Community Forums

Parrishw52 · 11-30-2024, 10:56 AM

Good day, I have been trying to determine which RV shows will have the greatest representation of exhibitors of ancillary items. Solar, new technology.............etc............etc Can any one suggest the best alternative?

Brunnie · 11-30-2024, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parrishw52

Good day, I have been trying to determine which RV shows will have the greatest representation of exhibitors of ancillary items. Solar, new technology.............etc............etc Can any one suggest the best alternative?

In my area, the majority of "RV shows" are just an overgrown dealership showcase. Very little extra stuff, and what is there is from camping world.

Honestly, I've found that for a lot of the extra stuff, the Overland Expos are a great source. While a lot of merchandise is aimed at the Overlanding community, (vehicle upgrades and add ons) much can easily be found for regular camping plus you can get ideas looking at how people build out their vehicles.

We (I) was able to pick the brains of the Redarc and Victron people. Talk to the Garmin reps as well as the BattleBorn guys. I talked with several tire companies regarding tires for my vehicle. We sat in on a couple of seminars. Overall we found it to be very interesting and informative.

Warhorse6 · 11-30-2024, 02:01 PM

Depends on where you live and how far you’re willing to travel. The Tampa rv show in Jan 25 will not disappoint.

deckape · 11-30-2024, 02:36 PM

Tampa's show is very large and most of the big names in Rving are there . Everyone has their newer models on display . You will find the suppliers there also as well as smaller companies that have equipment , parts , and systems . Might research the show and find a list of vendors that you want to see ,talk to. Hersey , Pa . show is another large show that might be of interest to you . Local shows are dealers tring to sell inventory . Talk to the companies that you want to see and find out what shows they will attend next year.

OldBaldFat · 11-30-2024, 02:41 PM

Just one word of advice.

I know you are not looking, but I would never buy a rig sitting in an RV show. Seen too many RVs that had a lot of "Show Rash" where several little things were missing from the rig.

Seems some folks think an RV on display at a show are an easy source for knobs and such. And the dealer will NEVER make the rig right before delivery.

Jay D. · 11-30-2024, 03:54 PM

https://www.quartzsitervshow.com/ supposed to be the granddaddy of RV shows.
we thought about going but didn't watch the dates, maybe next year. we want to go to Carlsbad Caverns this year in the end of May and wanted to incorporate it with the Quartzite show but it just isn't going to work.
Jay D.

RickNC · 11-30-2024, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunnie

In my area, the majority of "RV shows" are just an overgrown dealership showcase. Very little extra stuff, and what is there is from camping world.

Honestly, I've found that for a lot of the extra stuff, the Overland Expos are a great source. While a lot of merchandise is aimed at the Overlanding community, (vehicle upgrades and add ons) much can easily be found for regular camping plus you can get ideas looking at how people build out their vehicles.

We (I) was able to pick the brains of the Redarc and Victron people. Talk to the Garmin reps as well as the BattleBorn guys. I talked with several tire companies regarding tires for my vehicle. We sat in on a couple of seminars. Overall we found it to be very interesting and informative.

I agree with Brunnie about Overland Expo, I went to the one in Virginia last year. There was a lot of solar reps and other tech reps there. More so than I had ever seen at a RV show.

Psp6158 · 12-02-2024, 06:49 PM

I don't see your location in your profile, I would add to your post... the Hershey RV show is legit, manufacturers set the prices, dealers just represent. A friend owns a RV business and told me to meet him at the show as he couldn't give me the prices he could get at the show. Neighbor bought a camper from local business who said it was show priced, I found same model a couple thousand lower at show.

Triangle Drifter · 12-02-2024, 10:11 PM

The best show is most likely right at your fingertips.

As far as something bigger than a collection of regional dealerships it depends where you live. It has been many years but when we were looking, not shopping, we went to the Hershey, PA show to get a feel for what was availale.

I understand that the Hershey show is quite a bit smaller these days.

d23haynes57 · 12-02-2024, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldBaldFat

Just one word of advice.

I know you are not looking, but I would never buy a rig sitting in an RV show. Seen too many RVs that had a lot of "Show Rash" where several little things were missing from the rig.

Seems some folks think an RV on display at a show are an easy source for knobs and such. And the dealer will NEVER make the rig right before delivery.

Seen many new RV's on display on dealer's lots with parts missing.

Sam 3 · 12-02-2024, 11:01 PM

I heard to leave your check book and credit card home. Maybe you could call each company and talk to the technical person and get your questions answered. WWW. Best Converter is very good about giving tech help over the phone. Use the internet to do your research.

Parrishw52 · 12-03-2024, 04:51 AM

Thanks to everyone for your replies. We are already looking at Quaetzite, as we will be on the way to Indio for a month or so, but the Hershey and Overlander sound attractive.

Psp6158 · 12-03-2024, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parrishw52

Thanks to everyone for your replies. We are already looking at Quaetzite, as we will be on the way to Indio for a month or so, but the Hershey and Overlander sound attractive.

You will not be disappointed in Hershey, it's huge, hundreds of RV's, coaches, trailers etc. You will find a lot of things that you didn't think you needed lol. There are a lot of vendors for everything camping, rv'ing. They are set up inside and outside a large arena.

DFord · 12-08-2024, 07:58 PM

The FMCA International Show (will soon rebrand as the Family RV Association - FRVA) that alternates each year between Perry Georgia and the SW is one of the bigger events in March. There's also a summer International "Convention" and this year it will be: FMCA 111th Int'l Gillette, WY July 16-19, 2025

I've never been to Indio but heard it's very good.
You can't beat Quartzsite's RV Week (the last full week in January).

https://www.fmca.com/fmca-perry-2025-learn-more