Which Size Motorhome is Right for You?

November 29, 2022January 25, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

Picking the right RV size is a vital first step towards exploring the open road!

On the plus side: RVers in 2023 have a LOT of different models to be excited about.

On the downside: RVers in 2023 have a LOT of RV models to choose from when picking their dream ride.

One of the biggest considerations when choosing a new RV is size. There’s no such thing as a single “perfect” motorhome. Rather, different motorhomes are best suited to varying types of RVers.

After all, trekking solo into the wilderness with a giant Class A RV doesn’t seem like a good idea. Meanwhile, trying to fit several kids into the backseat of a compact Class B RV feels like a recipe for an exhausting trip.

In addition to affecting how many people can fit inside (and how comfortable the ride is), choosing the right RV size can affect what gadgets, camping equipment and appliances can be brought along.

Let’s look at the strengths and considerations of different RV sizes!

When Bigger = Better

Let’s face it: there are a ton of reasons to want a big RV. A bigger floorplan naturally means more room to rest, relax and roam about. It also means more spaces for gadgets and toys. RVers who want to kick back on a pull-out sofa and enjoy a movie on the big screen TV will find a bigger floor plan best meets their needs. There’s also a growing population of foodie RVers out there who consider a fully-furnished kitchen with a fully-stocked pantry to be a vital part of their adventures.

A Class A RV or Super C RV are the best bets for drivers who place a premium on space. A Class A RV’s large, bus-like floorplan makes it perfect for larger travel parties, as many models can comfortably sleep at least eight people.

Super C Class RVs can be even larger than their Class A cousins – it all depends. They too boast accommodating floor plans and plenty of room, especially when the model features a “pop-out” or expanding common area.

When Traveling With a Family

There’s a general rule of thumb for family-focused RV trips that more space = more fun, especially if young children are coming along. Having enough room for kids to move about can mean the difference between a relaxing trip and an exhausting one.

As noted above, Class A and Super C RVs are easily the roomiest RVs. That said, a regular Class C RV is often spacious enough to house an entire family for an extended trip—as long as you make sure to pack enough chargers!

For Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Drivers who want to spend some time outside generally have different needs and priorities than those listed above. Although larger RVs can camp comfortably at commercial campsites, going off-road can be quite a challenge for larger vehicles.

While Class B RVs might not be as spacious or glamorous as their larger Class A and Class C companions, they boast maneuverability that makes them valuable for exploring the outdoors. As an added bonus, a significant amount of RV camping gear is designed with Class B RVs in mind—making it easy to find the right equipment for whatever wilderness a trip will bring.

For Life on the Road

Life on the road means countless things to countless drivers, so there’s no single perfect type of motorhome for RVers who want to transform their hobby into a lifestyle. Some drivers might prioritize the space and amenities that a larger RV provides, while others might gravitate more towards the adventures of a smaller motorhome.

Understanding which RV is best suited for a life on the road means understanding what adventures the road has in store. At NIRVC, we will help you find the right RV for you. Find a location near you and give us a call!

Common Mistakes When Buying a Class A Motorhome

November 26, 2022November 30, 2022 / National Indoor RV Centers

Your First Class A RV Is a BIG Commitment. Here’s What to Keep in Mind.

Buying a new Class A motorhome is a big deal. These motorhomes are the largest available in the market, featuring large truck-style chassis and sprawling, amenity-packed floor plans. Searching for the perfect Class A can be daunting, as so many different options are available. It’s a good idea to do your research with Class A models for every imaginable RVer lifestyle!

Before you get started, though, you should brush up on some common pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes made by first-time Class A buyers.

Buying an RV That Doesn’t Meet Your Needs

This sounds like an obvious one, but it’s a common pitfall for first-time RV buyers for a reason. It can be easy to get lost in a vehicle’s list of features without actually thinking about how well they meet your needs—especially if you’ve been eyeing something high-end, like a Class A RV.

Make a list of what you actually want to get out of your new Class A motorhome before you start shopping for one!

How many people are you planning to travel with? What sort of destinations do you intend to stay at? Do you plan to spend more time indoors or outdoors when you’re parked? These questions can significantly affect which Class A is best for you.

As always, if you have any questions, your best bet is to go to the source: just ask your dealership directly what their recommendation is.

Skipping the Inspection

It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping new or pre-owned. It is exceedingly important to give a vehicle a thorough inspection before driving it off of the lot.

First and foremost, it familiarizes you with the vehicle. To put it mildly, Class A motorhomes have a lot of different features, so getting acquainted with the ins and outs of your new vehicle in a safe environment is always a good idea. Not only does NIRVC conduct a thorough walkthrough – noting and reviewing all aspects of the RV with you – but you’re also encouraged to camp in the unit at the dealership to ensure nothing was missed and you’re ultimately satisfied with the RV you’ve chosen.

Finally, there’s always the offset chance some particulars in your vehicle will impact its insurance coverage. This could be anything from fixture installations by previous owners to tires that differ from stock models.

Speaking of insurance…

Not Double-Checking Your Insurance

Here’s an understatement: Class A RV insurance is complicated. If you’ve researched owning one of these motorhomes, you likely know that already, so consider this your reminder: Talk with your insurance provider!

Going TOO BIG

Anybody who says they don’t care about size in a Class A motorhome is probably lying. There’s a reason why these vehicles are so high-end, after all! However, it is possible to go too big when shopping for yours. Be sure to consider exactly what you’ll be using your RV for. Will you be doing a lot of mountain driving? Boondocking? Visiting national parks? Remember, national parks have a limit of 35-feet on recreational vehicles. Be sure to align your vehicle with your goals.

Check out our Class A RV listings and give us a call to get started on finding the Class A motorhome of your dreams!

Proud to Be Among the Best in Dallas-Fort Worth!

November 21, 2022January 4, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

National Indoor RV Centers has been ranked as one of the best RV dealerships in this year’s Best In DFW competition by The Dallas Morning News! The awards recognize area businesses that help to make North Texas the special place that it is. A big Texas-sized thank you to everyone who voted for us! We couldn’t be prouder of our Dallas team for their hard work and dedication to customer service.

Congratulations to our Dallas team for making NIRVC one of the best RV dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area!

RV Classes Explained

November 21, 2022January 4, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

Curious about different RV classes? Let’s take a look!

Everybody gets something different out of the RVing lifestyle. Some people prefer low-tech evenings under the stars while others are happy to unwind by watching movies in a climate-controlled sanctuary. Adventures come in all shapes and sizes and as a result, motorhomes do too.

Different RVers are also naturally going to have different needs, budgets, and considerations. To that end, let’s take a look at the three different motorhome classes so you can see which one is right for you!

Class A RVs Let You Travel Like a Rockstar

No joke, Class A coaches let you travel like a celebrity. In fact, they’re the type of motorhome that celebrities tour in. If you’ve ever been to a stadium concert, you’ve likely seen a small village of these RVs parked right outside.

There’s a reason why these are the preferred travel coach for rockstars and rappers alike: they’re big, luxurious and full of awesome features. You can expect a Class A RV to be between 25 and 50 feet in length, although some can be even longer! The sheer size of these motorhomes allows for fully-realized living spaces, meaning that it’s not uncommon to see full kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms separated by full walls and doors.

Many Class A RVs also have the option for slide-out features, allowing RVers to pack even more space into their home away from home. Some of these slide-out areas can get pretty extravagant: movie theater seating and full dining tables are both common sites.

As you might have guessed, driving around a miniature palace requires a lot of fuel, and you’ll start to see that in the gas bills. However, when you’re planning to live “full-time” in your motorhome, the Class A coach can’t be beat and the cost is well worth the luxurious payoff.

Class B RVs Are Compact and Practical

Class B RVs can sometimes look closer to custom vans than they do to their monolithic Class A cousins. These motorhomes feature a compact interior that’s favored by campers and other adventurous travelers. Their smaller sizes and simpler features mean that these motorhomes are easier to set up and tear down—perfect for the RVer on the go.

One area where Class B RVs outclass their peers is in city driving. Navigating heavy traffic in a Class A or some Class C motorhomes can be more difficult, whereas these motorhomes are more adept at handling tight corners and responding to congested traffic.

Being smaller doesn’t mean giving up the luxuries, however, and you might be surprised to see all of the features that can be neatly installed inside one. Many feature full kitchenettes and wet bathrooms, allowing you to bring the comforts of modern civilization into even the most remote campsites. Others are able to loft beds, allowing for full dining areas AND sleeping areas within a single compact van.

Learn more about the pros and cons of Class B RVs here.

Class C RVs Offer the Best of Both Worlds

Class C motorhomes is likely what you think of when you picture a “classic” RV. These motorhomes offer plenty of living space while still being relatively easy to drive. They’re also significantly more fuel efficient than their Class A motorhome counterparts — a benefit that starts to add up pretty quickly during cross-country trips!

Class C RVs are built on a truck chassis, which provides a nice balance between the bus-esque body of a Class A coach and the van structure of a Class B motorhome. The extra weight capacity from the truck powertrain means greater options for mounting interior features, and that means there are plenty of luxurious layouts available.

It’s not uncommon to see Class C RVs with full master bedrooms and fully enclosed bathrooms in addition to kitchens or lounge seating. They can also feature a loft above the driving cabin which allows for a clean and easy-to-navigate living space.

Several Class C models are also solar-friendly, making them a great choice for campers who want to spend some time off the grid.

Check out our inventory of Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes. At NIRVC, we’ll make sure that you hit the road in the best possible vehicle!

Fleetwood RV 2023 Frontier GTX

November 18, 2022April 25, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

The 2023 Fleetwood Frontier GTX is Fleetwood RV‘s newest model. The 2023 Frontier GTX redefines what a Class A motorhome can be. With an option for a dedicated office in the 37RT, this motorhome allows you to work from the road in style and luxury. A WiFi Ranger Sky Pro 4 with LTE, 300-watt solar panel and cellular booster ensure you’ve got the connectivity needed to get the job done from anywhere.

Angie’s walkthrough of the 2023 Frontier GTX focuses on the 37RT floor plan but she also gives a brief tour of the 39TA floor plan.

Browse our Fleetwood RV inventory today!

Freightliner Custom Chassis

November 11, 2022January 4, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) has been one of the most respected and top-trusted chassis manufacturers since its inception in 1995. They have risen to the top of the industry, producing custom chassis for both school and commercial busses and delivery vehicles in addition to motorhomes. They’re a name now synonymous with RVs, producing more than half of the market in Class A diesel motorhome chassis. They’re focused on customer needs, “deliver[ing] superior performance, safety, reliability and customer support,” fortifying their place among the leading RV manufacturers around the globe.

An RV has a lot riding on its chassis – literally! As the framework to a motorhome, the chassis is where it all begins. The chassis of an RV determines the maximum weight allowed and overall design of a Class A, Class B or Class C coach. As NIRVC Founder and CEO Brett Davis puts it, “the most important part of a motorhome, the most undersold part, and the least researched part is the chassis.” Simply put, it is the most critical component of an RV.

Freightliner Image 1- Blue back ground chassis and coach structure

Freightliner Custom Chassis

Chassis from FCCC serve as the foundation to countless motorhome manufactures and the basis to some of the most recognizable RVs in the industry. Just look at the number of instantly recognizable, fan-favorite motorhomes that utilize chassis from FCCC!

Freightliner Custom Chassis are the foundation for these RV models:

American Coach
– American Dream
– American Eagle
– American Tradition

Entegra Coach
– Accolade series

Fleetwood RV
– Discovery
– Frontier
– Pace Arrow

Holiday Rambler
– Armada
– Endeavor
– Nautica
– Navigator

Newmar
– Canyon Star
– Dutch Star
– Kountry Star
– New Aire
– Ventana

Renegade RV
– Valencia

Winnebago
– Forza
– Ispire
– Journey

… and that’s only a select few! With an extensive lineup like this, it’s no wonder that National Indoor RV Centers has a great working relationship with FCCC.

FCCC outlines three core principles to their approach: value (bang for the buck), technology (innovation and FCCC’s refined details) and, most importantly, customer service and warranty. FCCC builds in quality on the front-end rather than simply inspecting for it later. RV ownership is a journey, complete with errors, incidents and accidents. But FCCC recognizes this journey, which is why they offer lifetime support on their vehicles, even if you’re not the original owner – another great bonus for the owner of an RV built on an FCCC product.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Factory Experience

NIRVC Founder and CEO Brett Davis and Director of Sales Angie Morell were allotted the Freightliner Custom Chassis Factory Experience. You’ll see FCCC product strategy, logistics center, assembly line, customer service center and more in this valuable and educational video.

Outside Van: Pioneers In Passion and Purpose

November 9, 2022January 25, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

National Indoor RV Centers is thrilled to welcome Outside Van as our newest Class B RV manufacturer – in stock at our Las Vegas location! Outside Van builds custom Class B motorhomes that offer a wow-factor that’s hard to match. And now, NIRVC is one of the select few to be able to offer these one-of-a-kind Adventure Vans!!

NIRVC partner Outside Van Atlantis model passenger side doors open

The 2023 Atlantis by Outside Van (all photos)

Outside Van’s founder – an adventurer and van life enthusiast – has taken what was a personal hobby and morphed it into a leading company in the custom van conversion industry. With over 30 years of personal experience in van life, Outside Van is a true pioneer, offering products and services that many others might overlook. Every single vehicle is individually designed and hand-built to meet customers’ needs. That means no two vans are exactly alike and customer service lies at the forefront of the company’s ethos. That dedication to customer service naturally led the company to National Indoor RV Centers, where customer service is, likewise, at the core of the business. NIRVC recognizes this type of dedication and is proud to now carry this one-of-a-kind brand.

Our Lifestyle Specialists will help you select the perfect Outside Van for your adventurous spirit. Be sure to contact us to learn more.

NIRVC partner Outside Van Atlantis model interior

A Lot To Like…

Outside Van’s calling card is that of freedom and connection to nature, and these Class B RVs are certainly capable of doing just that. To begin, the vans are built on the ever popular and highly durable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. These frames are extremely durable and capable of hauling thousands of pounds – a solid start to any custom design. Both interior and exterior parts and components are then meticulously deliberated and handcrafted. The user experience drives the engineering, resulting in an incredibly functional and prudent design. You name it – it’s made by the highly skilled and incredibly creative experts at Outside Van:

Woodworking such as cabinetry, tables, storage compartments, even the floor itself
Metalworking including interior framing and custom storage racks
Systems for heat, power, electrical and more
Upholstery for your comfort, regardless of exterior conditions

National Indoor RV Centers partner Outside Van Atlantis model, interior

Purpose is the name of the game and end result – quality, the means. No expense is spared, no corners cut. Outside Van understands the importance of using quality products because they know that these vans will be up against extreme conditions, often in extreme temperatures.

NIRVC partner Outside Van Atlantis model driver side

Why Outside Van

Outside Van’s mission statement offers: “To bring people closer to nature by creating purpose-built vehicles that enable a life of freedom, joy and connection.” This company thrives in outdoor living and off-grid experience. “Adventure” may as well be their middle name. The company has grown rapidly, earning them a chance to share their mindful creativity, quality care and unique designs with a partner of equal values, attributes and character. National Indoor RV Centers is proud to be Outside Van’s newest dealer!

Browse NIRVC’s current inventory of Class B vans or contact us to inquire about Outside Van availability.

National Indoor RV Centers partner Outside Van Atlantis model exterior front

National Indoor RV Centers partner Outside Van Atlantis model rear exterior doors open

National Indoor RV Centers partner Outside Van Atlantis model interior cab

Our Newest RV Dealership in Virginia is Open

November 8, 2022January 4, 2023 / National Indoor RV Centers

Our newest Lifestyle Center at 9515 Contractors Court, Manassas, Virginia, is now open to provide our superior sales, service and parts experience to RVers throughout the Eastern Seaboard.

Our Virginia location offers approximately 30 different models of new Class A, Class B and Class C gas and diesel motorhomes for sale. You’ll find everything from Cornerstone, Anthem and Aspire premium luxury Class A diesel motorhomes from Entegra to a sleek and compact Class B Irok camper from Fleetwood RV to a Class C Travato from Winnebago.

Our temporary facility in Virginia is just an hour outside of Washington, D.C., and is our first step in establishing a presence in the area and creating customer relationships. We’re currently finalizing plans to develop a full-service RV Lifestyle Center in the area.

The Virginia dealership is our sixth location nationally. In December, we will open our 189,350-square-foot RV Lifestyle Center in Nashville. Our other locations are in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Superior RV Selection

We’re known for our extensive line of new and used Class A diesel and Class A gas luxury coaches and Class B and Class C motorhomes. Plus, our Virginia dealership is offering our convenient and hassle-free consignment sales and buying program and is now accepting motorhomes 10 years old and newer.

On-site Service & Repair

For RVers who need service and repair, our facility features several service bays where you can have any of your motorhome or chassis repairs and maintenance performed by experienced technicians.

NIRVC Virginia Location Details

Address: 9515 Contractors Court, Manassas, Virginia
Phone: (571) 999-7029
Sales Hours: Weekdays 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Service Hours: Weekdays 8 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm

These Are the Pros and Cons of DIY RV Projects

November 4, 2022November 7, 2022 / National Indoor RV Centers

These Are the Pros and Cons of DIY RV Projects

Thinking of a Do-It-Yourself RV Project? Here’s What to Consider.

For many RVers and motorhome owners, DIY projects are a huge draw for the medium. Customizing your RV is a rewarding experience, and it’s an inevitable part of reaching that magical “home on wheels” feeling once you’ve bonded with your vehicle enough.

A lot of motorhome owners will attempt a DIY RV project at some point in their lives, and while these can be incredibly rewarding in their own right, they can also come with a couple of drawbacks.

Pro: The Initial Cost

Opting to go the DIY route can seem incredibly cost-effective at first. Budgeting your projects can make you appreciate just how much of an RV service center’s cost goes towards labor—a cost you’re effectively eliminating by going DIY. In theory, going DIY means you only have to pay for the parts and supplies you need for your project, saving you one of the biggest sources of expense.

Con: The Actual Cost

Did you catch the operative word in that last point?

Yes, DIY projects can seem cost-effective at first, but DIY projects that finish under budget are about as common as six-leaf clovers and albino unicorns. When you visit an RV service center, the price you’re quoted is calculated from years of experience and an acute understanding of the parts and labor required.

However, choosing to go at it alone means you’re going to be running primarily off optimism and educated guesswork, and you’ll almost always end up paying more than you budgeted for.

Pro: You Can Personalize It

Every RVer is unique. From weekend warriors to cross-country adventurers, everybody brings their unique experiences and desires to the world of RVing. This naturally means everybody’s RV needs will be somewhat different, and going DIY means, you can modify projects to custom-fit your tastes.

Want neon LEDs under all of your counters? You absolutely can do that. Shag carpet in the common areas? It will be a pain to clean, but there is nothing physically stopping you.

Con: The Quality Is a Gamble

RV service centers and motorhome garages have to abide by a strict code of quality for every single renovation and repair they make. An unhappy customer isn’t likely to be a repeat customer. That means these locations will go to great lengths to make sure any repairs or renovations are up to snuff—for free, if absolutely necessary.

Unfortunately, going DIY means you don’t have this same guarantee. The ultimate quality of your project depends on the level of expertise you bring to the table. If you’re not confident in out-doing the pros, you might just want to leave it to them.

Pro: It’s Uniquely Rewarding

Let’s face it: there’s something awesome about stuff you make yourself. The same principle that makes home-cooked meals taste better also applies to the world of DIY RV projects. Carpet feels uniquely comfortable when you install it yourself and things like custom RV decorations or storage solutions feel appropriately unique too. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your RV, DIY projects are an excellent way to take authorship over your space.

Con: It Can Also Be Uniquely Exhausting

When things go poorly, DIY RV projects combine all the worst parts of DIY home repair and car repair. In the event you make a particularly big, particularly expensive mistake, you can look forward to sharing a drive with it for the next season or so. Few things can completely suck the joy out of an RV adventure, like having to constantly step around a 40% completed kitchen replacement disaster while you’re out on the road.

Of course, the benefits of going DIY don’t have to be either/or. Finding a good RV service center willing to work with you on custom projects means you can enjoy all of the benefits of doing DIY without any disadvantages.

Check out our service page to learn more about how we can help your current RV become your dream RV!

Upcoming RV Rallies: What You Need To Know

November 2, 2022February 1, 2023 / Sherri Caldwell

RV Shows & FMCA Rallies with AIM: 10 Reasons You Need To Save These Dates!

Annual RV Shows & FMCA Rallies – It’s that time of year! Open up your brand-new calendar and SAVE THE DATE(S) FOR 2023!

RVTA, FMCA & AIM

The Big Three Events with AIM Club in 2023:

January 18 – 22, 2023: RVTA Florida Rv SuperShow – Tampa, FL
Registration opens in October – on-site camping sells out quickly!
March 15 – 18, 2023: FMCA’s 106th Int’l Convention & RV Expo – Perry, GA
Registration opens in October
August 23 – 26, 2023: FMCA’s 107th Int’l Convention & RV Expo – Gillette, WY
Registration TBA

Why only three RV events?

There are hundreds of different RV shows, rallies and events across the U.S. every year.

FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) sponsors two of the biggest, with the bi-annual International Convention & RV Expos above. FMCA also sponsors hundreds of regional rallies and smaller gatherings.

Other organizations sponsor RV events all over the country, including well-known shows in Quartzite, AZ in January and Hershey, PA in September.

RV manufacturers host different types of rallies and events at their “mothership” (factory) or nearby (usually in fairgrounds or campgrounds in the area).
Dealers also get into the action, like NIRVC hosting their annual “Customer Appreciation Rally” events for customers each and every year.

Our focus here will be The Big Three: FMCA International Conventions & RVTA’s Florida RV SuperShow, because that’s where NIRVC & AIM Club will be in 2023 – and that’s important!

RV Shows, Rallies & Events

Most of us, as RV owners (or soon-to-be RV owners! 😉) have probably attended an RV Show at one time or another. They’re all over the place! I mean, what better place to wander around for a day:

Dreaming about camping in comfort and style.
Learning about RVs, comparing types, models and prices.
Exploring all of the accessories, memberships and camping possibilities.
Researching everything you could possibly hope to find out about RVs.
Buying an RV!!! (Whether you meant to or not…)

My husband and I wandered through three small, regional RV Shows before unexpectedly becoming Entegra owners in 2020. (We didn’t realize we were looking to buy a big Class A Motorhome, but the pandemic was a crazy time!)

Before we became RV owners, we had no idea you could actually camp at RV shows. We didn’t know anything about FMCA. Or other membership organizations. Or RV rallies.

Thank goodness we wandered into the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa last year as day visitors and bumped into The All Inclusive Motorhome Club (AIM)!

Meeting Angie & Brett in the AIM Tent (Closing Day)

We are currently in our second year of living, working and traveling full-time in our 2016 Entegra Aspire. It’s taken us that long to get the hang of RV shows, rallies and events, as owners. Sometimes I’m still not sure we’re doing it right.

But we do know enough to schedule the dates and plan our itinerary accordingly. We don’t want to miss out on the fun of the season… And seeing friends!

Our experience with AIM Club at outside events:

Jan 2022 – Day Visitors at the Florida RV SuperShow (Tampa)
Mar 2022 – Tucson, AZ FMCA Rally w/ Entegra Caravan & AIM
Aug 2022 – Lincoln, NE FMCA Rally w/ AIM Caravan

Camping with AIM Club

You’re already an AIM Club Member, right?

If you purchased your motorcoach at National Indoor RV Centers – NIRVC, you received one year FREE membership to The AIM Club in your new owner’s package. If it’s been more than a year, or you purchased your motorhome elsewhere – it’s okay!

Any owner of a Class A, B or C motorized coach is encouraged to join AIM for Exclusive Member Benefits & Discounts, including Member Rallies & Events. Click here to Join/Renew AIM Today!

However you became a motorcoach owner, it’s time to elevate your RV show, rally and event experience!

Register and attend one of The Big Three: The Tampa Show or FMCA International Conventions (Rallies) – with your RV, in the campground
Caravan with AIM (more about that in the reasons below)

If not this year, the calendar for these Big Three Events will be basically the same next year – January, March, and August – so you have plenty of time to plan (and register) ahead.

Note: These events are NOT AIM Club Rallies

I’ve written about attending an AIM Club Rally before:

Inside AIM (All Inclusive Motorhome) Luxury RV Club & California Dreamin’

NIRVC AIM Club Rally FMCA Lincoln Nebraska

CA Dreamin’ AIM Club Rally

AIM Club at FMCA Lincoln

THIS IS NOT THAT. RV Shows & FMCA Rallies with AIM Club, caravaning (camping together in a group) at these events is very different: More rustic in accommodations and services. I’ll explain more below.

You should definitely experience both!

RV Shows & FMCA Rallies with AIM: 10 Reasons Why You Gotta Go!

All Inclusive Motorhome Club at FMCA RV Rally wearing blue shirts

AIM Club at FMCA Lincoln

1. RV Community

Let’s face it. RVing can be a lonely adventure sometimes, especially if you’re full-timing. RV shows and rallies are a fantastic way to find community out on the road – meeting new people, making new friends and connections.

We consider many of the people we’ve connected with at RV shows and rallies new best friends and family on this extraordinary adventure. With some of them, we’ve arranged to meet up again in our travels.

RV shows and rallies give us a chance to come in from the wild and hang out with the tribe for a week. It is a truly special and memorable experience.

FMCA Tucson Entegra Caravan

2. RV Chapters & Neighborhoods / Caravans

As new RV owners, new to rallies and events, we didn’t understand the concept of RV Chapters and Caravans. When we joined FMCA and started to learn more about rallies, we realized there was a lot more to it!

FMCA Chapters are smaller associations within the big organization:

Quote: FMCA has nearly 400 chapters across the United States and Canada. Some cover a specific or general geographic region. Others revolve around a particular RV brand or model. (from FMCA’s Join A Chapter)

At FMCA Rallies, chapter groups can caravan in and park together, so it’s like a small neighborhood within the larger camping area. Many of these groups host their own “onsite rallies” with potlucks, entertainment and social activities.

While AIM Club is not its own FMCA Chapter, like the Entegra Coach Owner’s Association or the Diesel RV Club, it is an officially recognized caravan group – or neighborhood – at The Big Three Events.

We’ll talk more about that below!

NIRVC Display at FMCA Tucson

3. RV Shopping

Are you in the market for a new RV? Even if you’re just looking or dreaming… RV shows and rallies are the place to SEE them all! Dealers bring in brand-new models for display: For Sale!

The stickers are “in the window” (so to speak), with MSRP and option lists. There are Show Specials and deals to be made. (The dealers don’t want to drive all those RVs back to the lot!)

RVs of every size and type are all lined up for side-by-side-by-side comparison of different types, classes, brands, models, equipment and accessories. Talk about the ultimate window shopping experience! And you get to go inside and see all the things: Open all the cabinets and doors. Push all the buttons. Explore new decor, color schemes and accessories – in real life!

FMCA Tucson First-Timer’s Orientation

4. RV Education

What better way to learn about RVing, RVs, and the lifestyle than hanging out with a thousand RV owners for a week? Imagine the combined decades of experience!

Beyond that informal learning experience in the camping area, there is a daily schedule packed-full of seminars and demonstrations with RV vendors and event sponsors. Every day!

Sherri’s FMCA Lincoln Schedule of Events

You can learn anything and everything. Maybe more than you ever wanted to know:

Exhibit Hall – Tampa Show

5. RV Specialty Products

You might not know you need it, but you’ll definitely find it at the Tampa RV Show & FMCA Rallies!

RV shows & rallies are a great opportunity to find specialty products, all in one place (and get your steps in, too!) at hundreds of vendor booths in the exhibit hall(s) or street markets:

RV pieces, parts & equipment
RV products for organization, cleaning & safety
RV art & decor (outside mirror covers, anyone?)
RV gadgets & electronics
RV services: Insurance, Financing, RV Properties, Memberships & Campground/Resort Info

I have to admit, I’m not a shopper. We keep a running list of the things we’re searching for: Goals for 2023! We did buy our TPMS (Tire Pressure Management System) from TireMinder last year, at the Tampa Show.

TireMinder TPMS Tire Pressure Management System FMCA rally

TPMS Display

YouTube Friends

Mark & Sue (Our Journey in Myles) at RV Life

It’s a lot of fun to walk around and SEE all the things and people at the show. Many of our favorite RV YouTube Superstars attend The Big Three, meeting & greeting fans and working with sponsors in the booths. It’s always fun to catch up!

AIM/NIRVC Service Truck installing RettroBand® Tire Safety at FMCA Lincoln

6. RV Services

While we have not had much success with shopping (which is our own fault), convenient, on-site RV services at the shows and rallies are a godsend for full-time travelers!

It is super easy to schedule services at the shows and rallies – generally, they’ll come to you:

You can flag the service trucks down on the roads or approach them when they’re working on a neighbor’s rig. The techs are always happy to hand you a business card and let you know their schedule.

We were able to have ProTeng Fire Suppression installed in the camping area at FMCA Tucson – there was a Show Special for AIM Members. We had two foggy windows repaired in the lot at FMCA Lincoln. Super convenient!

FMCA Lincoln foggy window repair on site

You’ll see all sorts of service and installations in the camping area:

Awning replacement
Solar installations
Magne Shade installations
Wash & Wax and exterior detailing – very popular service!
AIM partners: RettroBand® Tire Safety, THIA by Proteng Fire Suppression

7. FMCA Book Club!!!

This should probably be titled “RV Entertainments & Social Activities” but my personal bias as a book nerd & reader is showing. There are dozens of social activities on the RV show and rally schedule everyday: Ice cream socials, coffee hour (& doughnuts!), crafts, Lunch & Learn presentations, games, contests, trivia & bingo!

I was so excited to see FMCA Supersized Book Club on the schedule for both Tucson and Lincoln. Yes, it’s a personal favorite, but I know I’m not the only one! FMCA selects a local author with a relevant best-selling book and invites them to come to the rally for an engaging discussion and book signing. (I would recommend ordering and reading the book ahead of the event!)

In Lincoln, award-winning Nebraska author Jonis Agee discussed her book The Bones of Paradise, “a multigenerational family saga set in the unforgiving Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the massacre at Wounded Knee.”

And in Tucson…

FMCA Tucson Supersized Book Club

Isabella Madonado signing her book!

FMCA Supersized Book Club!!! Oh my gosh, y’all — book group & a visiting author! The room was packed with engaged and enthusiastic readers! #rvlife #50states50books #readingcommunity #literacymatters

Isabella Maldonado: A Different Dawn (Crime Fiction). Set in Phoenix! I was in my Happy Place. Loved the book, loved the author.

Lincoln Station – Lincoln, Nebraska

8. RV Destinations

While the FL RV SuperShow is reliably held in Tampa, FL every year, the FMCA International Convention & RV Expo Rallies are held at different locations, year to year: Tucson, Arizona and Lincoln, Nebraska in 2022; Perry, Georgia and Gillette, Wyoming in 2023. This provides a wonderful opportunity to travel to and explore new destinations.

While Tucson, AZ has been on our travel route several times, it would have taken us a lot longer to get to Nebraska. We might never have had a reason to visit Lincoln, NE without FMCA! It is very cool that the local communities, cities and states are actively involved and promoted at RV shows and rallies.

In Tampa and the FMCA locations, the local tourism office usually has a booth with visitor’s information, guides and great suggestions for what to see and do in the area. Throughout the week, there are activities and special tours available to learn about and explore the local area: arts, history, and culture.

At FMCA Lincoln, sponsor Blue Ox hosted the FMCA Welcome to Lincoln Night Bash at Lincoln Station in the historic Haymarket District downtown. It was an amazing evening and a fantastic opportunity to explore Lincoln!

AIM Club invitation to Tampa!

9. NIRVC / AIM Outside Events

This is, in my opinion, the best reason of all to attend one of The Big Three events listed above. If you are an AIM Club Member – and you should be! – you can sign up to caravan and camp with AIM at these events:

You’ll receive an email in advance of the event with information and instructions on how to caravan with AIM. Basically, when you register, you’ll indicate “AIM Club” as the chapter or group you want to camp with.
Camping with AIM at these events is FREE – there is no additional cost, beyond your event registration fee with 30amp camping.
There is an AIM “Wagon Master” for each event who coordinates the caravan and keeps everyone informed with check-in date (caravan groups usually enter a day early to park), entrance gate & directions, and the time to arrive for AIM group parking.
You will receive more information between registration and the date of the event, by email from AIM Club, with updates on the AIM Club Facebook Group.

AIM Members: JOIN the AIM Club Facebook Group to keep up with all the latest news and past, present & future events!

The Big White AIM Tent at FMCA Lincoln

Why camp with AIM?

There is always something happening in the AIM Neighborhood at the Florida RV SuperShow and FMCA International Conventions!

The Big White AIM Tent and caravan camping area is usually (in our experience) on the outskirts of the RV camping, which is fine. There are continuous golf carts, trams, and buses coming around to take you to the show and rally events and bring you back whenever you’re ready.

During the day, you determine your own schedule, however you want to experience the rally or spend time in the camping area. At The Big Three events, NIRVC is a sponsor and vendor, with a large display of big, beautiful, brand-new motor coaches and several vendor tents set up in the main area.

You are always welcome at the NIRVC area – check-out those brand-new motorcoaches! 👀

NIRVC Blue Shirts & THE DRAWING!!!

You are encouraged to stop by the AIM Club table at the NIRVC display – often! On your first visit, you’ll pick up your NIRVC royal blue “How I Roll” t-shirt.

AIM / NIRVC Drawing at FMCA Lincoln

You’ll want to wear that t-shirt all week (try not to sweat it up!). Because, every time you walk by the NIRVC / AIM table or visit the NIRVC motorcoaches during the event, you’ll receive a ticket for the DRAWING on the last afternoon of the show – and you could win BIG! (No, not a brand-new RV, not that big.)

Great prizes in the past have included all kinds of fancy-brand camping equipment and accessories: coolers and travel cups, bbq sets and outdoor furniture, iPads & Instant Pots! Dozens of goodies. Dozens of WINNERS! (You have to be there to win AND you have to be wearing your NIRVC blue shirt!) At the very least, you WIN a free NIRVC t-shirt! 😉

The AIM Tent After Dark: Dinner & Entertainment

AIM After Dark

After a long day at the event – shopping for a new RV, attending seminars, enjoying activities, and spending money on all the gadgets & gizmos you never knew you needed – you catch a tram back to the AIM Neighborhood and the fun continues!

You don’t have to cook. You don’t have to go out to a restaurant. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything to a potluck. Every night of the show or rally, except for the last night (when everybody needs to be packing up and getting ready to go, including the AIM Club tent and equipment), AIM Club serves dinner at the big white tent. With beverages (water, soda, beer & wine) and dessert. And, usually, Randy-the-Rally-Man’s famous hand-cut, fresh french fries!*

[*You’ll know what I’m talking about if you read the AIM article: Inside AIM (All Inclusive Motorhome) Luxury RV Club & California Dreamin’ 😉]

All this is followed by evening entertainment: a live band, a DJ, a vocalist, or small musical group. And then there’s dancing!!!

Welcome One & All!

The thing you might not expect, at AIM After Dark… It’s not just the AIM Club Caravan neighborhood at the event. The AIM Club, NIRVC & other AIM Club sponsors extend the evening invitation to the entire RV show and rally community at The Big Three:

Everyone attending the show or rally is invited, usually when they visit the NIRVC display, the AIM Club table for blue shirts and drawing tickets, or when someone asks someone else about the sporty royal blue “How We Roll” shirt that EVERYONE is wearing by the second or third day.

The proper response:

“That’s the AIM Club, sponsored by NIRVC. They serve dinner & beverages in the big white tent over on the outskirts of the camping area – for free! – followed by evening entertainment. Everyone is invited. It’s a lot of fun! Just bring your own chairs and wear your dancing shoes…”

FMCA Lincoln AIM Announcements

10. RV Adventure…

Last, but not least: A few words about “roughing it” in the camping area:

The Tampa RV Show and FMCA Rallies are held at large, regional fairgrounds and outdoor event centers. The camping area is a huge, grassy field with makeshift power systems providing individual electrical hookups. Caravans usually park in the 30amp service area.

There are no individual water or sewer connections, but they do have fresh water and pump-out services you can arrange for a fee…

NEXT ARTICLE: “‘Roughing It’ At RV Shows & Rallies – You Can Do It!” 😉

For announcements and more information about The Big Three Outside AIM Events every year:

Be sure to JOIN / RENEW your AIM Club Membership!
JOIN The AIM Club Facebook Group to stay up-to-date!

Did you know The AIM Club schedules AIM Rallies around The Big Three? Pre- and/or Post-Rally with AIM!

Check the AIM Events Calendar online for all the fun!

Safe Travels & See You Soon!

Sherri Caldwell is the founder of BooksAndTravelUSA.com – Full-time RV Travel Blog & Book Club/U.S. Literacy Project. With her husband, Russ, she is currently living, working, and traveling full-time in their 2016 Entegra Aspire: Charlie-The-Unicorn RV.