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9 Reasons to Attend an RV Show (Even If You’re Not Buying Yet)

ByMorgan Middleton

Thinking about getting an RV but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Or maybe you’ve had one for years and just want to see what’s new. Either way, RV shows are one of the best (and most overlooked) ways to make confident, informed decisions about RV life.

We’ve been through the process multiple times. We’ve owned four RVs together, and attending shows has consistently helped us get a clearer picture of what we actually wanted, faster and with fewer regrets.

Here’s why attending an RV show is worth your time, especially if you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade.

Crowds walk through an outdoor RV show lined with various trailers and motorhomes, including a Clipper trailer priced at $14,999 and a sleek black-and-silver luxury RV. Shoppers carry blue Camping World bags, and green picnic tables sit nearby under a clear blue sky.

1. See Dozens of RV Models in One Place

Looking online or at a local dealership can only take you so far. You might love a floorplan on paper, but until you walk through it, you won’t know if it feels right.

We once had our heart set on a specific fifth wheel. It looked perfect in videos. But standing in it at a show, we realized the bed setup wouldn’t work for how we camp. That five-minute walk-through saved us from a costly mistake.

Outdoor RV show featuring rows of large RVs and trailers, including an Alpine model, with visitors walking and browsing under a clear blue sky. Red flags, vendor signs, and American flags add color to the busy asphalt pathway between displays.

2. Test the Layout in Real Life

The layout of your RV makes a huge difference, especially if you plan to travel full-time or as a couple.

RV shows let you “test drive” the space. Open cabinets. Sit at the dinette. Walk around the bed. Step into the shower.

Interior of a modern RV showcasing a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a double-door fridge and microwave, across from a leather sofa and dining area. The space features wood-style flooring, recessed lighting, and neutral tones, leading to a bedroom and bathroom area in the back.

At one show, we loved a kitchen layout until we noticed it had almost no pantry space. At another, the fridge door hit the slide when opened. You only catch these quirks when you can physically move through the rig.

3. Compare Brands Side by Side

One of the biggest benefits of an RV show is being able to walk from one manufacturer’s lineup to another. You can compare features, build quality, and pricing with a fresh memory of what you just saw.

This helped us narrow our choices from three brands to one, all in the span of an afternoon.

4. Talk Directly with Dealers (And Sometimes Manufacturers)

Most RV shows feature local and regional dealers, but at the larger Supershows in Tampa and Hershey, you may also get the chance to speak directly with manufacturer reps.

Three people smile in front of a branded Alliance RV backdrop at an outdoor event, with palm trees and blue sky in the background. The man on the left wears a red hoodie and sunglasses, the woman in the center wears a knit hat and black jacket, and the man on the right wears a navy Alliance RV pullover.

We once had a rep walk us through the insulation specs for their models and explain how that impacts winter camping. That conversation helped us choose a brand we felt confident using in colder temps.

5. Learn from Educational Seminars (At Select Shows)

Some larger RV shows, like the Tampa Supershow or the Hershey RV Show, offer free seminars on topics like RV maintenance, safety, and full-time living. These are especially helpful for beginners.

At one Supershow, we sat in on a battery system talk that completely changed how we thought about boondocking. We upgraded our setup the next week and it made a huge difference.

You’ll also find speakers who live on the road full-time and share tips they wish they had known early on. From mail forwarding to campsite memberships, these sessions go beyond what you’ll find in forums or YouTube videos.

6. Take Advantage of Show-Only Deals

Dealers often bring their best pricing and packages to shows. Even if you’re not ready to buy, you’ll get a better sense of what’s negotiable.

We saved a few thousand dollars on one of our rigs by buying at a show. The dealer also threw in a power tongue jack and upgraded stairs as part of the show special.

Just be sure to set a budget ahead of time so you don’t get swept up in the excitement.

7. Discover Accessories, Upgrades, and Services

Many RV shows include vendor booths for RV products and services. Think memberships, insurance providers, solar setups, and camping gear.

Indoor RV show at TECO Arena with several vendor booths, including RV There Yet? and Camco Outdoors, surrounded by attendees browsing products and displays. The floor is covered in blue carpet, and camping chairs, flags, and banners add to the event atmosphere.

At one show, we bought a tire pressure monitoring system that we hadn’t even considered before. Another time, we signed up for a campground membership that ended up being one of our best tools for travel.

We also love checking out any new product launches. It is not uncommon to see them first at a bigger RV show. Speaking of camping gear and necessities, we cover all the items we consider necessities for an RV here.

8. Connect with Other RVers & Industry Pros

One of the underrated perks of RV shows is meeting other RVers and Content Creators. Whether it’s weekenders, full-timers, or people still in research mode, you’ll hear real stories that help shape your decisions.

Four people pose together indoors at an RV event, smiling in front of a beige brick wall with a hand sanitizer station sign. The two on the left wear name tags and Cypress Trail Resort badges, while the two on the right are dressed in casual winter clothing, including a red hoodie and a knit hat.

We once met a couple while waiting in line for snacks who shared how they chose their Class C. We ended up following each other on Instagram and have met up at multiple campgrounds since.

Two smiling people pose outdoors at an RV show under a bright blue sky, with vans and red carpet visible in the background. One wears a red hoodie and sunglasses, while the other gives a thumbs up and wears a navy jacket with a red-and-white lanyard.

At larger shows, there are often Meet & Greet opportunities with people associated with the RV Industry.

If you have a chance, introduce yourself to those people and see where the conversation takes you.

We got to meet Matt from Matt’s RV Reviews. He is just as much fun in person as he appears to be in videos.

9. Get Inspired for the Next Step

Even if you’re in the early research phase, attending a show helps you focus your goals. You might realize a van is better for your travel style than a fifth wheel. Or maybe you fall in love with a layout you hadn’t considered.

And when you’re ready to take the next step, here are some helpful reads:

Is an RV Show Worth It?

If you’re serious about RVing, whether for weekends or full-time travel, an RV show can fast-track your learning and build your confidence. You don’t have to go in ready to buy. You just need to be ready to explore, ask questions, and take notes.

Even one afternoon at a show can save you hours of research and thousands of dollars in trial-and-error decisions. That alone makes it worth the ticket.

Scenic view of a small lake with a central fountain spraying water, surrounded by palm trees and grassy edges. Across the water, an RV show is visible with rows of vehicles, red flags, and vendor tents under a clear blue sky.

New to RV Life? Here’s What to Read Next

If you’re just starting your RV journey, we’ve got more resources to help you hit the road with confidence:

Whether you’re setting up for the first time or the fiftieth, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re always just a blog post away.

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Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.