RV shows are not only exciting, but also prime opportunities for learning and shopping — which is why they draw buyers and plain old RV enthusiasts alike. These large events gather many of the RV camping fans in each area (and from far beyond, since many travel in to attend them), which means you’ll get to mix and mingle with others who understand, like you, exactly how enriching RVing can be.
Of course, like any social event, there is such a thing as RV show etiquette to understand — and doing a little bit of homework ahead of time can help you maximize your experience and get the most out of your time at the RV show. Below, we’ll offer the best questions to ask at RV shows, RV buying tips, and other insider tricks that’ll help you feel like you’ve got your own personal RV show tour guide.
(Psst: Thinking of buying an RV of your own at an upcoming show? Renting the same model you’re considering off RVshare’s peer-to-peer platform gives you the opportunity to test it out before you make the commitment!)
General RV Show Etiquette Tips
Let’s start at the top — with the most common, must-know RV show etiquette tips.
Arrive Prepared
The point of an RV show is to explore, shop around, and be amazed. That means your first order of business is to prepare yourself for just that. Along with bringing your smart questions (we’ll get to some specific examples below!), you’ll also want a notepad and pen to write them down with (or, if you’re into the 21st century of it all, the notes app on your phone).
Additionally, make sure you’re dressed for the occasion — which primarily means wearing comfortable shoes and the kind of clothes you’re happy to move around in all day. A warm layer can be useful if the event is inside an air-conditioned venue, whereas some RV shows are held outside (which may necessitate a waterproof layer, depending on the forecast). It’s also a good idea, if the show and venue allow it, to bring a water bottle and some nibbles to tide you over! If not, no worries: Most shows have on-site food vendors that will keep you snacking and satisfied.
Be Mindful of Test Drives and Demonstrations
Obviously, if you’re seriously considering buying an RV, you’re likely to want to test drive it for yourself — or at least see its prowess demonstrated by the pros. While walk-throughs are de rigueur, each RV show (and indeed, each manufacturer and dealership) has its own etiquette and rules around test drives. Be sure to follow all the instructions offered by the representative you’re working with, which may include specific timing of test drives (which may need to be scheduled in advance).
Ask Permission Before Touching or Entering RVs
At most RV shows, there are dozens of RVs on display for walking through and exploring — but it’s always a good idea to ask the exhibitor’s permission and policies before touching a rig or stepping inside. They may ask you to take your shoes off when you walk through a carpeted trailer, for example, or to write down your name and email address on their mailing list. Always respect exhibitor rules!
Keep Kids and Pets Supervised
Almost all RV shows are kid-friendly, and indeed, your kids may get in cheap — or even free! — at shows that require a paid entry ticket. It’s less common for RV shows to be pet-friendly, though some are. In any case, you’ll want to keep all non-adult-human members of your party safe, secure and supervised at all times. (And please don’t leave any pets alone in hot cars, for everyone’s sake.)
Avoid Overstaying in One Display
While it may be tempting to linger (and you’re more than welcome to look), overstaying at a single display can make it more difficult for other show attendees to explore the motorhome, trailer or display you’re enjoying. Make sure to move along in a timely fashion so that everyone has an equal opportunity to see all there is to see.
Smart Questions to Ask at an RV Show
Those prepared questions we mentioned above? Let’s get a little bit — or a lot a bit — more granular. Here are our favorite picks for the best questions to ask at an RV show, that may just unlock the rig (and travel lifestyle) of your dreams.
Questions About RV Features
When considering a specific RV’s features, make sure to ask the representative:
- What’s included in the base model vs. optional upgrades? The model you walk through at the show may be tricked out with extras you won’t get without paying for an upgrade — so make sure you understand what’s standard.
- How energy-efficient is the RV? Maybe it’s already equipped for solar, maybe it has a propane generator; does it draw 30 amps or 50? You can also ask more detailed questions about the insulation to understand how much power you may need to spend on keeping the rig heated or cooled in the first place, not to mention its fuel efficiency.
- What are the sleeping and storage capacities? While you may think you know exactly how many you’ll need to sleep at any given time, having the option to sleep an extra person can be useful if you want to bring another friend or family member along — or if you’re planning on expanding your family. More people also (usually) means more stuff, so questions about storage capacity go hand-in-hand with “how many can it sleep?” (The dealership representative may just show you some creative storage opportunities and hidden compartments you’d never have found on your own otherwise!)
Questions About Maintenance & Warranty
Next up: questions amount maintenance and warranty that can save you both money and stress.
- What is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty? Most warranties cover defects and workmanship-related issues with major vehicular components such as the powertrain (engine and transmission), structure (roof, frame, walls) , electrical and plumbing systems, and sometimes even interior appliances, heating and cooling systems, and slide-outs for one full year. However, most warranties do have exceptions, and some may cover more — so it’s a good idea to compare various warranties if you’re considering multiple manufacturers (and, in any case, to know exactly what you can expect to have covered).
- How often does routine maintenance need to be done? Just like a car, routine maintenance is going to be part of your life as an RV owner. Knowing the schedule ahead of time can help you budget for each service up front, as well as ensuring you don’t accidentally miss a service (which could spell trouble for your RV’s longevity).
- Are there dealer or service recommendations for this model? Many RV dealerships work closely with specific service centers to bring you the most affordable and comprehensive care for your rig. Ask ahead of time if this is the case — and if so, where you can bring your motorhome or travel trailer for service. (Ideally, there will be a location convenient to where you live.)
Questions About Financing & Costs
Money isn’t everything — but for most RV owners (and would-be RV owners), it’s a big thing! Here are the top questions about financing and overall costs you won’t want to miss out on asking.
- What financing options are available for purchase or lease? Many dealerships, like car dealerships, work with in-house financing — but you may also be able to shop around for your own financing options, which could help broaden your options and save you money if you qualify elsewhere for a lower interest rate.
- What’s the expected depreciation over time? Like other vehicles, RVs have a tendency to depreciate over time, though certain makes and models (like Airstreams, for example) do usually hold their value better than others. Asking the representative about expected depreciation is a great test of both their knowledge and honesty. As a rule of thumb, most RVs lose the biggest chunk of their value — up to 20% — in the first year of their lifespan.
- Are there incentives or discounts available at the show? Amazing news: Many dealerships and manufacturers offer show-exclusive discounts and deals! And if you need a little more time to sit on your decision, you might even be able to convince them to let you redeem the price shortly after the fact on the dealership floor, if you first saw the RV at the show. (That gives you time to rent a similar model and make sure it truly meets all your needs!)
Questions for First-Time RV Buyers
First-time buyer (and first-time RV show attendee)? Welcome to the coolest travel lifestyle on the planet. Here are the questions you’ll want to make sure not to forget about while you’re trawling the RV show floor — and during your research beforehand.
- Which RV type best suits my lifestyle or travel plans? There are so many different RV body shapes and styles. Do you need a small, contained, self-driving campervan or a large fifth-wheel travel trailer with tons of slide-outs? The answer depends on you, your family, your travel plans and what you consider the perfect vacation. But a knowledgeable and reputable dealership representative should be able to help you figure out the answer.
- What RV size is manageable for my intended driving routes? While a teeny-tiny RV might not be the most comfortable option, they can often squeeze down rugged wilderness roads that a luxurious Class A motorcoach simply can’t. On the other hand, if you’re primarily planning to live it up in resort-style campgrounds, why not go big? Again, the representative you work with should be able to help you sort through these questions.
- Are there local RV rental programs for trial before buying? (You already know RVshare is an option — but the dealership may also have other ideas, or rent out the models themselves.)
How to Take Notes and Compare RVs
Now that you’ve got the right questions ready to go, here’s what to do once you start getting answers to them.
Write It Down
We get it: You may have an amazing memory. But an RV show is a mind-boggling experience for just about anyone, and it’s easy for one model type to simply bleed into another. To ensure you can keep all your facts straight, make sure you’re taking notes for each separate model you explore — and not just mental notes, either! (For convenience and ease, you may be able to record the conversation you have with the dealership representative on your phone, but be sure to ask their permission first.)
Create a Comparison Checklist
Now that you’ve got all the facts written down in front of you, organize them into a comparison checklist using your favorite spreadsheet app.
For example, you might make a column for each RV you’re considering, and rows for various features, pricing, pros and cons, and more. That way, you’ll be able to see all the details side-by-side, at a glance, while you’re considering your decision.
Take Photos and Brochures
Even the best note-takers in the world can benefit from some additional materials, and our cell phones these days make it easier than ever to take plenty of photos along the way. Again, just be sure you can keep the various models straight; it may be helpful to take a photo of the RV’s specific make and model name before you start snapping photos of the walk-through model on the floor so you know which is which when you’re looking through your camera roll later!
The representatives on the show floor will also likely have brochures available, which can help clarify things — and serve as a photography back up if you simply get caught up in the moment and forget to reach for your phone.
Ask for Follow-Up Contacts
If you’re serious about a potential purchase, make sure you know who your best point of contact is after the show has ended so you can follow up to get more information, take another test drive, and potentially go forward with the sale.
Bonus Tips for Making the Most of an RV Show
Finally, here are some bonus tips that will help you get the most out of any RV show you choose to visit.
- Plan your visit during off-peak hours. If the show includes time on Thursday or Friday, consider visiting then to avoid the weekend rush. (Plus, visiting earlier in the weekend gives you more time to come back if you want to double-check something or follow up on an interesting rig you saw.)
- Attend workshops or demos for deeper knowledge. It’s not just about the walkthrough RVs! Take advantage of everything else that’s going on at the RV show as well, which often includes expert lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.
- Network with other RV enthusiasts for firsthand experiences. “Networking” can sound intimidating, but it really is as simple as starting up a casual conversation with the RV enthusiast next to you. After all, you already know you have something in common — and you never know who might have something to teach you.
Following the proper etiquette at an RV show isn’t hard — and doing just a little bit of preparatory work can make all the difference when it comes to getting what you want out of your RV show experience. As long as you show up prepared and confident, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for — even if you don’t quite know exactly what it is. (And don’t forget: You can always try before you buy by renting a similar RV here at RVshare!)
