Community Forums

rubberduckie · 12-03-2020, 03:55 AM

Is the Tampa Florida RV show the largest outdoor show in the nation?

Thanks

timjet · 12-03-2020, 04:59 AM

I believe both Tampa and Hershey claim to be. I've been to both and at both you will see A LOT of RV's.

Toby Dog · 12-03-2020, 05:10 AM

Tampa is at the state fairgrounds so probably larger by size, but that show is so spread out it's hard to judge how many units are there.
Hershey has a big big number of units but it's all on blacktop and in the September heat you will know you've been there.
Vendors goes to Tampa by far. They both are worth doing repeatedly.
The Tampa show for Jan 2021 has not been cancelled yet. Key word yet.

timjet · 12-03-2020, 05:22 AM

It's my understanding Thor Industries pulled out of the Tampa super show but their dealers will probably be there. There is/was some question whether the show would go on, but with just over a month to go and no announcement of cancellation, my guess is it will be open.

FL governor has lifted all restrictions so the super show won't violate any state laws. FL is attempting to following Sweden's example of herd immunity.

FL lifting of restrictions: https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-covi...ns-11605625421

tuffr2 · 12-03-2020, 06:57 AM

The largest show is in California I heard. Tampa was number 2 and Hershey was number 3. I have been to Tampa and Hershey shows 3 times each.

The Hershey show in September on black top can be nice or can be hot. One in 3 shows it was hot. Tampa in January is usually nice weather. 3 for 3 times I was there it was nice 70 - 75 degrees.

You can spend multiple days at each but especially at the Tampa Show. If you can stop at any RV Park and get into the Club House there might be free tickets on the Bulletin Board if you go after the 1st day.
I would stay in Crystal River and see Tampa Show free tickets in the club house bulletin board.

The best thing at these big shows is you can talk to the Reps that know about the product. The 2nd best thing is you will see RV's that are not at any dealer yet.

These shows are worth going to imho but they are big.

rubberduckie · 12-03-2020, 07:00 AM

Already had the COVID, so we are going.

Thanks

nicky8668 · 12-03-2020, 10:12 AM

Never been to the Tampa one.

I lived at Hershey for 7 years and went to the show every year. You can go there for 3 days without stepping into the same unit twice. Very nice to see some million dollars class A diesel pushers and some awesome overlander class C.

You literally have to keep your hand from signing any paperwork.