What do you need to know about the Hershey RV Show?
America’s Largest RV Show, more commonly known as the Hershey RV Show, rolls into Pennsylvania every September like clockwork. This year the show takes place from September 14-18, 2022. Parking is free, but tickets must be purchased online. Tickets will then be emailed, and you can print them out or present a QR code at the gate. General admission is $12 in advance or $14 on the day of the event. Shoppers can purchase a three-day ticket in advance for $25 or $30 day of event. There are discounts available for veterans and seniors on Thursday, and children 12 and under are free.
What should you expect to find at the Hershey RV Show? You’ll have more than 33 football fields of RVs from 40 manufactures to explore over the course of the long weekend. There is always a great variety of RV classes and floorpans, making this event a fantastic opportunity for shopping at every stage of their buying journey.
While the Hershey RV Show is a great opportunity for buyers, if you aren’t well prepared, you may wind up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of the day. You may even get pressured into buying an RV that is not the right fit…or the right price point.
Here are six quick tips to help you get the most out of the Hershey RV Show.
You should also check out the RV Atlas podcast episode on RV Show Shopping. We’ve been to dozens of the biggest RV shows in the country, and we’ve learned some good lessons over the years. We’re happy to pass them along in hopes that you have the best possible experience the next time you visit a show.
Hershey RV Show Tip #1: Know before you go.
With 1,300 RVs on display, shopping can get overwhelming. Do some advance research and narrow down your options. You can view an online map of the show layout in advance. Ask yourself some questions in advance: do you want a fifth wheel or a travel trailer? A Class A or a Class C? Brand X or Brand Y? Try to know before you go, and get on the same page with your shopping partner if you have one. Shoppers who show up clueless can end up with some seriously expensive buyer’s remorse.
Hershey RV Show Tip #2: Search by manufacturer and talk to the manufacturers.
The Hershey RV Show groups all RVs by manufacturer, not by dealership. If you are looking for a rig made by brand X then they will all be in one place. This is great if you have narrowed down your manufacturer preference. However, it can be a challenge if you are looking to compare various travel trailer bunkhouses from different brands. Knowing this in advance can help you plot out a shopping strategy.
If you have important questions about a particular RV model we also strongly recommend that you ask a manufacturer’s representative for help instead of a salesman. They will be much more knowledgable and less prone to pressuring you for a sale. The manufacturers rep is an expert about his or her brand. The salesperson, however, may be responsible for selling 10 different brands at his or her home dealership. Look for folks wearing apparel with the manufacturer logo rather than sporting a dealer name tag.
Hershey RV Show Tip #3: Don’t be pressured into making a major financial decision.
We are big believers in walking away from a purchase if you don’t think things are going your way. RV show prices are very good, but don’t think that you can only get “the show price” once a year at the Hershey RV Show. There are tons of shows throughout the winter, and if you know your stuff you should be able to get that show price at the dealership after the show is over. Just remember that it is your money and you are in control. We’ve talked with many folks over the years that have chipped away at their travel budget by overspending on a rig. It’s never worth it.
Hershey RV Show Tip #4: Bring your own water, snacks, and maybe even lunch.
Food options at some RV shows are limited, expensive, and unhealthy. The Hershey RV Show does have some concessions and a row of food trucks, but the variety is never that exciting. Consider bringing your own favorite snacks and maybe even packing a cooler with lunch. You will be doing lots of walking so bring your own water. Put the money you save towards a shiny new rig.
Hershey RV Show Tip #5: Attend a great seminar or two.
Your admission fee also includes free access to dozens of seminars. Look for presentations by RV safety experts RVSEF if you are looking to learn more about technical topics like matching tow vehicles to trailers. We recommend attending the seminars by industry experts and avoiding the ones that are basically vendor content marketing. You can find the entire seminar schedule here.
Hershey RV Show Tip #6: Ask questions in The RV Atlas Facebook Group.
We are proud to provide our readers and listeners with a friendly, private, no cranks allowed Facebook group where you can feel free to ask questions without being mocked. Plenty of members have visited the Hershey RV Show in the past and are happy to give you the inside scoop. If you have follow up questions on RV models, floor plans, or pricing during or after the show, the group is a great place to go for more information.
Remember, RV shopping is supposed to be fun, so keep your sense of humor with you at all times. And don’t ever let someone pressure you into a financial commitment that makes you uncomfortable.
See you at the RV show!
