Community Forums

Ron750 · 06-16-2019, 12:44 PM

I have been doing research for a few years, and I am ready to start looking at Motorhomes. I like the idea of a RV show where I could see a lot of MHs at one time.

Are RV shows a good way to get a better idea of what you really want? My wife and I would be willing to take a weekend and fly to one of the better shows.

Any recommendations on good shows? We live in Wisconsin, so any there would be great, but I don’t want shows that only have a few manufacturers exhibiting.

Thanks for any advice.

A32Deuce · 06-16-2019, 01:18 PM

Hershey Pa is one of the bigger/better shows to go to. I am sure other parts of the country have them. But I have been there and so have a lot of others.

Ron750 · 06-16-2019, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Hershey Pa is one of the bigger/better shows to go to. I am sure other parts of the country have them. But I have been there and so have a lot of others.

That show looks awesome. Unfortunately, my daughter in law is due to have her first baby right in the middle of that show. Maybe I’ll hit it up in 2020.

Elwood58 · 06-16-2019, 05:57 PM

Hershey in the northeast. Tampa in the southeast. Pomona in Southern California. Those are the big three.

Ron750 · 06-17-2019, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elwood58

Hershey in the northeast. Tampa in the southeast. Pomona in Southern California. Those are the big three.

The California show sounds great, but sounds like they have problems from being too big. I see they’re moving to a new venue.

Anybody go to the California show last year?

DRM901 · 06-17-2019, 07:23 AM

We like the Dallas show. A good variety of class a, c, 5ers, tt manufacturers. Very good prices. And the reps we spoke with actually work at the dealers or manufacturer, not just there to make the sale.

**Spdracr39** · 06-17-2019, 10:09 AM

I find they are more of a way to see what is available vs what you really want. Many times after using the rv you realize you didn't like or use what you thought you would. When you look and narrow it down to your favorites hang out in each one for an hour or so and pretend like you are doing stuff like cooking, watching tv, showering .... You will get a good idea of the flow just by watching the other folks coming through. This will also give you a chance to talk to other rv owners. When they say oh I like the way ours is better ask them why and what they have.

Arch Hoagland · 06-17-2019, 10:38 AM

Are there any RV dealers within a few hundred miles of you?

When we were looking we'd go a few hundred miles for the weekend and check out all the motorhomes.

I remember our legs used to hurt from going in and out of all the coaches.

The more you can look at the better it is.

rvwanderer1 · 06-17-2019, 04:53 PM

Hershey pa the largest in the country. all the dealers are trying to out do each other which is good for us.

F4Gary · 06-17-2019, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM901

We like the Dallas show. A good variety of class a, c, 5ers, tt manufacturers. Very good prices. And the reps we spoke with actually work at the dealers or manufacturer, not just there to make the sale.

I respectfully disagree.
It is a great show if you are interested in 5th wheels and TTs.

Not that great for motorhomes. Not that many.
It's a dealer show, not an RV show, and most of the dealers are trailer dealers.

Ron750 · 06-17-2019, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Are there any RV dealers within a few hundred miles of you?

When we were looking we'd go a few hundred miles for the weekend and check out all the motorhomes.

I remember our legs used to hurt from going in and out of all the coaches.

The more you can look at the better it is.

I don’t want to drive hundreds of miles, and then instantly know I don’t like something. I would like to eliminate the DOAs in an efficient manor. After I narrow it down , I‘ll have to do road trips. Closest dealer is 60 miles. Closest Pursuit dealer is 200 miles.

I’d like to buy locally, instead of at a show. Looks like dealer support is crucial with MHs and I assume they give priority to people who buy from the dealer, not at trade shows. Is that true?

mrboyer · 06-18-2019, 04:45 AM

You might attend the FMCA convention in Minot, ND at fairgrounds . Should have 150-200 RVs on display. More motor homes than towables. Aug 14-17. The 14th May be noon to 5 for rv display. 15-17 all day.

Arch Hoagland · 06-18-2019, 10:22 AM

"I’d like to buy locally, instead of at a show. Looks like dealer support is crucial with MHs and I assume they give priority to people who buy from the dealer, not at trade shows. Is that true?"

Yes, generally you'll get better support from the place you bought it.

GCSuper · 06-18-2019, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

"I’d like to buy locally, instead of at a show. Looks like dealer support is crucial with MHs and I assume they give priority to people who buy from the dealer, not at trade shows. Is that true?"

Yes, generally you'll get better support from the place you bought it.

Very true. Many dealers won't service something they don't sell, especially if it's warranty work. A big part of our purchase decision was based on service after the sale and luckily, we've only needed a few repairs. Both times they said bring it in tomorrow and we'll fix it while you wait. So we've been very happy with our decision. We live very close to one of the mega 30-40% off dealers but service is non existent.