Columbia RV Expo

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

Class A motorhome

The largest motorised RV type, built on a bus-style chassis with a flat front, panoramic windshield and typically the highest cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of any motorhome class. Diesel pushers place the engine at the rear for quieter cruising and stronger towing; gas Class A models use a front-mounted engine.

2

Class B campervan

A van conversion, usually on a Sprinter, Transit or Promaster chassis, with a raised roof, compact galley and wet bath. It drives like a large van and fits standard parking spaces, but carries less fresh water and cargo than larger classes.

3

Class C motorhome

A motorised RV built on a cutaway van or truck chassis with a distinctive cab-over sleeping area. Mid-sized between Class B and Class A, often with a slide-out and a towing rating suited to a small car or boat.

4

Travel trailer

A non-motorised towable RV that hitches to a tow vehicle and detaches at the campsite, so the tow vehicle can be used for day trips. Weight ranges from sub-3,000 lb single-axle ultralights to large triple-slide family models.

5

Fifth wheel

A towable that overhangs the truck bed and attaches to a horseshoe-shaped kingpin hitch mounted over the rear axle. The overhang adds headroom and creates raised bedroom or front-living layouts, but requires a pickup with the correct bed length and payload.

6

Toy hauler

A travel trailer or fifth wheel with a rear garage and ramp door sized for motorcycles, ATVs or side-by-sides. The garage often converts to a bunk room or patio, and garage payload is rated separately from the living area.

7

GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating)

The maximum loaded weight a vehicle is rated to carry, including the unit itself, water, propane, cargo and passengers. It is the number to check against a tow vehicle's rating rather than the dry or brochure weight.

8

Dry weight / unloaded vehicle weight (UVW)

The weight of the RV as built, without water, propane, cargo or dealer-added options such as a second air conditioner or awning. Real towing weight is typically several hundred pounds higher once tanks and gear are loaded.

9

Payload and cargo carrying capacity (CCC)

The weight allowance left after the unit's unloaded weight is subtracted from its GVWR. It must cover fresh water, propane, waste, food, clothing, people and any dealer-installed accessories.

10

Weight-distribution hitch

A hitch system with spring bars that spreads tongue weight across the tow vehicle's front and rear axles and the trailer axle, reducing sag and sway on travel trailers. Often paired with a friction or electronic sway control.

11

Slide-out

A section of the RV wall that extends outward at camp to add floor space, usually for a sofa, dinette or bed. Slide count and placement are key floorplan comparisons, and slide toppers are a common add-on purchase.

12

Full hookup

A campsite with water, electric and sewer connections at the site, letting you use the RV's systems without moving to a dump station. Partial hookup sites typically provide water and electric only.

13

Boondocking / dry camping

Camping without water, electric or sewer hookups. It drives demand for larger fresh and grey tank capacities, solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters and low-draw appliances.

14

Pre-delivery inspection (PDI)

The dealer's systems check and walkthrough before handover, covering appliances, slides, plumbing, seals and the electrical system. Buyers should ask when the PDI happens and whether a technician walkthrough is included.

15

Out-the-door price

The final amount including unit price, freight, dealer prep, documentation fees, taxes and any added warranty. Ask every dealer for it in writing so show-floor quotes from different vendors compare on the same basis.

16

Extended service contract

An optional, separately priced plan covering specified repairs after the manufacturer warranty ends. Coverage exclusions, deductible and whether mobile techs are reimbursed vary widely between providers.