RV Shows do's and don'ts

I did not purchase at a show, but I did order a trailer. Most of the manufacturers require that you go through a dealer, some are factory direct though. My dealer did his inspection and found a few issues with the trailer. He fixed them before I ever saw the trailer. I did my inspection and found a few things I wanted him to deal with and he did before I took possession.

We purchased our second 5er at the show in Illinois. The unit was being shown by the dealer who sold us our first unit. We did not buy our first unit at the show. Looking at your questions - both transactions were the same. I felt we had good bargaining at the show because there seemed to be some sales quotas to achieve.

Yes there were things that needed fixing when we took delivery, but we also successfully negotiated for additional work/improvements with which we were very pleased,

My experiences were very positive and it didn't matter where it happened, but it did matter with who we were dealing.

Good luck in your search.

Personally, I'd never buy a RV that had been a demo model at an RV Show. No matter what the discount is.

WoodGlue

Inventory units, even the ones at the show, typically aren't the most current in features and depending on the Dealer, may have all the visible options but skimp on the ones that don't get noticed. By ordering, you get exactly what you want.

For instance, our model was available with optional disk brakes, higher capacity tires and axles, but none of the inventory units we found had those options, yet they all had dishwashers. :B

Unless you already know exactly what you want... i.e. Manufacturer, Brand and Model and you're going to the show hoping to get a great "show price deal" on that specific model... I wouldn't buy at a show.

There is not enough time to adequately examine, research and compare models to make the best decision at a show.

We went to shows hoping to see as many different brands and models as possible... consolidated in a single location to help us evaluate and narrow down what we truly wanted and needed. We also visited several different dealer locations and spent hours looking and comparing the features of each manufacturer.

After we narrowed it down to 2 models we revisited the final dealers several times before pulling the trigger. Even after deciding on the "one" I went back to the dealer several more times with new questions and closer examinations of various components to make absolutely certain I would be happy with the build quality.

Then the pricing research began with getting several quotes from dealers all over the country. I used these quotes to negotiate a fair price with a local dealer... who I preferred to purchase from and handle accessories, prep and any warranty work that may be required.

IMO... salesmen at shows are hoping to get the "impulse buyers"... who let the excitement get the best of them and possibly rush into a decision sooner than necessary.

However, if you know "exactly" what you want... maybe you can get a great price. But my guess is the "show price" is also available after the show. And maybe even a better price can be had... if you have done your homework and are prepared to negotiate.

For your ultimate happiness you'll probably want to go with a new unit.
Understand that all units aren't created equally as far as quality goes.
Construction should be a number one factor, but often isn't.
Killing a trailer made with cheap construction is pretty easy to do!

Mindfully look around at all the models that are being offered
Overlook "demo models" and "too cheap" looking deals"
Do what you want to do as far as floor plans, as long as it fits you.
See all the trailers that you're able to see - it may take two days.

WoodGlue

1) The prices at shows generally better than at dealer even this time of year? The folks who are selling at the Shows ARE the area dealers...and in order to be placed on the RV Manufacturers Lists of preferred dealers...the Dealers are motived to sell off the 2013's in order to get what they want in the volume they need of the newest 2014 models next year.

2) Financing available and are the rates comparable and or better? Rates have generally never been lower than currently available. It relly depends on yur credit score...so make sure to get a copy of your score at "Free Credit Score.com" or another credit score company first!

3) Usually order the trailer, correct? Then who am I going to be purchasing it from? Is this going to have dealers and or manufacturers? Maybe I should go back and look at the website again.
Most likely the Dealers that will be there will have your desired make and model there already..and/or can get it quickly.

4) If I order and then it arrives and there are problems will I still need to take delivery? Guess that would be the same as if I purchased from a local dealer. Again, the model you want is likely there and can be examined prior to signing for it. And it will be under the manufacturers warranty.

That's a start but basically what are the do's and don'ts. DO NOT BE PRESSURED INTO BUYING ANYTHING YOU DON'T WANT! Walk away!

I would never buy at a show. Too many people in the units. I can't just sit in it with the wife and discuss features because there's always someone coming in that wanst to be in your spot. Much easier to go to the dealers lot and spend some quiet time looking things over. I like to use shows as a chance to see lots of different makes without driving all over the place. Nothing more. If they want a sale bad enough they will give you the sale after the show is over. And if it's still on the lot for a month or two or longer you should even get it cheaper than the show price.

As far as rates go. It's always a good idea to check with your CU or bank and see what you can get and on what terms. Then if you strike a deal on one at least you know where you stand on your financing as opposed to the dealers.

fordsooperdooty wrote:
1) The prices at shows generally better than at dealer even this time of year? The folks who are selling at the Shows ARE the area dealers...and in order to be placed on the RV Manufacturers Lists of preferred dealers...the Dealers are motived to sell off the 2013's in order to get what they want in the volume they need of the newest 2014 models next year.

2) Financing available and are the rates comparable and or better? Rates have generally never been lower than currently available. It relly depends on yur credit score...so make sure to get a copy of your score at "Free Credit Score.com" or another credit score company first!

3) Usually order the trailer, correct? Then who am I going to be purchasing it from? Is this going to have dealers and or manufacturers? Maybe I should go back and look at the website again.
Most likely the Dealers that will be there will have your desired make and model there already..and/or can get it quickly.

4) If I order and then it arrives and there are problems will I still need to take delivery? Guess that would be the same as if I purchased from a local dealer. Again, the model you want is likely there and can be examined prior to signing for it. And it will be under the manufacturers warranty.

That's a start but basically what are the do's and don'ts. DO NOT BE PRESSURED INTO BUYING ANYTHING YOU DON'T WANT! Walk away!

Pretty spot on. I would add that I do research at shows as I can see many units but have never purchased at a show. Too easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement of all the activity. Many pricing games played at shows as I've seen some dealers (not all) show inflated MSRP prices and then discount 10-12% and the casual shopper thinks its a great deal. Real life you should be able to purchase any day of the week at the dealership in the 20%+ off range. Show space cost big $$$ and they are not at the show to loose money. Randu

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Jake