Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by Christina
With exciting activities and fascinating seminars for both beginners and experts alike, it’s no surprise that RV shows are exploding in popularity across the U.S. Whether or not you are in the market for a new RV, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider attending one of the best RV shows.
RV shows are the perfect way to discover what type of RV is ideal for you and your family. They are a great way to see a variety of units all at once without the pressure of a dealer lot. You can meet with dealers, tour various layouts and maybe even score a great deal on your next RV. We’ve assembled this information-packed guide with recommendations on getting the most out of your experience at RV shows this year.
Reasons Why You Must Attend An RV Show
Introduction to the RV Lifestyle
Shows are a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the RV lifestyle. Spending a day perusing a show will help you to learn the technical jargon and allow you to browse the latest products and gadgets in a pressure-free environment. Best of all, you will find vendors will go out of their way to help answer any questions you may have. Some RV Shows are massive expositions, and some are quaint affairs. If you’re going to one of the big shows, check for a floorplan and list of vendors. Create a plan of action. Otherwise, you may find yourself overwhelmed.
Comparison Shop For Your Dream RV
With hundreds of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and pop-up campers under one roof, RV shows are the best place to comparison shop without feeling the pressure to buy. If you decide to purchase, dealers are incentivized to make sales – especially on the last day of the RV show. For savvy buyers, this can make for some incredible deals.
Take Advantage of Information-Packed Seminars
RV shows offer a host of free seminars for all experience level RVers. In fact, many seminars are tailored directly to the beginner. Whether it’s sustainable living, the latest in RV technology or the strangest tourist attractions in each state, seminars are a fun and interactive way to learn about life on the road.
A Fun (And Affordable) Day Out With The Family
The best reason to attend an RV show is that it’s a fun and affordable way to spend a day out. From treasure hunts to food trucks to live music, RV shows have something for all ages. Admission is cheap and often FREE for children.
Before You Attend An RV Show
Before you pick which RV shows to attend, here are a few pointers on how to plan your experience:
Check Details Online The Night Before The RV Show
It’s important to check details online the night before the event as details may change up to the last minute. Here is what to look for:
- Tickets: What is the cost for admission? Are there any RV show discounts available for your event? Ticket prices will typically be cheaper if you pre-order online. In the current environment, many venues are not selling tickets at the gate so you need to check event details closely.
- Children’s Activities: Check online to see if activities will be offered for children. Mascots? Face-painting? Bouncy-houses? This will help make it more enjoyable (and less stressful) if you plan on taking the little ones.
- Health and Safety: In the pandemic era, it’s important to check safety measures. Limits on attendees? Social distancing? As RV shows can get crowded, this is especially important for those with compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to illness.
Strategize Your RV Show
It’s important to decide your intent before heading out. If you are simply planning on a fun day out, then it’s no sweat. However, if you are heading to a show with the intention of purchasing you need to come prepared. If you plan on buying, it’s a good idea to bring a notepad, iPad or tablet with you to take notes. You will want to record prices, features and other details as you walk about.
With more options to choose from than ever, this year will be epic for RV shows. Whether you are a life-long RVer or you are just looking to learn more about the lifestyle, we encourage you to check out a show. Not only will you be surprised at how much fun you can have, but you will be helping event organizers, vendors and hard-working staff keep the shows running for years to come! Be sure to check out General RV Center while you’re there, with a full RV show schedule slated for the coming year. You can find more ways to make the most of your experience by heading to the General RV Blog.