RV Camping Shows - What to Expect For First Time RVers Or RV Buyers
If you are new to RVs and RV Camping, or if you are in the market looking to buy a new RV, RV and Camping shows are a great place to start your research. RV dealers and manufacturers come from miles away to attend RV shows. When you attend an RV show, don't be afraid to ask questions about the RVs, products and accessories they have to offer. Not only will you find a good selection of RV dealers to check out, but there will be every make and model of RV imaginable too. RV shows are a great place to do some comparison shopping too. Keep in mind that RV's are available in entry, mid-line, and high-end luxury RV models. When comparing prices of RVs, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. One RV may look like another one, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment and features they both have to offer. If you are in the market to buy an RV you should have some idea of what your RV camping needs are, what you want, and how you plan to use the RV. This is extremely important.
Here are a few things to consider when shopping or browsing at an RV show.
- What type of RV is best suited for you, your family and your lifestyle?
- Do you plan to travel cross-country with the RV or is it going to be set up at one location and left there?
- If you're buying a motor home do you want gas or diesel? Which type is more practical for how you plan to use it?
- What types of floor plans will work best for you and your family?
- What price and payment will comfortably fit in your budget?
- If you're going to be towing the RV (i.e. a Tent Trailer, a Travel Trailer or a Fifth Wheel Trailer) is the tow vehicle capable of handling the weight of the RV and do you have the proper hitch work to safely tow it?
- How many people will be sleeping in the RV and what are the sleeping arrangements?
- Is there enough seating space in the RV cabin?
- Do you need a slide-out(s) for additional living space?
- Is there enough closet, cabinet and drawer space for all of your personal belonging?
- Are there enough cabinets and drawers in the kitchen? Sufficient storage for your pots, pans and other kitchenwares?
- Is there enough counter space in the kitchen?
- Where is the dinette table in relation to the range, oven and the refrigerator? Does it make sense?
- How does the bed feel when you lay down? Is it long enough and wide enough?
- Are there windows where you want windows?
- Can you reach the microwave?
- Is the A/C ducted throughout the unit? If not will it cool the entire unit?
- Do you prefer a split bathroom where the shower is separate, or a bathroom where everything is together?
- Is the bathroom big enough? Can you stand up in the shower and sit on the toilet?
- How much fresh water can you take with you? Is it enough?
- How large are the gray water and black water holding tanks - large enough for the way you intend to use the RV?
- Is there enough outside storage, and are the storage compartments large enough to accommodate what you plan to take?
- How much LP gas does it hold? Is it enough for how you plan to use the RV?
- Do you need a generator?
- If equipped with a TV where is it located in relation to the seating arrangements?
- Do you need a phone jack or high speed modem?
- Does the RV have an awning? If so, where is it situated, does it interfere with any storage compartments or windows etc?
- How long is the warranty for on the RV? Do you need extended coverage to protect your investment?
- How well is the RV constructed?