It can be quite daunting, so we decided to put together our Top Tips for attending Caravan and Motorhome Shows, or RV Shows if you are from across the pond.
Another year is upon us, and we are presented with a whole slew of Caravan and Motorhome shows to choose from.
They are dotted all around the country, from down in the West Country in Devon, for instance, as far north as York.
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Here is the list of 2023 Shows if you are interested. And if you are looking to book a Campsite near one of the shows, perhaps these Websites will help.
If you are going to one, and perhaps haven’t been to one before, it may be a bit overwhelming. As a result, we have put together this comprehensive list to help.
Buying a Campervan, Motorhome or Caravan is quite an investment, so it may also be a good idea to hire one first.
Tips for attending Caravan and Motorhome Shows
I have tried to make it straightforward, so as a result, the below is broken into 3 sections. Before, During, and After the Show.
Before You Go
- Have an idea of what you want to see.
If you are just going for a wander, for example, then great. Wander away, but, if you are looking for something(s) specific, then do these first. - Get an Exhibitor map first if possible.
Depending on the size of the show try to get a Map of the layout before you go. Spending an hour or two planning your trip could save hours wandering around hunting for what you are looking for. - Be clear about what else you want to do
For example, at the NEC show, you can try Stand Up Paddleboarding on their indoor pool. You could have a motorhome or caravan manoeuvring tuition. They have a theatre with guest speakers. Because many are free, they may require booking in advance - Any special requirements?
For example, do you need a COVID pass, like some shows were insisting on in 2022. If you are planning the Motorhome Manouvering course, make sure you have your Driving License. - Is parking included?
Or will you have to pay more when you arrive? - Pick the right day
If you are childless (or even if you are not) consider going to do the serious scoping out without the children, and perhaps on a weekday if possible. Weekends will be busier naturally, and there will be more families there. - It is not just the Vehicles
Don’t forget, there are a lot of stalls there from people selling Camping Accessories too. Be sure to factor these into your time there
It just makes sense to plan in advance and make the most of your time, without any nasty surprises. All of the above we think are great tips for attending Caravan and Motorhome Shows.
While You Are There
- Make sure you are comfortable
Wear your favourite, comfortable shoes. The ones that you can walk for 500 miles in. And still feel like walking 500 more (yes, The Proclaimers said it better) - Prepare for all weathers
Perhaps you are going for two days. It could be fine one day, rainy the next. Don’t let the good old British weather stop you from doing what you want to do - Take Notes
It will be a day or two of information overload. Impossible to remember everything. Take 5 minutes after each stall, exhibit or display to jot down the important bits. It may feel clear at the time, but 8 hours later, after checking out 15 toilets, 23 BBQs, 18 caravans and 7 motorhomes, it will all merge into one - Take Photos
Many campervans or motorhomes will have a spec sheet stuck up somewhere. Snap it on your phone. Photograph everything. It will be a great memory jogger when you want to know which camper had a swivel seat, or what caravan had the 3-ring hob, and which had a microwave too - Voice Recordings?
This may be a quicker option than taking notes. A 30-second recording on your phone voice recorder could cover quite a lot. Start the recording with what you are talking about, to make it easier to decipher at home. There are even Audio to Text programs you could use to convert all recordings into notes - Take a Tape Measure
How wide exactly is that Motorhome? Will that BBQ fit in the space you want it in your Motorhome Garage? Perhaps that you had a special space reserved on your campervan for a toilet. Will it fit? - Pack a Lunch
Food vendors will be plentyful, if you want to save a bit of money, and have more to spend at the show, why not pack a lunch - Pretend to use things
The toilet, the shower, the beds. Can you cook comfortably? Are the seats big enough behind the table? Basically, just pretend for a few minutes you are living in the Camper or RV. - Keeps things Charged
During your visit, your phone will be your best friend. Consider taking or investing in a Powerbank, so you can keep your phone charged all day.
When You Get Home
- Review notes as soon as possible
Take a bit of time to review your notes and correct anything that doesn’t seem coherant before you forget - Save and Back Up
Make sure you save and back up all the photos, notes and voice recordings you may have taken. This is your dossier for anything you may want to purchase. - Prepare to be Contacted
If you left contact details be prepared to be contacted. Exhibitors spend a lot of money to attend these shows, and consequently, they will want to maximise any potential customer - Follow up
If you have spotted that second-hand campervan that you just were not sure about, follow up. If it was appealing to you, it is bound to appeal to others too, so don’t waste too much time - Plan for the next one
Was there anything you realised you missed? Forgot to check, or wished you asked more or different questions
Tips for attending Caravan and Motorhome Shows – Summary
So there you are. Our Top Tips for attending Caravan and Motorhome Shows in 2022.
To get an idea of what Caravan, Campervan or Motorhome show is like, check out this walkaround video, of the February 2022 NEC Show.
In the meantime, thank you for being here, safe travels and see you next time.
Rich