Skip to Content

Headed to Hershey? Here’s 10 Tips for attending America’s Largest RV Show

| Updated Sep 12, 2013

In Hershey, PA this week (Sept 9-15), the largest RV show in the world will be drawing tens of thousands of shoppers in search of their dream machine.

hersheyIf you are going, or you are planning to attend one of the dozens of other big RV shows that will be going on this fall across North America, I have some advice for you.

In fact, let me give you one tip that you’ll thank me for: Don’t try to do everything or see everything in one day. Pace yourself. To see it all in Hershey, give yourself three days.

If you're attending Hershey, with as many as 1,000 RVs on display, booths from vendors selling RV accessories and the many educational seminars and offerings going on, let me tell you that if you try to take it all in at once you will be busy from first light to late at night and still miss things.

roadtrekhershey
Roadtrek display at Hershey

If this is your first time, or if you’re looking for ways to better pace yourself at Hershey or whatever RV show you attend, maybe this little list will come in handy.

Here are our top ten things to do to make your visit less exhausting, more fun and full of pleasant memories. The same advice applies to any RV show, even if its not as big as Hershey.

1)  Arrive early, as soon as you can check-in. Grab the map you received from registration, and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the exhibition center and outdoor spaces. The Giant Center is huge, with 28 football fields of new RVs and thousands of RVing accessories. Before you start moving around, get the lay of the land, directions and the names of various areas.

2)   Wear comfortable shoes. That should go without saying but even though there will be shuttles and transportation vehicles to get you around, you’ll still do a lot of walking. And standing.

3)   If you're driving there in your RV, plan your meals before arriving. Even though there will be lots of food all over the complex, sometimes it’s not only less expensive but it is much more convenient and relaxing to have your own food and refreshments at your own coach.

hersheycrowds
Early crowds at the Hershey RV Show

4)   Plan each day the night before. If you are going with your spouse or friends, divide and conquer. Attend different seminars.  Then you can share highlights with each other afterwards. You’ll also want to arrive early for them. I’d say at least 10 minutes early. You’ll be surprised at how many fill right up.

5)   Schedule breaks. One in the morning, one in the afternoon. Get off your feet. Go back to your RV and take a nap. Believe it or not, these events are stressful. Stress comes from good things, too. There’s so much stimulation and fun that you can tire very easily. You’ll want to spread your activities out over manageable blocks of time.

6)   But don’t over-schedule. Seriously. Take your time. Enjoy the sights and sounds and entertainment. Right from the time you arrive, you’ll meet new friends. Talking about your collective travels, sharing ideas, visiting each other’s RVs and seeing all the little mods folks do to personalize their space is as much fun as seeing the displays.

7)   When you visit the vendor displays, don’t buy the first thing you think you need. Chances are, another vendor has the same item, or offers it at a better price, or has it in different styles or colors. Do comparison-shopping and find the best price and selection before purchasing.

8)   Look for freebies and contests. RVers are bargain hunters by nature, it seems to me. But beyond the pens and candies and normal giveaways, many vendors have drawings for RV accessories or free stays in RV resorts.  Somebody’s going to win these things. Why not you?

9)   Carry a camera with you or use your smartphone to take lots of photos. You’ll see things you wish you had in your coach in some of the new motorhome display models. Take a photo of it so that you have a visual record to follow or to show a handyman who can customize your setup. Take photos of the new friends you meet, too. Back home and in the months to come, the photos will be a great visual aid.

10) Finally, don’t be pressured to buy. Yes, there are some very aggressive dealers and some great pricing. But next to your home, an RV may be one of the most expensive purchases you'll ever make. Try and get a quote from a competing dealer. Be very comfortable with the deal. Sometimes, that means taking a few days to decide. If the dealer wont let you, maybe that's not the dealer for you.

 

 

 

Mike Wendland

Published on 2013-09-12

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

8 Responses to “Headed to Hershey? Here’s 10 Tips for attending America’s Largest RV Show”

September 16, 2013at9:52 pm, Jeff Wendland said:

I also have a Tilley hat, James! I collect pins from the National Parks we visit and put them around the hat bill… Great hat!

September 16, 2013at9:46 pm, James Hamilton said:

Surprised to see myself in your story about 10 tips for an RV show. I am the guy in the Tilley hat in pix by point 4. About 97 degrees about the time that shot was taken, and the heat was taking a toll on speed walking. My wife is in front of me trying to decide what one to buy!

September 12, 2013at11:25 pm, Sharon said:

Was at the show on Thursday! Wish I had had more time to see it all. I only had the one day so plotted out what was most important to me and hit the high points! Had to see the new Roadtreks, saw Tom’s E-Trek. Wow, lots different from my 99 RT! Still trying to figure mine out and asked lots of questions! Next year, more time and hope for cooler temps! Yeh, next year the RT goes with me. A nap would have been most welcome! Thanks for the hints, Mike.

September 12, 2013at7:59 pm, Mike Wendland said:

Congrats, Tom. You will have a great time as you embrace a wonderful new lifestyle! Hope to see you out there soon!

September 12, 2013at5:42 pm, Tom Gallivan said:

Hey Mike… just arrived back in Vermont from a one day trip to Hershey. I followed your rule #1, arrive early, showing up at 9AM. The white E-Trek in your image? … I bought it at 11 AM! I’ll be taking delivery in about two weeks. This is our first venture into Rv’ing and are totally pumped. Your blog and the group’s comments over the last couple of months of our researching has played a huge role in our decision to enter the Roadtrek world. Thanks to all. See you on the road (well soon anyway)!

September 12, 2013at3:10 pm, Mike Wendland said:

Hi folks… at this point, it looks like Jennifer and I will NOT be in Hershey. If that should change, I’ll post here.

September 12, 2013at12:10 pm, Suzie said:

What days/times will you be at the booth? My husband and I would also like to meet you and Jennifer. Maybe you can show us the difference between an eTrek and the CS.

September 12, 2013at12:09 pm, Larry said:

Great advice, Mike? Are you at Hershey? I’ll stop by the Roadtrek booth to shake your hand if you are there. Would love to meet you and your wife. Maybe you can show us what Roadtrek we should consider. I’ll be there Saturday and hope to meet you.

Comments are closed.

Back to top
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
Email