5 Great reasons to Attend an RV Show

My family and I have been fortunate enough to visit the Hershey RV Show two years in a row, the more recent of which happening only a couple weeks ago. If we’re in the area next year, we may even go again then.

I mean, why not? This is touted as the biggest RV show out there, and I have to say, I do believe it may be true. This fact alone makes it one of the most interesting RV shows out there, making it well worth seeing.

Check out more great things to do while RVing HERE.

No, we aren’t shopping for a new RV, at least not really—though we might consider switching rigs, just not to a brand new one. However, we do find that visiting these RV shows is quite useful, as well as extremely fun. Considering the number of people at any one of these events, I’d say we aren’t the only ones who feel this way. I just don’t believe every person there is there to buy.

So what are the benefits of attending an RV show besides the obvious shopping opportunities? Here is how we ensure our time is not wasted when we attend these events.

#1: Discover New Ideas

The thing about the RV industry is that it’s always changing things up. Models that came out a year ago are slightly different this year, and the RVs that were put on the market five or six years ago are nearly obsolete at this point.

Manufacturers find new ways to do things and better ways to add storage. They discover ways to integrate new technology and little changes that can be made to make life easier for users. All of those little changes come together to make a more user-friendly product.

That said, many RVers are perfectly happy with the rigs they have. Perhaps they still owe money on their current motorhome or trailer, or maybe they appreciate the build quality of their older rig. Whatever the case, seeing these small changes that manufacturers are making can actually help the owners of older rigs come up with ideas for small changes they could make to their own RVs to make camping life even better.

In fact, after leaving last year’s RV show in Hershey, we actually did a complete remodel on our rig and added in several features that we saw and appreciated at the show.

#2: Get a Feel for Different Floor Plans

New ideas for small changes are one thing; new floor plans are another thing entirely. That said, sometimes a new floor plan is just what an RVer needs to feel comfortable in their home-on-wheels.

Going to an RV show is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the different kinds of floor plans out there. Once you find one you like, you could purchase the RV in question of course, but you can also apply that information elsewhere.

For instance, some people might choose to take the furniture out of their current rig and replace it with new, more functional furniture in a configuration that works well for them. We actually replaced our couch and our table, and we love the new setup since it gives us more flexibility and floor space.

Another way to use information on floor plans is to apply it to the purchase of a used but new-to-you motorhome or trailer. After all, if you know what kinds of setups you love, you can narrow your search quite a lot, making the whole process a lot easier and less time-consuming.

#3: Make Connections

A huge perk of going to RV shows is actually the people. If you enjoy socializing while on the road, take the time to meet the people running the booths with RV products. You might be surprised to learn that they are campers as well, and maybe you will meet again during your travels.

You could also chat up fellow RV show attendees. Some may not be too keen on talking, but others might be happy to meet a fellow adventurer. Meeting other travelers can lead to a lifetime of great friendships, especially if you make a point of staying in touch.

Related Read: The Wonderful people One Meets RVing

#4: Learn About New Products

Sure, there are a lot of RVs at RV shows, but those trailers and motorhomes aren’t the only things being sold. Most RV shows also have a large collection of booths selling RV-specific products. Often, innovative products made by campers just like you and me will even debut at these events, meaning you could be the first to learn about a super awesome and useful RV product.

For this reason, it’s a smart idea to have a look around the product booths during your visit. You never know what you may find, and we can all use a little more convenience and a little less work in order to enhance the relaxing quality of our camping trips.

Related Read: Best of the Best Top Camping Gear

#5: Have a Blast!

The final yet most important benefit of attending an RV show is the fun you’ll have. Seeing all the latest and greatest RV models, meeting others who love camping as much as you do, and spending some quality time with your favorite camping buddy makes for a wonderful day that you will remember for years to come.

Ready to head to the next RV show? Lucky for you, these awesome events happen in numerous locations across the country. Finding one in your area is as simple as running a quick Google search.

Go ahead, find one nearby, buy your tickets, pack your day bag, and get ready for a super fun, RV-focused day filled with cool discoveries, fun conversations, and lots of new ideas.