Although it's several months away, we are getting quite excited as we consider attending our first RV show. We live in South FL, so this one is relatively local for us.
We looked at the preliminary show floorplan just yesterday. Lots and lots to see, so we'll plan to spend at least 2 (maybe 3) full days. We'll take in some seminars as well.
We are still about 1 1/2 to 2 years out from our escape, so the visit to the show is for planning purposes, to learn and to see "in person" the rigs we've virtually toured.
Any advice, suggestions, thoughts or comments to make our first RV show as useful & productive as possible? Without some sort of game plan, I think we'll look like Dorothy and the Tin Man when they first entered Oz!! :)
Thanks much!
Melstar said
11:25 AM Sep 12, 2010
Wayne and I are planning to attend our first RV show in Beaumont, TX in 2 weeks! I'm excited....but we only have 1 day to spend...will that be enough time? The drive to the place where it's held is about 2 hours. It goes on for 3 days...didn't think we'd need to spend the night....but now wondering??? We have no RV right now....dreamin of doing the full time thing in a few years.
Melanie
-- Edited by Melstar on Sunday 12th of September 2010 11:26:32 AM
Terry and Jo said
12:07 PM Sep 12, 2010
Take a digital camera to the shows or even to dealerships. With each RV you look at, first take a picture of the brand name on the RV. It doesn't hurt to have a shot of the whole rig in the photo, as long as you can see the brand name.
Then, take a picture of the model number on the side of the RV. On many fifth wheels, that is located somewhere near the entry door. Then take the photos you want, of every thing of interest in the RV, after that.
If you repeat that process with brand name, model number and then detailed photos of exterior and interior with each one, there is never a question as to which picture goes with which brand/model. Do each unit in the same order. Don't start taking pictures of one brand/model and then run back to a previous brand/model without doing the same sequence. You may find later that you don't know what brand/model a picture was taken in if you don't do the above sequence or take notes of brand/model with corresponding picture file numbers.
Key point; take photos inside and out of things like suspension, jacks or level-up systems, storage areas and other features. While many times we don't want to take pictures of an RV with people in the photo (thus blocking part of the view), sometimes it is beneficial to have someone or something that you know the size of to give a perspective of the size or space available. For instance, a purse of yours placed in a storage area will give an indication later as to just how much room was there, or an individual standing in a "room" to give an indication of the size of the room. I have photos of rooms both empty and with Jo in the picture. I've even laid a brochure on a table or counter or desk to get an indication of the surface area of that item.
Also, if there is a price sheet/options sheet with the unit, take a picture of that as well. While the price won't "really" give you the true price, it will at least give you a ballpark number.
But, most of all, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. And, like being on RV forums, don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask about warranties, both manufacturer's and extended ones. While you may not want to go with extended warranties, they are sometimes beneficial. We had one on our previous 26-foot fifth wheel, and when the 19" TV went out, it cost something like $700 to replace it. Granted, a lot of good TV's can be had for less than $700, but you may need to also consider the labor to repair/replace something at some time.
Whatever you do, be sure and have fun. You'll have the opportunity to listen into the conversations of others and learn from them as well.
Terry
53 Merc said
01:04 PM Sep 12, 2010
In additon to Terry's advice, I will offer mine. Leave your checkbook at home. Do not buy something at a show, even to take advantage of "special show price". Take your time to decide what you want to look at before you go. Makes no sense to look at a small travel trailer if you know you want a lot of room. Makes no sense to look at 400,000 $ motor homes if your budget is less than 80,000$.
Make a list of your must haves, and look at the ones that have most of them. Then, sit down and take your time in the ones that look like they may meet your criteria. Put things in place, visualize spending a rainy afternoon inside. With your plan in place, don't be afraid to walk away from a pushy salesman.
Think about buying from someone that knows what they are talking about, think about factory direct pricing and think about going to a factory to watch one being built.
One that I read a good review about was Glacier Bay. He is a member of one of the forums I frequent, MYRVTalk.com. One member there went to the factory and was ready to start specing out a 5th wheel. The owner said, you need to take a bit of time and pray over this before you spend this kind of money. Gotta respect a guy that has that attitude.
two travelers said
03:24 PM Sep 12, 2010
We were suppose to go to the Hershey Pa show today but it did not come to be... I love going to that show it is huge.. not as big as the Fla show I am sure.. I have found it so over whelming the first year we went.. I did not even get to see it all.. So now when I go .. I start with a list of models I want to look at first..than back track to everything else.. patti
jb said
06:24 PM Sep 12, 2010
The Florida show is great. We lived in Tampa for 14 years went several times and purchased a trailer one year. We loved that trailer and got a perfectly good deal on it.
It is a large show . So, it is a good idea to know which dealers have the rigs you are interested in.
Otherwise -wear comfortable shoes and have fun.
-- Edited by jb on Sunday 12th of September 2010 06:25:47 PM
mooline said
06:29 PM Sep 12, 2010
Thanks so much to everyone for all of this great advice - very, very much appreciated!
No worries about the checkbook. We're still 2 years from taking the plunge. And there is no way a 40' MH will fit in our condo's parking garage! :)
We looked at the preliminary show floorplan just yesterday. Lots and lots to see, so we'll plan to spend at least 2 (maybe 3) full days. We'll take in some seminars as well.
We are still about 1 1/2 to 2 years out from our escape, so the visit to the show is for planning purposes, to learn and to see "in person" the rigs we've virtually toured.
Any advice, suggestions, thoughts or comments to make our first RV show as useful & productive as possible? Without some sort of game plan, I think we'll look like Dorothy and the Tin Man when they first entered Oz!! :)
Thanks much!
We have no RV right now....dreamin of doing the full time thing in a few years.
Melanie
-- Edited by Melstar on Sunday 12th of September 2010 11:26:32 AM
Then, take a picture of the model number on the side of the RV. On many fifth wheels, that is located somewhere near the entry door. Then take the photos you want, of every thing of interest in the RV, after that.
If you repeat that process with brand name, model number and then detailed photos of exterior and interior with each one, there is never a question as to which picture goes with which brand/model. Do each unit in the same order. Don't start taking pictures of one brand/model and then run back to a previous brand/model without doing the same sequence. You may find later that you don't know what brand/model a picture was taken in if you don't do the above sequence or take notes of brand/model with corresponding picture file numbers.
Key point; take photos inside and out of things like suspension, jacks or level-up systems, storage areas and other features. While many times we don't want to take pictures of an RV with people in the photo (thus blocking part of the view), sometimes it is beneficial to have someone or something that you know the size of to give a perspective of the size or space available. For instance, a purse of yours placed in a storage area will give an indication later as to just how much room was there, or an individual standing in a "room" to give an indication of the size of the room. I have photos of rooms both empty and with Jo in the picture. I've even laid a brochure on a table or counter or desk to get an indication of the surface area of that item.
Also, if there is a price sheet/options sheet with the unit, take a picture of that as well. While the price won't "really" give you the true price, it will at least give you a ballpark number.
But, most of all, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. And, like being on RV forums, don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask about warranties, both manufacturer's and extended ones. While you may not want to go with extended warranties, they are sometimes beneficial. We had one on our previous 26-foot fifth wheel, and when the 19" TV went out, it cost something like $700 to replace it. Granted, a lot of good TV's can be had for less than $700, but you may need to also consider the labor to repair/replace something at some time.
Whatever you do, be sure and have fun. You'll have the opportunity to listen into the conversations of others and learn from them as well.
Terry
It is a large show . So, it is a good idea to know which dealers have the rigs you are interested in.
Otherwise -wear comfortable shoes and have fun.
-- Edited by jb on Sunday 12th of September 2010 06:25:47 PM