Speakers
Hershey America’s Largest RV Show offers seminars included with your admission to the show. Professionals working in the industry and those actively living the RV lifestyle will present the sessions. There are no registrations for the seminars. Seating is limited. The speakers and seminar descriptions are listed below.
HOW TO PURCHASE AN RV
Presented by: Randy Sobel, president, Sobel University
9:30am – 10:30am
Sessions: Wednesday-Saturday
Champions Club
Buying an RV is a huge decision and you need to be armed with all the information available before you make a purchase. Whether you are an experienced RVer or a first-time buyer, this seminar will help you identify what is important for your way of camping. Learn about all the intricacies of RV sales agreements beyond what you have learned online. Industry veteran Randy Sobel, who has more than 30-years experience helping RV consumers select and purchase the right RV, will provide insight into the RV sale during this informative session, so that you can make a confident purchase decision at America’s Largest RV Show.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RV FOR YOU
Presented by: Bob Marx
11:00am – 12:30pm
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday
Champions Club
Haven’t quite made up your mind about what type of RV to purchase? In this seminar, you will learn to identify your personal interests, needs and budget. Determine the right size and type RV for you, as well as learning about what features and floorplan options best fit your lifestyle. Bring your notepad and questions for the Q&A session after the presentation.
EXTENDED AND FULL-TIME RVING
Presented by: Bob Marx
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Sunday
Champions Club
Learn what you need to do before you leave home and what to do when you are on the road. Bring a notebook and your questions for the Q&A session after the presentation!
OPTIMIZING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY SYSTEM
Presented by: Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor
3:00pm – 5:00pm, Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday
2:30pm – 4:30pm, Sunday
Champions Club
Without question, the majority of today’s technical problems associated with RVs involve one of the 12-volt battery systems. Rarely, if ever, does any RV, new or used, leave the dealer’s lot or its home base with all battery systems operating at optimum performance. In order to optimize the DC battery system, some configurations are better than others. In this seminar, Gary explains why and how to determine if your battery bank is balanced and being charged correctly and completely.
RVs AND SOLAR ENERGY
Presented by: Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor
5:00pm – 7:00pm, Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday
Champions Club
The words “solar energy” and “RVs” have been mentioned sporadically in the same sentence since the 1970s, however, not many owners or coach builders gave it much credence. Has technology finally legitimatized the viability of adding solar power to an RV? Yes! Learn the benefits of adding an effective solar charging system in this seminar. The important components, the issues, the solutions, will be addressed in this session.
RV Electricity
Presented by: Mike Sokol
9:30am – 10:30am
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday
Power Play
Learn about testing a campground pedestal, how to plug into shore power, how much power is available from 20-, 30- and 50-amp outlets, using dog-bone adapters and extension cords for shore power, surge protector basics and why you need one, and testing for hot-skin/stray-voltage and what to do should you find one.
MIKE SOKEL
He helps educate RVers through his blog No Shock Zone and he’s working on the second edition of his book RV Electrical Safety. He regularly presents seminars and hands-on workshops for the industry.
RV ABSORPTON REFRIGERATION
Presented by: Dometic North America
11:00am – 12:00noon, Wednesday – Saturday
12:30pm – 1:00pm, Sunday
Power Play
Learn more about the RV absorption refrigeration system. Why it is a flexible, safe and reliable source of refrigeration for your RV. The proper use, operation and maintenance that will continue to allow for mobile living made easy.
RV RETIREMENT OPTIONS FROM FULL-TIMING TO HOME BASE LIVING
Presented by: Gardens RV Village
2:00pm – 3:00pm, Wednesday – Sunday
Power Play
Thinking of retiring? Speaker Tim Wilson discusses the pros and cons of all the options from full-timing, snow-birding, work camping, and home basing in an RV community. Learn the economics of each option, discover if you will be able to stay retired, and more.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT TOWING EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER OR 5TH WHEEL TRAILER
Presented by: Tom Romero, REESE/Horizon Global
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday
Power Play
Learn how to choose the correct 5th wheel hitch and mounting systems, correct receiver hitch, weight distribution and sway control for towable trailers. Join the discussion on choosing the correct brake controller to meet your towing needs. A Q & A will follow.
WORK CAMPING — HOW TO GET STARTED
Presented by: Amazon Camperforce
5:00pm – 6:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday; 11:00am – 12noon, Sunday (Green Room)
Power Play
Join Amazon Camperforce as they discuss how to get started in work camping. They will explain both volunteer and paid work camping opportunities as well as links and resources available to prospective work campers.
TIRE SAFETY AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS
Presented by: RV Safety Accessories
6:30pm – 7:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday
Power Play
Learn some interesting facts about tire safety, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), and how an effective system can provide safety, extended tire wear, reduced fuel, and maintenance costs. The various features of each system, including high- and low-pressure alerts, temperature alerts, system specifications, and installation will be covered. A Q&A session will help you determine which system may be right for you.
MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION
Presented by: American Senior Benefits Association
9:30pm – 10:30pm, Wednesday – Sunday
Press Room
Did you know that an emergency ambulance ride can cost up to $55,000 out of pocket, or that Medicare can refuse to pay these expenses? The Medical Air Services Association protects its members against unexpected expenses while traveling. A membership in MASA, will help educate you and keep you from devastating costs if an emergency occurs. Join the 1.5+ million members nationwide and gain full peace of mind so that you can enjoy your travels!
STRESS FREE TRAVEL WITH GUIDED VACATIONS
Presented by: Fantasy RV Tours
12:30pm – 1:30pm, Wednesday – Sunday
Press Room
Learn how to leave your stress behind and enjoy a relaxing vacation with expert guides and pre-planned RV tours. Bucket-list destinations including Alaska, Canada, USA, and Mexico…we take you there! Less planning and work for you, so you can savor the experience. Join a Fantasy RV Tours’ professional tour leader as we separate fact from fiction regarding the RV caravan lifestyle and how to truly “vacation” in your RV. Visit Fantasy RV Tours
THE ABC’s OF TRAILER SUSPENSIONS
Presented by: MORRYDE INTERNATIONAL
3:00pm – 1:30pm, Wednesday – Sunday Press Room
Come learn about what suspension could fit your unit. How it works and more!
MorRyde International
TAMING ROAD WANDER AND PROTECT AGAINST FRONT TIRE BLOW-OUTS
Presented by: SAFE T PLUS
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Wednesday – Sunday Press Room
Do you fight with road wandering or just trying to keep your coach in your lane? Do side winds buffet you? Passing tractor trailers move you around? Uneven pavement, ruts, bumps, and potholes jarring your trip? Do you worry about the dreaded front tire blow out? How much damage a front tire blow-out could do to your coach, your loved ones, you? Safe T Plus can take these worries off of your plate.
Safe-T-Plus
NEVER GET BLOCKED OUT OF YOUR RV AGAIN
Presented by: TorkLift International
5:00pm – 6:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday; 12:30pm – 1:30 pm Sunday (Green Room) Press Room
Have you ever needed quick access to your RV and were stuck outside because you were unable to get into your doorway due to lack of clearance to lower your doorway step? Have you ever had to deal with damage, fling water, dirt and mud into your RV from those steps? In this seminar we will show you the benefits of the only steps in the world that give you infinite adjustability for RV accessibility – the GlowStep revolution. Torklift International
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF RV TIRES
Presented by: Michelin North America
6:30pm – 7:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday, Press Room
This seminar will focus on the proper safety and maintenance considerations surrounding RV tires, from identifying tire markings to long-term storage recommendations. Michelin North America
CHOOSING A HOME BASE
Presented by: America’s Mailbox
9:30pm – 10:30pm, Wednesday – Sunday, Green Room
Donald Humes of Americas Mailbox Inc. will help attendees determine their best choice for a state of residency. Topics will include what it takes to establish residency; the new federal laws about renewing or getting a driver’s license; income taxes; vehicle registration; vehicle insurance; and inheritance taxes. You will find out how taking all the right steps at the wrong time or in the wrong order can cost you thousands of dollars. You also will learn whether establishing a Montana LLC is a good idea, and how to save money overall. America’s Mailbox
PROPERLY MATCHING TRUCKS TO TRAILERS/5TH WHEELS
Presented by: RV Safety and Education Foundation
11:00am – 12noon, Wednesday – Sunday, Green Room
Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will provide a better understanding of the language, concepts and standards used by truck and trailer manufacturers. Consumers will have a better understanding of truck and trailer ratings. For the safest possible travel, and RV enjoyment it is important to properly match a truck and trailer while staying within vehicle ratings. RV Safety and Education Foundation
RV WEIGHT AND TIRE SAFETY
Presented by: RV Safety and Education Foundation
12:30am – 1:30, Wednesday – Saturday, Green Room
Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will provide attendees with the knowledge required to assure that their RV is operated within the weight safety limitations established by the manufacturer, as well as the importance of the information found on your weight labels. The information in this class is designed to assist owners in understanding and managing their existing weight. The tire portion of the seminar relates to maintenance and care of tires for optimum safety and durability. RV Safety and Education Foundation
PERSONAL SAFETY
Presented by: RV Safety and Education Foundation
2:00pm – 3:00pm, Wednesday & Friday, Green Room
The RV Lifestyle is known to be a very safe environment. Personal safety is much more than potential crime. Personal safety encompasses health concerns, weather conditions, driving, emergency road side procedures, and other travel and recreation concerns. Awareness is a primary safeguard when it comes to safety. Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will review and discuss some of the basics to mitigate risk and prepare for various circumstances that are part of the challenges of life. RV Safety and Education Foundation
RV DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Presented by: RV Safety and Education Foundation
2:00pm – 3:00pm, Thursday and Saturday, Green Room
Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will provide you with helpful driving information and tips, and is intended to help make your driving experience a safe one. With proper attention to the differences in vehicle size, height, and weight, you will find it easy to hit the road in your RV. The major objectives of this program are to increase driver awareness, understand and identify your vehicle, determine conditions that affect driving, and make participants safer drivers. RV Safety and Education Foundation
ONAN GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Presented by: Cummins Onan
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Wednesday & Friday, Green Room
Learn maintenance tips and operations on Onan generators. A Q & A session will follow. Cummins Onan Generators
CUMMINS ENGINE OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
Presented by: Cummins Onan
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Thursday and Saturday, Green Room
Learn about the benefits, proper maintenance, operation, and support of Cummins diesel engines in motorhomes. A Q & A session will follow. Cummins
MOTORHOME MAINTENANCE
Presented by: Spartan Motors
5:00pm – 6:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday, Green Room
This seminar will cover fluids and change intervals for Cummins engine, Allison transmission, hydraulic system, tire maintenance, and contact information for a Spartan Motors diesel pusher chassis. Spartan Motors
FORD MOTORHOME MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY OVERVIEW
Presented by: Ford Motor Company
6:30pm – 7:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday; 2:00pm – 3:00pm Sunday Green Room
Learn why Ford is America’s #1 Motorhome Chassis. A Ford Authorized RV Specialist will present the ins and outs of maintaining your Ford Motorhome. You will learn about towing, tow/haul mode, your warranty, service support, and safety tips. Join the Ford RV Expert for a very informative time. Ford Motor Company
ALASKA RV ADVENTURE BY FERRY AND HIGHWAY
Presented by: John Holod, RV Adventure Videos
10:00am – 11:00am, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, and 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday; 10:00am – 11:00am, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Sunday Locker Room
RV Adventure videos are produced to save you time and money on your next RV Adventure. They include maps, visual campground guides, tour and restaurant recommendations and more. RV Adventure Videos
GREAT ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Presented by: John Holod, RV Adventure Videos
11:00am – 12:00pm and 3:00pm – 4:00pm Wednesday – Saturday; 11:00am – 12:00pm Sunday Locker Room
RV Adventure videos are produced to save you time and money on your next RV Adventure. They include maps, visual campground guides, tour and restaurant recommendations and more. RV Adventure Videos
ROUTE 66 ADVENTURE: EXPLORING THE MOTHER ROAD
Presented by: John Holod, RV Adventure Videos
12:00pm – 1:00pm and 4:00pm – 5:00pm Wednesday – Saturday; 12:00 noon – 1:00pm and 3:00pm – 4:00pm Sunday Locker Room
RV Adventure videos are produced to save you time and money on your next RV Adventure. They include maps, visual campground guides, tour and restaurant recommendations and more. RV Adventure Videos
EAST COAST ADVENTURE: VIRGINIA BEACH TO THE MARITMES
Presented by: John Holod, RV Adventure Videos
1:00pm – 2:00pm and 6:00pm – 7:00pm Wednesday – Saturday; 1:00pm – 2:00pm Sunday Locker Room
RV Adventure videos are produced to save you time and money on your next RV Adventure. They include maps, visual campground guides, tour and restaurant recommendations and more. RV Adventure Videos
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