The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) has played a pivotal role in the growth of the RV industry since the early 20th century. From hosting the first exclusive RV show in 1970, PRVCA has grown the event into America’s Largest RV Show®, which will celebrate its 55th annual event from September 11-15, 2024, at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Attendees can explore daily seminars covering RV lifestyles and technical tips, including special sessions on lithium battery systems by Battle Born Batteries.

The Rise of the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association

RVs first rose to popularity in the early 20^th century as technological innovations made it possible to bring the comforts of home along the road. By the 1950s and 60s, RVs took off as extensive options and various levels of customization became available. The RV industry continued to grow, and towable travel trailers and larger RVs became more popular. Rapid growth and the rise in popularity of this recreation segment led to the creation of various RV associations.

In the late 1960s, “the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) joined the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association to display recreation vehicles at the Pennsylvania Farm Show building in Harrisburg.” This was the first Pennsylvania consumer show to feature RVs. Growing excitement for the industry led PRVCA to host the first-ever exclusive RV show in 1970.

The following decades spurred steady growth in the RV industry, and by 1980, PRVCA’s Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show had 17,500 visitors. As families from across the country journeyed to Pennsylvania to see what RVing was about, this show became an annual gathering for many of the major players in the RV industry.

By 2005, the show’s attendance continued to grow, so PRVCA moved the show to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With 943,00 square feet of show space, over 28,000 attendees came through the doors that week to explore countless displays and the latest and greatest RV technology.

“In 2008, PRVCA rebranded the show as “America’s Largest RV Show®.” Since then, thousands of people have attended the show to find out more about the RV lifestyle, talk to knowledgeable sales staff, and buy their dream RV.”

What to Expect at the 55^th Annual America’s Largest RV Show

Since then, the growth has only continued. With a record attendance of over 64,000 people in 2017 and nearly a million square feet of show space, America’s Largest RV Show continues to be the premier place for all things RVing year after year. With hundreds of RVs on display from dozens of manufacturers and the latest accessories, services, and destinations, this show is “THE place to shop for your next RV.”

From September 11-15, 2024, the 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show will take place at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This year, nearly 1,500 RVs will be on display from 35 manufacturers across the sprawling grounds of the Giant Center. Covering the span of 33 football fields, this show will be teeming with all things RVing. Whether you’re interested in purchasing a new RV, upgrading your current RV, or just exploring the latest technological innovations of the RV industry, this show has something for everyone.

Each day of the event, gates open at 9:00 am, and attendees can explore the grounds, check out RVs, and visit booths until 8:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday and until 5:00 pm on Sunday. Vendor booths will be spread out throughout the Giant Center and onto the outdoor grounds. Various RV accessories, upgrades, and aftermarket add-ons will be available to explore and learn more about the latest tech and gadgets in the RV industry. In the lots surrounding the Giant Center, RV manufacturers will have their latest lineup of RVs on display. From Forest River to Keystone, Grand Design, Winnebago, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin, and more, attendees will have the opportunity to step inside top-of-the-line RVs.

Engage with Experts at America’s Largest RV Show

Throughout the week, seminars will run hourly with a 30-minute break between sessions. Each day, there will be multiple seminars available during each hour of the session block. Daily schedules will be available, giving attendees the opportunity to plan out their day and attend the seminars that most interest them. Seminar topics will range from inside information about the RV lifestyle to technical know-how, tips and tricks for RV travel, and more. For seasoned RVers and those just starting out, there will be something to be gleaned from each of these seminars.

On Thursday, September 12, and Saturday, September 14, Battle Born Batteries will be hosting an Advantages and Breakdown of Lithium Battery Power Systems seminar from 10:00 am – 11:00 am each day. This seminar will take place in the Power Play section of the Main Concourse.  Follow along as one of our technical specialists dives into the complexities and benefits of upgrading to reliable and safe lithium batteries. With an industry-leading line of lithium-ion deep cycle batteries for 12V, 24V, and 36V systems, Battle Born Batteries are at the center of the ultimate power system, getting you out there and keeping you out there longer.

One of the best ways to navigate America’s Largest RV Show is by using their free app, available on Android and iOS. This app provides all the essential show information, including ticket purchasing, interactive floor maps, and social media sharing. While navigating your way through the exhibitors and booths, be sure to stop by the booth area outside the entrance to the Giant Center. Amongst various RV accessories and camping gear, the Battle Born Batteries booths will be in spots 539-540. Stop by the booth any time during the week to chat with a technical specialist and learn more about upgrading your power system!

Experience the Latest RV Technology at America’s Largest RV Show

Ready to experience the latest and greatest in RV technology? Join us for America’s Largest RV Show®! Tickets are available online and can be purchased ahead of time or the day of for an increased rate. Attendees are welcome to purchase day tickets each day or choose from one of the specialty pass options.

Children 12 and under are free throughout the event, and adults can choose from discounted options for health care workers, veterans and first responders, and seniors (55+) on certain days throughout the week. Twilight passes are offered each day after 3:00 p.m., and a discounted 3–day pass is available for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the event.

For each day you attend the event, your ticket fees will be going back to supporting the RV industry. “Proceeds from America’s Largest RV Show® go back to the industry to fund education and training programs. The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association works to educate RV technicians and other staff at the dealerships so they can provide the highest level of service to their customers.”

Whether you’re planning on attending every day of the event, going in the evenings, or packing everything into one day, you don’t want to miss the RV event of the year! Check out the America’s Largest RV Show website to purchase tickets, learn more, and stay up to date on the show and events by following them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.