RV show returning to the Lee Civic Center Jan. 26-29
For those who live the RV lifestyle, it brings adventure, freedom and ability to share time with family and friends.
For those who want to, the Fort Myers Recreation Vehicle Show will motor back to the Lee Civic Center for its 37th annual show from Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 26-29.
This year’s show will provide attendees an opportunity to see the latest and best camping products available to RVers and lovers of the great outdoors offered by a slew of local RV dealers and vendors.
Dave Kelly, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association, said the show will appeal to all levels of travelers and provides the perfect learning ground for those interested but afraid to ask questions at a dealership.
“RV shows are a great place to come whether they are just getting started or experienced RVers. The great thing is you have multiple dealers showing multiple brands and styles of RVs,” Kelly said. “There are RVs for every price point, hobby and interest.”
The Fort Myers RV Show is one of the largest RV shows in the state, with more than 11,000 attending for last year’s show and as many as 16,000 during its heyday 20 years ago.
Attendees can view hundreds of recreational vehicles aged 2018 and newer of all different types, sizes and price points.
In years past, the show featured mostly new RVs, with some models costing nearly $1 million. That changed a few years ago so the event could include older models to allow more people the opportunity to afford one, including a growing number of younger people.
“Some people don’t want to buy something brand new as a first unit, so seeing some used models gives them an idea of where they can get started,” Kelly said. “For a while, bigger was better. It’s now switching with a younger audience, who now just want a place to sleep because they’re going to use them to do things outside the RV.”
Units on display will include gas and diesel motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, 5th wheels, park models and van campers.
The show also will feature more than 50 outdoors and camping supply vendors that focuses on the fun, flexibility and affordability RVs can provide, along with equipment and accessories to help outfit RVers or provide information on camping throughout the nation.
Items will include new towing systems, specialized lighting, RV insurance, unique camping equipment and where to camp throughout the nation. Daily free RV travel and maintenance seminars also will be offered.
There is a fundamental change happening in the way Americans travel, work and live. More people are choosing RVs as their preferred option for travel as they prioritize spending time outdoors and embracing the freedom that comes with RVing.
The new RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, released by the RV Industry Association, shows the RV industry has an overall annual impact to the U.S. economy of $140 billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs and paying more than $48 billion in wages. This is a 23 percent increase in economic output in just the past three years.
“Even after COVID, you see how storms have impacting flying and having trouble getting people where they need to be. Since 2020, people have re-evaluated how they travel and vacation,” Kelly said. “They want those experiences that you want in traveling, not just getting on a plane and going somewhere.”
The 37th annual Fort Myers RV Show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $10 with children under 16 free. Parking is free courtesy of the RV Trade Association.
For additional information, please visit www.FRVTA-Region1.org or www.FRVTA.org/show/ft-myers-rv-show.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com