First RV Show What to Expect?

[Jhuff8181]

We're going to our first RV show this weekend. What can we expect, great deals, good information, etc? Just looking for your past experiences.

Thanks.

[hondavalk]

JIMO you will get to see a lot of different campers but thats about it. There will be vendors pushing there campgrounds and vendors selling RV related stuff, but at least here in Ohio nothing more than you can find online. For me there drawer is just looking at all the different campers.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Jhuff8181

We're going to our first RV show this weekend. What can we expect, great deals, good information, etc? Just looking for your past experiences.

Thanks.

High pressure sales and promises that will be broken/forgotten before you are out the door. Only leave your name and address with vendors you want to hear from, not to 'win' a prize. I'd never make a serious deal in such an atmosphere, just access who you'd go back to later, away from the show pressure to make a deal.

[Alsdas88]

Just got done with two shows in the area I live.
Had lots of fun looking at all the different models and making comparisons. We had been researching for over a year on what we would like, and the shows helped us lock down the unit that fit our needs.
We already had a sales person on the hook prior to the shows, but there were plenty of high pressure sales people to influence you. Don't jump at the first thing that catches your eye. DO your research online and away from the "eye candy" high pressure sales atmosphere at the shows.

Mostly have fun and enjoy.

[450Donn]

Use it as a research tool and nothing more. Show specials are a come on. You can almost always get as good and sometimes better dealers after the show. Shows are a tool dealers use to hype up people to start camping after they buy that brand new rv.

[JohnT]

Bring a note pad and tape measure. Ask lots of questions; hitch weight, axles rating, Chinese tires, etc. etc. Have fun. Take pics too!

If the factory rep is there, work with him.

[Kevin J]

Sore feet.

[jamvir]

We go just to get ideas about different amenities we will want on our next rig. And, to see if any of the manufacturers are increasing their quality. If you look "beneath the surface glitz", you can see a lot of flaws - drawers stapled together, cheap drawer glides, doors that aren't square, flooring screws that have missed the joists (look at the ceiling in the storage bay for this). Use a mirror on the inside of cabinets to see how they are put together - many are not very pretty.

Some things you can't really see and will have to ask about - frame dimensions, etc.

I was looking at a popular rig that was advertised as a full-timers rig. The "shipping weight" was 11067 and the carrying capacity 3,033. After adding weght for the 2nd AC, 4 batteries, dual pane windows, washer & dryer, etc. the carrying capacity will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 - 2,500 lbs. Now add water, tools, and all your other stuff - you will be overloaded.

Nuff said

Jim

[Cumminsfan]

Know what your truck can carry/tow. I always look at the factory sticker that's usually on the door of the trailer. I look for the UVW weight and payload capacity. I add 1500lbs to the door sticker as that's what I carry. That lets me know if my truck can carry the pin. I take the UVW plus my 1500lbs and figure 20% for pin. I also look for a higher payload capacity or CCC. You don't want a big 5'er with only 1400lbs of CCC. You'll be maxed out. I don't even go in units that are too heavy. Waste of time. Fun to look at sometimes. But at a big RV show you can really wear yourself out by going in too many units. I try to go in having certain models that I want to look at. The internet is your best friend. I always look up the models online after being at a show. The brochures they hand out are fine, but more info is on the net.
Lastly don't get caught up in a salesmans BS. Some are okay but unless you know exactly what your truck will carry/tow then they will sell you too much trailer for your truck. From what I've found most salesmen tell me my 3/4 ton will tow everything they have since it's a diesel. Even my wife knows when they are full of BS.
Also drink plenty of water and if they have some food grab a bite to eat. This gives you a mental break. And wear your most comfortable shoes

[donnariley53]

Over priced parking, entrance fees, food and beverages, but on the plus side, certificates for reduced camp stays.

[Pepper2]

We enjoy looking. We go to our local show every year. This not the time to buy unless you have completed all your homework. Have fun looking but leave the checkbook at home.

[Frankwh]

If those double pane windows are made by Kinro run don't walk away.

[JayC]

Frank, wanta explain a little about the Kinro windows please? We have them on our trailer and I noticed some on new Mobile Suites units too.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Just helped my daughter buy a new 5th wheel. What you'll see is a lot of junk. I was completely not ready to see how crappy most 5th wheels are put together. The abuse of cheap plastic trim, cheap appliances and sub standard workmanship. Unless you are ready to spend 100k you better do your homework. Go in to as many brands as you can. Don't believe a word that any salesman tells you. Visit a lot of sites like this and ask a lot of question. What my daughter bought was a new Heatland Silverado 37QB. She has two children so the bunk house is perfect. She ordered all the optional interior upgrades and the home size microwave fridge and stainless sinks. Being that we own a 2005 National Dolphin class A really made me appreciate how well our rig is put together. We are full timers going on 7 years.
Do your home work. As for pricing, her unit msrp'd for 62k, she bought it for 48k. She didn't buy it at a show. There's a great dealer in Gilroy Ca that really treated her well.