RV Show

[mtofell1]

If you've never been.... GO!!!!

Went to my first one today after owning RVs for 10+ years. It was totally outstanding. There's no amount of research online that can come close to walking all the different models and manufacturers.

The best part is being able to do it without being hassled by some money hungry salesman. Of course, there are salesmen around but they are much more tame than when you're on the lot.

[gregrc75]

I always leave with new projects in mind for my trailer. I'll take ideas from new ones and add them to my mod list!

[RVcircus]

We have been going to two shows each year for a while and love it. It's fun seeing everything available and dreaming about what could be.

[pira114]

Just got back from the Sacramento show.

Not great, but good. Lots and lots of nice trailers. So that was nice

But zero vendors for accessories. Zero sweepstakes. Zero demos and free food.

I much prefer the Sonoma County one.

[Redterpos3]

I look forward to the Hershey show every year. Missed it last year as I was away that week.:(
Nice to see the range of stuff out there; to dream about the amazing Class A's, and the eco-friendly tiny ones, as well as the ones I'm more likely to use in future.

[rbpru]

I go to thr RV shows to see what is new. A lot of nice stuff but nothing I would trade my current TT for.

[tatest]

I went to many shows in 2004 when I came back to the U.S. retired and was shopping. I also visited four quite different RV factories so I had a good understanding of who was building what how, and would have realistic expectations about what I was buying.

The experience was the biggest help in figuring out what just we wanted for what we wanted to do with it. This was good for our confidence as we belonged to two RV clubs and were seeing a few "three RVs in five years" experiences as people tried to sort out what fit their needs. We continued going to shows, visiting dealers and factories, possibly considering lifestyle changes (like full-timing or snowbirding) but my wife always came out "I don't see anything I like better than what we have."

Now alone, with changing RV needs, I still go a local show every year or two to see what is happening with the RV market, though what I think I want next is probably sold factory direct, so also visiting those factories.

I think shows are a great way to learn about RVs (but maybe get overwhelmed) but a risky place to buy (because you are maybe overwhelmed) unless you come in knowing exactly what you want and are just looking for a good deal.

Nobody has ever given me free food at a RV show, they are always selling food from the refreshment stands licensed by the venue. Guess I am not going to the right shows.

[scbwr]

Sandia Man wrote:
Will stop and chat with a few salespeople and I am still amazed at how many know so little about the products they sell. I guess it goes without saying.

Oh so true, and not just with RVs. I think if you are a person that researches for info before making a major purchase, you end up knowing more about the product than the sales person. Way back when I was a young man, we were shopping for an area rug. We saw one that we liked and it was marked 9'X12'. So I asked the sales person if it was really around 8'6" X 11'6" as I knew this was typical with area rugs. He replied that no, it was 9 X 12. So, I popped out my tape measure....and you know what it read!! Because of the room we were putting it in, I knew the rug had to be 11'6" or less, which is why I was pushing the point.

It always pays to be the educated consumer!

[Community Alumni]

We go every year just to see what's new in floorplans and ideas. To get rid of temptations, we just leave the checkbook at home.

[Sandia_Man]

We enjoy going to the RV shows in our area, next one is two weeks away. Although we peek inside many RVs representing all the RV classifications, we spend the most amount of time in a handful of rigs that have a possibility of becoming a future purchase. Will stop and chat with a few salespeople and I am still amazed at how many know so little about the products they sell. I guess it goes without saying.

[MsCraftT]

I usually go every year to the Seattle RV show. It's a big one. I love the seminars they have. I actually went 2 days just to hear all the seminars. Also this year I did enter to win a prize at one of the booths, and I won. A totally surprise to me and my 1st time winning. The prize was worth $1,500. I will definitely be attending next year.

[Doug33]

I've been to dozens over the years. Haven't been to too many in last few years though.

[scbwr]

We like to go just to see what new floorplans are available. It's also a great way to see ideas for modifications to whast you already own. But it can be dangerous if you have the itch for a new one!!!

[pira114]

My favorite part is all the vendors selling accessories. Sometimes you can even find a good deal, but I always like seeing stuff close up before I decide if it's an accessory I want.

Then there's usually good food. Sometimes free if a vendor is sampling something.

Here's a question. Am I the only one who signs up for all the sweepstakes giveaways? I know most of it is to snatched my address for junk mail, but it could happen. Maybe. Probably not....

[goducks10]

You must've went to the Portland RV show. It's a pretty good show. We went for the 1st time last year. Took about 4 hrs to actually cover most units we were interested in. Trying to make it this weekend. Our local RV shows only take about 1-1/2 hrs and you seen enough. Getting a hands on walk through is nice. Everything always looks great online. But once you get inside and take a closer look, then some of the nice stuff looks cheap.