Buying RVs From RV Shows or RV Dealerships

"Are RV Shows a Better Place To Buy A New RV?"

By Alan Wiener
Editor; Everything About RVing

You have gone to some RV shows or some new RV dealers and you really want to buy a new RV, but you have questions. 

I will give you some answers for some of the frequently asked questions about buying a new RV.Where should I buy a new RV?

Where should I buy a new RV?

RV Dealership 

Depending on what type of RV you are considering, and where you live, this is a good source to start with.  If you live in a metropolitan area, you will probably have several dealers to choose from.  Some RV dealerships may only carry Motor Homes, others may only carry Trailers.  Some dealerships may not carry all of the different manufacturers of RVs.  The larger the dealership, the larger the selection of RV types, manufacturers etc.

For example, in the Los Angeles area there are locations that have several RV dealers all on the same lot, that actually compete with each other.  This is great for the Californians, but if you live in Coffee, Montana (yes, this is an actual town in Montana), it's not going to help you.

If you live in a rural area, you may have to travel many miles to find a RV dealership that carries the type and brand you are looking for.  Where you live pretty much dictates what you have to choose from.  If you live in one of these rural areas you can use the internet to look up the closest dealerships and also look at what they carry. 

Obviously looking at RVs on the internet is not the same as physically walking through one, but it will give you a basic idea of what models peak your interest.  The internet pictures will not answer the question of whether you will actually fit in the bathroom.  When it comes time to buy, you are going to have to take a road trip.

RV Shows

If you are seriously thinking about buying a new RV, these RV shows are the places to do it.  Most RV shows have a wide selection of RV types as well as a lot of different models and manufacturers.  At these shows, the RV dealers are competing against each other to sell you an RV (this is good for you).  RV shows give you the opportunity to walk through the RVs and compare what each manufacturer offers.

Just like RV Dealerships, there are large and small RV shows.  The larger the show, the better chance you have of getting a better deal.  The largest show in the U.S. is in Hershey, Pennsylvania every September.  Yes, this is the same place that Hershey's Chocolate is made.  In fact, this show is so large that we suggest you eat a lot of Hershey's Chocolate before attending.  You will need a sugar-high and a good pair of walking shoes to make it through all of the RVs on display.  You won't be able to see it all in one day.

In fact you may want to look at the video below for some very good tips on what you need to do to prepare yourself for a successful shopping trip to an RV show, yes, if you are seriously thinking of buying a RV at a RV show it does take some preparation on your part.  

Even if you already own an RV, you should attend one of these Recreational Vehicle Shows.  They have tons of exhibitors that are selling all kinds of accessories for your RV and usually at a discount.

Hopefully, the above information will be helpful in steering you in the right direction.  One thing is for sure you will never regret becoming an RVer.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy RVing

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