One of the biggest RV shows in the country just concluded in Tampa, FL at the Florida RV Super Show. This show is held every January and it’s huge. We’ve attended this one before and let us tell you the bigger shows can be very intimidating! That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you navigate buying an RV at a show, and hopefully make things a little easier.
RV shows are a great way to get an up-close and personal look at the RV of your dreams. Whether you’re looking at buying an RV at a show or just want to check out the latest RVs on the market, attending an RV show is a must for anyone that is wanting to purchase or upgrade their RV.
However, there’s more to it than simply showing up – prior planning is recommended before just jumping in so that you do get overwhelmed. Shows give attendees multiple opportunities to learn about RVs, get great deals, and find the RV that’s right for them. Buying an RV at a show is also a great way to meet people in the RVing community and gain knowledge from industry experts. By attending RV shows, you can get an overview of the RV lifestyle, explore different types of RVs and look at various models side by side.
Do your research.
RV shows are a great way to get an up-close and personal look at various manufacturers, makes, and models. But before you lace up your shoes and head to the show, we recommend you do some research on what RV is right for you. This will give you an idea of what type of RV you’re looking for and help narrow down your choices. Make a list of features that are important to you, such as sleeping capacity, storage space, or even the type of RV itself (class A motorhome, travel trailer, etc.). You can also read reviews online about different models and visit manufacturer websites for information on features and prices.
Know before you tow.
Are you planning on buying a towable unit? Do you already have a tow vehicle or plan on buying one? Research is a very important step when you are planning on buying an RV at a show, especially for a travel trailer or fifth wheel.
Knowing your RV towing specifications is an incredibly important step when buying an RV. The towing capacity of your vehicle and the weight of your RV is essential to maximize safety and performance while out on the road. Not only should you know the RV’s weight rating, but also its size, shape, type, and any other details that might affect your RV when being towed.
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Weight is Important
Your RV’s weight is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a tow vehicle and RV combination. The RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) will tell you how much the RV weighs when it’s fully loaded with cargo and passengers. You need to make sure that this weight doesn’t exceed your tow vehicle’s capacity or else problems can occur. This can cause damage to both your tow vehicle and RV, as well as performance issues like poor acceleration or decreased fuel economy – not to mention safety concerns.
It’s also important to take into consideration any accessories attached to the RV, such as bike racks or antennae, which could add additional weight that needs to be accounted for. Additionally, make sure the hitch system used between your tow vehicle and RV is compatible with each other; otherwise, it could lead to unsafe conditions when traveling down the road. Lastly, you must ensure adequate braking capability has been set up between your tow vehicle and RV for safe stopping power when needed.
Overall, knowing exactly what kind of RV you plan on buying as well as understanding the various specifications beforehand is imperative so that you can pick out a tow vehicle suitable enough for the job at hand. By doing this research ahead of time, you’ll be able to confidently shop around for both an RV and a tow vehicle during the show knowing that they’ll be a perfect match together down the road!
Don’t forget to talk to friends
Additionally, consider talking to friends or family who own or recently purchased an RV for their recommendations or advice. Doing this beforehand will make it easier to narrow down what RV is right for you when you arrive at the RV show. At most shows, there will be several manufacturers with their newest models on display so you can see them up close and personal. You’ll be able to walk through each model, ask questions about features and amenities, compare prices between brands, and even speak directly with product representatives for more information. Taking notes during this process is highly recommended as it will help when making a final decision later on.
Set a budget when buying an RV at a show
Having a budget in mind when buying an RV at a show can be an important factor in finding the right RV for your needs. Before heading to the RV show, it is important to set a budget and stick to it. Knowing what you can spend on an RV will help narrow down your choices and enable you to find the RV that best fits your lifestyle.
When setting a budget for an RV purchase, be sure that you consider all associated costs including gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs, taxes, registration fees, and other additional costs. These things sure add up fast – so be cognizant of that! Be sure to educate yourself on all associated costs related to owning an RV as these may affect the overall budget for your RV purchase.
It is also important to determine how often you plan on using the RV. If you are only planning on taking occasional trips or plan to use it full-time for extended periods, this will have an impact on the type of RV that best suits your needs as well as its associated costs. This can help narrow down your search when attending RV shows and make choosing the right RV much easier.
Check to see if there are discounts
Aside from considering all associated costs when setting a budget for an RV purchase, it is also beneficial to research any discounts or incentives that may be available at RV shows. Many dealers offer specials or discounts on new RVs during these events and taking advantage of these offers could save thousands of dollars on your purchase price. Do some research ahead of time so that you know which dealers offer discounts or incentives before heading out to the show and take advantage of any savings opportunities available.
With proper research ahead of time and knowledge of which dealers offer incentives or discounts at their shows, you can get great value out of attending RV shows without breaking your bank account in the process.
Catch a few Seminars
Attending a seminar at RV shows can be a great way to learn valuable tips and tricks from RV industry professionals. Many RV shows will have seminars available for RV owners or prospective RV buyers, providing an in-depth look into topics such as RV maintenance, camping trips, and more. These seminars are often led by knowledgeable industry veterans with years of experience who are happy to share their insight and advice on RV ownership, and even better – they are usually included in the cost of admission to the RV show!
Arrive at the seminar early
When attending a seminar at an RV show, it’s important to arrive early and secure a good seat. Seminars tend to fill up quickly, so arriving early will ensure you get the best spot from which to take in the presentation. Before the presentation begins, take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the room and locate any handouts or materials that may be available for attendees to pick up.
Participate – ask questions and take notes
During the presentation, make sure you listen closely and actively participate when given the opportunity. Many industry professionals leading these seminars are happy to field questions from attendees and provide personalized advice based on individual needs or experiences. Don’t forget to take notes during the session so that you can refer back to them later when making decisions about RV purchases or other related topics discussed during the seminar.
After each seminar, there is usually time allotted for Q&A sessions where attendees can ask additional questions they had while listening or further elaborate on topics covered during the presentation. This is also a great time for RV owners who are trying out new accessories or techniques they have learned at previous seminars to compare notes with other members of their group or share feedback with those leading the session.
Attending seminars at RV shows can be an invaluable experience for RV owners looking to get more information about their vehicles or prospective buyers looking for additional insights before buying an rv at a show. Be sure to arrive early, listen closely, and participate actively during each session so that you can get the maximum benefit from attending these informative events!
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Take your time
When attending an RV show, there’s no need to rush into anything! Take your time when exploring different RVs and ask plenty of questions about each one’s features and amenities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options available so take breaks throughout the day if needed or bring another person with you that can help provide insight or perspective on different RVs. Many of the shows are held over multiple days so you may not need to make a decision right away.
Compare prices
Like research and setting a budget, it is extremely important to compare prices when buying an RV at a show. As mentioned earlier, many RV dealers will offer special discounts or financing options during RV shows so don’t be afraid to compare prices between dealers and vendors attending the show – chances are one may have better offers than another! You can oftentimes use pricing as leverage between dealers at a show – they are there to move RVs and not bring them back to the dealership lot to sit. Be sure to read through any contracts carefully before signing anything though – never rush into making big decisions just because it feels like a good deal at the moment!
Know the difference in models and prices
When buying an RV at a show, we recommend you have awareness of the differences between manufacturers. Many have very similar models and floor plans, so the more educated you are about what you are specifically looking for, the better. RV show prices can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including RV brand, model, age (for used units), condition, features, and more.
Check for hidden costs
It’s also important for RV buyers to consider whether any additional costs may be included in the purchase price such as shipping fees or setup fees. Before signing on to any contracts at RV shows make sure you understand all the fees associated with purchasing an RV so that there are no surprises down the line. Additionally, many RV dealers will offer extended warranties for additional peace of mind when purchasing a show.
It’s not just the price – think about resale
When comparing RV show prices it’s also important to think about resale value. While some RVs may seem like great deals up front due to discounted pricing or financing offers, buyers should also consider how well certain models hold their value over time in case they decide they want to sell their RV further down the road. Much like a home, it is important to consider how the unit will be viewed down the road (pun intended).
Read before signing
Finally, RV buyers should make sure they read through any contracts carefully before signing anything – never rush into making big decisions just because it feels like a good deal at the moment! Doing your research ahead of time and making informed decisions when buying an RV at a show can help ensure that you end up with the right RV for you at an affordable price.
Don’t forget accessories!
After buying an RV, there are still many things needed to make sure it runs well and looks great! Items such as hoses, covers, cleaning supplies, generators etc., can quickly add up in price so don’t forget them when attending an RV show – oftentimes vendors will offer discounts on these items as well if purchased at the same time as an RV!
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Summing it all up
Attending RV shows is an essential part of buying an RV when it comes to finding the right RV for your needs. It provides a great opportunity to compare models up close while also learning valuable information from experts in the field. Keep these tips in mind while planning your next show visit – they’ll help ensure that you make the best decision possible when buying an RV at a show!
