What seminars at an RV show are best for a new RV owner to attend?

Hi Dave,
I plan on going to the January 17-20 RV show in Boston. I’d like to know, what’s the best way to re-caulk my roof, edges, vents, etc., followed by resealing the entire roof. Will you be doing any seminars at this show addressing this? Also, since I’m new, I’d like some guidance on operation of AC, heat, refrigerator, i.e., proper running of AC vs. propane, water pump and hot water heater. (I can’t really find anything on the water heater regarding an anode or not. Outside plug can be removed, but there’s nothing behind the plug, except the water that drains.)

Maybe we could chat, if you’ll be at the show. Is one day better than another? Thank you. —First-time RVer Jim, 2018 Heartland Prowler Lynx 30LX

Hi Jim,
This is the first time I will be doing seminars at the New England RV Supershow in Boston, so I don’t have a track record on attendance. However, Saturdays are typically very busy and packed with people—like my dad, who would drag all four of us boys to RV shows on the weekend, bought us ice cream, and let us loose! We went to three or four RV shows every year, but he didn’t buy an RV until years later—after all of us boys were out of the house!

My seminars at the New England RV Supershow

Fridays are relatively quiet, as some people work and others don’t want to fight traffic in the city during the week. The show starts at 12:00 p.m., and I have the following seminars:

• 1:00 RVing With Pets
• 2:00 12-Volt Deep Cycle Batteries
• 3:00 RV Buyers’ Seminar
• 5:00 RV Truck & Trailer Driving/Towing
• 6:00 Tips To Make Your RV Trip More Enjoyable

The 12-volt seminar covers the different types of batteries such as Flooded Lead Acid (FLA), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), and Lithium, and would be a good seminar on how the system works.

The RV Buyers’ Seminar would not be as beneficial to you, since you already have your RV. However, I have slated 2 hours for that seminar, so there is typically 30 minutes or more of free time for questions. The Driving/Towing seminar would also be very good for you, as well as the “Tips” seminar, as I cover accessories, waste treatment, and tools that are common items. Then there is an hour before the show ends if you want to stick around that late.

More seminars on Sunday

Sunday would also be a good day, if the crowds are not too big, as I have added the RV Care & Maintenance seminar, which covers roof sealing and conditioning, sidewall washing and waxing. I cover other items that would be good information for not only new owners, but seasoned veterans would enjoy it also. And if you are able to stay later, again, the “Tips” seminar is at 6:00 and there is an hour afterwards which is dedicated to answering questions, and I could spend some one-on-one time with you. There is also the “Solar” seminar, if you are considering doing any boondocking or dry camping.

They do have vendors listed; however, I don’t know if any of the dealers will have parts and accessories there like at the Harrisburg Show. One vendor listed that would be good to visit is the Maine Campground Association.

For a complete list of my seminars at the New England RV Supershow, click here and then click on the Show Guide button to download a pdf list.

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

The ABCs of RV terminology: Every word and term you should know as an RVer

It is beneficial to know the common terminology of the RV language and its components. Just like any other language, there are many words or descriptions that are either borrowed from other areas or are just plain “slang”. Knowing the nomenclature (no, not the guy from “Jersey”, Norman Clature) will make it easier to communicate with your fellow RVers and even technicians. (Let us know in the comments if we missed anything.)

Read it here.

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here. 

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