22 May 2022 - Arrived at Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds Campground and the 2022 Alliance Rally

 22 May

This morning early we rolled out of the Elkhart Campground at 0653 hrs and traveled a whole 20 miles from Elkhart to Goshen to the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds Campground, arriving at 0730 hrs.  The reason we departed so early is we were traveling with another Alliance owner that had some suspension and tire issues and due to that we traveled slower than normal.  I followed him in case he had issues during the drive, but all went well and we arrived without incident. 

We had a short wait since we arrived a bit early and the check-in did not open until 0800 hrs, but they processed us in quickly and we headed to the weigh-in station.

Alliance Rally attendees lined up to check in.

The check-in gate and golf cart escort

 We had the opportunity to sign up for an optional individual wheel weighing here at the Rally by the RV Safety and Education Foundation. The RVSEF provides us with the knowledge required to assure that our Tow Vehicle and RV Trailer are operated within the weight safety limitations established by the manufacturers, as well as the importance of the information found on our weight labels. The information in this class is designed to assist owners in understanding and managing their existing weight. The tire portion of the seminar relates to maintenance and care of tires for optimum safety and durability."

First your truck is weighed by individual wheel (four measurements)

This shows the truck being weighed.

Scales reset and moved to the trailer wheels

After weighing we were escorted to our camp site and we backed in and set up our coach. Now there will be approximately 240 Alliance RV;s here for the Rally, and over 100 of them showed up today. So this was a bee hive of activity with coaches rolling in all day. I'm glad we got here early.

These campsites are laid out with the utilities in the rear which is unusual.

Throughout the day more and more coaches rolled in, coming form all across the United States.  This evening Doreen, Liberty and I walked around and met many Allys.  

Many, many Alliance coaches here.

A Valor with a full body custom paint job.

Later we gathered for a work detail in the main building, setting up table and chairs, and getting the facilities ready for the Rally. 

Ralph Lowther, George Walker, Mike Pizzi and Mike Ellis - what a krew!

Back at Mike Pizzi's coach he installed and external vent on his microwave hood.

Tonight there were campfires and reunions.  Many of the attendees have not seen each other since last August at the last Alliance Rally.  Others gathered at either the Florida Alliance Rally this past winter at the Texas Alliance Rally.  No matter, we are gathering again and the reunion is outstanding!

Tomorrow I have class all day at the Lippert technical training center and Doreen will help assemble the welcome bags for the attendees.