For many, their first RV rally is something they really anticipate. But everyone has lots of questions. Never fear! Seasoned “rally professionals” to the rescue!

As you might guess, attending an RV rally is completely different than camping or RVing on your own. There are plenty of activities and events to look forward to, and doubtless, you have a lot of questions. Well, we’ve been to dozens of them, from small, local RV club outings to giant, 1,000+ rig, week-long events. Here’s what to expect.

Planning

If it’s your first rally, you probably aren’t sure what to expect. But even those that have been doing these for a while will admit that things can get pretty overwhelming, very quickly. That’s true of any size rally — you’ll want to do everything you can, see everything there is, and maybe even meet a bunch of people with common interests. The best advice is to plan, from the trip to the rally, through your stay, and even your trip home (or on to your next destination).

Most rally organizers will have an agenda, guidelines, and information packet for you when you register. If not, ask them. Also check out online forums (most larger clubs have entire discussions online surrounding their major rallies), especially those of past rallies so you can see what happened a year or more ago. Most RV groups will have Facebook Groups or Pages where you can ask questions and everyone is willing to answer your questions and give you advice.

But as much as you’ll want to make sure you have every minute accounted for in your planning, don’t forget some “down time” to relax and just enjoy getting away. Realize also that things will come up, get canceled, or you’ll find an event or planned activity that just seems like a bust. Be flexible and open to what RVing means — being ready to enjoy yourself.

Getting there and going home

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, right? Well, yes. You may be in a hurry to get to your rally. That’s good, there will be a lot to do. But take some time in your planning to enjoy your trip to the rally (and, afterward, your trip home or wherever you are going next).

If you have a long way to travel and can afford the time, plan stops along the way at places you always wanted to see or visit attractions that are on your “to do” list. And what better way to get to (or from) a rally than with other attendees? Many large clubs have organized caravans to and from their rallies, so be sure to check the club’s online discussion groups, Facebook Page or Group, or another way they talk to each other.

Get acclimated

The first day of a rally can be very hectic. You’re arriving and getting hooked up. There’s a lot of activity. You’re trying to connect with old friends and maybe even meeting new ones already. Seminars to register for. Service work to schedule. Meal arrangements. Looking over the agenda one more time (it won’t be your last!).

Relax. A good idea might be to arrive a day early if you can. If not, take things in your time. You’ll get done what gets done. Maybe divide and conquer — one of you sets up your RV and site while the other goes and checks the place out.

This is where good planning and preparation can pay off. But most important of all, have fun.

Have an agenda. Or not.

Some people like to be super organized while others like to fly by the seat of their pants. Only you can decide how much preparation you want. But just knowing what is available can put your mind at ease and a printed out, posted agenda is something that you can refer to during your stay.

Be prepared for things to go wrong or to get sidetracked. It happens to everyone. This is where prioritizing (see below) will help keep you on track. Of course, there are those who prefer to just take things as they come. That’s okay too.

Meeting new people. Getting social.

RV rallies are a great opportunity to meet up with old friends — and make new ones. You have something in common with other attendees and that can make breaking the ice pretty easy.

The social aspect is central to almost every rally and is often the primary reason for getting together. The rally organizers may have planned events like happy hours, socials, dinners or other meals, or even game tournaments. And being RVers, we all love impromptu get-togethers (walk right up and join in!).

Entertainment

At smaller rallies, this can be as simple as going out to a local bar or tavern to listen to music, attending a play or concert, or doing some sightseeing. Larger rallies may actually bring entertainment into the rally, almost always at night, but sometimes even during the day.

Be sure to take advantage of the entertainment options when you can. It can break up staying around the RV park or campground for long periods and it’s another great way to meet people and see the local culture.

Seminars & Education

Especially at larger rallies, there will be many options to learn more about your RV and RVing in general. Most of the vendors will want to give a seminar or two about their area of specialty and if you find one that you’d like to learn more about, give them a try.

Some seminars you may find interesting are the technical or educational presentations, roundtable or even informal discussions that center around maintenance issues, lifestyle seminars like emergency medical assistance, staying connected, cooking tips, and staying fit, and even travel seminars to help you plan or attend a caravan or organized trip with your RV.

From RV safety (fire safety is one of our favorites) to maintenance issues to even how to RV more efficiently, you’ll find something that will keep you busy — and learning. If you go to a seminar put on by one of the vendors, be sure to ask a lot of questions and see if they offer a discount off of their service or product. For many vendors, seminars are a great way to educate RVers while also “gently” informing you about their offerings.

Vendors & Exhibitors

Larger rallies will usually feature a full-blown assortment of vendors and exhibitors. It is likely to a vendor hall where you can wander around booths, talking with company reps or other experts. You’ll find all kinds of things for sale, from complete satellite systems to RV renovations to camping supplies to organized tours and caravans.

Don’t feel like you have to buy anything or use a vendors service; a big part of these rallies is just seeing what is out there and getting to know what is available. But if there’s something you’re looking for, like a specific service, most vendors will have “rally specials” with discounts on their services and products and be able to help you right at the rally.

Get some service

If you’re going to a rally organized or sponsored by an RV manufacturer or a club of owners of that RV make, they will often have representatives from the local factory there to perform warranty or other service work.

We’ve seen anything from fairly major repairs (entire floors replaced, major furniture swap-outs, structural work) to quick fixes like small repairs, touch-ups, and warranty work. Most of the time, you are limited to a certain number of items to be addressed and not everything can be done “on site.”

This is especially popular at the larger rallies where the RV manufacturer’s plant is in the area. If you’re interested in getting service done on your RV, be sure to ask as soon as you get there so you can make sure you are “on the list.”

Side Trips

Your rally organizers, especially at medium- to larger-rallies, have probably planned some side trips to local attractions or venues in the area. For rallies organized by an RV club, this could be a factory tour where your RV was manufactured. Or if you’re in an area known for a certain culture, destination, or attraction, doubtless there will be a side trip to check out the local “flavor.”

Some rallies have organized trips while others rely on impromptu plans. Maybe even both! Once again, in your Planning, review what planned side trips are on the rally organizer’s agenda and see if anything fits your interests. These are a great way to meet new people and experience the local attractions.

Prioritize

As you can see, there’s a lot to do at the typical RV rally. Some of the smaller ones, obviously, won’t have everything in this article. But many of the larger ones will. Whatever you chose to do, you will have more than enough to occupy your time. Chances are, you won’t be able to fit everything in.

So take some time (hey, remember Planning, that we talked about first?) to decide what you really want to get out of your rally and prioritize the “must do’s” vs. the “if I have time’s” vs. “it would be nice’s.” Be flexible and leave some room in your schedule and plans. Take the time to say “hi” to people you meet and above all, have fun. After all, that’s why you became an RVer, right?

What did we learn?

We remember some of our early rallies pretty well. We didn’t know a lot of people (or, in some cases, anyone). It was hectic, confusing, and we always felt like we were missing out on something. And many times, we wondered why we came. But learn from our lessons, friends:

It’ll be confusing sometimes. Yep, you’re going to feel overwhelmed. Schedule and agenda changes, forms to fill out, deadlines to meet. If you can, maybe wait until the last weeks before the rally so many of the issues are worked out.

Arrive early. Absolutely! There’s nothing like getting there before the crowds do, get out and do some exploring (at the RV park and even in town), and getting all set up.

Stay late. Sometimes you’re not ready to end things that are going well. Think about extending your stay a day or two if there’s a need (new friends who are staying, you missed something in town, etc.).

Divide and conquer. If you have a partner or spouse with you, split up get things done, discovered, covered individually.

Finally….

Have fun. That’s the most important thing to realize.