So a few months ago we made plans to attend the FL RV show in Tampa which is going this week. We brought the motorhome down to Brooksville FL which is about 45 minutes north of the Tampa area. All in all this has been a miserable experience that will NOT be repeated. First we are not looking for an RV but wanted to view a few things and check out vendors for interesting products and ideas. Wednesday morning left Brooksville around 9am and finally made it into the gate at the fairgrounds around 12:30. Horrid traffic with poor road layout. Worse than Atlanta during rush hour. In line to park, in line to get in. Only place I didn't stand in line was to Pee. The RV show is one big commercial and it's insulting to have to pay to park, pay to get in so I can pay again if I want something. Price gouging for food costs. Seems the most prolific vendor was the RV resort/time share/buy a spot. As far as parts and ideas, a typical Camping World or equivalent RV store had most of what was there. Bottom line a big disappointment and something I will not repeat. Funny thing is the entrance fee was good for 2 days so I have 2 free tickets for someone willing to spend hours stuck in traffic.

Well, at least you have provided a heads up for the next poor sucker. Chalk it up to experience. I have found most RV "shows" to be very overrated and over priced.

Definitely some RV shows are better than others. I have noticed them get a bit more pushy since the mid-90's. In Dallas the RV show is usually pretty good.The main differences I like is Camping World only has so many on their floor. I like going into multiple coaches and seeing all the options.

All of the shows we've attended are just like what you have experienced. You can add that most shows have mainly the largest dealer in the area. We go to the show in Detroit every year. The value of the show is seeing the new units, add on items that might be added to ours, and companionship of friends who go with us.The cost is, IMO, a savings from having to travel to each dealership or store to see and compare all the items we do see. We never go there to eat but go out with friends after.Sure, some of what we see is just repeats of other items there and what we saw the year before but still a good winter, it snows up here, outing.You'll find some shows only will be one or two dealers depending on the area.Sorry you were disappointed but what you experience is normal for most shows.

We have attended several shows, and it was always a learning experience. Something about seeing new RVs with cabinet doors fallen off, doors that won't open, and little piles of sawdust where the cabinets have been grinding against each other.DPs with $300K price tags with less than six feet of headroom in the shower.A Class B that my wife tripped and fell out of.Sales people greeting us at the door of an RV, and saying "we are talking, you can't come in."Oil spots on the floor, slides that are stuck half-way, faucets with missing handles...We learned a lot.Matt B

I've only been to one show, in Grand Rapids. The fee to get in, and parking were both covered by a dealer I had visited a few weeks before.The show was two really big dealers and several smaller ones, with parts and accessories vendors scattered about the periphery.It wasn't a bad experience, I learned a lot. Especially helpful was seeing the rigs that cost 30-50 grand didn't anything but glitter over the ones that cost 10-20 grand.

RV show blues | Good Sam Community

afrescopXx
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Well, at least you have provided a heads up for the next poor sucker. Chalk it up to experience.

I have found most RV "shows" to be very overrated and over priced.
crasster
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
Definitely some RV shows are better than others. I have noticed them get a bit more pushy since the mid-90's. In Dallas the RV show is usually pretty good.

The main differences I like is Camping World only has so many on their floor. I like going into multiple coaches and seeing all the options.
dalenoel
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
All of the shows we've attended are just like what you have experienced. You can add that most shows have mainly the largest dealer in the area. We go to the show in Detroit every year. The value of the show is seeing the new units, add on items that might be added to ours, and companionship of friends who go with us.

The cost is, IMO, a savings from having to travel to each dealership or store to see and compare all the items we do see. We never go there to eat but go out with friends after.

Sure, some of what we see is just repeats of other items there and what we saw the year before but still a good winter, it snows up here, outing.

You'll find some shows only will be one or two dealers depending on the area.

Sorry you were disappointed but what you experience is normal for most shows.
oldmattb
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
We have attended several shows, and it was always a learning experience. Something about seeing new RVs with cabinet doors fallen off, doors that won't open, and little piles of sawdust where the cabinets have been grinding against each other.

DPs with $300K price tags with less than six feet of headroom in the shower.

A Class B that my wife tripped and fell out of.

Sales people greeting us at the door of an RV, and saying "we are talking, you can't come in."

Oil spots on the floor, slides that are stuck half-way, faucets with missing handles...

We learned a lot.

Matt B
GordonThree
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
I've only been to one show, in Grand Rapids. The fee to get in, and parking were both covered by a dealer I had visited a few weeks before.

The show was two really big dealers and several smaller ones, with parts and accessories vendors scattered about the periphery.

It wasn't a bad experience, I learned a lot. Especially helpful was seeing the rigs that cost 30-50 grand didn't anything but glitter over the ones that cost 10-20 grand.
ppine
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
Find a different show. They are everywhere.
Mile_High
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
It's all about the synergy I guess! It's fun to just be there and see. Just like a football game - two hours in traffic, pay $40 parking, >$100 a seat, and $7 a beer, $8 a hot dog to get snowed on, trampled, and beat by the visiting team, all something you could have did from the couch for about $10 in beer and pretzels :)

Only fools would do that! :B
1968mooney
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
So happy everyone is enjoying our Fl. RV Show. We will try to make it "BIGGER & BETTER" next yr. :B
lj2654
Explorer
Jan 20, 2017
Well. We can go to Lazy Days in Tampa and look at all kinds of RV's. From popups to Class B, Class, C, DP, Gas, fifth wheels, Buses, travel trailers and spend all day long. No traffic, no over rated food costs, and no lines. Everyday, weekends and most Holidays for free.....dont even have to argue with the salespeople, unless you find that part interesting!
MetalGator
Nomad
Jan 20, 2017
Traffic is bad because all the snowbirds are here this time of year. We like going to the Tampa RV show but we always get there shortly after they open. By 10:30-11am, the place is packed. I do get aggravated that you have to pay for parking but I don't mind paying admission. Any show we every go to (boat shows, train shows, etc.) always have an admission fee. I sure renting out the Florida State fairgrounds is not cheap.