Many RVers are solitary creatures and prefer to stay outside the circle of RV club socials, but there’s one kind of gathering that’s worth attending: the RV rally. If you’ve avoided these events because you think they’re nothing but campfire chit chat and ice cream socials, think again. Here are three great reasons to attend your first RV rally.
Reason 1: Learn More About Your RV
RV clubs of every size sponsor rallies big and small, from the gigantic Family Motor Coach Association annual rallies to the smaller manufacturer-specific meet-ups like Northwood‘s annual gathering in Bend, Oregon.
The one thing that every rally has in common? Attendees have a love of RVing and want to know about making it even better. If you’ve never been to a rally but are curious about them, you’ll probably find that attending a rally sponsored by the owner’s group of your particular RV is a great way to test the waters. This list of special interest RV clubs is extensive, but you can narrow your search by first looking for your RV’s owner’s group. Can find one? Dig deeper and check out larger RV organizations, like Escapees and the Family Motor Coach Association, which have discussion forums with manufacturer-specific topics.
Reason #2: Get Low-Cost or Free RV Service Work
Larger RV rallies and gatherings like the annual Quartzite RV Show can be overwhelming and although you might be tempted to stay away from them because you don’t like crowds, go anyways. These big RV events attract lots of big name RV manufacturers and suppliers who not only exhibit at the rally but will often be able to provide installation, tune-ups and servicing if you own any of their products or want to buy them at the show.
Don’t expect to get any major work done, but if the job will take an hour or less, these manufacturers are happy to come out looking like the good guys. You won’t be able to walk up and get service on a whim, they all require appointments. Before heading over to the rally you want to attend, take time to check the program for vendors in attendance, then get in touch to inquire about service appointments.
Reason #3: Become a Better RVer
Rallies are excellent places to acquire RVing education about everything from general appliance maintenance to making the leap to full-time RVing. Many rallies have formal education sessions and different tracks you can choose from.
For example, if you know you want to become a full-time RVer, the annual Escapees Escapade Rally has lots of classes on that subject during their annual Escapade. Some classes are free, some have a nominal charge, but what they all have in common is easy access to skilled instructors and a low-key learning environment.
When attending your first RV rally, keep in mind that for larger events you’ll probably need to dry camp in a parking lot or grassy field. If you’re not comfortable with dry camping, seek out smaller RV rallies sponsored by RV club chapters. These micro-events typically take place in full-hookup campgrounds.
Better yet, attend the annual iRV2 International Rally to meet your online RVer friends!
These are just a few great reasons to attend your first RV rally, but ask any experienced iRV2 member and they’ll tell you that there’s at least a hundred more.
Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.
I think you left out the most important reason.
They are fun.