Perth 4WD Show

I thought is was great. $12 was worth it. I spent hours looking around at all the displays. It's good to see everything to do with 4WD's and accessories in the one place. Those hand winches look pretty good, I might save up for one. Those magnesium fire lighters seem to work a treat too!!! I noticed one of the busiest stalls was the map stall, they were selling heaps.

Equinox

Hi Matt,
The show was Same old Same old..... Very little in the way of new products or suppliers. Based on this year I probably won't be going next year ..... Regards Mark

Matt,
I agree, much of the same old stuff, bit hot on the old scone considering it was supposed to be cooler. I was hoping to pick up a few show bargains, didn't happen, it's intersesting to see how some stalls therefore businesses have grown, "Michells Sacs" for instance, the first time I saw this product it was a small three man tent job now they're up competeing with the bigger stands in a huge marquee, good to see. $3 for a bottle of water was a bit of a sting, especially when it's hot. I had my shoes cleaned for nothing but that nearly cost me a tin of this scented oily stuff, managed to escape with a gesture that I might return later when I got some change. It was good all the fourby clubs where in the same place, easier to find and look at. Found there seems to be a lot more people offering training and organised trips, good in a way I suppose. Even though it's as you point out it's a lot of the same old stuff and you have to pay quite a high cost to get in I quite enjoy it, I usually pick up some hint or tip or find something new I didn't know existed, if that's worth 25 bucks in some cases yes others no. If the food and drink wasn't such a rip off the 25 bucks wouldn't be that bad I don't think, not for the family which was counted as two adults and up to four kids. My opinions as usual. Keep the shiny side up

Matt,
You know the moral of the story here is that for a good day out, you have to take food and drink for the family with you in backpacks or go alone.ExplorOz

I didn't think it was as good as previous years. Went there with the intention of going through the various country shires/tourist towns maps etc, but most weren't there this year, or I never noticed them except Kalbarri.
The Pedders stand wasn't over rushed with possible purchasers ..... wonder if they'd all seen that defamatory website sometime ago?
A couple of business people I spoke to were of the opinion that they could have spent their time better elsewhere!
Won't go for a couple of years and see what happens.
Agree with Michelle, take some water and nibbles to keep the cost down.

Matt,

We managed to score some free passes otherwise we probably wouldn't have bothered going this year. But we did think it was a better show than last year...seemed to be more room and therefore not as crowded. Did see some good idea's although we aren't really in the market for anything. Camprite, the manufacturers of our campertrailer were there and it was good to see what developments have taken place with their trailers in the year since we bought ours (consequently back with them now for drawer/storage system to be installed, LOL).

Agree, not really any show specials around. Just about had a heart attack at the Black Widow rear storage system display - $2,360 for fridge slide and 2 drawer system for our GU. You gotta be joking! If nothing else though it's spurred hubby on to design and build a custom unit ourselves.

Anyway, our son had fun even though we had to follow the camels around for awhile, luv's animals so he got a lot out of seeing the wildlife carers tent with joeys, various birds, snakes and possums to look at up close. Mind you, he got a bigger buzz out of going to meet "Bob the Builder" later that day, LOL.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

I got in for $7 thanks to Oppisite lock on friday (no crowds)

Same old stuf depends what your looking for!! I went to (pinch) get Idears of campertrailers and what options people put in them. I always walk past the stands of Gimicks or at least stand well back!!!( you know the ones were they demo some Junk, Draw a crowd & then sell to as many as they can) Designing a new camper Heaps of choises

If you are into more of the same and getting ripped off - try the Sydney Motor Show. A few manufactures weren't there and we missed out on the 'chics on the bonnet' stuff! Not a lot of new cars - except for Commodore 4WD and Falcon 4WD.
Generally disappointing.

But I dont mind the Sydney 4WD/Camping Show - entry fee is a bit much but there is lots to see. If you intend buying anything be careful ! - special Show prices can be more than if you shop around on the Web etc.Subaru Forester
"size isn't everything"

Matt
After going to the 4wd show in Melbourne the other day, I would have to say the Perth 4wd show was light years ahead, especially with regards to the number of exhibitors, around 180. I did find out that Beaurepairs have a special on Goodyear MT/R's this month. A 31/10.50/R15 $197, 235/85R16 $233, 285/75R16 $267, just to name a few. The saving on the 285/75R16 is about $50. Generally it was much of the same stuff but I feel very sorry for people on the eastern seaboard if all their shows are anything like the dismal Melbourne 4wd show. We should all be thankfull over here in the West for a 4wd show that is probably the best in Australia. Infact its nearly as good as the Dowerin field day. Well maybe not.

Cheers

The best 4WD/Carvan/Off Road show that I have ever been to is the one held at Panthers in Penrith, NSW, in late Sep early Oct. I have been four times. Free entry (which is unusal for NSW), free parking, heaps of exhibiters (though most are the same) decent prices for food and drink. They always got huge crowds, so you have to wonder why others shows charge fairly hefty entry fees.Everyone is entitled to have an opinion - just make sure that yours is correct.

Yeah, the last 4x4 Show was boring - nothing new sicne last year except the strange roof tents.

But I wasn't upset, 'cause I've got two nice deals from ARB and Outback Acces. Total savings 1300 bucks. $30 for tickets was a good investment :)

Cheers,
Dmitri.

I have not been for a few years so I found it interesting however it does grate with me that you have to pay (more and more) to see something that they want to sell you. I went first thing Sunday am to avoid the crowds with the main purpose of getting some ideas about campertrailers, could not get over the number available - the way things are going there will be campertrailers and caravans everywhere- traffic lights on the GRR ??? Site was ideal,plenty of parking, grass and a few trees for shade - probably seen enough at this stage so I don't think I will be going next yr

Hi Guys
Went over to perth for the 4wd show, originally melb bred but in process of migrating west as we speak. Must agree with earlier comment about perth being light years ahead with presentation and info.

Gota great deal on a modified Rangie so no complaints here but main reason to go was to see the difference and see how much more expensive everything was. This wasnt the case and were were very suprised with the comparitive prices available.

The parking and sunscreen were free - melb [pay $8bucks on average, pay $12 to get in(same in Melb), raffles to win prizes same in both states, the food to buy was really decent and being outside was so much better. Sizzled in the sun and had no complaints about the whole day. Had plenty of goodies for the kids and people were friendly and the view of the city was lovely. Melb is good for new stuff, perth was good for all things fast and faster,higher,bigger and better, no matter what you drive.

Look forward to next year and would pay whatever it takes to enjoy the fresh air!
Simon

I didn't find it too bad but all the same as last year.

Some people rubbish the supposed "show prices" but I bought my Garmin Emap from there for $200 cheaper than what the selling at the shops.

Won't bother for a few years.

RegardsNice southerly coastal fishing trip someday.
Chris