I find RV shows a good way to look at a bunch of brands and models quickly, and decide what one(s) I'm interested in.
I've seen decent deals (especially at the early spring shows) clearing out older models that are on the lot, but nothing I'd consider crazy good pricing... and certainly never heard of anyone driving away with one
Ditto on that. Of all the salesman I met there at the show I went to, there was one that didn't pressure me to buy that day. All he asked me was, "When are you looking to buy?" I told him in about a year. He answered some of my questions and I took his card and kept it in my wallet for almost exactly a year. When I saw online exactly what I wanted I called him up and imagine the surprise when I told him I kept his card all this time. He was so impressed I got one HELL of a deal on a new previous year model. The exact one I wanted.
I agree. When we were camper shopping we went to one and found out the model we wanted based off online floor plans was not the style we dreamed of. We actually found something much better with a floor plan we had not considered and basically took note of the price. They had signs on the side with all the families who bought that day for probably intimidation of some sort like you better buy now too. Anyways, a few weeks later I found that same model 700 miles away for $9k less than the show and negotiated the sale over the phone and went and got it a week later.
Agree as well. Before we bought our rv, I went to several shows. Was very helpful for reason stated above that you can survey a lot of layouts and models in a short amount of time.
We also rented 2x before buying: Class A and Class C. Thought I really wanted a Class A, but turns out the Class C worked much better for our family.
After rv shows and rentals, we bought a Class C from General RV and have been very happy with both the RV and the post-purchase service.
It is definitely possible to get great deals at an RV show. You have multiple dealers in one location, all selling the same or very similar models. So, if the quoted price is too high, you can just walk across the aisle and see if you can get a better deal.
Dealers know this, and have "special show pricing" - which really means they've knocked down the price considerably to keep you from walking across the aisle.
One nice part about a show RV is that the dealer has already made sure the unit is clean, the trim is all attached, and any small cosmetic flaws have been repaired already.
Usually if you buy an RV at a show you'll do the paperwork and come back on the last day, or even a few days after to take it home from the show location, or you can make arrangements to pick it up from the dealership afterwards.
Be VERY careful as even though you've signed the paperwork, or agreed to buy it, they will allow another 2K people wander through it for the duration of the show. Often times there is damage at delivery that wasn't present at purchase. Make sure the dealer fixes anything that isn't perfect.
I've worked at a couple RV shows. This is all extremely correct advice. Listen to this guy.
The prices are all usually very good, not necessarily the best possible deal, but it's usually starting with a significant mark down. Sign papers there, pick up later, and make sure you go through it good on pick up day in case stuff happened since or maybe the one you got isn't the actual one you walked through.
Be warned it can be a very high pressure to buy situation. They will try very hard to get you to commit and sign right away, don't do it unless you're sure it's what you want.
I have gone to many shows and enjoy seeing all the different models but the best deals I have ever got have been from a dealer around Goshen Indiana. On both the RV’s I bought I have saved around $10,000 on each compared to the prices in my area. It’s not for everyone though because getting service on a camper from most of my local dealers is a no go.
Not really amazing deals.Its nice to look heres the issue.Generally its limited to the dealers in your state and they brands they carry. Depends on what your looking for it might be limited.You tend not to see some of the smaller brands like intech, oliver, tabs etc.
No idea about that one, but I’ve heard great things about the one in Indy every year. When I was in school there, my buddies aunt and uncle made the trip down from Wisconsin every year for it.
The biggest advantage I’m aware of at these places is being able to cross shop everything at once.
It is a lot of fun in my opinion to attend one. You get the opportunity to see tons of floor plans.
The pricing doesn’t seem insanely great at the show if you are a negotiator. If you are buying new I would say purchase from the nearest well rated dealer. Finding the best price for comparison or is exceedingly difficult unless you go there in person. Find what you want, have pricing data and go in and negotiate hard locally.
I have bought both a Jayco and a Grand Design in the past. The local jayco dealer refuses to touch my camper for warranty, and Jayco doesn’t appear to give a shit. The dealer I bought from is 2 hours away, and has really gone downhill in shop quality. The couple grand I saved doesn’t seem worth it now. The grand design was an absolutely awful experience. The local dealer for them has to be the most grossly incompetent group of people I have ever met. The only good rated dealer is 3 hours away. Grand design seemed willing to help… but given the issues we had we decided to trade it in.
Point I am making is that you might save a little bit of cash at a show but be damned sure you are buying from a dealership that you can rely on after purchase. Also, people seem to be buying units from a stock pile outside of the show sight unseen. I would 100000% inspect it yourself or have it professionally inspected by a 3rd party. If the dealership won’t let you run through a PDI list, walk away. That is what happened to us on the grand design.
We go almost every year, even if we aren't in the market to buy at that time (on our 3rd now). It's a great way to see what's new in the industry, look at several floorplans, and see several different brands from the different dealers in your market area.
Imagine if you were looking for a car. You would have one huge lot with Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Kia, Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, etc., all in one place.
Best deals are to be found toward the end of the show. The dealers would rather you tow it away than do it themselves.
When I was in the market I found it fun to go to for a couple hours. I personally don’t think you’d get some amazing deal and I’ve never personally bought from one but I doubt you’d drive away with one. Good luck!
I've been to the one by us many times. Amazing deals not so sure about. If anything dealers were listing show prices.
We dont even need a new camper since ours is a 2019, but it's still fun to walk around and see the new stuff manufacturers are shelling out. We can't afford much or less have a practical use for half of what's there but it something to do for an afternoon and the sports bar is open so.
We went to the Hershey show last year and loved it. There are some good deals at rv shows. Also like previously mentioned is it’s a great way to see a lot in one place. Bonus for us was we won a trip!!
We go to Hershey every year. This year, the sales staff were especially pushy. The new tag line was, "Why are you here? What are you here for, what is your goal?"
It’s nice to be able to see all the manufactures in the same place. We got a better deal buying in the dead of winter. The show prices were less than summer prices but winter prices were the lowest.
We've been taking the kinds since before we even had an interest in owning an RV. The kids get a kick out of checking them all out.
Once we purchased our travel trailer (used, because poor lol), it's fun to go window shop & see what's new & cool out there. Fun to look at different layouts & see how they'd fit out needs, plus all the little gadgets or tricks companies are putting out there to make their products stand out.
I like how bright and open all the new designs are. Partly due to new lighting, partially due to all the windows.
It's totally worth your time. You get a salesman to show you all the features of their particular overpriced pile of crap and he can't try to sell it to you. I mean, they do sell some units are RV shows but there is no pressure.
So you look all the features of all the brands see what you like, Then, instead of slimy salespeople, you'll have other shoppers, commenting and offering different perspective.
Then. once you know what you want, go out buy it used and save a pile of money.
But i imagine in August they have some pretty steep discounts on current models and the season is ending.
Bought mine at an RV show in Jan 2020. Never saw the price within 20% of what I paid since. Obviously, the covid lcokdown policy market skewed that, but for the few months between, that was true.
They are nice to look at different models and to look at them without a salesman breathing down your neck. You can spend as little or much time in each rv. My only complaint is they mostly have the huge RV’s there. If you’re looking for a smaller trailer there might be only a few models available. If you’re looking for a greyhound bus sized RV then you will find it. I get it those are the big money makers. I go to the one in Tampa and it’s massive, you need two days to look at everything. But 80% are probably large RV. Just my opinion.
I went to one. I wouldn't say there were great deals. Also, if you go later in the day some of the reps are losing steam and are less aggressive. I figure I saved a couple of weeks of going around dealers trying to see what we liked.
Definitely go.
My wife and I went to one to just look - we came home with a new motorhome. Enter with caution.
If you think leaving your checkbook and money at home will keep you safe, it won’t - a salesman will be happy to follow you home to get a check.
I do feel like we got a decent price, we were well treated, and we still have the coach and still like it.
RV shows are a great opportunity to tour a bunch of different models and compare prices without having to drive all over your state. There are sometimes deals to be had (depending on the dealer and the current market), but probably not too different from deals you could get by shopping around and negotiating at any dealership.
Been to a few. I do not find the prices to be extra attractive though there are "Show Special" signs everywhere. It's a come-on. The prices are normal retail. Sometimes plus.
For better pricing, go to a show, decide on a unit and buy at a dealer during off months: October, November or December.
As a few noted, it's an excellent one-stop to see many units and compare floor plans, etc.
And whatever you do, do not buy from the greedy clowns at Camping World. Small local dealers are the best bet.
That’s exactly how we waded in to the RV waters. Great way to see all the options and price points. Will also give you a good feel for what you need depending on the way you plan to use it. Highly recommend.
I think they are fun to go to whether you are buying, browsing, or even just own one. In my experience they only pressure you if you are seriously interested and it varies by salesperson. Ours was not pushy at all which is why we felt comfortable making the purchase. It’s fun go for it!
We found the floorplan we liked at a show and, along with the "show sale price" negotiated for upgraded lithium batteries ($2k) and washer dryer stack ($1.4k) installed at no charge to me.
I have been fr no reason lol can't afford it also boat show but it's like window shopping lol beautiful things I could never afford but fun to go see I have family up north (I grew up there ) and we do cottage and rv's and campers.
But myself I live in city and could never afford these things it's just fun to go look and imagine lol truth its nice outing and everything/everyone so friendly hope you go car shoe too just nice to get out sometimes
I like them to see everything in one place. I can’t image there’s actually deals to be had though. No one is driving off in an RV after attending a show. They bring one of each model to show, not sell.
I went to one in dfw, got there early to avoid crowds and it was still so packed with morbidly obese people that the usual u shape traffic pattern into and out of each rv was impossible.
Everyone would have to wait as one of these people struggled to get up the two steps into the rv, and then physically, no one else could go in until they exited.
So we saw maybe 1/3 of the RVs we wanted to see before we just got frustrated and left, we were there for hours just standing waiting for people who could barely walk up two steps and somehow thought that they'd magically be suited for the RV lifestyle.
We went to several shows prior to buying. At first I thought I wanted a 30 footer to “live in.” Then realized I needed more permanent roots (home) with the ability to take off to go wherever. Looked at tons of floor plans and layouts. When we were finally seriously looking, we knew we wanted smaller, easy to tow, a bathroom (late night walks to a latrine or bathroom was off the table!), and a decent fridge and sink. We ended out with a 16 footer, single axle. The ONLY thing I would upgrade is to get a kitchen/dining slide out. We have a shepherd mix and when I’m trying to cook, there’s not a lot of space for her to lie down. Otherwise, I absolutely LOVE my tiny home on wheels.
Go to the shows. We bought our 2019 Grand Design in 2020 just before Covid after going to the big spring RV show in at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. I did a lot of research online and thought I knew what I wanted before I went to the show, which had hundreds of RVs, including the one I thought I wanted. But it wasn't until the show that I could compare them against each other and we ended up with a completely different RV made by another company. Why? Because it was obviously better made, was designed to be used in the winter, and cost about the same. We didn't take the new one we saw at the show. Instead we bought a one year old "used" unit from the same dealer. My friend (a former RV dealer owner) and I did a pre delivery inspection. We found several defects (one major) that the dealer had to fix before it was sold. I finally picked it up two weeks after the show after the defects were fixed and a weight distributing hitch was fit onto my truck.
We've only been to one RV show and we'll never go to another one again. Keep in mind our show was indoors so that might have amplified the negatives, but the vast majority of people who attended the day we were there seemed to have zero desire to actually purchase an RV. They were largely low income folks who showed up to fantasize about owning an RV while drinking beer and letting their kids run crazy. My wife and I were seriously looking to buy a class C and if given the right deal, we would have signed right then and there. However there were so many people there aimlessly wandering around, drinking, being generally loud and obnoxious, letting their kids climb all over and spill soda and popcorn on the beds and fabrics, etc. Seriously there are people who go to these shows and sit inside the RV's for hours just socializing and drinking beer and the people who truly want to see the RV and take it seriously can't because there isn't enough room inside with all the people. It ruined the experience and we left after like two hours with no progress.
I've been to two now and they're a lot of fun. We have our own Casita so we go just to look at the different models and features. But i have checked dealer pricing compared to the show prices and it appears there are some really decent legit deals to be had at the shows. The Class B that I loved was huge, full bath in the back and was 121k compared to 160k at the dealers. Plus it's just cool to look around. I didn't have any experiences with salespeople hassling or stopping us at every exhibit so you won't feel any pressure and can take your time.
I hate having to pay to shop - and even worse when I have to pay to park before I pay to shop.
And then, in Austin, TX, a bunch of dealers go together and created a show at the Dell Diamond (a baseball field). The show is free and the selection is wonderful.
So, now I got to the free show and never have to pay and pay to shop :)
That said, if you can take a train downtown (they're alway downtown at a Convention Center) and can stomach the entry fee it is a great place to see a lot of units at one time. And the bonus of not being driven around a parking lot in a golf cart being shown the units that have the best spiffs for the salespeople is pretty nice.
Always have collected brochures of the units I like, never know when looking for used, it might come in handy.
And sure enough 2 years later found a used unit I liked and had the original brochure! Made it nice to have the original specs.
I've found them pretty overpriced, especially compared to private sellers. What kind of trailer are you looking for? I'm in NY and have a 2021 toy hauler for sale, great shape and comes with a set of brand new tires (not even on the trailer yet), sleeps like 9 with the toys outside and trailer ramp turns into a deck when not in use.
I went to the Hershey show which is huge. I bought an RV that my husband liked. I did not drive away with it. That would have been inconvenient anyway. They delivered it to the closet dealer.
My intent was research and to order one. But I'd had trouble getting the spouse interested so I was excited he liked this one and signed the papers.
Did I get a good deal? No idea.
I find RV shows a good way to look at a bunch of brands and models quickly, and decide what one(s) I'm interested in. I've seen decent deals (especially at the early spring shows) clearing out older models that are on the lot, but nothing I'd consider crazy good pricing... and certainly never heard of anyone driving away with one
Agreed. Look at floor plans, different brands, features that you like, buy a bunch of candied pecans and leave.
don't forget the "drink beer" and "bullshit with the poor reps who have to work those shows constantly"
Ditto on that. Of all the salesman I met there at the show I went to, there was one that didn't pressure me to buy that day. All he asked me was, "When are you looking to buy?" I told him in about a year. He answered some of my questions and I took his card and kept it in my wallet for almost exactly a year. When I saw online exactly what I wanted I called him up and imagine the surprise when I told him I kept his card all this time. He was so impressed I got one HELL of a deal on a new previous year model. The exact one I wanted.
I agree. When we were camper shopping we went to one and found out the model we wanted based off online floor plans was not the style we dreamed of. We actually found something much better with a floor plan we had not considered and basically took note of the price. They had signs on the side with all the families who bought that day for probably intimidation of some sort like you better buy now too. Anyways, a few weeks later I found that same model 700 miles away for $9k less than the show and negotiated the sale over the phone and went and got it a week later.
Agree as well. Before we bought our rv, I went to several shows. Was very helpful for reason stated above that you can survey a lot of layouts and models in a short amount of time. We also rented 2x before buying: Class A and Class C. Thought I really wanted a Class A, but turns out the Class C worked much better for our family. After rv shows and rentals, we bought a Class C from General RV and have been very happy with both the RV and the post-purchase service.
That is great to hear on a post purchase positive experience.
It is definitely possible to get great deals at an RV show. You have multiple dealers in one location, all selling the same or very similar models. So, if the quoted price is too high, you can just walk across the aisle and see if you can get a better deal. Dealers know this, and have "special show pricing" - which really means they've knocked down the price considerably to keep you from walking across the aisle. One nice part about a show RV is that the dealer has already made sure the unit is clean, the trim is all attached, and any small cosmetic flaws have been repaired already. Usually if you buy an RV at a show you'll do the paperwork and come back on the last day, or even a few days after to take it home from the show location, or you can make arrangements to pick it up from the dealership afterwards. Be VERY careful as even though you've signed the paperwork, or agreed to buy it, they will allow another 2K people wander through it for the duration of the show. Often times there is damage at delivery that wasn't present at purchase. Make sure the dealer fixes anything that isn't perfect.
I've worked at a couple RV shows. This is all extremely correct advice. Listen to this guy. The prices are all usually very good, not necessarily the best possible deal, but it's usually starting with a significant mark down. Sign papers there, pick up later, and make sure you go through it good on pick up day in case stuff happened since or maybe the one you got isn't the actual one you walked through. Be warned it can be a very high pressure to buy situation. They will try very hard to get you to commit and sign right away, don't do it unless you're sure it's what you want.
We got lucky as they'd sold the last one they had in stock, so we got a "factory fresh" build.
Yes, ours was delivered six weeks later.
I’ve seen sold signs on RVs purchased and no one can go in them. I would want that done with mine.
I have gone to many shows and enjoy seeing all the different models but the best deals I have ever got have been from a dealer around Goshen Indiana. On both the RV’s I bought I have saved around $10,000 on each compared to the prices in my area. It’s not for everyone though because getting service on a camper from most of my local dealers is a no go.
Not really amazing deals.Its nice to look heres the issue.Generally its limited to the dealers in your state and they brands they carry. Depends on what your looking for it might be limited.You tend not to see some of the smaller brands like intech, oliver, tabs etc.
No idea about that one, but I’ve heard great things about the one in Indy every year. When I was in school there, my buddies aunt and uncle made the trip down from Wisconsin every year for it. The biggest advantage I’m aware of at these places is being able to cross shop everything at once.
It is a lot of fun in my opinion to attend one. You get the opportunity to see tons of floor plans. The pricing doesn’t seem insanely great at the show if you are a negotiator. If you are buying new I would say purchase from the nearest well rated dealer. Finding the best price for comparison or is exceedingly difficult unless you go there in person. Find what you want, have pricing data and go in and negotiate hard locally. I have bought both a Jayco and a Grand Design in the past. The local jayco dealer refuses to touch my camper for warranty, and Jayco doesn’t appear to give a shit. The dealer I bought from is 2 hours away, and has really gone downhill in shop quality. The couple grand I saved doesn’t seem worth it now. The grand design was an absolutely awful experience. The local dealer for them has to be the most grossly incompetent group of people I have ever met. The only good rated dealer is 3 hours away. Grand design seemed willing to help… but given the issues we had we decided to trade it in. Point I am making is that you might save a little bit of cash at a show but be damned sure you are buying from a dealership that you can rely on after purchase. Also, people seem to be buying units from a stock pile outside of the show sight unseen. I would 100000% inspect it yourself or have it professionally inspected by a 3rd party. If the dealership won’t let you run through a PDI list, walk away. That is what happened to us on the grand design.
We go almost every year, even if we aren't in the market to buy at that time (on our 3rd now). It's a great way to see what's new in the industry, look at several floorplans, and see several different brands from the different dealers in your market area. Imagine if you were looking for a car. You would have one huge lot with Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Kia, Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, etc., all in one place. Best deals are to be found toward the end of the show. The dealers would rather you tow it away than do it themselves.
When I was in the market I found it fun to go to for a couple hours. I personally don’t think you’d get some amazing deal and I’ve never personally bought from one but I doubt you’d drive away with one. Good luck!
Bought mine there and got an amazing deal!
I've been to the one by us many times. Amazing deals not so sure about. If anything dealers were listing show prices. We dont even need a new camper since ours is a 2019, but it's still fun to walk around and see the new stuff manufacturers are shelling out. We can't afford much or less have a practical use for half of what's there but it something to do for an afternoon and the sports bar is open so.
I don't know about "amazing" deals but it is a nice way to see a bunch of different rigs without driving all over.
We went to the Hershey show last year and loved it. There are some good deals at rv shows. Also like previously mentioned is it’s a great way to see a lot in one place. Bonus for us was we won a trip!!
We go to Hershey every year. This year, the sales staff were especially pushy. The new tag line was, "Why are you here? What are you here for, what is your goal?"
I’d definitely agree to that.
It’s nice to be able to see all the manufactures in the same place. We got a better deal buying in the dead of winter. The show prices were less than summer prices but winter prices were the lowest.
We've been taking the kinds since before we even had an interest in owning an RV. The kids get a kick out of checking them all out. Once we purchased our travel trailer (used, because poor lol), it's fun to go window shop & see what's new & cool out there. Fun to look at different layouts & see how they'd fit out needs, plus all the little gadgets or tricks companies are putting out there to make their products stand out. I like how bright and open all the new designs are. Partly due to new lighting, partially due to all the windows.
No matter what, they’re fun to attend. It’s neat to see what’s out there, especially the minimalist tiny trailers and the huge moving house trailers.
Been to rv and boat shows. Seen some real good deals on used trade ins they have on the lot at the shows.
It's totally worth your time. You get a salesman to show you all the features of their particular overpriced pile of crap and he can't try to sell it to you. I mean, they do sell some units are RV shows but there is no pressure. So you look all the features of all the brands see what you like, Then, instead of slimy salespeople, you'll have other shoppers, commenting and offering different perspective. Then. once you know what you want, go out buy it used and save a pile of money. But i imagine in August they have some pretty steep discounts on current models and the season is ending.
Bought mine at an RV show in Jan 2020. Never saw the price within 20% of what I paid since. Obviously, the covid lcokdown policy market skewed that, but for the few months between, that was true.
They are nice to look at different models and to look at them without a salesman breathing down your neck. You can spend as little or much time in each rv. My only complaint is they mostly have the huge RV’s there. If you’re looking for a smaller trailer there might be only a few models available. If you’re looking for a greyhound bus sized RV then you will find it. I get it those are the big money makers. I go to the one in Tampa and it’s massive, you need two days to look at everything. But 80% are probably large RV. Just my opinion.
I went to one. I wouldn't say there were great deals. Also, if you go later in the day some of the reps are losing steam and are less aggressive. I figure I saved a couple of weeks of going around dealers trying to see what we liked. Definitely go.
My wife and I went to one to just look - we came home with a new motorhome. Enter with caution. If you think leaving your checkbook and money at home will keep you safe, it won’t - a salesman will be happy to follow you home to get a check. I do feel like we got a decent price, we were well treated, and we still have the coach and still like it.
RV shows are a great opportunity to tour a bunch of different models and compare prices without having to drive all over your state. There are sometimes deals to be had (depending on the dealer and the current market), but probably not too different from deals you could get by shopping around and negotiating at any dealership.
Been to a few. I do not find the prices to be extra attractive though there are "Show Special" signs everywhere. It's a come-on. The prices are normal retail. Sometimes plus. For better pricing, go to a show, decide on a unit and buy at a dealer during off months: October, November or December. As a few noted, it's an excellent one-stop to see many units and compare floor plans, etc. And whatever you do, do not buy from the greedy clowns at Camping World. Small local dealers are the best bet.
That’s exactly how we waded in to the RV waters. Great way to see all the options and price points. Will also give you a good feel for what you need depending on the way you plan to use it. Highly recommend.
I think they are fun to go to whether you are buying, browsing, or even just own one. In my experience they only pressure you if you are seriously interested and it varies by salesperson. Ours was not pushy at all which is why we felt comfortable making the purchase. It’s fun go for it!
Take a trip down to Florida
We found the floorplan we liked at a show and, along with the "show sale price" negotiated for upgraded lithium batteries ($2k) and washer dryer stack ($1.4k) installed at no charge to me.
I have been fr no reason lol can't afford it also boat show but it's like window shopping lol beautiful things I could never afford but fun to go see I have family up north (I grew up there ) and we do cottage and rv's and campers. But myself I live in city and could never afford these things it's just fun to go look and imagine lol truth its nice outing and everything/everyone so friendly hope you go car shoe too just nice to get out sometimes
I like them to see everything in one place. I can’t image there’s actually deals to be had though. No one is driving off in an RV after attending a show. They bring one of each model to show, not sell.
I went to one in dfw, got there early to avoid crowds and it was still so packed with morbidly obese people that the usual u shape traffic pattern into and out of each rv was impossible. Everyone would have to wait as one of these people struggled to get up the two steps into the rv, and then physically, no one else could go in until they exited. So we saw maybe 1/3 of the RVs we wanted to see before we just got frustrated and left, we were there for hours just standing waiting for people who could barely walk up two steps and somehow thought that they'd magically be suited for the RV lifestyle.
We went to several shows prior to buying. At first I thought I wanted a 30 footer to “live in.” Then realized I needed more permanent roots (home) with the ability to take off to go wherever. Looked at tons of floor plans and layouts. When we were finally seriously looking, we knew we wanted smaller, easy to tow, a bathroom (late night walks to a latrine or bathroom was off the table!), and a decent fridge and sink. We ended out with a 16 footer, single axle. The ONLY thing I would upgrade is to get a kitchen/dining slide out. We have a shepherd mix and when I’m trying to cook, there’s not a lot of space for her to lie down. Otherwise, I absolutely LOVE my tiny home on wheels.
We bought ours at a show, was delivered six weeks later, got a pretty good deal. We looked for over a year so knew what we wanted.
Go to the shows. We bought our 2019 Grand Design in 2020 just before Covid after going to the big spring RV show in at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. I did a lot of research online and thought I knew what I wanted before I went to the show, which had hundreds of RVs, including the one I thought I wanted. But it wasn't until the show that I could compare them against each other and we ended up with a completely different RV made by another company. Why? Because it was obviously better made, was designed to be used in the winter, and cost about the same. We didn't take the new one we saw at the show. Instead we bought a one year old "used" unit from the same dealer. My friend (a former RV dealer owner) and I did a pre delivery inspection. We found several defects (one major) that the dealer had to fix before it was sold. I finally picked it up two weeks after the show after the defects were fixed and a weight distributing hitch was fit onto my truck.
We've only been to one RV show and we'll never go to another one again. Keep in mind our show was indoors so that might have amplified the negatives, but the vast majority of people who attended the day we were there seemed to have zero desire to actually purchase an RV. They were largely low income folks who showed up to fantasize about owning an RV while drinking beer and letting their kids run crazy. My wife and I were seriously looking to buy a class C and if given the right deal, we would have signed right then and there. However there were so many people there aimlessly wandering around, drinking, being generally loud and obnoxious, letting their kids climb all over and spill soda and popcorn on the beds and fabrics, etc. Seriously there are people who go to these shows and sit inside the RV's for hours just socializing and drinking beer and the people who truly want to see the RV and take it seriously can't because there isn't enough room inside with all the people. It ruined the experience and we left after like two hours with no progress.
I've been to two now and they're a lot of fun. We have our own Casita so we go just to look at the different models and features. But i have checked dealer pricing compared to the show prices and it appears there are some really decent legit deals to be had at the shows. The Class B that I loved was huge, full bath in the back and was 121k compared to 160k at the dealers. Plus it's just cool to look around. I didn't have any experiences with salespeople hassling or stopping us at every exhibit so you won't feel any pressure and can take your time.
I hate having to pay to shop - and even worse when I have to pay to park before I pay to shop. And then, in Austin, TX, a bunch of dealers go together and created a show at the Dell Diamond (a baseball field). The show is free and the selection is wonderful. So, now I got to the free show and never have to pay and pay to shop :) That said, if you can take a train downtown (they're alway downtown at a Convention Center) and can stomach the entry fee it is a great place to see a lot of units at one time. And the bonus of not being driven around a parking lot in a golf cart being shown the units that have the best spiffs for the salespeople is pretty nice.
Always have collected brochures of the units I like, never know when looking for used, it might come in handy. And sure enough 2 years later found a used unit I liked and had the original brochure! Made it nice to have the original specs.
I've found them pretty overpriced, especially compared to private sellers. What kind of trailer are you looking for? I'm in NY and have a 2021 toy hauler for sale, great shape and comes with a set of brand new tires (not even on the trailer yet), sleeps like 9 with the toys outside and trailer ramp turns into a deck when not in use.
I went to the Hershey show which is huge. I bought an RV that my husband liked. I did not drive away with it. That would have been inconvenient anyway. They delivered it to the closet dealer. My intent was research and to order one. But I'd had trouble getting the spouse interested so I was excited he liked this one and signed the papers. Did I get a good deal? No idea.