UPDATE: RV Show A Good Time To Buy A TT? (& introduction)

Hello to all, nooby here to the forum. I am an experienced forum user but inexperienced camper when it comes to TT and such. I have been lurking here (and a few other RV forums) for a little while and decided this one looks like it suites me best and would join you all, if you don't mind?

Little about me if you want to read, if not go to the last paragraph to see my question. I am a Firefighter and father of four, 19 year old daughter, 3 year old daughter and almost 2 year old identical twin boys. Grew up in the Boy Scouts and been a long time tent camper my whole life and prob spent more nights under the stars on the ground or if I was lucky in a hammock between two trees than I actually have in a tent, but never in a trailer of any kind. My wife and I have gone camping a few times and its nice and she is willing but she would like a bit more luxury (AC and a nice bed) if she could get it. We have had the dream of getting a TT for over a year. Started out thinking a pop-up and have ditched that idea for a full fledged TT and or haven't completely ruled out a 5'er.

So the question is, is an RV show a good time and place to purchase? We went to one last January and are going to spend the next weekend at the one in Dallas and again come January at the one in Fort Worth (assuming it returns at the same time and place)

We have a truck more then capable of pulling anything were interested in, so the tow vehicle is not an issue right now. We also have a really good idea of what were looking for in a TT or similar floor plan in a 5th wheel. The main issue is are the advertised deals and sale prices really that good? If we wait until the last day is there more room to haggle? Can there even be any haggling, for example have them throw in a WDH or 5th wheel hitch and a solar panel, satellite dish etc. type stuff???

Thanks for any info you can help with and looking forward to getting to know you all and some day owning our own camping paradise on wheels.

UPDATE Did not buy at the RV show. We will be picking this up next Friday. On Page 4 are a few more Pictures.

ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
Welcome!

We've purchased twice at RV shows. We always got a good discount and got to really look without the pressure of being checked on because of so many people in and out. An RV show offers you the luxury of checking out all the models.

Here's to your first RV when you find it!
thomasmnile
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
In my opinion, nothing inherently wrong with buying at a show. Do be prepared for the urgent 'there's no tomorrow' sales pitches you'll be hit with and the suggestion the price you're given is a limited time offer, never to be repeated. It's generally thought by many you can negotiate a better deal away from the show frenzy atmosphere. Buying a show 'display unit' will get you an equal number of pro/con responses here. Some don't like the idea of buying something that has been traipsed through by the multitudes, or the 'used' aura of a display unit; AC running, lights on, etc.

All of that said, major purpose of the show is an opportunity for dealers to sell on hand inventory as much as any other reason. If you have your eye on a specific brand, model, and floorplan and you see it at a show. Why not give a purchase offer a whirl? If your preference is to research and narrow your focus to a brand, model, & floorplan, there's no better place to do it. We bought our TT at a GS Rally 2 years ago, took delivery at the dealership two weeks later. Positive experience for us and the TT looked and operated impeccably when we did the PDI. None of that feared 'traipsed through' appearance. Happy hunting.
azdryheat
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
Doesn't mater where you buy as long as you get at least a 30% discount off of MSRP. If you don't get at least 30% then either try harder or walk away.
Speedogomer
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
If it's a big RV show, you can see plenty of inventory, and even have competing dealers under one roof (unless it's outdoors but same idea lol).

I'd find one you like, get their best price, and bring that price to their competitor at the show, see what they'll do for you.

In my experience show prices weren't rock botton, nor were they higher than expected... they all seemed to be pretty average pricing. At least it's very easy to compare pricing on many different models.
grampscamper
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
Welcome.
I don't have a lot of experience purchasing trailers. We're on our second now. Neither were purchased at an RV show. We did go to RV shows to compare different manufacturers and floorplans. Both of our 5th wheels were purchased at a lower price than advertised at the show but did take some negotiating. We factory ordered both so we could get exactly the décor and options we wanted. I know others that have bought at RV shows and are quite happy. I would try to negotiate a better price as well as any extras you would like. Doesn't hurt to try.
Good luck.
CampingN_C_
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
Not sure what you're looking for but most shows will only display the high end models. You won't see the old stick and tin trailers very often at a show. That's what I've noticed around here anyway.
majorgator
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
Doesn't mater where you buy as long as you get at least a 30% discount off of MSRP. If you don't get at least 30% then either try harder or walk away.

Of course, knowing what the "real" MSRP is really matters (not just what they advertise) ;)

I've never bought at an RV show, but I can imagine its no different than a car show or gun show or boat show. I would never make a major purchase at a show (of any sort) if I didn't have time to research it thoroughly beforehand. Fortunately, shows are usually multi-day events. With the technology of iPads and smartphones, a copious amount of research can be done in an extremely short period of time. If you're seriously interested in purchasing at a show, then go early, scope it out, take notes, then resign yourself to research.
guidry
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
FireRob, I sent you a PM. Good luck
Community Alumni
Sep 05, 2014
At one show in Houston there was a model we were interested in that had a show price of $25k. That price looked pretty good since it was on the very low end of what we could find online. We went to the Dallas show only to find the exact same trailer for a $21k. We had never seen a price that low for that model and we're pretty good about researching. Too bad we weren't ready to buy at the time.

I'm an anti-impulsive type person. I never make a big purchase the day I see the item. It gives me time to relax, think things through before purchasing, and a lot of times ends up saving me money. If it were me, I would approach the dealer after the show. The dealer would probably honor the show price after the show especially if you came with flyers or business cards from the show. Who knows, he may be more motivated to sale since he had to drag that trailer back to his lot.
APT
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
I do not recommend buying at an RV show. People tend to pay more than those that do more research. I have never seen RV show prices advertised lower than the so called wholesale RV dealers in the midwest for example. Use RV shows to compare floorplans that you like and brands that you like.