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By Camille Attell RV shows make for a fun and unique weekend activity that the whole family can enjoy. Tour RVs, learn about the latest motorhome and trailer trends and eat some good grub while you chat with other RV enthusiasts. Keep reading to learn why you should add an RV show to your calendar this year.

Why You Should Go To An RV Show

RV Shows Are Like Disneyland For RVers (Sort Of)

rv show boston rv show crowds An RV show is like Disneyland for the whole family! Okay, not really. But exploring all the RV possibilities is more fun than many theme park attractions and certainly better than standing in long lines. You can find a huge quantity and variety of RVs in one place, as well as booths selling things like camping gear and RV accessories. My first RV show was San Diego, CA. It was a 73-degree day with a slight breeze. People were in great spirits, I could meander into RVs at my leisure and the free burgers practically flew off the grill into my eager hands. Then a nice RV patron placed an icy cold soda in my hand … pop, fizz, gulp, ahhh! … I was hooked!

You Can Tour RVs

One of the best things about of RV shows is that all of the models are open and you can come and go as you please. There aren’t many salespeople trying to engage you, probably because they can’t get to everyone. But even the few that approach you are usually quite helpful and not at all pushy. rv show teardrop trailer The variety of RVs on display is unique to RV shows. Dealer lots often specialize in types or brands of RVs, so the selection is smaller. At an RV show there’s a seemingly endless variety of RVs to check out. This is great if you are still exploring the different types of RVs to figure out what kind you like. I have friends who are in the market for an RV and they can’t decide between a Class A or a fifth-wheel. Although both offer similar amenities inside, there’s a BIG difference between a towable and motorized RV! An RV show would allow them to tour a range of Class As and fifth-wheels, along with everything else from mid-size travel trailers to adorable teardrops.

RV Shows Are Great Places To Learn

rv show information boston new england rv You can learn so much at RV shows — and not only from the salespeople. Patrons sometimes have even more knowledge than the people working at the show. RV owners love attending RV events, and many of them have deep knowledge and experience. At the San Diego show, I learned about everything from the pros and cons of diesel versus gas to which membership clubs I should join. RV owners can teach you about which brands offer quality and service — and which ones you might want to avoid. When I took a break from touring the RVs to eat my BBQ burger, Joe and Terry — a long-time RV couple — sat down and joined me. They filled me in on their 30 years of RV experience and recalled exciting travel stories. When I told them this would be my first RV, I saw a twinkle in their eye and a hint of longing for their own first RV.

You Can Buy An RV — Or Just “Window Shop”

rv show shopping I love RV shows for the research opportunities and lively buzz that they offer, but I’m not totally convinced that you’ll get the best deal at one. Buying an RV at a show is really no different than buying one anywhere else. Do your research, ask questions and be prepared to negotiate if you’re serious about driving off in a new RV. (On my blog, I wrote about seven things you should ask an RV dealer. You can read that article here.) I know too many RVers who got swept up in the moment and walked out with an RV, only to realize later that they could have saved more money. Yikes! You can save yourself a lot of money and regret if you stay focused on your goals and your budget. This article on which RV is right for you will help you narrow it down. Before you make a big purchase, consider renting an RV to get a feel for how it really handles on the road. You can find a huge variety of RVs for rent on Campanda. Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself and don’t feel obligated to buy an RV on the spot. Instead, take the opportunity to learn all about RVs so that you can make the right RV purchase when you’re ready. Oh, and don’t feel guilty about eating the free food — it’s likely built into the ticket price anyway. 😉

RV Shows In Spring/Summer 2018

RV shows happen all over the country, all year round. A lot of the big ones happen in January and February — leaving people plenty of time to shop before camping season kicks in. But if you missed out this winter, never fear! Here are some of the biggest and best RV shows happening this spring and summer: [su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Arizona” box_color=”#404B55″]Greater Tucson RV Show March 23 – 25 Tucson, AZ greatertucsonrvshow.com[/su_box] [su_box title=”California” box_color=”#404B55″]The Real RV Show March 8 – 11 Sacramento, CA rvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Colorado” box_color=”#404B55″]Colorado RV, Sports & Travel Show March 1 – 4 Denver, CO coloradorvsportsshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Florida” box_color=”#404B55″] Ocala RV Show March 1 – 4 Ocala, FL frvta.org SuperSaver RV Show April 20 – 22 Fort Meyers, FL frvta.org Tampa Bay Summer RV Show June 7 – 10 Tampa, FL frvta.org West Palm Beach Summer RV Show June 8 – 11 West Palm Beach, FL frvta.org [/su_box] [su_box title=”Georgia” box_color=”#404B55″] FMCA International Convention & RV Expo March 15 – 18 Perry, GA fmca.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Illinois” box_color=”#404B55″] Central Illinois RV Show – Peoria March 2 – 4 Peoria, IL centralillinoisrvshow.com Springfield RV & Camping Show March 23 – 25 Springfield, IL gsevents.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Indiana” box_color=”#404B55″] Midwest RV Super Show August 9 – 12 Elkhart, IN rvshows.org [/su_box] [su_box title=”Louisiana” box_color=”#404B55″] Acadiana RV, Sport & Boat Show April 13 – 15 Lafayette, LA bacshows.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Michigan” box_color=”#404B55″] Battle Creek Camper & RV Show March 1 – 4 Battle Creek, MI marvac.org Flint Camper & RV Show March 15 – 18 Flint, MI marvac.org Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show March 23 – 25 Traverse City, MI marvac.org Port Huron Camper Camper & RV Show March 8 – 11 Port Huron, MI marvac.org [/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”New Hampshire” box_color=”#404B55″] NH Camping & Recreational Vehicle Show March 23 – 25 Bedford, NH ucampnh.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Oklahoma” box_color=”#404B55″] Green Country RV Show July 20 – 22 Tulsa, OK greencountryrvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Oregon” box_color=”#404B55″] Oregon State Eugene Spring RV Show March 2 – 4 Eugene, OR eugenespringrvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Pennsylvania” box_color=”#404B55″] Greater Philadelphia RV Show March 1 – 4 Oaks, PA phillyrvshow.com York RV Show March 9 – 11 York, PA yorkrvshow.net [/su_box] [su_box title=”Rhode Island” box_color=”#404B55″] Rhode Island RV & Camping Show March 2 – 4 Providence, RI rhodeislandrvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Tennessee” box_color=”#404B55″] Memphis RV Show March 16 – 18 Memphis, TN thememphisrvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Virginia” box_color=”#404B55″] Fredericksburg RV Show March 2 – 4 Fredericksburg, VA FredericksburgRVShow.com Virginia RV Show – Hampton March 9 – 11 Hampton, VA virginiarvshow.com Mid-Atlantic RV Expo March 16 – 18 Doswell, VA virginiasbestrvexpo.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Washington” box_color=”#404B55″] Washington State Evergreen Spring RV Show April 13 – 15 Monroe, WA evergreenspringrvshow.com Puyallup RV Show May 3 – 6 Puyallup, WA puyalluprvshow.com [/su_box] [su_box title=”Canada” box_color=”#404B55″] Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show March 1 – 4 Mississauga, ON torontospringcampingrvshow.com Montreal Recreational Vehicle Show March 1 – 4 Montreal, QC salonvr.com Quebec Recreational Vehicle Show March 22 – 25 Quebec City, QC salonvr.com [/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

So you fell in love with a certain model at your local RV show. Now what?

Find a similar RV for rent on Campanda! Renting an RV is a great way to find out how different models handle on the road — and whether the RV you fell in love with at first sight is really “the one.”

Click Here To Rent An RV

Is your RV sitting idle? Rent it on Campanda and earn some extra cash!

Rent your RV on your own terms. Click the link below to get started.

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Header image credit: Pamona RV Show