8/12/25

How to Get the Most Out of an RV Show: A Buyer's Guide

So, you've got the RV bug. Welcome to the club! You're dreaming of open roads, scenic campsites, & the freedom to take your home-on-wheels wherever your heart desires. The first big, exciting, & honestly, a little overwhelming step is often a trip to an RV show.
RV shows are like the Super Bowl for campers. They're massive, chaotic, & filled with more travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A's, B's, & C's than you can shake a s'mores stick at. It's an incredible opportunity to see everything in one place, but it's also a place where you can easily get swept up in the excitement & make some... let's call them "learning experiences."
I've been to my fair share of these shows, both as a wide-eyed newbie & as a seasoned RVer. I've seen people find their dream rig & I've seen others walk away with a serious case of buyer's remorse. The difference? A game plan. This is your insider's guide to not just surviving, but absolutely conquering an RV show.

Before You Even Think About Parking: The Pre-Show Prep

The most important part of an RV show happens before you even step foot on the convention center floor. Seriously. Going in unprepared is like trying to navigate a cross-country trip without a map. You might get there eventually, but it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Step 1: Digital Reconnaissance

First things first, jump on the show's website. This isn't just about checking the dates. You need to become a mini-expert on the event itself. Look for:
  • The Show Map: Download it. Print it. Memorize it. The layouts of these shows can be HUGE. Knowing where the brands or types of RVs you're interested in are located will save you from zig-zagging across a 10-acre concrete floor & wasting precious energy.
  • Vendor & Dealer List: Who's going to be there? This is your chance to do some pre-show homework on the dealerships. A fantastic "show deal" from a dealer with terrible online reviews for service is a recipe for disaster.
  • Schedule of Events: Many shows have seminars on everything from RV maintenance to full-time living. These are often led by industry experts & can be GOLDMINES of information. Don't skip these!
  • The Fine Print: Check for parking costs, admission fees (and if they're cash-only), & any coupons or online ticket discounts. Every dollar saved on entry is a dollar you can put toward your RV fund.

Step 2: Know Thyself (and Thy Tow Vehicle)

Before you start falling in love with a 45-foot fifth wheel, you need a reality check.
  • What's Your Budget? This is the big one. And I don't just mean the purchase price. Think about insurance, maintenance, storage, & potential upgrades. Have a firm "walk-away" number in your head. It's easy to get swept up in "show pricing" & creative financing, but a budget is your best friend.
  • Full-time or Part-time? Your intended use DRAMATICALLY changes what you need. A weekend warrior can make do with less storage & a smaller kitchen. If you're planning on living in it, every square inch matters. Storage becomes a non-negotiable priority.
  • What Can You Actually Tow? If you're looking at towables, this is non-negotiable. Know your vehicle's max tow capacity. Don't just guess. You can usually find this on the driver's side door jamb sticker. Salespeople should know this, but you are the ultimate guardian of your own safety. Don't let anyone convince you that your half-ton truck can "totally handle" a massive toy hauler.
  • Create a "Must-Have" vs. "Nice-to-Have" List: Get granular. Do you need a bunkhouse for the kids? A dedicated workspace? An outdoor kitchen? A king-sized bed? Write this down. When you're looking at your 20th floorplan of the day, this list will be your anchor.

Step 3: Pack Your Go-Bag

This isn't just a casual outing; it's a mission. Pack accordingly.
  • Comfortable Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. You will be walking miles. MILES.
  • Water & Snacks: Food lines can be long & overpriced. Staying hydrated & energized keeps you sharp for making big decisions.
  • Note-Taking System: Whether it's a notebook or your phone, have a system. My favorite trick: for every RV you like, take a picture of the info sheet by the door first (make, model, price). Then, take a video walkthrough, narrating what you like & dislike. When you get home, you won't have to struggle to remember which kitchen belonged to which trailer.
  • The "Trade-In" Folder: If you're planning to trade in your current RV, bring all the info: year, make, model, VIN, photos of the interior & exterior (be honest about any damage), & any loan payoff information. This will make getting an accurate trade-in value much smoother.
  • A Portable Charger: Your phone will be your camera, notebook, & flashlight. Don't let it die mid-show.

Game Day: Navigating the Show Floor Like a Pro

Alright, you've done your homework. You're hydrated, caffeinated, & ready to roll. Here’s how to tackle the show itself.

The Art of the Walk-Through

Don't just poke your head in. You need to live in the RV for 15-20 minutes.
  • Go Beyond the "Wow" Factor: The first impression is always great. The lights are on, it's staged perfectly. But you need to look closer. Is there sawdust in the corners from a rushed factory job? Does it smell like chemicals?
  • Open Everything: Cabinets, drawers, storage bays. Do they open smoothly? Do they feel flimsy? Where will you actually put your pots, pans, & clothes?
  • Sit Down. Lie Down. Seriously. Sit on the toilet (with the lid down, of course). Is it cramped? Lie on the bed. Can you walk around it without shimmying? Sit on the sofa. Is it comfortable for a movie night, or is it just for show?
  • Pretend to Cook: Go through the motions of making a meal. Is there enough counter space? Is the fridge a decent size? Where does the trash can go? This is a surprisingly big issue in many RVs.
  • Check the "Driver's Side": A great insider tip is to walk around to the non-door side of the RV. Dealers will have the pretty "campsite" side polished to perfection. The other side might still be covered in road grime from transport, which can tell you a lot about their attention to detail.
  • Bring the Whole Crew: If you're camping with family, bring them along. Let the kids check out the bunks. Make sure everyone can move around without constantly bumping into each other.

Who to Talk To (and What to Ask)

The show floor is buzzing with people, but not all of them have the answers you need.
  • Salesperson vs. Manufacturer Rep: Learn to spot the difference. Salespeople work for the dealership. Their goal is to sell you an RV today. Manufacturer reps work for the brand (think Forest River, Winnebago, etc.). They often wear shirts with the brand's logo. THESE are the people you want to find for the nitty-gritty details. They know the product inside & out & can often answer technical questions that a salesperson might not know.
  • Your Fellow RVers: Don't be shy! Strike up conversations with other people looking at the same models. Ask them what they like, what they're looking for, & what they've learned. RVers are a friendly bunch & love to share their experiences.

The Ultimate List of Questions to Ask

This is where you put your research to the test. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions.
For the Salesperson/Rep:
  1. "What is the actual total length, from tongue to tail?" The "box length" they advertise can be deceiving.
  2. "What is the real-world cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of this specific unit?" The brochure number is often for a base model. Added options like a bigger AC or solar panels eat into your CCC. The yellow sticker, usually inside a cabinet door, has the true number.
  3. "What's included in this 'show price'?" Ask about dealer prep fees, documentation fees, etc. These can add thousands to the final price. Ask for an "out-the-door" price.
  4. "Tell me about the warranty. What does it cover, & more importantly, what doesn't it cover?"
  5. "If I buy from you today, where do I get service? What is your service department's current backlog for appointments?" This is HUGE. A great price is meaningless if you have to wait six months for a warranty repair.
  6. "Is this a three-season or a true four-season RV? What kind of insulation is in the walls, roof, & underbelly?"
  7. "Can you show me how this dinette converts to a bed?" If they hesitate or don't know, it's a red flag about their overall product knowledge.
For Yourself (and your research later):
  • Can I live with this layout? Where will the laundry basket go? The dog bowls?
  • What are the online reviews for this model? Check forums & Facebook groups for common problems.
  • Is this dealer reputable? What are their service department reviews like?

The Truth About "Show Pricing"

Ah, the magical allure of the "RV Show Special!" You'll see giant signs with slashed MSRPs, making you feel like you're getting the deal of a lifetime. Here's the inside scoop: it's complicated.
Dealers do want to move units at shows. It's expensive for them to transport all that inventory, so they are motivated. However, the "show price" is often just their standard sales price, not some magical, once-in-a-lifetime discount. A 15-20% discount off MSRP might sound amazing, but many experienced buyers aim for 25-30% off, depending on the model & time of year.
Your best negotiation tool is knowledge. Research what the same model is selling for at other dealerships online before you go. Don't be afraid to walk away. The pressure to "buy now before the deal is gone" is a classic sales tactic. The deal will likely still be there tomorrow, or an even better one might be waiting at the dealership after the show.

After the Show: The Cooling-Off Period

You've survived! You're exhausted, your feet hurt, & your head is spinning with floorplans. Now is NOT the time to make a rash decision.

Decompress & Debrief

Go home. Put your feet up. The next day, go through your notes & photos. That RV that seemed perfect on the show floor might reveal some flaws in the pictures. The one you were on the fence about might suddenly seem like a better fit.
Do a deep dive online. Now that you have a shortlist, search for owner reviews of those specific models. You'll learn about common issues & potential quirks that you'd never find out from a salesperson.

Let's Talk About Storage - The Often-Forgotten Cost

This is a big one that catches a lot of new owners by surprise. Where are you going to keep this beautiful, expensive new toy when you're not using it? Many HOAs don't allow RV parking. Leaving it exposed to the elements, especially in harsh sun or freezing cold, can cause serious damage over time, from cracked caulking to peeling decals.
This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Instead of paying a fortune for a traditional storage lot, Prked connects you with homeowners in your area who have extra space in their driveways, garages, or side yards. It's a pretty cool way to find a secure, convenient, & much more affordable spot to store your RV. You can often find covered or even enclosed options, protecting your investment without breaking the bank.
And hey, if you're one of those lucky people with a huge driveway or an empty garage, you can even use Prked to make money. Listing your unused space offers a fantastic passive income opportunity, helping you offset the costs of your own RV adventures. It's a win-win.

Finalizing the Deal

If you've done your homework & are confident in your choice, it's time to talk numbers.
  • Get Pre-Approved for Financing: Your bank or credit union will likely offer a better interest rate than the dealership's financing. Having a pre-approval in hand gives you a powerful negotiating tool.
  • Negotiate the "Out-the-Door" Price: Don't get bogged down in monthly payments. Focus on the total cost, including all fees.
  • The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): This is your final, most critical step. Before you sign the final papers, you will do a thorough walk-through of your specific unit with a technician. Test every single system: the water pump, the furnace, the AC, every light, every outlet. Open & close every slide. Be meticulous. Do not leave the lot until you are 100% satisfied that everything is working perfectly.

My Final Two Cents

RV shows are an amazing part of the buying journey. They are your chance to learn, explore, & dream. By going in with a plan, you transform from a potential target for a high-pressure sale into an educated, confident buyer.
Take your time, trust your gut, & don't be afraid to walk away. The right RV for you is out there, & the journey to finding it should be just as fun as the adventures you'll have in it.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & happy shopping
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