November Tampa RV show

[Itch_nToGo]

Just wondering if anyone has been to this show and the one held in January and how they compare in size and number of dealers and units on display.

[mgirardo]

We went to the January Tampa show a few years ago. We went during the week and it was not crowded at all. The amount of RVs to view was staggering. We weren't in the market for a new RV, we were just seeing what was new. We were actually kind of disappointed in the # of vendors. There really weren't that many, unless they were located at a different area or they are counting the RV Dealers as vendors.

The only type of RV I don't recall seeing was Park Models, but we did not cover the entire grounds. We saw everything from little 8' box popups to Multi-Million dollar coaches where we had to wear medical booties to enter them.

We went during the week, so it was a bit of a geriatric convention (no offense intended). We only saw one other family with kids while we were there, several vendors made a big deal about there being kids before the weekend. I couldn't imagine what it would be like with a large crowd and I'm sure it gets really crowded.

After about the 100th RV, the kids were sorta done. They knew we weren't buying anything and got bored. We had tickets for a second day (came free), but didn't intend on going again. We gave them away to a couple that didn't have tickets yet.

If you are in the market to buy, I would recommend only looking at the RV type that you are interested in. There are so many there, you will be overwhelmed if you look at too many you have no intention of buying. Look at those after you are finished looking at what you want.

-Michael

[GoPackGo]

From the Jan, 2017 Tampa show site - 1,400 RVs and 450 vendor booths covering 26 acres. They claim to be 'the largest RV show in the country'. You can define 'largest' any way you want to. Not trying to start anything here.

All I know for sure is you need multiple days if you seriously want to see everything, and that it is 'big'. I really did like that you can walk thru one model and step right into another and then another, etc. to do comparison shopping. Just bring your list of the models you are considering. It's like being a kid in a candy store. They also have seminars and camping on site.

Also, if you're not totally burnt out after the show, there is a HUGE Lazy Days RV center just a couple miles away down I-4. Been there too. That place alone is bigger then most RV shows anywhere else in the country.

And as was stated above, it's January and you're in Florida !

[bucky]

The Hershey show is in Sept. If you like stupid amounts of traffic, high heat and humidity, and walking yourself to death than that's the show for you.
OR Tampa in Jan, it's usually good weather, more units than you may want to look at, you're in FL in Jan, and a lot of the stuff is inside. Like rows of 2-4 million dollar Prevosts with models in each one. And oh yeah, you're in FL in Jan.

[Sidesaddle1]

We've attended both and although the January show is supposedly larger, we prefer the Tampa Show. The January Herhsey show I believe is geared more to family camping: pop ups; travel trailers; 5th wheels etc. IMHO, if you're looking for Class A's, a better representation is at the Tampa Show. Higher end units too. Also, the vendor builfings are much better than Hershey. There are many more vendors with better selections. Guess it depends on what you're looking for.

[esyers]

January is HUGE. Plan on at least 2 days.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

definitely January show is better in my opinion.

[GoPackGo]

You need to spend at least 2 days at the January show if you want to see it all.

[LadyRVer]

January show is the biggie. The real biggie.