America's Largest RV Show: A Grand Celebration of the RV World

Every September, Hershey, Pennsylvania, transforms into a mecca for RV enthusiasts as it hosts the America's Largest RV Show. This event isn't just an annual extravaganza for the RV industry; it's an ideal platform for people to delve deep into the RV lifestyle. Let's take an exciting journey into this captivating RV universe.

I. A Glimpse into the Show's History
The roots of RVs can be traced back to the early 20th century when people yearned to carry the comforts of home on their travels, giving birth to the concept of RVs. By the 1950s and 1960s, DIY RV kits, towable travel trailers, and RVs stretching up to 30 feet in length became increasingly popular.

The America's Largest RV Show also has a rich history. Over 50 years ago, Pennsylvania held its first consumer show featuring RVs. At that time, the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) joined hands with the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association to showcase recreational vehicles inside the Pennsylvania Farm Show Building in Harrisburg. In 1970, PRVCA organized its first dedicated RV show. As time went by, the show kept growing in scale. In 2005, PRVCA relocated the show to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In its first year at the new venue, the show covered an area of 943,000 square feet and attracted over 28,000 attendees. Since then, despite facing challenges like hurricanes and economic recessions, the show has continued to thrive. In 2008, PRVCA renamed it "America's Largest RV Show." Ever since, thousands of people flock to the show each year, eager to learn about the RV lifestyle, interact with professional salespeople, and purchase their dream RVs. In 2017, the show witnessed a record-breaking attendance of over 64,000 people, highlighting its significant influence in the RV realm.

II. Highlights of the Show
A. Massive Scale
The scale of America's Largest RV Show is truly astonishing. Spanning nearly a million square feet, it's equivalent in size to 33 football fields. Such a vast expanse provides ample space for numerous exhibitors and a wide array of exhibits. Here, you can truly feel the grandeur of the show, as if you've stepped into an RV kingdom.

B. Diverse Exhibits
The show attracts nearly 1,500 RVs from 35 manufacturers, representing a wide range of types and brands. From the tiniest folding campers to luxurious Class A motorhomes and park models, there's something for everyone. Moreover, the show floor is filled with various camping grounds, vacation destinations, service companies, RV accessories, and gadgets for you to explore. Whether you're a novice to the RV world or a seasoned pro, you're bound to find something that piques your interest.

C. A Blend of Professional and Consumer Appeal
As one of the few hybrid shows in the United States, America's Largest RV Show has a unique charm. The first two days are exclusively for the industry, offering high-quality educational activities for RV professionals, valuable opportunities to network with manufacturers, and gatherings at Hersheypark. The following five days are open to the public. Consumers can then shop to their heart's content in this huge exhibition space, compare different types, models, and manufacturers of RVs, and communicate directly with manufacturers and dealers to gain professional insights, enabling them to make well-informed purchasing decisions.

III. In-Depth Look at Exhibit Categories
A. RV Displays
1.Self-Contained Motorhomes
Self-contained motorhomes are a major highlight of the show. Class A motorhomes often draw the spotlight with their luxurious amenities and spacious interiors. Equipped with a full kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and modern bathroom facilities, they're like mobile luxury apartments. Class B motorhomes, on the other hand, are more compact and agile, perfect for city driving and short trips. Despite their smaller size, their interiors are cleverly designed to meet basic living needs. Class C motorhomes combine the best of Class A and Class B, offering a good amount of living space while maintaining a degree of flexibility, making them a favorite among families.
2.Towable RVs
Towable RVs also come in a wide variety. Travel trailers are the most common type, with diverse designs ranging from traditional rectangular shapes to sleek, aerodynamic models, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Their interiors are well - laid - out and can be customized according to family size and usage requirements. Fifth - wheel trailers require a special towing vehicle. Characterized by a "gooseneck" - shaped rear that attaches more securely to the tow vehicle, they usually offer spacious interiors, making them suitable for long - distance travels. There are also smaller towable RVs like folding campers, which are easy to store and transport and are more budget - friendly, appealing to cost - conscious consumers.

B. RV Accessories and Related Products
The RV accessories section at the show is a wonderland. From external accessories such as awnings, ladders, and bike racks to interior decor items, kitchenware, and bedding, everything is available. There are also advanced electronic devices like satellite navigation systems, backup cameras, and smart home appliance control systems, adding more convenience and fun to RV living. Additionally, the booths of camping grounds and vacation destinations attract many visitors. Here, they can gather information about camping spots across the country and plan their future trips.

IV. Abundant Concurrent Activities
In addition to the extensive exhibit displays, America's Largest RV Show hosts a series of exciting concurrent activities. There are numerous seminars during the show, covering a wide range of topics including RV purchasing, maintenance, safety, recommended travel destinations, and RV upgrades. For example, industry experts are invited to explain how to choose the right RV for yourself and share tips and experiences on RV maintenance. Travel enthusiasts are also invited to tell their RV travel stories and recommend must - visit destinations. These seminars draw a large number of attendees, providing a platform for learning and communication.

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V. The Show's Influence
America's Largest RV Show plays a crucial role in promoting the development of the RV industry. The proceeds from the show are reinvested back into the industry to fund educational and training programs. PRVCA is committed to educating RV technicians and other staff in dealerships, enhancing their professional skills to provide customers with higher - quality services. In this way, the show not only boosts the sales and promotion of RV products but also drives the overall progress and development of the industry. Meanwhile, the show also sparks more people's yearning and interest in the RV lifestyle, attracting an increasing number of people to join the ranks of RV travelers.
If you have an interest in RVs, whether you're looking to buy your dream RV or simply want to learn more about the RV lifestyle, America's Largest RV Show is an event not to be missed. It will take you on a fascinating journey to explore the charm of the RV world.