Posted by on Jan 18, 2012
If you’re shopping for an RV, RV shows are a great way to see what’s on the market and compare models from different manufacturers. You’ll get the most out of an RV show if you do a little homework on RVT.com first. If you’re new to RVing, start with our RV Buyer’s Guide which gives you an overview of the different types of RVs available. Then browse through our online RV listings to narrow your search. While you’re browsing, make a list of features you like.
Before the show, check the show website for seminar schedules and download a map. RV shows cover a lot of ground, so mark “can’t miss” RV dealer displays and booths on your map before you head for the show. Put on some comfy walking shoes, grab a backpack for carting literature, and don’t forget your smartphone (or take a notepad and digital camera).
When you arrive at the show, start by visiting a large RV dealer where you can make side-by-side comparisons of motorized and towable RVs. After deciding which type of RV you want to buy, walk through comparable models by different manufacturers. To keep all the information about a particular RV together, make your notes on the literature you collect. To help jog your memory, snap photos of the RV models and features you like best.
Check the RVT.com RV show calendar to find an RV show new you.
Next time: Are RV show prices as good as they sound?
Posted by on Jan 16, 2012
A sure-fire cure for the winter blues is headed for a convention center or fairgrounds near you. January kicks off the start of the year-round 2012 RV show season. Winter and early spring are prime RV show months. RV manufacturers and local RV dealers want to introduce new features and show off new RV models before the start of the spring travel season.
Whether you are new to the RV lifestyle, an experienced RVer planning to upgrade to a newer model or a dedicated RV traveler contemplating a switch to a different type of RV, attending an RV show is a great way to start your search for your next RV. RV shows typically feature hundreds of RV models, allowing RV shoppers to make direct comparisons between similar RV models offered by different manufacturers. With hundreds of vendors in attendance, RV shows are also a great place to check out the newest RV supplies and accessories. RV shows also offer a full schedule of informative seminars on a wide range of subjects such as how to buy an RV, RV towing tips, RV maintenance, RV cooking tips and recipes, greening your RV, even RV feng shui.
RV shows are massive weekend events that cover a lot of square footage. Buy a multi-day ticket (check online for ticket discounts) so you have plenty of time to see everything and take in a few seminars.
Next time: How to make the most of RV shows
Posted by Claire on Nov 07, 2011
RV dealers manufacturers and suppliers are gearing up for the RV industry’s biggest trade show of the year; and one lucky person will leave the show with the keys to a sleek, new 2011 Harley-Davidson FXS jingling in his pocket. RVT.com’s 4th Annual Harley Giveaway is already underway. Click the link to enter online or visit the RVT.com booth #815 at the show. No purchase is necessary. On December 1, one lucky winner will be chosen by random drawing to become the proud owner of a new 2011 Harley-Davidson FXS!
RVT.com’s show special — free RV dealer advertising — makes every RV dealer a winner. We’re offering new customers 2 free months of dealer listings on RVT.com; and current RVT dealers, 25,000 free targeted display/banner ad impressions. This is a limited promotion, so act now! Click the link for complete information.
The 49th Annual RVIA National RV Trade Show will be held from November 29 to December 1, 2011 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Sponsored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the trade show is the largest gathering of RV manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and industry professionals in the U.S. Attendees will get a good look at new 2012 RV models, new technology and new features. The RVIA trade show is not open to the public, but we’ll be sharing info and new trends from the show with our blog readers to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the RV Nation.
Posted by Claire on Oct 19, 2011
It’s easy to get carried away at an RV show. When you’ve spent the day comparing RV models and checking out cool new features, you’re pumped and ready to buy the RV you’ve been dreaming about. That extra “show only” savings the RV manufacturer’s rep or onsite RV dealer offers to seal the deal makes it that much harder to walk away; but walk away you must. If you cave to sales pressure, you’re setting yourself up for a bad case of buyer’s remorse when you find the exact same RV on RVT.com for hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars less.
Consumer advocates recommend sleeping on it before making a major purchase like a recreational vehicle. That’s good advice. Experienced RVers recommend using RV shows to compare the features and amenities of RV models on your wish list. When you return home from the show, use RVT.com’s advanced search feature to search out the same RV models you liked at the show. On RVT.com, RV shoppers will find ads for both new and used RVs posted by RV owners and RV dealers. On RVT.com, you can generally find the RV you’re looking for with the features you want but at a price that’s even cheaper than the RV show discount you were offered.
If you want the best deal on a new or used RV, shop at an RV show; but buy your RV online at RVT.com.
Posted by Claire on Oct 17, 2011
In our last few posts, we’ve been talking about how to make the most of your time at an RV show. If you’re in the market to buy an RV, an RV show is a convenient place to compare different RV manufacturers and models. Before you leave for the show, make sure you do your homework. Check out RV models and features on RVT.com and make a list of must-have and nice-to-have features. Print copies of your wish to take with you.
Armed with your lists and a camera, you’re ready to visit the first manufacturer’s display.
– As you enter each manufacturer’s area, take a picture of their sign. Document each RV model inspection by taking photos of key features, beginning with an exterior shot of the RV model. The signage and RV exterior photos will serve as visual bookmarks to help you keep different models and features straight after you get home.
– Collect literature on each RV model you are interested in, then walk through the RV with a salesperson. Ask what makes this RV a better buy than other models you are considering. Use your checklist to keep track of important features and make notes. Get the salesperson’s card for questions that occur later.
– Spend some time sitting in and moving around each RV model. Pretend to do normal chores, like preparing a meal or taking a shower so you can feel how big or compact the space is. Pay attention to layouts and traffic patterns.
Next time: Ready to buy
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Posted by Claire on Oct 14, 2011
If you’re planning to buy an RV online, experienced RVers recommend you attend an RV show to physically walk through and compare your top picks. RV shows put everything in one convenient location, making it easy to compare the top RV models on your shopping list. As we noted in our last post, it’s important to do your homework before the show and winnow your list down to a couple of choices. Now, on to the show!
At the show. RV shows cover acres of space so wear your most comfortable walking shoes. You’ll also find it handy to bring along a pen and notebook for taking notes, a digital camera or camera phone (photos will aid your memory when you get home), and a tote or backpack to carry literature.
When you arrive at the show, grab an event schedule and show map and take a minute to rough out an agenda for the day. Note the times of seminars you don’t want to miss and mark the exhibit locations of the RV manufacturers you are most interested in. Working around your seminar schedule, visit these exhibits first. After you get the info you came for, you’ll still have plenty of time to wander around to see what’s new in the RV universe, check out what other manufacturers are offering, and attend additional seminars and demonstrations.
Next time: Checklist for comparing RV models
Posted by Claire on Oct 12, 2011
RV shows are massive affairs. The October 14 to 23 California RV Show in Pomona, for example, will feature more than 40 RV manufacturers, 800 RVs and thousands of RV accessories and products spread over acres of indoor and outdoor space. The ability to directly compare different manufacturers and RV models make RV shows an excellent place to shop for an RV. But, if you don’t have a plan, you could spend days wandering from one exhibit to the next and leave without the information you planned to get.
Planning is the key to making the most of the time you spend at an RV show. The time you spend researching RVs before you attend an RV show will help you focus your energies on what is most important to you when you are at the show.
Before the show. Research different RV types on RVT.com and decide which kind of RV you want to buy (motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper, etc.). Use RVT’s handy links to RV resources to get more information about different RV manufacturers. Using our handy price checker to make sure you’re shopping within your price range, check out the RV ads on RVT.com. Compare size, floor plans, number of bunks, amenities and standard features. Narrow your list of contenders to 2 or 3 RV models.
Look online for ticket discounts and buy a multi-day ticket. If you’re traveling by RV, reserve a camping space onsite or at a nearby RV campground.
Next time: At the show
Posted by Claire on Oct 10, 2011
The biggest RV show in the West opens on Friday, October 14, at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. The 59th Annual California RV Show will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, October 23. Click the link for complete information, discount tickets and a schedule of free seminars and special events.
RV shows are a valuable resource for RV shoppers and RV owners who are thinking about upgrading or just want to see what’s new on the RV market. RV shows gather hundreds of RV models from every RV manufacturer in one place, making it possible for RV shoppers to walk through and compare the features of many different models. RV shows also offer plenty of free seminars on everything from RV maintenance to RV cooking. They’re also a great place to check out the latest RV tools and gadgets.
If you’re thinking about buying an RV or already own an RV and are ready to upgrade your rig, attending an RV show is an excellent way to actually walk through and get a feel for different types of RV, compare different manufacturers and models, check out new green technologies and sustainable building products, watch live demonstrations of RV features and products, talk directly to manufacturers’ representatives, and get the straight scoop from experienced RVers.
RV shows are massive. To get the most out of an RV show, you need a plan.
Next time: Your RV show agenda
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