If you’ve ever attended an RV Supershow you know just how tempting the RV specials can be. Salesmen are hungry for sales and seem willing to cut buyers a deal. But are those deals fact or fiction? Can you really save money buying at an RV show?
RV Shows: The Good
One of the best parts about an RV show is the opportunity to view tons and tons of different models. You can take a look at everything from tiny teardrops costing under 5 grand to Provosts and Newells costing upward of 2 million dollars. Where else can you see both ends of the spectrum without feeling any pressure to buy?
Another important point is that all the RVs are for sale. Look around, there are tons of RVs on the lot. And you can bet that it took a bunch of work to get them there. It’s easy to assume that the salespeople do not want to drive them all back. Therefore, you can expect big discount prices displayed on each and every unit.
RV Shows: The Bad
While prices on RVs may be lower at a show, are they really the price you should pay? Maybe not. A new RV on the lot might have an MSRP of $116,000, while at the show, the price is only $99,000; it may sound too good to pass up, right? Wrong. That is actually a mere 15% discount. In most cases, you could have gone directly to the dealer and gotten a better price and a deeper discount.
It’s important to do your due diligence. The very same model you fall in love with at an RV show might just be on RVTrader.com for a much lower price.
RV Shows: The Ugly
Dealers aren’t trying to be dishonest, but it’s possible they’re not giving the lowest price possible at the RV show. If you do want to purchase at a show, be sure you understand the true price of the RV you want to buy. Avoid paying thousands more than you have to, and don’t forget that sometimes purchasing a model that’s just one year old can save you up to 40% off the current model.
How to Save Money on Your RV Purchase
You can save a bundle on an RV if you follow a few simple steps.
- The first step is understanding the true price of your intended rig. Locate several dealers that carry the brand and model you are interested in. RVTrader.com is a quick way to compare prices all over the country. Choose a few that are close to you.
- The second step is to contact the RV dealer directly and ask for the price. You are looking for a response or lack of response. If they tell you the online price is their bottom price, ask around. You may find others willing to drop their price if you ask. Feel free to email quotes from one dealer to the next. An RV dealer may match the price, go lower or offer you free service calls or other perks. Remember, not all models are the same. If one RV has a washer and dryer along with a tech package, you can expect that it will cost more than the one that doesn’t. Make sure you are comparing apples with apples.
- The third step is to repeat the process of sending prices back and forth to see who will give you the very best price. If a dealer can’t lower their price they will let you know. Remember, once you drive the RV off the lot the value will drop significantly. The only way to combat this is to save the most money possible with your original purchase.
What is Fiction When it Comes to Purchasing an RV?
One-time offers are usually fiction. Rock bottom prices? Usually fiction. Do your research and decide what looks best to you. Remember, there are literally thousands upon thousands of RVs available on the market for sale. If you don’t see the right one, just wait. It is true that stock will vary and does sell out. The best deals are typically available mid-summer through fall and winter. Spring is never a good time to buy unless you are purchasing last year’s model.
Tips to Make the Most of Your RV Show Experience
- Add it all up. If you have to fly somewhere and drive a rig home are you really saving money? If your local dealer is only a couple of thousand dollars more and you don’t have to buy airline tickets and fuel, you may save in the end. Negotiate your deal from home prior to entering the office of your RV dealer. Once the bottom price is clear you can take a test drive and see if you want to proceed.
- Online research prior to a show will help you succeed as a savvy buyer. RV shows are a great place to look at a variety of RV models, get great ideas and purchase RV items like campground memberships and accessories. For many people, an RV show is not the best place to purchase a new rig.
- If the idea of attending an RV supershow gives you anxiety it may help to make a plan. Choose the type of RVs you want to look at. You can divide them by price, diesel pusher, travel trailer or length. Choose a focus and stick to your plan.
- Make note of how sturdy the unit feels. Pull out the drawers and open and close the cupboards. Note the finish work on the rig. What brand are the TVs and stereo systems? What type of flooring is used? What types of countertops are available? What floor plan for that type of unit appeals to you most?
Ready to attend? Find RV shows near you across the country.
