Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
We've been to both and think they are comparable. Tampa had a little more "unique-ness" to it. Some higher end units and vintage rigs that Hershey didn't have. I'd check the website for vendors/manufacturers and see if there's something you want to see that the other one doesn't have. Florida in January is always nice if you're stuck in a cold place for winter.
Both shows are great because of the size, variety, and the fact the RVs are displayed by manufacturer. So, while dealers have set up the displays and are showing the units, all the units from the same manufacturer are located in one area. All the dealers showing the same units are together. Most other RV shows are by dealer where you may have to go from one end of the show to the other to compare the same units.
Both shows are put on by their respective state RV & Camping Associations. Both are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. By the way, I'd highly recommend going on Wednesday & Thursday to avoid the crowds and better be able to spend time in the units that interest you.
Personally, I didn't find much difference in the ability to tour RVs.
The vendor booths (campgrounds, after market accessories, etc.) in Tampa are laid out in a few different exhibit halls while the vendor booths at Hershey are in an arena with some vendors on the floor of the arena and others spread out in the concourse on an upper level. Flat walking, but spread out in Tampa. All in one place, but lots of steps in the arena at Hershey. Again, avoid the weekend if possible to better get around the vendor booths.
The Tampa show is on the east side of the city in a more industrial area where interstates intersect. Hershey is more rural and quaint.
We've been to the Tampa show multiple times and Hershey only once, so take that into account. My memory of Hershey may not be that great.
As was mentioned before, January in Tampa to escape colder weather may be the deciding factor. :)
We have also been to both and they are both good - Howard's description of both is pretty much spot-on. I think, as Kenny & Frances said, Tampa has more vendors, which since we aren't looking to get a rig (completely happy with our Landmark) we like to see what's new with vendors. We do enjoy touring the new rigs, that just isn't our focus now.
