Why do you go to RV shows?

[gpounder]

I am going to Quartzsite AZ next week which is one of the largest shows anywhere.

Why do you go to RV shows?

Looking for new RV
Looking for used RV
Attend seminars
RV products and accessories
Get repairs done
Food
Entertainment
Meet friends

[pasdad1]

Never been to Quartzite show, but have seen many videos of people that did……it doesn’t hold a candle to the Tampa RV Supershow held each year in January. Way way bigger in Tampa.

I have gone every year for more than 5 years for several reasons. Parking with the Newmar Club gives me access to Newmar factory service technicians for repairs at a huge discount. They are happy to escape the cold in Indiana, and we are happy to have their experience and expertise while at the rally/show.

It’s nice to have a camping experience midway thru the winter, when normally we are stationary in Florida for several months.

The vendors are selling stuff I can’t live without, that I didn’t even know I needed ? LOL I will be looking to see what new starlink mounting poles are available, maybe a power-bank/jump starter box too.

We get to see all the new RVs in one place for easy comparisons.

They even have lots of mobile live entertainment roaming around the show…..jugglers, bands, people in costumes, etc…..food truck food

Usually meet many of the RV YouTube celebrities which come to this show as well.

[Ray,IN]

No option to vote for I don't go to RV shows, and I don't.

[MSHappyCampers]

We haven't been to an RV show since Covid started, but we used to go just to see what was new.

That can also get you in trouble! Back in 2002 we went to the Atlanta RV Show and come home new owners of a 36' 5th wheel!

[tmw188]

Above HI Joe!
At the Tampa Super Show I really only go for the seminars, products and specialty vendors, for that reason I like to go by myself.

[twogypsies]

Quartzsite isn't indicative for a good RV show. Maybe years ago but now there are very few dealers contributing to bring new ones. They bring used ones that they can't sell on their lots. The inside big tent has changed also. Now there are a lot of products that don't even pertain to RVing. The flea markets are fun to poke around.

It's still a fun time though. The main reason so many attend is 'the experience' of millions of RVers parked in the desert. There are many groups that get together for an annual visit including specific manufacturer groups who give seminars and sometimes on-site repairs to their customers.

Have a good visit!

[Gary RVRoamer]

Window shopping, i.e. seeing what is new in the world of RVs. Not looking to buy anything in particular.

[bigb56]

When we were in the looking stage we went to do comparisons, but unfortunately many are only 1 dealer shows so you can't directly walk back and forth comparing different major brands. We did go to some of the indoor shows just because it's so much nicer to look at them inside when it's 110F here in the desert.

[glwinger]

When we did go it wasn't to buy. I had no reason to replace what I have. Nice way to spend (waste) a day in the winter.

[spuds]

99% of them are local/regional "RV Sales Shows", not really RV brand shows. They are sponsored/run by local dealerships.

There are something like 3 real national shows - Tampa, Hershey, and Pomona/Cali - that are not local dealer-run.

If we go, it's just to kill time. No intent to buy, and definitely not going to buy something thousands have walked through, pulled handles on, etc.

[NLOVNIT]

As to the poll: None of the above

I've never been to one of the national shows; only local. If I even go, it's just cuz I've got nothing else I want to do. I never found an RV at a show that I'd want to have. A long time ago, at a rally/RV show which had a vendor area, DH & I did find a hot tub we bought, but that wasn't even an RV accessory!

[Dutch Star Don]

We've been going to the Quartzsite RV Show for 18 straight years. Unfortunately, calling it an RV Show is a misnomer. It's a big junk and flea market with some RV stuff intermingled, even less RV stuff over the last few years. It's had its highs and lows. During the last recession and now Covid, it really slows down but slowly builds back up.

We used to love to go to RV Shows to poke around the new RV's, but mainly to look at RV products and gadgets. Very few shows now have much in the way of RV products anymore, more like pots and pans shows. We've never made it to the Tampa Show, that sounds like a real RV Show.

[Parafango]

There was a show in Boise over the past weekend. It turned out to be a bust. Only Camping world dealerships were in the house. A LOT of used and starter rigs.
We went to the show to get ideas for storage, layouts, new lighting and to compare what we have to what's on display. Even though they had a 2022 version of what we were dreaming about (Arctic Fox 5'er 27-5L) on a lot nearby for about 30K off, we weren't there to buy. Got out of there with my wallet and sanity intact.

I'd like to attend a REAL RV show someday. For now, I have my sites set on the Escapee's Escapade in Tucson, AZ in March. Although it won't be an RV show, there will be hundreds of different rigs there, and many folks would be proud to show them off, if asked.

[F4Gary]

Food? Who goes for the convention hall food and no beer?


We quit going because it's 90% trailers, 9% mega dollar diesel pushers, and 1% gas motorhomes and most of those are Class C's.


I'm not interested in any of that. Very few gas Class A's.