After you narrow down your RV type and floor plan of choice, it’s time to head to the dealership. Here’s everything you need to know about the RV purchase process.
Once you’ve done some research and narrowed down your RV wishlist, it’s time for the exciting part—shopping for your new RV. Whether you plan to buy locally, travel to a regional dealership, or take advantage of RV show pricing, it’s helpful to understand how the RV buying process differs from purchasing a car or truck.
Still not sure what type of RV is best for you? Start here.
RV shopping is not a one-size-fits-all experience. RV dealerships tend to be more spread out geographically, inventory varies from one dealer to another, and buying at a show can feel completely different from purchasing on a dealership lot. But that variety also means more opportunities to find the perfect fit.
This guide walks you through the three main places buyers shop for RVs and what to keep in mind at each stop.
Purchasing From a Local Dealership
Buying your RV from a dealership close to home is the most convenient option for many new owners—and for good reason.
Local dealerships offer easy access and less travel time.
If your local dealer carries the brand or models you’re interested in, shopping close to home saves you hours on the road. You can browse inventory at your own pace, schedule repeat visits as needed, and take your time before deciding.
Warranty work and service are much more convenient.
Many new RV owners don’t realize how valuable this can be. Your selling dealer will typically be your primary service center for warranty work, repairs, and troubleshooting. Having a dealership nearby makes it easier to schedule maintenance, drop off your RV, or get help if something needs attention.
You can build a long-term relationship with the dealership.
Purchasing locally often gives you the chance to work with the same service and sales team over time. These relationships can be helpful for upgrades, trade-ins, seasonal prep, and follow-up questions as you learn your new RV.
Not every local dealer carries every brand.
RV dealerships typically represent a small number of manufacturers. If you have your heart set on a specific brand or floor plan, your local dealer may not sell it. In that case, you may need to expand your search radius.
Local dealerships are a great first stop, but not always the final one. If you can find the RV you love close to home, the convenience and service benefits make this option hard to beat.
Purchasing From a Non-Local Dealership
Sometimes the RV you want isn’t sitting on a lot near home—and that’s completely normal. Many RVers purchase from dealerships several hours away or even in a different state.
More dealership options mean more inventory to explore.
When you widen your search radius, you may find brands or floor plans that aren’t available locally. This is especially true if you’re looking for a newer model, a higher-end brand, or a very specific layout.
Casting a wider net may improve your price options.
RV prices can vary from dealer to dealer, even for the same model. Shopping in multiple regions can help you understand the going rate for the RV you want—and sometimes leads to more competitive offers. The more dealers you talk with, the better sense you’ll have of where the best value lies.
But warranty work may require some planning.
Before buying far from home, call your local dealership and ask whether they service RVs purchased elsewhere. Many dealerships do, but policies vary.
If not, are you comfortable driving a few hours back to the selling dealer for repairs?
Having a plan helps you avoid surprises later.
Consider travel logistics and pickup day.
When you buy from a non-local dealer, you’ll need to return to that dealership for your final walk-through, paperwork, hitching or towing setup, and pickup. Make sure to account for travel time and the possibility of returning for follow-up adjustments.
Buying non-locally expands your options and may save money, but it requires a little more coordination. Many RVers feel the trade-off is well worth it.
Purchasing at an RV Show
RV shows have become one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to shop for an RV. They combine entertainment, education, and unbeatable access to a huge range of brands and models—all in one place.
RV shows offer an exciting, community-driven atmosphere.
From food vendors to seminars to families walking in and out of RVs, shows feel festive and energizing. You’ll meet other RVers, chat with brand representatives, and get inspired by people who live and breathe the RV lifestyle.
Shows provide a chance to explore dozens of brands and hundreds of floorplans.
A regional show typically includes multiple dealers and many manufacturers. A major show—such as the Florida RV SuperShow or America's Largest RV Show in Pennsylvania—lets you see many of the RVs in production today.
You can walk through fifth wheels, travel trailers, toy haulers, camper vans, Class Cs, and Class As back-to-back. This is incredibly helpful for quickly understanding what you like (and what you don’t).
Free educational seminars help build confidence.
Shows often host expert-led sessions on topics like RV maintenance, towing, safety, trip planning, and boondocking. If you’re a first-time buyer, these sessions can answer questions you didn’t even know you had.
RV show pricing can be very competitive.
Dealers at shows are motivated to sell, and with multiple dealerships competing for buyers, prices are often lower or include valuable extras.
If negotiating isn’t your favorite part of shopping, show pricing may be a welcome relief.
But you won’t take the RV home that day.
Even if you purchase at a show, you will still pick up your RV from the dealership that sold it. This gives the dealer time to prepare the RV, install any necessary accessories (like your hitch equipment), complete pre-delivery inspections, and schedule your walk-through.
RV shows are a fantastic place to learn, explore, and compare. Many buyers choose their RV at a show because it’s the most comprehensive way to see everything the industry has to offer.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy: What Matters Most to You?
Each buying option—local dealership, non-local dealership, or RV show—comes with its own benefits. The best choice depends on your priorities:
Convenience and ongoing service? Start with local dealerships.
Brand selection and expanded inventory? Explore regional and out-of-area dealers.
Competitive pricing and the widest range of RVs? Visit an RV show.
Many RV shoppers explore all three before making their final decision—and that’s a great strategy for researching all of your options.
Wherever you choose to buy, Go RVing is here to help you navigate the process with confidence and excitement. Buying your first RV is the beginning of an incredible journey, and the right purchasing experience will help set the stage for years of camping memories.
Go RVing's mission is to inspire potential RVers, spark curiosity, and raise awareness about the benefits and accessibility of RVing through rich, authentic, and diverse storytelling.
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