Every year around this time, the RV show season begins. Recreational vehicle shows, such as boat shows, are intended to introduce model year RVs and help spread RV-related information to the consumer. These shows are generally scheduled during the slowest time of year, the winter months, to help jump-start the sales season. RV dealers miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RVs under one roof, making it the ideal forum for conducting research and making informed decisions about RV buying.
I mentioned that RV dealers will be coming from miles around. This includes many local dealers in the area where you live. If possible, you want to find a dealer that is within a reasonable distance of where you live. As bad as it may sound, if you buy from an out-of-state dealer or one far from home, your local RV dealer may not provide the best after-sales service. The most important concern here is that you are dealing 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 dealer and the products they offer. To get started, you need to find a reputable RV dealer with a professional and reputable staff. A reputable dealer wants your business and wants you to return to them for future business. I’ve been to many RV dealerships that I wouldn’t hesitate to do business with and I’ve been to others that I couldn’t leave soon enough. Remember, you are at the show to see the dealer and the product, and you should plan to visit the RV dealer’s physical location before purchasing. If possible, talk to 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 you have the capacity and facilities to perform routine maintenance and warranty work on the units you sell? Look at the parts and accessories department. Do you offer a good selection of parts and accessories? Do you have a good selection of RVs to choose from? How long have certain manufacturers’ brands been selling? How long have they been in business?
There are great deals on offer at some RV shows and with all the excitement and a good salesperson, it’s easy to make a hasty purchase. If they can offer a lot at the show, they will most likely be able to offer a lot after the show, unless the offer includes a manufacturer discount or a refund for the show dates only. Let them know that you might be interested in a particular unit or offer, but want to visit the dealership before purchasing.
There is a lot of ground to cover at an RV fair and a wealth of information available. Not only will you find a good selection of RV dealers to check out, there will also be every RV makes and model imaginable. RV shows are a great place to compare prices. Note that RVs are available in entry-level, mid-range, and high-end models. When comparing prices, make sure they are apples to apples. An RV may look like another, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment, and features that both have to offer. See who is offering the best deal, but remember that if the dealership closes next month or isn’t equipped to work on the RV, your best offer may turn out to be a bad deal.
RV shows aren’t just for RV dealers to showcase their wares. RV shows are a great source of information, from expert representatives, on all aspects of the RV industry. You’ll find information on RV campgrounds and resorts, aftermarket RV products, RV accessories, and free RV seminars. Some of these seminars may be helpful in making some purchasing decisions. Check with the entertainment office about the topics and schedules of the seminars.
RV shows are also a good place to speak with RV manufacturer representatives and other industry experts. Many of the RV manufacturers send expert representatives to assist RV dealers with their products. Don’t be afraid to talk to other RVers at the show as well. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different products.
Buying an RV is an important decision. To make the best purchase decision possible, you need to do your research and be well informed. I’d like to offer you ten tips for making an informed RV buying decision.
1) If you are not absolutely sure that an RV is right for you, try renting one before you buy.
Rule number one for owning an RV is that you must use it. It can be difficult to determine if an RV is right for you if you’ve never used it. Plan a weekend or week-long trip and rent an RV to give it a try. Renting a recreational vehicle can be a good indicator to assess whether there is a recreational vehicle in your future. But I warn you, once you get the VR error, it is hard to get rid of it.
2) Know what type of RV is right for you and your family before you buy.
Recreational vehicles 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 may make more sense than a towable RV. If you plan to go camping in the woods, off the beaten track, a pop-up camper or van probably makes the most sense.
3) New or used?
This is an important consideration before purchasing an RV. To help you make 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 a week out of the year, a used motorhome might be the best for you. And it won’t do you any good to have an RV if there isn’t enough money left in your budget to enjoy it.
4) If you buy a towable RV, make sure you have a tow vehicle that can tow it safely.
You may find the RV of your dreams only to find that your tow vehicle is unable to tow it. If you already own the vehicle you plan to tow with, determine how much you can safely tow and purchase an RV based on that information. If you plan to buy a towing vehicle, select the travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer first, then buy a vehicle that can tow it safely. Recreational vehicle dealers should have trained personnel to help you combine tow vehicle and trailer.
5) If you plan to buy a motorized RV, drive before you buy.
Driving an RV for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but it’s important to try it out before you buy. You want a motorhome with which you feel comfortable driving because you will spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Check all controls, eyesight, mirrors and make sure it works as expected.
6) Research
Buying an RV is a major investment, similar to a car or your home. You need to do your research before buying. There are many RV manufacturers and RV brands to choose from. You want an RV dealer and manufacturer who endorses the product after the sale. You can search for manufacturers online, order brochures, take factory tours, and attend local RV shows to learn more about all the options you have.
7) Buy from a reputable RV dealer
A reputable RV dealership will have a professional sales, parts, and service staff. This is an important consideration during and after your RV purchase. It is important that you select the correct RV type, plan and make for you and your family, and that there are qualified technicians to service the unit after the sale. A reputable RV dealership can make the RV ownership experience that much more enjoyable.
8) Protecting your investment
When buying your RV, consider a few other factors that will help protect your investment. I recommend looking for some type of extended service contract that goes beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period. There are numerous plans available, so shop around for the best deal. Get specialized insurance coverage for recreational vehicles. It is different from your home and auto policy. When you need specialty coverage, you’ll be glad you got 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 interstate highways, 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, camping directories, and state tourism boards to help you plan your next motorhome trip.
10) Go back to rule number 1
I mentioned earlier that if you have a recreational vehicle, you must use it; otherwise it’s just a great lawn ornament. So pack up the motorhome, kids, and pets and set out to explore this wonderful country we live in and create lasting memories with family and friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Find out when the next RV show is in your area and be sure to attend. Oh, and don’t forget to bring some comfortable walking shoes!
Find a VR 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
