By Cheri Sicard
An RV show can feel like the fastest way to find the right rig. Buyers can walk through dozens of models in a single day, compare layouts side by side, and hear plenty of sales talk.
That mix of choice, noise, and pressure leads many people into expensive RV show mistakes.
In the video at the end of this post, Duane, a certified RV Inspector from the RV Inspection And Care channel, makes the point that RV shows are great for learning, but they are not always the best place to buy.
Big shows such as Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Tampa, Florida, create a lot of momentum. Dealers know that excitement helps sales, so they often move shoppers through the process fast, much like a car lot. Because of that, buyers need a plan. The goal should be to gather information, compare brands, and slow the whole process down.
RV show mistake #1: Trusting salespeople too much
Many RV salespeople are helpful, but some know less about the unit than buyers expect. Duane says plenty of them have never even camped in an RV, and some will say whatever closes the deal because a commission is on the line.
Duane also warns against rushing. If a salesperson pushes hard, that is a reason to pause.
At larger shows, factory reps are often nearby. Search them out. They usually know the product better and have less pressure to make a sale on the spot.
RV show mistake #2: Showing up unprepared
Walking in with no notes and no system makes every RV blend together. Duane recommends taking a photo of the model name first, then photos and video of the inside, so each set stays organized.
Notes matter, too, whether they are on a phone or a pad. Financing should be preapproved before the show, because dealer loans are not always the best offer.
Extra caution for first-time buyers: New RV shoppers should visit a few shows before buying. It also helps to know which RV category fits their travel style, so they do not get pulled toward the wrong type.
RV show mistake #3: Choosing looks over build quality
A nice color scheme, smart floor plan, and shiny features can hide poor construction. Duane says buyers talk about layouts all the time, but rarely about quality, consistency, or whether the brand has a good track record. That matters more in the long run.
RV show mistake #4: Believing the show has the best price
Dealers want shoppers to think the best deal only exists during the event. Duane says that is often sales pressure, not fact. A buyer who knows how to shop can still get a strong deal at other times.
RV show mistake #5: Skipping a pre-buy inspection
Even well-built RVs can have unit-to-unit problems because they are largely handbuilt. That is why Duane calls an inspection one of the most important steps before taking possession. A certified RV inspector can find defects early, so warranty repairs happen before the RV goes home. Of course, as he is such an inspector, he is biased.
Final thoughts
The best RV show mindset is simple: Treat the event like a classroom, not a checkout line. Buyers who slow down, research brands, line up financing, and get inspections usually avoid the regrets that follow impulse purchases. That is the real takeaway from Duane’s advice.
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RVDT2898
I regret I have products sitting here in my study that I never installed and cannot return.
Me too!…seemed right at the time!
We were looking to downsize when we went to an RV show in winter of ‘25, only for research. Even so, we came close to plunking a down payment. Our rule is to wait 24 hours and we’re so glad we did. It would have been a terrible deal all around. The shows in our metro area seem to be held for the biggest, shadiest outfits in the area. We bought something entirely different, last summer, from a small dealer 100 miles away, who doesn’t do shows, and has given us excellent support and service, answered all our questions, etc. In fact we’re on a long trip right now in our new-to-us rig.
We went to RV shows before buying our first RV, during a year of online research, reading Trailer Life magazine, and comparison shopping on dealers’ lots. I spent a lot of time on the RVTrader website looking at used RVs too. But, since those early “first RV shopping” days, we haven’t been to any RV shows. No need, we know what we like and only 2 or 3 brands meet this retired engineer’s requirements. Why shop RV shows when you already have your “final” RV?
As usual, excellent advice from Duane!