RV Shows

A good way to check out different types of RVs is to visit an RV show. They are held all over the country so you should be able to find one near you. Usually there will be dozens or even hundreds of new and sometimes used RVs for sale at special "show prices". If you are in the market to immediately purchase an RV, you can sometimes save thousands of dollars over the normal retail price. I recently saw a brand new $15,000 travel trailer with a show price under $8,000 and a big Class A luxury motorhome with a $43,000 savings. But even if you aren't in the market to buy right now, an RV show is a good place to see just about every type of RV there is:  tent trailers, truck campers, tear-drop trailers, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, toy haulers, all classes of motorhomes, even tow vehicles. There will usually be a lot of vendors of RV supplies and gadgets there too. You can walk through and inspect various units and see which ones appeal to you and get a good idea of what features you may want when you are ready to purchase. Some RV shows even have free admission, although you can expect to pay up to $10/person for others. Even so, that is a lot cheaper than driving around to a dozen or so dealers to see the same selection of possibilities -- and without the high-pressure sales you may experience on dealer's lots. It is also a convenient way to compare styles and features since you can see them side by side and easily go back and forth to test your memory and compare your preferences. Besides that, it is kind of fun to see the new units. My first impression when I walked into one new Class A motorhome with 5 slideouts, was "This is bigger than my house!" It cost more too, even at its special "show price". The amenities available in even the most basic tent trailers these days is phenomenal. And big class A motorhomes and large travel trailers offer as many options as a new permanent home, including washers and dryers, dishwashers, residential sized refrigerators, and home theater systems along with more common features such as central, ducted forced air heating and air conditioning. You'll even find granite counter tops and ceramic tile floors, some with hydronic heating underneath.

RV and Campground Info. RV shows are usually a great source of information about RVing. State parks will often have people there to promote local camping options. Experienced RVers often offer seminars, including driving, cooking, and full-timing. Vendors showcase the newest and most popular options and gadgets, often at discounted "show prices". Plus, you have a concentration of people who are active in the RV life-style who are usually more than happy to answer any questions you have and share their personal experiences and expertise. RV manufacturers often have their own representatives on site in addition to the dealer's salesmen to answer questions about their products. RV clubs will frequently have booths at RV shows and are a wonderful source of information about the best places to go, where and when, the best gadgets to buy (and the ones to avoid!), and can put you in touch with other people in your area who may share the same interests you have.

RVs shows can be a fun way to spend some time. Seeing the new rigs and comparing features is interesting and entertaining and may better prepare you for future purchases. You are likely to enjoy talking with both vendors and other visitors and you may get a chance to share your favorite RV experience too.

RV gadgets are often show cased at RV shows so it is a good place to check out new things for your RV or camp kit.  You can sometimes get special introductory pricing on new innovations and "show" pricing on regular items from major suppliers like Camping World.  Even if you have to pay full retail for some things it might save you a trip to the store.  The selection will usually include many items that are currently most popular among RVers so its a good place to look for ideas to add to the functionality, fun, or convenience of your rig.  You'll often have a chance to see new gadgets demonstrated and sometimes be able to try them out yourselves.

 Many RV shows include seminars on various RV and camping topics ranging from cooking to maintenance to driving.   Sometimes seminars are included in the price of admission; sometimes each one has its own entry fee.  It is good place to gain access to a lot of useful expert advise.  Some free seminars are just that, a free service for attendees.  These are often provided by the show promoters or sponsored by clubs, retailers, and manufacturers.  Others are thinly veiled sales pitches for everything from gadgets to campground memberships, so know what you're getting into and don't ever allow yourself to be bullied in buying something you don't need or want.  I am quite offended by high pressure sales tactics and will usually walk out as soon as I encounter them.  A quality product or service should stand on its own without high pressure sales pitches, but do watch for special introductory or "show" prices.  Sellers will often offer new products at substantial discounts to build up interest and get some reviews.

Local land managers such as State Parks, US Forest Service, and the BLM often have a presence and sometimes even sponsor their own trade shows where you can learn more about resources in your area.  When we lived in Chicago one of the state parks showed movies every Friday night. We would bring a picnic dinner to eat before and during the show and then stay in the campground overnight.

So, whether you're thinking of buying your first RV or ready to upgrade or just wanting to checkout the latest gadgets, you'll most likely find it well worth your time and money -- and a lot of fun -- to go to an RV show and test your ideas.

On With The Show!