RV show helps get families in the mood to hit the road

By Trisha Evans

Published: October 11, 2007

Camping season may be waning for tent dwellers, but the RVer's season is endless.

Those in the market for an Recreational Vehicle should catch the free RV show and closeout sale this week at State Fair Park.

The event, today through Sunday, is sanctioned by the Central Oklahoma RV Dealer Association and sponsored by Recreational Rides. With more than 150,000 square feet of floor space, the show is one of the largest in the Oklahoma City area.

The discounts, too, are large, and can easily be into the thousands or more, said RV Show director Mark House.

"Whether you're a first time buyer or looking to trade up, the advantage goes to the buyer as dealers will offer special discounted prices in order to move their closeout inventory. Buyers can compare hundreds of RVs all in one location and negotiate a favorable deal,” House said.

From fifth wheels to motorhomes, sport utility RVs and travel trailers, the RV show will have hundreds of new RVs on display in the Cox Pavilion, Centennial Building, Carriage Hall and the Travel & Transportation Building at State Fair Park.

"It's good for the dealer and good for the consumer because it all happens in one place,” House said.

"(Dealers) look forward to doing RV shows because it generates cooperative effort to generate excitement about the RV industry itself.”

He said he's noticed a trend toward shorter, in-state and border-state trips, since gas prices have escalated in recent years. However, the die-hard RVer has not been deterred.

"If you're entrenched in the RV lifestyle, it's who you are. It's who you want to be. Gas prices don't change that,” House said.

And shopping for an RV is often a family affair, said Todd McClain, owner of McClain's RV Superstores.

"They look for the floor plan that accommodates them and all the creature comforts and even the colors are important,” he said. "Most of the RVs nowadays are so well-equipped it's not about what kind of accessories it's going to have. They all have microwaves and refrigerators.”

Others come equipped with satellite dishes and flat-screen TVs, he said

"We've got a full line out there from pop-up campers to the big diesel bus motor homes, so there really is something out there for everyone's budget,” McClain said.

But for his customers, the real draw is the open road and the promise of making family memories.

"Our country has lots of places that people just haven't seen,” McClain said. "When people come out to the show, they usually have a place in mind they want to go camping, places they want to go and memories they want to make.”

Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m Sunday.

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