Tips for First-Time RV Show Attendees: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

RV shows are an unbeatable way to explore the world of RVing, whether you’re brand new to the game or looking for your fifth rig. These massive events usually mean hundreds, or even more than a thousand, walk-through-ready vehicles all in one place, along with dozens or hundreds of vendors who can help you learn more about not only RVs but everything peripheral to them.

However, for a first-timer, we’ll admit it: RV shows can be a bit intimidating! They’re huge, and with so much space to cover, it can be easy to feel like you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, knowing a few tips and some basic etiquette ahead of time can go a long way toward helping you feel oriented and ready for your first RV show, or your seventh. And even more fortunately, the team here at RVshow has real-world experience to share that can help you get a leg up.

What Should I Expect at My First RV Show?

First things first: What, exactly, is an RV show? And what should you expect to find when you attend your first one?

RV shows are large events usually held at expo centers, convention grounds, and other big venues. At them, dozens or hundreds of vendors, including a variety of RV dealers offering RVs of every type, size, and shape from multiple manufacturers, gather for a long weekend of sales and networking.

As an attendee, you get to explore, walk through, learn more about, and potentially even buy an RV (though there are pros and cons to buying an RV at an RV show, which we’ll talk more about in just a second. In short, at your first RV show, you should expect:

• A variety of RVs and exhibits. You can get up close and personal with a huge variety of RVs, from luxury Class As to adorable little campervans and pop-up trailers. You can imagine yourself and your family in all of these different types of RVs and spend real time in them, imagining how your day-to-day life might play out in different floor plans.
• Vendors selling the newest RV gadgets and camping gear. People often overlook this perk in favor of the RVs themselves, but even if you’re not on the market for a whole new rig, you can find plenty of incredible products and deals that can make your camping life easier!
• Seminars and demonstrations. Another major benefit of attending an RV show? Professionals offering seminars and demonstrations about topics ranging from RV maintenance to full-time RV living, and more. You’ll get valuable insights that can be hard to find anywhere else, plus they’re often plain old fun.
• Deals. It’s true: Many manufacturers and dealerships offer exclusive show discounts. Some promotions may only be available during the event, which can include cash rebates, financing incentives, or upgraded features. If you find your dream rig at the show, you could save thousands. However, be aware that most RV shows are heavily focused on new vehicles, and often, buying a (slightly) used RV can be a better deal overall because of depreciation.

How Do I Prepare Before I Go to an RV Show?

The good news: you don’t have to do too much preparation to enjoy an RV show. But a little bit of homework can go a long way when it comes to taking full advantage of the opportunity a show presents. Some of our top tips for newbies and old hats alike:

• Research show details ahead of time. Obviously, you’ll want to know the dates, hours, and location, parking considerations, and any associated ticket cost. (Hint: Sometimes you can get discounted tickets ahead of time online!) However, it’s also well worth looking into which exhibitors, RV brands and dealerships will be at the show. Knowing what’s available can help you narrow down which brands and even specific models you definitely want to check out while you’re there. Take a look, too, at the schedule of events and seminars.
• Know your own priorities. Along with understanding what’s available at the show, you’ll also want to understand exactly what you want. Make a list of the things you really need to have in an RV in order to be 100% satisfied with your purchase, such as more than one bathroom, bunk beds, fuel efficiency or storage space. You can also make a list of specific models you’re hoping to look at, especially if you know those manufacturers will be represented.
• Go in with a budget. Yes, RV shows can be a great place to score a deal — but it’s not actually a deal if you can’t actually afford it. Setting your budget ahead of time is a great way to understand what you’re actually shopping for (or if you’re even shopping). This step can help you make smart purchases while you’re browsing the vendor booths rather than overspending, which can be very easy when you’re presented with so many cool tools and gadgets.

How Do I Find an RV Show Near Me?

Most large RV shows happen at expo centers and fairgrounds in winter and early spring, before camping season. Start with our guide to the biggest RV shows by region, then browse our RV show guides for more events. Check the show’s official website for dates, hours, tickets, and parking before you go.

What’s Good RV Show Etiquette?

Like any other social situation, RV shows do have some specific etiquette — but it’s not hard to fall in line. Just remember to:

• Arrive prepared. By reading this post, you’re already well on your way with this one! Along with bringing your smart questions (we’ll get to some specific examples below!), you’ll also want a notepad and pen to take notes with (or, if you’re into the 21st century of it all, the notes app on your phone).
• Wear comfortable clothes. No one wants to be wishing they’d put on a different pair of shoes after their third lap around the convention hall. A warm layer can also 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).
• Follow protocol when it comes to test-drives and demos. 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) may have its own protocols 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 an RV. 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!
• Take photos. These days, we all have cameras on us at all times, and when you’re shopping so many RVs in one go, photographic evidence is key for remembering what you loved. We recommend taking a photo of the specific RV model number immediately before or after all the photos of that display, so when you’re looking back afterward, you know exactly what you’re looking at.
• 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 a single 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.

What Questions Should I Ask at an RV Show?

A look can be worth a thousand words, but the words themselves are important, too. Every RV show attendee should work up a list of questions they have at the ready for vendors and dealers with RVs they’re genuinely interested in. We’re harping on the point, but it’s true: RV shows can be overwhelming. Getting this stuff organized ahead of time goes a long way.

So what questions should you ask? We’ve got plenty of ideas.

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!)
• If you’re looking at travel trailers, what are the towing requirements? Get specific about all the different metrics, including dry weight, GVR, GVWR, etc. Knowing this ahead of time helps ensure the tow vehicle you have (or are planning to acquire) is appropriate for the vehicles you’re looking for, i.e., offers another helpful shopping filter!

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 RV 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 RV 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 resale value 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 — or after — the show? As mentioned, many dealerships and manufacturers offer show-exclusive discounts and deals. Still, you may need a little more time to sit on your decision. In that case, you might be able to convince a dealer to let you redeem the show sale price shortly after the fact on the dealership floor. (Psst: 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? 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, and you’ll probably want to do some research of your own ahead of time. But a knowledgeable and reputable dealership representative can also do even more 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 At and After an RV Show

Even if you don’t buy on-site, an RV show experience can be a powerful tool whenever you are ready to buy. However, the efficacy of that tool heavily depends on how well you took notes! Let’s take a look at the steps you can take both at and after an RV show to ensure you’ll be armed with as much information as possible.

At the RV Show

It’s easy to get swept up in the fun of exploring all those different RVs. But while you’re browsing, be sure to take detailed notes, either in your notebook or on your phone. 

While you’re at it, take lots of photos, and be sure you have a way of knowing which photos go with which model. (Taking a photo of the model name either before or after the photos of the walkthrough itself is an easy way to do this — but we recommend choosing “before” or “after” and sticking to that schema throughout your experience.)

After the RV Show

Once the show itself is in the rearview, the real fun begins. Start with organizing and cataloging your notes. It can be helpful to create a comparison chart highlighting things like essential features, layouts, and pricing. This visual reference helps to clarify options and prevent confusion when making a purchase decision.

Next up, contact dealers — or owners. If a particular model caught your eye, you can reach out to dealers for follow-ups. Along with any lingering questions about the vehicle itself, you can also ask about ongoing promotions, financing options, or available upgrades. But thanks to the magic of the internet and online forums, you might also be able to find owners of that specific make or model of RV to ask more clarifying questions from someone who doesn’t have any ulterior, financial incentives.

Finally, rent to confirm your choice. Even a walk-through only gives you so much information. Renting the RV model you’re considering buying gives you the opportunity to truly experience what it’s like on the road, from driving and handling to sleeping, cooking and living arrangements in real conditions. You can evaluate storage space, comfort level, and all those little things you can’t think of ahead of time. It can sharply reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse, and on a peer-to-peer RV rental network, you can find just about any type of RV under the sun (or a very similar analog).

Bonus Tips for a Great Experience at Your First RV Show

We’ve got you covered with even more tips to ensure you have the very best experience at your first RV show.

• 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.)
• Bring family or travel companions. Along with getting some quality time together, attending an RV show with the people you’re traveling with means you all get to see how you fit and move in the RVs you’re considering. It’s a practical way to see if sleeping arrangements, seating, and storage meet our group’s needs.
• 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.
• Keep an open mind. Yes, it’s a good idea to go in knowing 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 might not even think to look at otherwise.

Key Takeaways

• RV shows are an unbeatable opportunity to experience multiple RV models and types in one place.
• Doing some prep work ahead of time, such as researching the vendors that will be there and the types of RVs you like best, can help you make the best use of your time.
• RV show etiquette includes respecting vendor protocols for test drives and asking permission before entering or touching an RV.
• Coming prepared with lots of good questions is key — as is taking clear notes and photos during your time at the show.
• Remember that RV show deals can be good, but never feel pressured into buying on the spot if you’re not 100% sure.
• Renting a similar RV before buying can give you even more insight into what that model is like in real-world travel scenarios.

RV Shows for Beginners: Frequently Asked Questions

Rent the RV You Liked at the Show

A weekend on the road tells you more about a floor plan than any walk-through. Here’s how to test one before you buy.

1. Write down the RV type and floor plan you liked at the show.
2. Search RV rentals on RVshare and filter by that RV type.
3. Book a campground a short drive from home for your first trip.
4. Map your drive and stops with the RVshare trip planner.