RV Shows

RV Shows
By Mark Polk

Each year, around this time, the RV show season starts. RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV's and to help disseminate RV related information to the consumer. These shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RV's under one roof, making it the ideal forum to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions.

I mentioned that RV dealers will come from miles around. This includes many local dealers from the area in which you live. If at all possible you want to find a dealer that is within a reasonable distance from where you live. As bad as it sounds, if you buy from an out of state dealer or one far from home, the local RV dealer may not give you the best service after the sale. The most important concern here is that you deal with a reputable RV dealer.

A good place to start your search for a reputable RV dealer is at a local RV show. When you attend an RV show don't be afraid to ask questions about the RV dealership and the products they offer. For starters you need to find a reputable RV dealer with a reputable, professional staff. A reputable dealer wants your business and they want you to return to them for future business. I have been in many RV dealerships that I wouldn't hesitate to do business with and I have been in others that I couldn't leave soon enough. Remember, you're at the show to check out the dealer as well as the product and you should plan to visit the RV dealer's physical location before you buy. If at all possible talk to some other people who have dealt with the dealership in the past. Don't be afraid to ask them to give you a tour of the dealership. Look at the service department. Do they have certified technicians? Do they have the capability and facilities to do routine maintenance and warranty work on the units they sell? Look at the Parts and Accessory department. Do they offer a good selection of parts and accessories? Do they have a good selection of RVs to choose from? How long have they been selling certain manufacturer brands? How long have they been in business?

There are some great deals offered at some RV shows and with all of the excitement, and a good salesperson, it's easy to make a hasty purchase. If they can offer a great deal at the show, chances are they can offer a great deal after the show, unless the offer included a manufacturer discount or rebate for show dates only. Let them know you might be interested in a particular unit or deal, but you want to visit the dealership before you buy.

There is a lot of ground to cover at an RV show and a wealth of information available. 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. Keep in mind that RV's are available in entry, mid-line, and high-end models. When comparing prices, make sure it is 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. See who offers the best deal but remember if the dealer goes out of business next month, or isn't equipped to work on the RV, your best deal may turn out to be a bad deal.

RV shows aren't just for RV dealers to showcase their products. RV shows are a great source for information, from knowledgeable representatives, on every aspect of the RV industry. You will find information on campgrounds and RV resorts, aftermarket RV products, RV accessories and free RV seminars. Some of these seminars might be helpful to you in making some of your buying decisions. Check with the show office on seminar topics and times.

RV shows are also a good place to talk to RV manufacturer representatives and other industry experts. Many of the RV manufacturers send knowledgeable representatives to assist RV dealers with their products. Don't be afraid to talk with other RVers at the show too. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different products.

Buying an RV is a major decision. To make the best buying decision possible you need to do your research and be well informed. I would like to offer you ten tips to making an informed RV buying decision.

1) If you're not absolutely sure an RV is right for you try renting one before you buy.

Rule number one for owning an RV is you have to use it. It can be difficult to determine if an RV is right for you if you have never used one. Plan a weekend or week-long trip and rent an RV to try it out. Renting an RV can be a good indicator to gauge if an RV is in your future. But I caution you, once you get the RV bug it's hard to get rid of.

2) Know which type of RV is right for you and your family before you buy.

RV's come in numerous types, sizes and price ranges. Know which type is right for you and what price fits your budget. Take the time to research your specific needs, and how you plan to use the RV. If you plan to travel cross-country in the RV a motorized RV might make more sense than a towable RV. If you plan to go camping in the backwoods, off the beaten trail, a pop up or truck camper would probably make more sense.

3) New or Used?

This is a major consideration before you purchase an RV. To assist you with making this decision consider how you plan to use the RV and what your budget is. If you only plan to take a couple of weekend trips, or use it for one week out of the year, a used RV might be best for you. And, it won't do you any good to own an RV if there isn't enough money left in the budget to enjoy it.

4) If you buy a towable RV make sure you have a tow vehicle that can safely tow it.

You might find your dream RV only to discover your tow vehicle can't tow it. If you already own the vehicle you plan to tow with determine how much it can safely tow and shop for an RV based on that information. If you plan to buy a tow vehicle select the travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer first, then buy a vehicle that can safely tow it. RV dealerships should have trained personnel to assist you with matching the tow vehicle and trailer.

5) If you plan to purchase a motorized RV drive it before you buy it

Driving a motorhome for the first time can be a little intimidating, but it's important that you test drive it before you buy it. You want a motorhome that you feel comfortable driving because you will spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Check out all of the controls, the view, mirrors and make sure it performs the way you expect it to.

6) Do your research

Buying an RV is a major investment, similar to an automobile or your home. You need to do your research before you buy. There are lots of RV manufacturers and RV brands to choose from. You want an RV dealer and a manufacturer that will stand behind the product after the sale. You can research manufacturers on the internet, request brochures, take factory tours and attend local RV shows to learn more about all of the options you have.

7) Buy from a reputable RV dealership

A reputable RV dealership will have a professional sales, parts and service staff. This is an important consideration during and after the purchase of your RV. It's important that you select the right type of RV, floorplan and brand for you and your family, and that there are qualified technicians to service the unit after the sale. A reputable RV dealership can make your RV ownership experiences much more pleasurable.

8) Protecting your investment

When you purchase your RV consider some other factors that will help protect your investment. I recommend looking into some type of extended service contract that goes beyond the manufacturer warranty period. There are numerous plans available, so shop around for the best deal. Get specialized RV insurance coverage. It's different from your home and auto policy. When you need specialized coverage you'll be glad you have it.

9) Now that you own it, where can you use it?

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA states that there are approximately 8,500 RV parks and campgrounds located near national parks and forests, popular tourist attractions, along interstates and in cities and small towns. With the Internet you have instant access to most of these public and private campgrounds, RV Parks and RV Resorts. Other good resources are travel guides, magazines, campground directories and state tourism boards to help plan your next RV trip.

10) Back to rule number 1

I mentioned earlier if you own an RV you need to use it, otherwise it's just a large lawn ornament. So, pack up the RV, the kids and the pets and head out to explore this wonderful country we live in and build some lasting memories with family and friends.

So what are you waiting for? Find out when the next RV show will be in your area and make it a point to attend it. Oh, and don't forget to wear some comfortable walking shoes!

Find an RV show near you:

http://www.rvia.org/AM/customsource/INCL_Shows.cfm?section=local_shows&all=1

Happy Camping,

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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Make A Motorhome Your Home Away From Home

Make A Motorhome Your Home Away From Home by Clint Westfall

No matter the reason for a travel you can be assured there is a recreational vehicle for you. Motorhomes can be used for overnight stops to a trip around the United States. Anyone can live the life on the road in a Motorhome.



RV buyers are encouraged to do lots of research before buying a motorhome. There are lots of ways to research motorhomes from the Internet, magazines, dealerships, the manufacturer, and even a current RV owner. There are plenty of RV owners who are more than happy to share and educate a newbie in the process of buying and living in a motorhome. The buyer needs to decide what they are wanting out of their motorhome, and stay to finding one that fulfills their needs. Do you want a new or used one, are you living in it or vacationing in it and what is the amount of time you will be in the unit? Are all thing you should take in consideration. After you have done the research and the accommodations you need as well as price the fun part begins which is manufacturer, style, model and size.



Before investing in a motorhome you need to set a budget. Motorhomes are homes for some people and for others a home away from home. Buyer's need to think about all their options they have regarding motorhomes, some run on gas or diesel fuel. Motorhomes come in several different makes, models, color, and price. There are Class As, Class Bs and Class Cs motorhomes.



In many cases the buyer will need to finance their motorhome. The buyer before purchasing a motorhome needs to determine not only how much they want to buy one for but also what their monthly payments need to be. not to mention how long do they plan on keeping it. Motorhome are easy to finance, even for buyers with low credit scores.



You can get financing from either the dealership you purchase your motorhome from or online as well as your bank, the application process is a simple one, the loan officer will assist you along the way. It is normal that the process of financing a used motorhome take a little longer so don't worry.



The reason for this is the depreciation of the motorhome lowers as soon as you drive it off the lot. In a new motorhome you have the option to add as many upgrades to better personalize it to your needs, as well as increase the value.



You have lots of ways to choose your motorhome from the manufactures, like Winnebago, Airstream, or Monaco. With each manufacturer their are models, and then there are styles as well as options each one has. Manufactures take alot of time designing and building the best motorhomes they can from suggestions that customers give them. They take pride in their work. You have the elite line and you have a economical line just like in automobile industry.



Please make the time to read the owners manual, you will find it offers lots of information, and warranties in it. It will also explain how to operate appliances, electrical systems, and plumbing. If you have safety questions there is an area for that too.


Great motorhomes are everywhere. But, great RV Sales dealers are far and few between. Go straight to the most popular dealers on the web from Clint Westfall's most voted for companies.


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