Many buyers assume RV show prices are always the cheapest way to buy an RV. But are RV show prices cheaper than buying from a dealership — or is that just marketing hype? While some shoppers save thousands, others unknowingly pay more. Getting a real deal at an RV show is possible, but only if you understand how pricing really works.
In this guide:
- When RV shows are cheaper
- When dealers beat show pricing
- Hidden fees to watch for
- Negotiation strategies
- How to know if you’re getting a real deal
Are RV Show Prices Really Cheaper Than Dealers?
It’s no wonder why people think that RV shows are the best place to buy the perfect RV. Manufacturers and dealers often work together to offer “show-only pricing” RV in an effort to maximize RV sales. But some of these RV show specials might not be as “special” as they seem.
Dealers have been known to bump up the original prices before offering a “discount”. This allows them to maintain their profit margin while selling more units. Many RV manufacturers inflate the MSRP by over 100% so they can offer a discount that looks amazing (at least on the surface). However, if you’re done your research, you might discover their MSRP is far higher than it usually is. By the way, RV Trader is a good starting point for researching typical region specific RV prices and MSRPs.
Typical Financing Deals At RV Shows
The close proximity of dealers at an RV show has advantages for RV buyers. First, you don’t need to go very far to competition between dealers can lead to some pretty good deals when it comes to financing. Keep in mind this is all designed to increase RV sales.
Promotional rates (sometimes even 0%)
Manufacturers and dealers sometimes roll out promotional financing at RV shows. Promotional financing at RV shows Promotional financing at RV shows often features very low, limited-time interest rates (sometimes starting as low as 3.99% OAC). But It can also include manufacturer rebates, or even zero-down options. It’s all devised to entice buyers to make a deal right on the spot and drive impulse purchases. However, it’s critical to do your research, comparing any financing deal with a pre-approved term loan from your own bank or credit union.
“Show pricing” with on-the-spot financing
Sometimes dealers will offer show pricing in combination with on-the-spot financing. But it’s a deal usually only available at the show. Because dealers know you’re more likely to sign a sales contract if you’re afraid you’ll miss out on an amazing deal by not buying right away. But the truth of the matter is that the dealer will likely still be happy to sell you an RV in the morning. And most of the time, it makes the best sense to go home, crunch some numbers and sleep on the deal before you commit to anything.
Typical dealer financing terms and Interest rates
Many dealers offer low enough interest rates that payments spread over 10 to 20 years can be attractively low. While payments of a few hundred dollars per month might seem affordable, The average RV depreciation rate is steep in the first three years. This makes long financing terms especially risky for buyers.
RVs depreciate about 20% immediately after you buy them. After that, they depreciate about 26%-30% per year for the first 3 years and more per year after that.That means, without a significant downpayment, you can quickly owe a lot more than the RV is worth. So if you want to sell it or trade it in at some point, you’ll still be paying off your loan, even when you no longer have the RV. It’s a condition known as being underwater.
Typical RV Show Financing Deals
- Interest rates offered at RV shows: 2.99% and 13.99% APR
- 90 days no payments
- 10 to 20 year amortization
When RV Shows ARE Actually Cheaper
Fall RV shows can be a great place to get good deals on RVs, as dealers clear out inventory to make way for new inventory. Additionally, there are some key times throughout the show that you might be able to get the best deal.
- Visit on a Thursday: RV shows frequently run from Thursday to Sunday, with Thursdays being the slowest day, when a dealer might be happier to negotiate.
- Last Day of the Show: Sunday afternoons (or the last day) can offer opportunities to snatch up unsold units as the show wraps up.
- Focus On Last Year’s Model: RV floorplans don’t often change much year over year. If you look for the previous year’s models, you’ll probably discover significant markdowns.
- Ask for Dealer Direct Pricing: Contact dealers directly before the show if you have a particular RV in mind. They might be able to offer a better price to avoid sk for their best price on a unit, as they may offer a better price to avoid show expenses.
When Dealers Are Actually Cheaper
Many of the best RV deals happen on RV dealer lots. Here are some key times when an RV dealership will offer the best deal on an RV.
- November to February: Many dealers still have lots of inventory sitting on their lots at the end of the season.
- Weekdays: RV dealer lots tend to be busiest on the weekends, so they’re often more likely to negotiate better deals between Monday and Thursday.
- End of the Month/Quarter/Year: These are times when dealers are highly motivated to hit sales targets, increasing negotiation potential.
- When gas prices are high: High gas prices often result in people pulling back on travel plans, causing RV sales to decline and increasing your negotiating power.
- Smaller dealerships sometimes offer the best pricing
- If you have a trade-in, you might be able to get better price at an RV dealer.
Hidden Costs Buyers Miss
Most of us think when we buy an RV that we pay for the RV and sales tax and then drive away. However, there are a few other typical expenses to take into account when purchasing an RV. These can add up significantly, and can be a bit of a shock if you aren’t prepared.
5 Hidden Costs Of Buying An RV
- Delivery fees– Most dealers will bundle delivery fees into the sales contract. This is always after you’ve sat down in their office and are ready to strike a deal.
- Inspection– This add-on often comes as a surprise. I mean whether you’re buying a new or used RV, you kind of expect the dealer to ensure it’s in good shape by doing a pre-sale inspection. However, many dealers do this inspection and then charge you a fee for it! My advice is to always refuse to pay this fee. Instead, hire an independent RV inspector, even if you’re buying a new RV. It’s sometimes surprising what their reports find.
- Extended Warranties: It can be worth buying an extended warranty, but you don’t have to buy one through the RV dealer. Look online and you’ll find more than a few companies selling RV warranties, My best advice is to shop around to find one that suits your needs.
- Insurance: Vehicle insurance is mandatory for both towable RVs and motorhomes in most places. In addition, if you plan to travel in your RV more than a few months of the year, you’ll need RV fulltimers insurance.
- Roadside Assistance Plan: RV roadside assistance is one of those things that you might never need, but is handy when you need it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages for RVs. If your travel extensively, it’s it’s a good idea to buy two packages, in case one of them doesn’t provide service in the area where you happen to be stranded.
How to Tell If a Show Price Is Actually a Deal
There are 3 things you should check on dealer websites before you attend an RV show.
- MSRP: Manufacturer’s websites usually list this.
- Average street price: If you’re in the US, RVTrader.com is the best place to research prices. If you’re in Canada, AutoTrader.ca is where to research the going prices for RVs.
- Discounted show price at the dealership before the show
Negotiation Secrets Most Buyers Don’t Know
- Do your research ahead of time: Know the MSRP, Average price on RV trader or other platforms,
- Negotiate on the out-the-door price including taxes/fees
- Focus on the total cost, not the monthly payments
- Use the “Trifecta” Method: Negotiate the RV price, then trade-in value, and finally financing as three separate, distinct deals.
- Pre-Approval: If possible, get bank or credit union financing pre-approval to act as a cash buyer.
- Inspect Before Closing: Demand a full, comprehensive walkthrough and ensure all systems work before finalizing any RV purchase
- Get quotes from multiple dealers and don’t be afraid to say “I found a better deal somewhere else” to put pressure on a dealer to give you his best price.
- Always be willing to walk away– Don’t buy into tactics designed to create a sense of urgency. The only person in a sales agreement who actually needs the sale is the RV dealer. Time is on your side.
The strongest negotiating tool at an RV show is your willingness to abandon the sale and walk away.
Should You Buy at the RV Show Or Wait?
| If you want… | Do this |
|---|---|
| Maximum selection | Go to the show |
| The absolute lowest price | Shop dealerships after show season |
| Financing promos | Consider buying at the show |
| Negotiation leverage | Get quotes at the show, buy later |
Pro Strategy (Advanced Buyers Only)
Getting the best deal on an RV almost always involves taking your time and not getting rushed into signing a sales contract right away. Here’s a strategy seasoned RV buyers use for getting the best deal at an RV show.
- Attend the show and find an RV model and floor plan that works for you.
- Collect quotes from all the dealers that have similar models
- Leave– don’t buy anything just yet
- Email dealers when you get home to enquire about prices.
Dealers often improve offers once the show chaos ends.
Find An RV Show Near You!
The Verdict: Do RV Shows Have Better Prices Than Dealerships?
RV shows can absolutely save you money– but only if you do your homework and walk in informed, prepared and ready to take your time, and walk away from anything less than the deal you came in for.
Faq
Yes, absolutely. With that said, you should always try to haggle a price or options that work for you.
The last day of a show can be the best day to score a deal on an RV, although there will be fewer choices.
RV dealers are in the business of selling RVs. Walking away and buying later can be a good negotiating strategy.
Key Takeaways
- RV show prices may appear discounted, but dealers often inflate MSRPs, so research is essential before buying.
- Buyers can find better deals during certain times at shows, like Thursdays or the last day for unsold units.
- Hidden costs, such as delivery fees and extended warranties, can significantly increase the total price of an RV purchase.
- Utilize negotiation tactics like researching prices and separating deals on RV price, trade-in, and financing.
- For the best overall deal, consider attending RV shows to explore options, but be prepared to negotiate and possibly buy later.
Lynne Fedorick is an RV expert and experienced outdoor author who has written hundreds of articles for RV Life, RV Trader, and other leading publications. She evaluates RV gear, portable power systems, and emergency preparedness equipment for real-world RV travel. Lynne is the founder of RVAdventureGuide.com, offering RV travel tips, reviews, and destinations from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
