Is it worth it to attend an RV show? Do you have questions about RV shows or are shopping for a new RV? Has our RV Show calendar gotten you interested in visiting an RV show? Here are 23 RV show tips that will help you in your quest.

There are different types of RV shows, but they are generally a collection of various dealers who bring a variety of RVs from the manufacturers they represent. These tend to be organized into collections so all the Rockwood trailers will be together and all the Winnebago motorhomes together, etc. Typically these are within a space that is managed by a dealership and multiple dealerships are at the show.

You can find new features and facts at an RV show.

It’s not typical to have multiple displays of the same brand, so you’ll generally have only one collection of each brand. Also, not all brands of RVs will be there. There are a tremendous number of RV brands out there and it would take a whole city to display everything you could get. Of course larger shows have more makes and models represented, smaller shows have fewer and may even have only one dealership there.

Not all the RVs in a manufacturer’s line are always at the show. Typically the most popular or newest models are brought to the show and some dealers will then encourage you to visit the dealership if a model you’re specifically interested in is in their inventory but not at the show.

Also, the manufacturer’s representatives are often there as well and can answer those tough questions that the dealership may not have the answer to. They can also point out some key features that could help you in your decision making process.

23 Tips for attending an RV show

Wear Comfortable Shoes
Like a day at an amusement park, you’re going to be walking. A lot. And climbing up and down a lot of RVs steps. RV shows cover a lot of ground so be prepared to log a lot of steps in the most comfortable walking shoes you own.
Bring Water Bottles
There will be plenty of snacks, food and drinks at the RV show but have a water bottle you can refill and carry with you.
Bring your Phone Charger
You’re going to see a lot of RVs at the RV show and, after a while, you won’t remember which one had which feature you liked. Fortunately you have your phone with you! But a really big day of taking notes and pictures can mean the phone poops out before you do. A spare battery pack and cable can help alleviate that.
Your phone is your friend
As you go through the various RVs they will run together in very short order. Take a photo of the model information and then more pictures of the features/interior that appeal to you. Video is even more valuable in story telling and helping you remember which models are your favorite.
The phone also has a note pad function and a voice note feature - be as detailed as possible in your description while you’re still inside the RV so you won’t forget.
Think of the space
Do you and your partner have widely varying sleep schedules? What’s your ideal getaway - an active outdoor adventure or comfy recliners and a big TV? There is no wrong answer but there is an RV for you so keep all this in mind while shopping.
Pretend You’re Cooking
When evaluating an RV think about actually using it. Go through the process of meal preparation in the kitchen - is there enough counter space? Will the storage and counter space meet your needs? And would you be doing more prep and cooking indoors or is an outdoor kitchen more your style? Actually going through the motions may help you add, or remove, certain RVs from your list.
Test the toilet
Do not actually use the toilet in the RVs at a show but do sit on it and make sure you can accomplish everything you need to accomplish. Some RVs have the toilet so tightly confined that you cannot accomplish the full job and, of course, each person is built differently enough that the toilet placement can make a big difference.
Test the shower
Again, you won’t be using the shower at the show but do get into it and see if you can accomplish all the things you need to. Things like washing your hair, washing the naughty bits, shaving your legs and all of that.
What about privacy
If it’s just you or just you and your partner privacy probably isn’t an issue. But if you have a family or have friends who might join you, is there enough room to change clothes or dry off from a shower without sharing more than you care to with your fellow campers?
Bring a Tape Measure
A pocked-sized tape measure can help you answer questions about the size of cabinets or other items relative to what you want to put in them.
Pro Tip: the latest iPhone software has a measuring feature built right in!
Find the best day
If the RV show you want to attend is held on a week day, these tend to be less crowded. Sometimes there are also discounts and deals available on the show admission. However it’s also good to attend as close to the opening day as possible as some RVs get sold and then locked meaning you can’t see them. You might also consider a “big sweep” early in the show and then go back and revisit those rigs you liked the best.
Know your Tow Vehicle
If you are considering a towable RV know what your tow vehicle can handle before you go to the show. Camping World has a good tool to help you figure out what your vehicle can tow. Remember that the content of your vehicle including people and things need to be added into your equation for towing. Also, trailers are advertised with the dry weight so don’t forget to factor in batteries, propane, liquids, food, clothes and all the fun things you’re going to bring with you.
It’s never a bad idea to leave a decent amount of “wiggle room” so you don’t max out your tow vehicle. I personally do not like to tow more than 70% of what my vehicle is rated at but this is a personal preference based on years in the RV industry.
Know before you go - the show
If you have an idea of the configuration or even the make of what you’d like to see at the RV show, map out your day before you go so that you can see the specific RVs you want. Start when the show opens and see what you’re hoping to see first so you hit that make or model before the crowds get larger.
Many RV shows publish their layouts in advance so if there are brands or models you’re interested in, you can figure out where you want to stop first.
Know before you go - the RVs
Not all RVs are built the same. In fact, manufacturers have sub-brands that can be built very differently than others even from the same company. Consider that GM made the Cadillac Fleetwood and Chevrolet Vega at the same time - both were GM but were very, very different in quality. This is very true in the RV industry - one manufacturer can produce significantly different grades of RV.
It’s good to know the individual qualitative features of RVs so you can figure out the quality of what you’re looking at. Different types of roof material, windows, suspension, construction and more can affect the longevity and value of the RV you choose.
Know before you go - the dealers
One of the most important components of an RV is the dealer you buy it from. They are your liaison to the manufacturer and will handle the warranty claims. You might see which dealers are at the show and do some research before you go - the difference between a great dealership and service department and a lousy one will completely affect the experience you have.
Are the deals better at an RV show?
Sometimes the deals you can make at an RV show can be better. There is a competitive nature to these shows with manufacturers wanting to earn your business so they may provide incentives, sometimes substantial ones, to the dealers. The dealers want your business and the competitive nature of the show means you may be able to get a better price at the show than you might normally get at the dealership.
The deals - your trade
If you are seriously considering buying an RV at the show and you have a trade, know as much as possible about that trade. Pictures of the model and specifications stickers along with photos inside and out will help the dealership make a more informed offer on that trade. Make sure you know the year, model number, mileage (if it’s motorized), options and features. Remember you are doing your best to get the most for your trade so the better your photos and description, the more accurately the dealership can quote their offer.
The deals - financing
Just as RV dealers compete at a show, some finance companies do as well. Sometimes there will be special financing terms at an RV show making the deal even sweeter. But know what you can get from your own resources (credit unions often have great rates) before you go in and get your best deal on financing too.
The deals - terms
Do you need the RV delivered somewhere? Do you need the dealership to hold it for a couple of weeks? Would you like options added like slide toppers? All of this needs to be included in writing in your deal. It’s not just the price but also all the terms that you should have written and understood.
There is no perfect RV
While we all may have this vision of what is exactly the perfect RV, it likely doesn’t exist. Instead, every RV is going to be a compromise of features, size, amenities. Evaluate the RVs that most appeal to you and decide which compromises are unthinkable and which could make you happy. Checklists help with this.
Brand B may be better
RV manufacturers are really, really good at copying popular floor plans. You may have your heart set on a specific brand and model but do scout out the competing brands - they may have a floor plan that looks the same on paper but offers much better features in an area that suits your needs. Or, you may just prefer the color of the couch. Don’t rule out looking at the same floor plan from different brands.
Your mission
There are two ways to approach an RV show - a day looking at all the latest RVs or with the specific goal of finding that next great vehicle for your life adventure. If you have the mission to make a buying decision, don’t let all the wonderful distractions that are part of an RV show lure you away from looking at what you are hoping to buy.
Your posse
Let’s be blunt here. Your kids and pets will be part of your RV adventure but can be a challenge at an RV show. If possible, scout out the RVs you’re interested in with just the decision makers and then return with the whole crew on another day. Kids have a difficult time focusing on the mission at hand (so do I!) so you may be better off attending without them, at least the first go ‘round. Of course you know them and some may be a great asset if enrolled in the process.
Pets, too, have a really difficult time at an RV show. I’ve seen people trip on dogs, step on their feet and, often times, a day of walking on hot asphalt can really hurt your dog’s paws. Dogs are bad decision makers as it is (squirrel) so it might be better if they’re also left home.