The first time I visited an RV show, I was both excited and completely overwhelmed. We were there to get an idea of what we wanted our next home-on-wheels to look and feel like, and the possibilities seemed endless.
I loved that attending the show allowed us to explore a wide variety of rigs so we knew what our options were. My husband and I also appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts, and while we didn’t take advantage of any of the deals being offered, I could definitely see that being a major perk as well.
The best way to head into your first RV show? Prepared. Knowing what to expect will help ensure a productive and stress-free experience. Here are my tips for preparing to go to your first ever RV show.
What to Expect at an RV Show
A Variety of RVs and Exhibits
For me, the coolest thing about any RV show is the fact that I can get up close and personal with a huge variety of RVs. We’ve seen everything from luxury class As to adorable little campervans and tiny trailers at these shows, and I adore imagining myself in the different types of RVs. In fact, being able to spend time in a variety of RVs and imagine my day-to-day life in each has helped me figure out which type of RV and floorplan is best for my family.
Besides RVs, most RV shows also feature vendors selling the newest RV gadgets and camping gear. This is awesome and we have discovered some really helpful products thanks to these exhibits and booths.
Seminars and Demonstrations
Another major benefit of attending an RV show? The super cool seminars and demonstrations that are part of the show. These can be about anything from RV maintenance to full-time RV living and they are put on by experts, meaning you’ll get valuable insights that are hard to find elsewhere.
Deals
As I mentioned above, many manufacturers and dealerships also offer exclusive show discounts. Some promotions are only available during the event, which can include cash rebates, financing incentives, or upgraded features. We’ve never been ready to take advantage of these deals, but if you did go in ready, you could save thousands of dollars on an RV purchase.
How to Prepare Before You Go
Research the Show Details
First things first: Research is key. This will allow you to get the most out of your first RV show.
You’ll want to find out 1) the dates, hours, and location of the show, 2) the cost of entry and whether you need to buy tickets in advance, as well as 3) the parking options that will be available to you and any parking fees you will need to be prepared to pay. Some shows will have RV parking available. If this is something you need, make sure it is an option beforehand.
You may also want to learn about what exhibitors, RV brands, and dealerships will be at the show. Knowing the schedule of events and seminars is also important.
Set a Budget
Go in with a budget. Know how much you are willing to spend on an RV and stick to that amount. It’s also a good idea to set a budget for smaller purchases such as RV gear and even meals purchased at the show. Having budgets for each of these things will help you avoid overspending, something that is easy to do when you’re surrounded by so many cool options. (Ask me how I know.)
Know Your Priorities
You’ll also want to go in with a list of RV must-haves. These are the things that you really need to have in an RV in order to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. For example…
- Do you need more than one bathroom?
- Are bunk beds important?
- Do you require fuel efficiency or a lot of storage space?
Knowing these things going in will help narrow your options and ensure you spend time looking at the RVs that will really suit your needs.
Q&A
How do I prepare for my first RV show?
Once you know what RVs and gear will be on display and what seminars will be happening, you can make a plan for which models you most want to see and which talks you most want to attend.
Make sure to keep a map of the show and a list of your RV must-haves on hand, and carry a notebook to make notes about each RV and your likes and dislikes.
Smart Strategies During the RV Show
Start with the RVs You’re Most Interested In
RVs come in all shapes and sizes. Start your tour by focusing on the rigs you’re most likely to buy. This means going in knowing whether you prefer a motorhome, trailer, or campervan, as well as what size and features you’re looking for. This is where that aforementioned list of RV must-haves comes into play.
Exploring your top contenders first helps prevent decision fatigue and allows you to give each RV the attention it deserves.
Take Photos and Notes
Like I said earlier, it’s a good idea to bring a notebook along for note taking. You can also use your phone to document details about each RV and take photos of things you want to remember.
Things to look for (and think about) include:
- Floor plan layouts
- Storage capacity
- Comfort features like seating, sleeping, and kitchen areas
- Any unique innovations or technology
Ask Questions
I found that sales representatives at RV shows are more than happy to chat about their rigs and products. In fact, many of them have been a little too chatty in my experience. If you have questions, find someone to ask; they will be thrilled to help you better understand their offerings.
Q&A
What questions should I ask at an RV show?
These are some of the most important factors to inquire about that will help you determine whether any RV is right for you:
- Towing weight and requirements
- Fuel economy and energy systems
- Maintenance schedules and costs
- Warranty and after-sales support
After the Show: Follow Up and Compare
Organize Your Notes
After attending an RV show, I like to go home and compare my notes and photos. It can be helpful to create a comparison chart highlighting things like essential features, layouts, and pricing. This visual reference helps me to clarify my options and prevent confusion when making a purchase decision.
Contact Dealers or Owners
If a particular model caught your eye, reach out to dealers for follow-ups. Ask about ongoing promotions, financing options, or available upgrades. This ensures you get the best deal while the show’s momentum is still fresh. If the show is still happening when you call, you may still be able to take advantage of any RV show discounts that were being offered during your visit.
Rent to Confirm Your Choice
Personally, I would never buy an RV on a whim. I like to go home, compare my notes and photos, and really mull the decision over before finally diving in. One thing that can be helpful during the decision making process? Renting the RV model that you’re considering buying.
A short rental allows you to…
- Experience driving and handling different RV types.
- Test sleeping, cooking, and living arrangements in real conditions.
- Evaluate the storage space and comfort level for you and your family.
- Reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse.
I’ve found that sometimes an RV will sound perfect in theory, but in practice simply doesn’t work for my family. It’s better to find this out while renting the rig rather than discovering the problem after the purchase has been made.
Bonus Tips for a Great Experience
Go on Weekdays
One of the major benefits of working from home and homeschooling my kids is that we’re available to attend events during the day. This comes in especially handy when it comes to RV shows, which can be insanely crowded on weekends and in the evenings.
By attending during the weekday, we don’t have to fight crowds and we have more time to explore each RV, interact with sales staff, and experience demonstrations without feeling rushed. I highly recommend doing this if at all possible.
Bring Family or Travel Companions
We like to attend RV shows as a family affair. Not only does it give us some quality time together, but it also helps us see how we all fit and move in the RVs we are considering purchasing. It’s a practical way to see if sleeping arrangements, seating, and storage meet our group’s needs.
If you plan to RV with others, I highly recommend bringing your travel buddies along to the show.
Keep an Open Mind
Yes, it is good to go in with an idea of what you want. That said, it’s also good to keep an open mind. Sometimes the perfect fit may not be what you expected, and that’s okay. In fact, that’s the beauty of RV shows! They allow you to check out rigs you may not even think to look at otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RV shows worth attending for beginners?
Yes! RV shows are perfect for both beginner RVers and seasoned pros. They allow attendees to see a wide variety of RVs, ask questions, and learn from experts—all in one location.
Can I buy an RV at the show?
Yep! Most RV shows allow on-site purchases. Not only that, but dealerships usually offer exclusive discounts and financing options during the show.
What should I do before going to my first RV show?
You can plan ahead and go in prepared by reviewing the event schedule and map, listing RV types to explore, setting a budget, wearing comfortable shoes, and bringing water and a notebook for notes and photos.
What questions should I ask at an RV show?
If you see an RV you like, make sure to ask about towing capacity, maintenance, fuel efficiency, warranties, and financing options. Also, inquire about any show-only deals, which can save you a lot of money.
Should I rent an RV before buying?
We always recommend renting before buying. Doing so allows you to experience how an RV drives and whether it fits your travel style and meets comfort needs. Platforms like RVshare make it easy to test the exact make and model you’re considering.
How can I make the most of an RV show?
Arrive early on a weekday, tour your top picks first, take notes and photos, hang out inside each RV to imagine traveling, and compare features side-by-side. Don’t rush the experience and don’t buy for the sake of buying.
How do RV shows work?
RV shows are super cool because they gather numerous RV brands and dealers in one location. This gives attendees a chance to tour a wide range of RVs and ask questions and attend RV seminars. Usually, guests can also purchase on-site with special pricing.
Are RV show prices better than dealership prices?
Often, RV show prices are deeply discounted, and if you visit toward the end of the show, you may even be able to haggle a deeper discount. If you ask me, RV shows are one of the best times to buy if you are sure about what you want. That said, you should never rush into an RV purchase.
What’s the best way to compare RV models?
During the show, compare rigs based on size, layout, storage, features, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Test-driving or renting similar models can help you get a better feel for whether an RV will work for you.
What’s the difference between RV types (Class A, B, C)?
Class A RVs are large luxury motorhomes ideal for full-time travel. Class B RVs are compact camper vans perfect for easy driving and parking. Class C RVs are mid-sized with a cab-over design, balancing space and maneuverability. Other RV types include towables such as travel trailers and fifth wheels.
Going to an RV show is a wonderful way to get a feel for what you want in an RV. It’s also a good way to learn more about the world of RVing and score some deep discounts. Why not find an RV show near you and plan to attend? I’m certain you won’t be disappointed!
