Our 2018 RV show season kicks off in Novi in February, with plenty of other RV shows you can attend – hosted by us and by many other groups all over the country – over the upcoming months. Here are some helpful tips to make the most out of attending these events.

  1. Arrive early. This gives you more time to peruse and have time for breaks during the day, as well give you the opportunity to speak with representatives before it can get too crazy and you’re competing for their attention. Pick up a show map to get a lay of the land and circle models or areas you really want to visit – and visit those first. Many show maps are available online prior to the start date of the show, so you can do this ahead of time and be two steps ahead. If you’re not sure what to expect at a particular RV show – let’s say you’re interested in travel trailers from a specific brand – then contact the show staff and ask. This will help ensure that you don’t waste your time.
  2. If you have the time, visit more than one day. Pace yourself over two days if you’re able to, especially if it’s a very large show. Some shows can cover multiple football fields, which means there’s a lot of walking and a lot to see – and remember. You don’t want to rush through and have everything become a jumbled blur, so give yourself the time you need to carefully and intentionally experience the show, look at RVs, and talk with representatives. And if you can, come during a weekday instead of a weekend to avoid larger crowds.
  3. Bring a backpack. Or a large shoulder bag. You’ll need space to place show maps and brochures from dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors. Carry some snacks and water bottles, too, as concessions at RV shows can often rival the concession prices at movie theaters and baseball games. Bring along a small tape measurer and flashlight if you’re very serious to take measurements and check out darker spaces in the RV.
  4. Ask questions! Don’t be shy to speak with the people there representing dealers and manufacturers, speakers, and vendors and suppliers. Better yet, prepare your questions ahead of time to have with you in case you need it. Know who is best to approach regarding a particular question. The sales people can give you a lot of information, but folks from the RV factory can often be more helpful with their more in-depth knowledge.
  5. Be thorough. In a word, nosy! An RV show is the perfect chance to take a comprehensive look at RV models. Open everything. Sit in the chairs and the driver’s seat. Look in every cranny inside and out. Practice common everyday scenarios – such as cooking – to see if the RV layout will work.
  6. Don’t settle. Don’t be pressured to buy and do not buy on impulse because “it’s such a good deal.” You should have a list of what you need and don’t need in an RV. You should come to a show with a solid idea of what you’re looking for – RV type, what your vehicle can handle, layout, bells and whistles. The ideal RV is out there! It may or may not be at the show you’re attending, but as you get familiar with brands and dealers, you can better hone in on what you want to buy and where you want to buy it from.
  7. After the show… Organize the materials you got at the show in the way that best helps you manage your thoughts and make a decision. Often it’s better to wait a day or two after the show to give your mind and body a chance to recoup. Narrow it down to your top two or three and then look more in-depth from there. Go to the manufacturer’s websites of the rigs you like for more details and reviews. This will help equip you when you’re ready to meet with a dealer to make your final purchase.

P.S. Need a place to start? Read our other articles about sport utility vehicles, travel trailers, motorhomes, and camper vans, which include questions and considerations to make before and during the decision-making process. You can also visit Go RVing, too, to compare RVs.