RV Show

We were there as well and oh my, RV overload!! We didn't go to buy but to see what is out there in the tech areas. It was very crowded but we did gather a ton of info. It was our first show and will definitely go back or to others.

I see our local dealers have flooded their lots with a ton of units as well getting ready for Spring.

We went as well, looked at fifth wheels. I like going to the show just to see the latest tech/features being used. Led interior lighting and full length led awning lighting is pretty neat.

Walaby wrote:

robsouth wrote:
Where in Atlanta was this show?

Atlanta Expo Center South. Looks like there is one scheduled every month there.

Mike

We were at the Atl Show Saturday. We had actually booked a room to make it a two day experience. We did not return today. We bought from the show last year, amd overall was a great experience.

This year something was just off. For one, it was crazy crowded, and people were, well, people. But there were hardly any sales people in the dealer areas. And when there were, they were all in their phones and paying no attention to customers. I had to track down a salesman twice in two different areas to ask questions. One ladies answer was "I only have one salesman so you'll just have to wait. Really?

We had significant interest in an Open Range unit, but got no where with the dealer. Last year we were down to two units and both dealers were negotiating, pulled in factory rep to talk to us, etc.

Just odd.

Total purpose of this show was just to look. Had absolutely no intention to buy, and left my truck at home so I couldn't be tempteed.

I agree on the pics. I actually snapped first the flyer they had posted with price, model etc.. Then pictures of the interior, although it was hard to get those because so many people crawling in and out of them. I tried to take pics of the weight placards but some of them were unaccessable without crawling over or under the tongue etc.. I figured if a particular one made the short list, I'd see it again in a different venue.

I think the shows are great to start the narrowing down process. So is the dealerships too, I suppose, as long as they don't pressure. Im taking my time, and making our list of gotta haves, would be nice, don't need, and things Im willing to tradeoff.

Im certainly in no hurry, and plan on keeping it that way. But, if the right one with the right price, hits the mark, I'll be ready. Im not an impulse buyer, but when Im ready, I don't second guess.

It was a very enjoyable day, and I'll probably go to more, as part of the narrowing down process.

Mike

robsouth wrote:
Where in Atlanta was this show?

Atlanta Expo Center South. Looks like there is one scheduled every month there.

Mike

You also might consider the value of having a relationship with your local dealer when it comes time to get service or warranty work done. Many stories here about being last on a very long list trying to get help from a dealer who knows you went out of twn or out of state to buy your rig. Unlike a car dealership, most RV dealers will service their own customers first so saving a grand or two may be very costly in time spent waiting for your repair/service. Just food for thought.

I like when I go to an RV show and do not see any TT I like better than the TT I have.

Does this mean my RV is perfect? Of course not, there is always some little gizmo or design feature that appeals to you.

But careful analysis of what you like and need goes a long way towards finding the right TT. It is not a race to the finish line so to speak.

In our case we rented a similar sized model, to see what pulling one of these barns down the road was like; before we spent our hard earned money.

rbpru wrote:
I believe a TT has to meet three criteria;
+ floor plan.
+ cost.
+ tow vehicle.

If all three are satisfactory it is a go.

A good deal is one you are happy with, knowing full well that someone will have done better, another will have done worse.

X2

We looked and looked. We made a list of what we wanted and what we did not want. Finally we walked into a large dealer and gave the young man our list. He went off and looked through his inventory and came back with 3 units that meet our requirements. He nailed it with the 1st one and the 2nd and 3rd choices were close. We have made some minor changes to make it ours but our list has served us well. Is it our prefect rig? For the most part, yes. We have what we need but now that we have used it a couple of years, the outdoor kitchen might have been nice.

I believe a TT has to meet three criteria;
+ floor plan.
+ cost.
+ tow vehicle.

If all three are satisfactory it is a go.

A good deal is one you are happy with, knowing full well that someone will have done better, another will have done worse.

RV shows aren't really good times to buy for most people. A lot of dealerships prey on people making impulse buys and generally don't give very good prices. I've had salesmen try to high-pressure me by saying that the manufacturer is offering a discount during this show that the dealer can pass along to me... but its only good for today.

No thanks.

I use the show simply as a tool to comparison shop. It affords me the chance to walk through a lot of different makes and models in a short time and be able to make educated comparisons amongst those brands.

I've gone to 4 RV shows in the last 2.5 years to narrow down which make I wanted. After looking through all the major brands of travel trailers I made a decision about which make and line was the best compromise of price and quality. After figuring out that which brand and line, then I compared specific floorplans to see what best fit my needs. Voila... after looking at literally HUNDREDS of trailers over the past 2 years I know EXACTLY what make and model we are going to buy. Then I spent 6 months researching the options that I wanted, options that I specifically didn't want and cost for each of them.

I got all that in order and soon will go out and order the EXACT trailer that I want in the EXACT configuration that I want with the best available color that they offer. I also figured out who had the best price and then negotiated with my local dealer to a price I was willing to pay to avoid driving too far to pick it up. After 30 months, I am pleased and excited about my decision. I know this camper will be exactly what we want for years to come.

OP, good luck in your decision and don't rush it. There are a LOT of variables to consider. RVwholesalers is a good place to get quotes. www.RVdirect.com is another good place to get quotes. I'm sure that a lot of people buy from RV shows. I just can't pull the trigger on such an expensive toy on a whim...