How to get the most from an RV show

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RV Buying Advice : Strategies

How to get the most from an RV show
By Julianne Crane

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Winter RV shows provide excellent opportunities for dealers to preview their newest models and for potential buyers to see all the latest bells and whistles. "RV shows are great places to see a lot of RVs in one place and that's the number one reason to attend," says Chuck Woodbury, editor of RVtravel.com and the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD Buying a Recreational Vehicle.

RV shows are also the safest places for "wannabes" -- those who dream of one day purchasing a recreational vehicle–to do research. They can ask questions and poke their heads into hundreds of RVs without the fear of being trapped alone on a dealer’s lot with a high-pressure sales guy.

Here are a few suggestions to get the most from an RV show:

1. Organize your thoughts: Before pulling into the parking lot, think about all the ways you want to use your RV. Where do you plan to store it? What’s your budget? How do you plan to finance it? Serious potential buyers should arrange financing ahead of time if they have a preferred financial institution.

2. Wear comfortable shoes: Lace on those favorite walking shoes because it can easily take four or five hours to cover the entire show. There will be places to sit and have a cup of coffee.

3. Collect information: Show directories are usually near the front door to help people map out where to go. Shoppers can pick up lots of manufacture’s brochures to review later.

4. Ask questions: There will be dozens of dealer and manufacturer representatives on site, so ask about the rig and the dealership. "Take advantage of the free seminars offered at many RV shows," says Woodbury. "The speakers are often experts in their field and in one hour you can learn a lot."

5. Kick the tires, take a test drive: "Sit on the couch," advises Woodbury. "Pretend you are cooking a meal to see if there is enough counter and cupboard space. Lie down on the bed. Sit on the commode: can you shut the bathroom door when you do? Is the shower stall big enough? Take a look at all the construction. Check out everything." Before purchasing any motorized unit, drive it. Most dealers can easily arrange for a test drive. If the dealer resists, walk away.

6. Get a free return pass: If you need some extra time to think, or want to visit the dealership, ask for a free return pass. "The biggest mistake an RV buyer makes is buying on impulse," says Woodbury. "There's a lot of energy at an RV show and the sales people are often provided financial incentives to sell RVs right there and then. It's easy to fall in love with a particular RV you see at an RV show. Avoid the temptation to buy it on the spot. Take some time. Come back another day."

To learn the about upcoming RV shows in your area, click here.

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