Tips for attending my first RV show ... deer in headlights - RV-Dreams Community Forum

michigansnorkelers · RV-Dreams Community Member

Tips for attending my first RV show ... deer in headlights

Ann and Steve · RV-Dreams Family Member

The "diddly-squat" comment is where we all started, at one time or another. For your first show, I suggest just meandering around, get over the "O-ohs" and "Ah-h-s" and just basically enjoy yourself. Those of us in the later stages or research head directly for rigs of interest but you might just be better off finding the concession stand, browse brochures (collect them all if you like), and take your time. Get there early and wear comfortable shoes. Try to ignore the prices and be courteous to the salespersons. If something catches you eye, jot a note on the brochure with model number, manufacturer name, stuff like that, so you can reference back to the unit later as your research continues.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ann and Steve hit it right. Everyone has to be a newbie.

If you have the time, browse the forums and see what people speak of or complain about. Collect the brochures and stay open minded.

Go in with the thought of how big your family is and whether you plan on full-timing or just camping occasionally. My wife and I currently have a 26 foot fifth wheel, but are planning to full time in the future. Thus, we are looking at 36' to 38' fifth wheels.

When we were looking, I took along a small digital camera to take pictures of anything of interest that might not have been in a brochure (like sheets of paper with prices on them).

Give thought to whether you want to pull a trailer with a truck, or whether you think a motorhome would be more convenient. At the show, you will have the opportunity to see the different amenities of each kind.

If a trailer is your choice, consider whether you want a fifth wheel or a travel trailer which hooks to a rear hitch on the truck. For my planning originally, I wanted a travel trailer so I could pull it with either of our vehicles. Then we found that we traded one vehicle which wouldn't have pulled the trailer anyway. So we traded for a fifth wheel. To me, it is easier to pull than a travel trailer. (I should have listened to my wife in the first place.)

But whatever you do, be in agreement and have fun.

Terry

subra1228 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hello!

My two-cents:

1. Get there early so there are less people.
2. Bring a good lunch & be sure to sit & enjoy it.
3. Take your time & do not expect to see everything. Perhpas focus on one or two ideas, i.e. If you're still deciding between a 5-er and a Motorhome, look only at those & leave C-classes & travel trailers alone. But if you know you want a C-class, for example, then only focus on those.
4. If the show is more than one day, perhaps take shorter days.
5. Be sure to stop & sit a bit - relax.
6. Bring paper & pen - a digitial camera too, so you can record thoughts, ideas, etc..
7. Keep in mind that dealers will give show prices after the show, so don't feel pressured to buy.
8. HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Enjoy!
Suzanne
www.campingandtravels.com

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Be sure to pick-up any reading material of an Rv that you like. These usually show floor plans and what not. Do not waste time on looking at ones you are not interested in like the multi million dollar ones! biggrin They are fun to see if you have never been into one but consider only what your budget will allow.
southwestjudy

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

If possible, I recommend you rent an RV (class c) and take a small trip. The idea is to find out what you like and don't like about the rig. It doesn't take very long when traveling and staying in an RV to find these things. It's a great way to learn about rv'ing without making a costly mistake by purchasing a rig that you don't like.

Unless you have spent some time in an RV it's hard to know what to look for when you go to shows. You really need to know whats important to you and your situation. Maybe you need lots of storage room, or counter space, or a big bathroom and shower. I know when we were looking I got so tired of seeing TT's where everything turned into a bed :)

And don't forget that the RV-Dreams site is full of great information as you search for answers. Don't be afraid to ask questions as your search continues...there are lot's of friendly folks here to help.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had been shopping for a new 5th wheel for about a year and would stop by RV dealers to see what they had as we had time. It helped to narrow down our choice.

A week before an RV show at the Rose Bowl in California, we went back to the dealer that had our number one choice, we got a ballpark quote so we'd have something to work from at the RV show..

At the RV show we looked at a few other 5th wheels, but kept coming back to our number one choice. We sat down with a dealer and got a price from them. We went to a nearby phone and called the origianl dealer to ask if they would give us a better deal. They beat the price by $2000. So we drove 60 miles to the dealer and closed the deal....

The RV show is a good negotiation tool.

Another tip is to drive through the parking lot, a lot of folks bring their "For Sale" RVs in hope they can catch someone's eye. Look for signs in the windows of any RVs parked in the lot.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

My two cents....

Look past the "Alabama Fluff"...of course you want a pretty home but you can have both pretty and quality. Like Ann and Steve said...ignore the price for the first trip through and examine the quality. You can find many list on this forum of what to look for in a full time rig. Be sure to think down the road and remember you will be confined to this model for some time. One of Sherri's biggest things to look for was the kitchen space...can you prepare dinner in this kitchen? Space is an important thing to think about....kitchen wise and wardrobe space.

HAPPY HUNTING

Joe and Sherri

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

For your 1st RV experince, I would not get too tied up in this model over that model or even 5th wheel vs MH. I would take a note pad and ask a lot of general questions. Whats this for? How does this work? What size is that? Things like that, just to get to know what things are and what purpose they serve. Ask the salesman or anyone that happens to be in the area when the question pops into your head. You can always go back next year and look at details when you feel a little more comfortable about what you are looking at. Enjoy the experince and find out how friendly RV people are, then decide if the lifestyle is for you.

Flyone

michigansnorkelers · RV-Dreams Community Member

Well, we're back from the RV show!

Thanks to all for your advice.

I was really surprised at the prices. Many of the motorhomes were selling for under $120,000. Not cheap, but a lot less than I expected new units to sell for.

Neither of us cared too much for the Class C motorhomes. Too much contorturing to get into the seats. And with my bad back I'll never sleep in the upper berth area. I know, picky picky.

I really liked some of the Class A motorhomes, while my wife preferred the 5'th wheel trailers. I think they reminded her more of our home with a great room, fireplace and cathederal ceiling. They also seem to have a lot more window area, with most having a "picture window" out the back. I'm just not sure about towing something so large. I also suspect the cost of the truck might surpass the cost of the trailer.

I was also amazed how some units immediately "felt like home" while others seemed like we would never get used to them. And this was not always related to cost. I know, this is all superficial and subjective, but that's all the experience we have to go with at this time.

Well, we've got the bug. We also have about 6 years before retirement to decide what's best for us. I just hope the prices don't skyrocket by then!

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

You will more than likely change your mind several times before making your final decision.We started out with a 28 foot Sunny Brook for vacations and actually thought we could travel full time for a couple years in it.Changed our minds and thought a Class A motorhome would be better because Wife Linda has a very bad back condition. We thought she could get up and move about while enroute, but FOR US the motor homes just didn't feel like home . We ended up with a 38 foot 5th wheel and as soon as I retire (April) and sell our property we will head out. Take your time and keep looking every chance you get. You will soon figure out what you are most comfortable with.