Will you be attending one or more RV shows this year? January officially marks the beginning of RV show season across the country, making now the ideal time to brush up on the best buying tips and plan your trip. Staying up to date with RV show best practices and taking the time to research useful questions to ask sellers is a great way to make sure you’ll get the most out of your time at the show and hopefully walk away with all the new gear you need at fair prices. Keep reading to learn more about successfully attending your local RV show.
Decide Which RV is Best for Your Needs
With so many things to check out and experts to speak with, RV shows can easily become overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Before going to the show, you should have a pretty clear idea of which RV styles you’re interested in and which options are outside your budget. RVs range from affordable pop-up campers all the way up to Class A motorhomes that can set you back up to $500,000.
So, what type of RV is best for you? A few questions to ask before attending your local RV show include:
- Am I interested in a travel trailer, truck camper, motorhome, or a park model RV?
- What size RV can my vehicle safely pull or tow?
- How often will I use my new RV?
- Where will I store my new RV?
- How much storage will I need?
- How many people will be sleeping in my new RV?
- What amenities do I need? For example, a dishwasher, washer and dryer, home theatre, etc.
Having a clear idea of which features you need vs those that would be nice, can help you to narrow down your options and prepare a plan for the event.
Create an Action Plan
Before heading out to the show, you’ll need to complete some essential research first. Check out the show’s website to get a feel for which activities and attractions will be offered. Certain events may only be offered once each day, so getting your timing down is key. Is there a specific RV brand or type that you find most interesting? If so, you may want to plan part of your day around attending their events.
Typically, RV shows will provide attendees with a list of dealers, vendors, and a map on their website. Utilizing these tools should make it easy to identify which products you want to see and plan your path through the event site as well.
Immerse Yourself in the Experience
This is the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions about the RV lifestyle and get responses from experts within the community. While the size of some RV shows can be intimidating, if you plan ahead and keep to your schedule, there should be plenty of time to speak with vendors and other attendees throughout the day. However, if your schedule allows, it may be a good idea to attend your local RV show on a weekday instead of over the weekend.
Manufacturer representatives often have more product knowledge than salespeople who may represent a variety of different product lines. If you can speak with a manufacturer representative, they should be able to provide good details on different RV models, modifications, interior colour options, and more. Another good way to help absorb information during your visit is to use your smartphone to take pictures, record audio and video, and make a digital list of items you’re interested in, as well as items you’ve purchased.
Start Thinking About RV Insurance
If you’re prepared to buy an RV at your next local show, you should also be prepared to talk about RV insurance coverage. It’s no secret that RV insurance is a must when it comes to protecting your investment and your loved ones, but should you purchase a policy on the spot? As a good rule of thumb, it’s best to shop around and compare insurance prices before making a final decision on coverage.
However, if you are tempted to invest in an RV insurance policy during the show, it’s important to remember that RV coverage is different from personal auto insurance. RV insurance policies should be tailored to cater to the RV lifestyle and provide adequate coverage to protect you throughout your many adventures.
If you’re Interested in learning more about the many benefits of comprehensive RV insurance and how to successfully attend your next RV show, give us a call at 1.844.929.4768 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable brokers.