just to go and look a bit over the top. I can look at my local camp shop or on the internet for free.

Maybe better off to spend local and help out your local shop, it may work to your benefit in the long run.

Cheers

Rocco

I think the biggest special (if you can call it that) is to have everything in the same area and not having to travel to Sydney etc to see what's not available locally.

Its a convenience and fuel and time thingumy type of special.

Phil

I think those plastic bucket 'washing machines' are always on special'...

If you ask for a discount at your local retailer, you may well find the better savings.

I used to go them, but now consider it and don't get around to it.

Instead of being sad that I didn't make it..... I feel very happy that I saved the money I would have 'impulse' spent!

For reasonable quality, reasonably priced sleeping bags look at the "Roman" brand, available at most camping shops and available in a wide range of temperature and use capabilities.
I "think" they may even be Aussie made.
A good quality bag will last for years (we've got Fairydown bags 30 years old) which helps with the initial outlay.

Hi Jude,

When I was 1st starting to go camping with the old man, we werent overly flush with cash either.

My dear old mother sewed up some heavy weight winter sheets into a liner for the sleeping bag for us to use on the colder nights.

You'll be suprised what the difference a liner makes.You can always lay a blanket over the sleeping bag as an option as well.

Hope this helps

In regards to the shows, There is some that are good prices and some that pretend to be good prices, The well informed patrons can pick the difference the less informed ones cannot.

Cheers Wilko

In my experience there are specials available but you need to have an idea of what you are really looking for and the RRP "outside" the show.

Also, some retailers that don't attend the shows may have a discount program running at the same time to attract customers.

Again you need to know what you want and how much it would normally cost to see if you would save much.

We have saved a reasonable amount on our purchases over the years.
At one show we attended in Adelaide, the cost of an Oztent we were interested in was the same RRP price as their web site, but they were offering a free pair of peak side panels valued at $260.
The other tent we were interested in was the Black Wolf Turbo tent and we were able to compare the two brands, what they consisted of and how easy they were to erect. The Black Wolf stand had a DVD included in the cost which showed how to erect the tent and how to collapse it. The awning was also considerably smaller than the Oztent.
We decided the Oztent was good value and we purchased the tent and received the side panels for "free". Not disappointed in our choice.

At another 4WD and Camping show 4-5 years ago we purchased a second hand Camper Trailer that was on spec which included a tinny and 4HP 4 stroke motor for about half price of the Camper new price on its own. We sold the tinny as we already had one, kept the motor as a spare and knocked another $1850 off the purchase price of the Camper.
This was perhaps a rare bargain but they do exist.


Bill.

its the must have gadgets at the shows that gets me ---would cost a fortune and need a bigger van to put them in, and heavier tug to pull it ---ah well thats the name of the game

(2nd go) - Jude, a few thoughts that might help. A SILK inner sheet (~$30) will help (significantly) to keep your nipper warm by reducing heat dissipation while he sleeps, as will socks and a beanie. Also, make sure he doesn't sleep on an AIRBED or stretcher - cold air beneath the body substantially reduces the effectiveness of any bag. An inner sheet is a good investment at any time - easy to make your own if necessary.

Wrt bags - if your son has to carry his bedding (eg bushwalking) then a down bag is definitely the go, but for all but the very cold camps a good synthetic bag is fine. Synthetic is bulkier, heavier, but easier to maintain, and a lot (~$200) cheaper. Hope this helps.