Rex and I are planning to spend Thursday- Saturday at the Hershey RV show. We were there in 2012 just for something to do on a Saturday. We were blown away by the homey look of a lot of the units we saw. It was then we started considering it as a retirement plan and have been researching since then.
We plan to attend several of the classes and wonder if anyone has recommendations on which ones are particularly helpful? And which of the speakers may be more informative than others to us inexperienced folks?
Of course we also intend to get a good look at the 5th wheels and all the vendors.
Any hints and tips from those with experience? We have 3 days so we can pace ourselves and not get completely worn out by all the walking.
Also wondering if backpacks, totes, etc are allowed. I don't recall from before And can't find it on the website info. I'd like to carry an insulated small tote with some sandwiches or something If it's allowed. We weren't impressed with the lunch we had last time. Maybe someone has a recommendation for a food vendor we didn't see before?
thank you in advance!
The Restless Youngs said
03:11 PM Aug 1, 2014
Last year backpacks and totes were allowed; a few of the vendors hand out the reusable bags so that was good too!! We went Saturday and Sunday last year and got more done the first two hours on Sunday than the whole day on Saturday. Saturday was jammed with tons of ppl. Sunday was awesome and we got to really see the various models with ease. We got there when it first opened and was so nice to be able to roam without the hoards of ppl. I imagine weekdays will be better for seeing things and maybe hit the seminars on Saturday when the crowds are at their peak.
Just looked at the schedule, the ones we went to were Buying an RV and full time/extended RV lifestyle. Both were good and overall just good reinforcement. We went to the safety seminar in Tampa and that was good as well. Since we're closer to hitting the road and we've purchased our RV, this year we'll probably hit more of the "places to go" type seminars. Just didn't want to get too overloaded last year and we were more focused on the basics at that time. If you're going with a 5th wheel, I would also hit the seminar about matching up truck to trailers.
I recommend the small tote; the food was just okay and if I remember, overpriced. I saw others who had brought their lunch and thought that was a good call.
Enjoy!!!
Camper Chronicles said
04:09 PM Aug 1, 2014
We really liked the safety seminar. That's where we met the cord engineer who ultimately species our truck. Once you pick an RV go to the ford tent and have them build a truck for you. Best thing we ever did. Full timing seminar as so-so...but it turns out Kellie and Cory were both in the same one we just didn't know it then :) working on the road as very good.
Terry and Jo said
10:43 AM Aug 2, 2014
Not so much as "what not to miss," but take a digital camera for "recording" features of RV's and take notes at any seminars you attend. With regards to taking photos, when I was researching, I first took a picture of the unit's brand name, then one of the unit's model number prior to taking pictures of anything else. That way, I knew that any pictures between two different "model numbers/brand names" were related to the model/brand from the first pictures.
With regards to seminars, be aware that even seminar presenters have their bad days. I recall the story of a presenter at a rally that said that if one got a dually truck, one had to deduct the weight of the extra set of tires and wheels from the truck's GVWR. In reality, all the truck manufacturers post weight capacities that are higher with duallies than with single real wheel trucks. So that presenter's statement was totally wrong.
You do need to do your own research and take all advice, including those from folks on forums, into account but verify the information later. That's the reason for taking notes.
Don't miss looking at the information on the RV's foundations, which is the frame, axles, suspension, wheels and tires. Don't be "fooled" by homey looks. Look at the construction of cabinetry and other parts of the RV's. Some units "look" good, but later examination finds serious flaws. Also, if you are going to be full-timing, check to see if the RV manufacturer will warranty their units for full-timers. I asked that question of one factory rep one time and his answer was, "just don't tell us you are a full-timer." Guess what might would happen if they later decided that one was a full-timer.
Good luck and be sure and have fun. RV shows are great for allowing one to compare the various types of RV's as well as the different manufacturers. However, don't fall for the "show price" mentality and buy at the show. Many of the same dealers will offer the same "show price" at the dealer's lot, and you would have a lot more time to explore all the features, standard and optional, that each unit has.
Terry
Jack Mayer said
07:12 PM Aug 2, 2014
New Horizons will have their new show model there....if you are interested in 5ers it is probably worth a look. Even if that is outside the price range you are looking at, it is sometimes useful to see the materials and fit/finish, and construction details, of a higher end coach. That might give you a better idea of what to look at in your chosen models.
BiggarView said
09:07 PM Aug 2, 2014
I could not agree more, Jack. We plan on a Hershey trip in a couple of years duing the final "countdown" to do exactly that and do a good side by side compare, hopefully, of all the rigs that are in our "final" cut.
Brian
Lets get moving said
10:35 AM Aug 4, 2014
Great tip on the Camera Terry! We would have thought about it too late and used our phone, just not as efficient! Definitely bringing the camera!
Will be checking out all our favorites and any that anyone cares to suggest. Will look at NH.
We have a list of what we know we want and what we would like to have and what would be nice but not a deal breaker as far as a layout.
We are planning to get the best quality in a layout we like even if it means it's a few years old rather than order a new one. So we figure the new stuff we see this year may actually be what we end up with! 😃
BiggarView said
10:48 AM Aug 4, 2014
Lets get moving wrote:
Great tip on the Camera Terry! We would have thought about it too late and used our phone, just not as efficient! Definitely bringing the camera! Will be checking out all our favorites and any that anyone cares to suggest. Will look at NH. We have a list of what we know we want and what we would like to have and what would be nice but not a deal breaker as far as a layout. We are planning to get the best quality in a layout we like even if it means it's a few years old rather than order a new one. So we figure the new stuff we see this year may actually be what we end up with! 😃
That is a sensible strategy... We are doing the same thing too. Looking at what is new now... hopefully available as gently used but will not rule out "new" at that time, as it may be just the ticket at the time of a final decision. A top end well maintained used rig can compete well with newer, less well constructed ones.
JMHO, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 4th of August 2014 07:04:14 PM
Jake62 said
05:17 PM Aug 4, 2014
We went to Hersey last year and plan on another Friday-Saturday stay. With my retirement in 2015, I've narrowed down our DP purchase to three different manufacturers, all of whom will be at Hersey. However, we plan to go to 3-4 of the seminars to continue the learning process. Like some of you have stated, we plan to buy used, so the models we see in September could be one that we purchase next year, but mostly likely, it'll be a couple years older based on the prices we're seeing ... but it's always fun to look!
cavalry6869 said
05:09 PM Sep 3, 2014
Cindy and I have reservations at the TT Hershey Campground. We will be getting in on Friday and plan to be at the RV show on Saturday morning. This will be the first time for us at the Hershey show. I expect that she will have me looking at vendors, campgrounds and maybe a couple of Class As..........Yippee! We're still a ways away from buying a used Class A but they are fun to look at.
Ran n Jo said
08:37 PM Sep 3, 2014
Thanks for the tips! Ran and I will be there. We plan to check out the NH and DRVs especially. We will also be attending several seminars.
cheryls-other-half said
11:56 PM Sep 3, 2014
Almost jealous/Nostalgic.
We went to our first (and so far only) RVdreams rally in Hersey (in 2011 I think?) and also went to the show the last day we were there.
Since we were absolute newbies, we stayed in a 'cottage' at the rally, and were so overwhelmed, and became determined to 'just do it'!!!
And now we have (but we're missing the rally next week in Goshen because Cheryl took a bit of time to recover...)
But the bright side? We DID it, and ARE part of the Class of 2014, and are currently typing/living in our 5er, even if it IS currently STILL in Florida.
But enjoy the Show, and Howard/Linda: Sorry we'll miss you THIS week at the Raleigh fairgrounds, where the Raleigh Show is THIS week, and where we will be staying, starting at the end of next week (give or take a day or two)
We will ABSOLUTELY be at the boondocking rally next February, and many others I hope too.
Keep the dream, it isn't all roses, it can be painful, but YOU TOO can do it!!
Rex and I are planning to spend Thursday- Saturday at the Hershey RV show. We were there in 2012 just for something to do on a Saturday. We were blown away by the homey look of a lot of the units we saw. It was then we started considering it as a retirement plan and have been researching since then.
We plan to attend several of the classes and wonder if anyone has recommendations on which ones are particularly helpful? And which of the speakers may be more informative than others to us inexperienced folks?
Of course we also intend to get a good look at the 5th wheels and all the vendors.
Any hints and tips from those with experience? We have 3 days so we can pace ourselves and not get completely worn out by all the walking.
Also wondering if backpacks, totes, etc are allowed. I don't recall from before And can't find it on the website info. I'd like to carry an insulated small tote with some sandwiches or something If it's allowed. We weren't impressed with the lunch we had last time. Maybe someone has a recommendation for a food vendor we didn't see before?
thank you in advance!
Just looked at the schedule, the ones we went to were Buying an RV and full time/extended RV lifestyle. Both were good and overall just good reinforcement. We went to the safety seminar in Tampa and that was good as well. Since we're closer to hitting the road and we've purchased our RV, this year we'll probably hit more of the "places to go" type seminars. Just didn't want to get too overloaded last year and we were more focused on the basics at that time. If you're going with a 5th wheel, I would also hit the seminar about matching up truck to trailers.
I recommend the small tote; the food was just okay and if I remember, overpriced. I saw others who had brought their lunch and thought that was a good call.
Enjoy!!!
Not so much as "what not to miss," but take a digital camera for "recording" features of RV's and take notes at any seminars you attend. With regards to taking photos, when I was researching, I first took a picture of the unit's brand name, then one of the unit's model number prior to taking pictures of anything else. That way, I knew that any pictures between two different "model numbers/brand names" were related to the model/brand from the first pictures.
With regards to seminars, be aware that even seminar presenters have their bad days. I recall the story of a presenter at a rally that said that if one got a dually truck, one had to deduct the weight of the extra set of tires and wheels from the truck's GVWR. In reality, all the truck manufacturers post weight capacities that are higher with duallies than with single real wheel trucks. So that presenter's statement was totally wrong.
You do need to do your own research and take all advice, including those from folks on forums, into account but verify the information later. That's the reason for taking notes.
Don't miss looking at the information on the RV's foundations, which is the frame, axles, suspension, wheels and tires. Don't be "fooled" by homey looks. Look at the construction of cabinetry and other parts of the RV's. Some units "look" good, but later examination finds serious flaws. Also, if you are going to be full-timing, check to see if the RV manufacturer will warranty their units for full-timers. I asked that question of one factory rep one time and his answer was, "just don't tell us you are a full-timer." Guess what might would happen if they later decided that one was a full-timer.
Good luck and be sure and have fun. RV shows are great for allowing one to compare the various types of RV's as well as the different manufacturers. However, don't fall for the "show price" mentality and buy at the show. Many of the same dealers will offer the same "show price" at the dealer's lot, and you would have a lot more time to explore all the features, standard and optional, that each unit has.
Terry
I could not agree more, Jack. We plan on a Hershey trip in a couple of years duing the final "countdown" to do exactly that and do a good side by side compare, hopefully, of all the rigs that are in our "final" cut.
Brian
Will be checking out all our favorites and any that anyone cares to suggest. Will look at NH.
We have a list of what we know we want and what we would like to have and what would be nice but not a deal breaker as far as a layout.
We are planning to get the best quality in a layout we like even if it means it's a few years old rather than order a new one. So we figure the new stuff we see this year may actually be what we end up with! 😃
That is a sensible strategy... We are doing the same thing too. Looking at what is new now... hopefully available as gently used but will not rule out "new" at that time, as it may be just the ticket at the time of a final decision. A top end well maintained used rig can compete well with newer, less well constructed ones.
JMHO, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 4th of August 2014 07:04:14 PM
Cindy and I have reservations at the TT Hershey Campground. We will be getting in on Friday and plan to be at the RV show on Saturday morning. This will be the first time for us at the Hershey show. I expect that she will have me looking at vendors, campgrounds and maybe a couple of Class As..........Yippee! We're still a ways away from buying a used Class A but they are fun to look at.
Almost jealous/Nostalgic.
We went to our first (and so far only) RVdreams rally in Hersey (in 2011 I think?) and also went to the show the last day we were there.
Since we were absolute newbies, we stayed in a 'cottage' at the rally, and were so overwhelmed, and became determined to 'just do it'!!!
And now we have (but we're missing the rally next week in Goshen because Cheryl took a bit of time to recover...)
But the bright side? We DID it, and ARE part of the Class of 2014, and are currently typing/living in our 5er, even if it IS currently STILL in Florida.
But enjoy the Show, and Howard/Linda: Sorry we'll miss you THIS week at the Raleigh fairgrounds, where the Raleigh Show is THIS week, and where we will be staying, starting at the end of next week (give or take a day or two)
We will ABSOLUTELY be at the boondocking rally next February, and many others I hope too.
Keep the dream, it isn't all roses, it can be painful, but YOU TOO can do it!!
MitchB