Let the Shows Begin!

Purchasing a camper takes time.  Sometimes the entire process can be done within one week.  More often than not, the process takes around three to four weeks.  When it comes to units with custom specifications, the wait time can stretch into six to eight weeks making January and February good months to get the ball rolling!  With the start of a new year comes a new roster of RV shows.  A good deal of these shows occur between January and April - perfect timing for folks who are looking to get into their ideal RV before camping season begins!

While looking at campers online is a great way to get started in figuring out what specifications you want included in your unit, the most effective way to determine what features are right for you is to go see the unit in person.  In the colder temperatures of the winter months, RV shows offer something most RV dealerships cannot - the comfort of browsing inventory inside a heated building!  In addition to this gem of a perk, RV shows allow you to interact with sales representatives from dealerships and occasionally manufacturer representatives from the companies that make the campers.  If the show is large enough, representatives from campgrounds within a fair distance will also present their literature at these shows, giving you ideas of where you can go once you get your camper on the road!

One of the best places to find out if any RV shows are going to be held in your area is to check out the RV Show section of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association website.  Another good place to look is to go to your local RV dealership's webpage.  They will often advertise which shows they will be attending on their homepage.

As for us here at Susquehanna RV, we will be at the Allentown RV Show from January 10th through January 12th.  We will be at the Susquehanna Valley RV Show from February 6th through February 9th.  We will also be at the Northeast RV Show from February 14th through February 17th (and that's just the next 6 weeks or so!).

Even if you are not looking to buy a camper, it is always fun to go window shopping; to see what new floor plans and features manufacturers are offering each year!  So, get yourself out of the house, take a drive, get some fresh air and window shop to your heart's content!  You never know - you might just find something you love!

What RV Will Be Best For Me?

Being the savvy shopper that you are, you know that the best time to go shopping for an RV is between the months of November and January.  Camping season is over and "clearance prices" are in effect.  You've already committed to buying a camper.  Now you need to figure out what type of camper would fit your needs best.  By answering the following questions, you should be able to zero in on your perfect unit.

• What will you be towing your unit with?

• By determining how much weight your vehicle can pull, you can narrow down the type of camper you should consider buying.  First, find out what the towing capacity of your vehicle is (this should be in the owner's manual).  Second, take away approximately 10-15% from that number (many towing capacities were calculated without taking passengers, equipment, etc. into consideration).  Finally, subtract the additional weight of whatever you are bringing with you (food, propane, hitch weight, etc.).  The remaining number is what your vehicle can safely tow.  (This is just a guideline - one of our salespeople can give you more precise information about staying safely within your towing capacity).   
• How many people would you be camping with?
• If you will be camping alone (or with one other person) you may prefer to stick to a smaller unit.  Of course, if you intend to camp with the whole family, a unit with bunks would better suit your needs.
• What amenities do you want your camper to have?
• Are you looking for something that does what you need it to do or are you looking for a unit with all of the bells and whistles?  Basic campers will have the necessities - standard appliances, bed, bath, radio, etc.  On the flip-side, there are campers that have a ton of extras, such as a skylight in the shower, a glass shower enclosure, an outside shower, an outside grill.  Some even have fireplaces.
• New or Used?  What is your price range?
• If you're looking to stay under a certain amount, consider looking at used campers.  Many times, campers are taken in on a trade and they are in great condition.  You can save money on a unit that is as good as new simply because it was "pre-enjoyed".  When setting your price range, leave room to move and remember that financing is available - you do not have to come in with thousands in your pocket to buy a unit outright. What a lot of RV shoppers do not know, is that the interest on an RV loan is actually tax deductible as "home mortgage interest".  (Check out more information on tax deductible interest here). 

Being able to answer the questions above will be extremely helpful when you head out to your RV dealership.  They are some of the same questions that any good salesperson will ask you.  If a salesperson does not at least ask you what your towing capacity is, be wary - that's one of the most important things to consider in your purchase and directly affects your ability to tow a camper safely!