RV Shows are events where dealers and vendors gather to show off their products. You pay an entrance fee, browse through the new products (rarely do they show used equipment), see the latest innovations, and talk with sales reps. RV shows are a great place to get information long before you make that purchase.
Three shows have a huge attendance… Pomona, CA in October, Tampa, FL in January, and Hershey, PA in September. Each is likely to have around 40,000+ attendees. While crowds may not be to your liking, the largest array of new RVs and products will be displayed at these shows. IF you are going to purchase an new RV, attendance is a must to see a broad selection of RVs in one location. Rarely can a single
dealer match the selection of a major show.
One show we always attend is the Atlanta Camping and RV Show in January (It is also in September but we are not at that one.). There, we present “mini-seminars.” These are 15–20-minute seminars every hour on the hour. We run the same schedule daily so if someone misses an important topic (to them), they can come back the next day and see it.
I recommend you continue attending RV shows after your purchase. You pick up ideas, see new products, purchase accessories, and stay up with the latest information. Plus, it’s cheap entertainment.
RV Shows are held in just about every major city. Some are stand-alone shows with nothing but RVs and RV-related accessories. Other types of shows that may include RVs are boat shows, camping shows, and outdoor (fishing/hunting) shows. Sometimes the RVs are the lead item but occasionally they are simply an add-on in an attempt to increase the attendance.
Buying Stuff
One trick… make your accessory purchases early in the show so that you can return them if there is any problem—this applies if the item may be broken or you simply cannot figure out how to operate it correctly.
Many RVers wait until the last day of the show/rally to purchase and vendors are often gone that same afternoon. The myth is that if they wait until the last minute to purchase, the vendors may drop the price so they don’t have to pack and haul the items around. This old rumor only works when a vendor is done for the year or has decided not to carry that particular product in the future. Usually, products sold at RV shows and rallies are discounted throughout the show. This is commonly known as the “Show
Special” and you can often save money buying there rather than ordering online later.
What You Can Learn
One friend of ours has a motorhome that is a few years old. She attends the local RV shows every year to learn what new innovations are available. She also picks up ideas that she can incorporate on her coach.
Some RV shows will offer seminars. Some will not. Some are partially or fully outdoors. Some are totally under roof.
Some states still have “blue laws” and cannot post nor discuss prices on Sundays.
Wrap Up
RV shows are common and fun to do. They actually run all year long. Many northern shows are during winter and, of course, held indoors.