Dave Helgesen
RV Expert, Writer and Speaker
Dave Helgeson has been around travel trailers his entire life. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership long before the term “RV” had been coined. He has served in every position of an RV dealership with the exception of bookkeeping.
Dave served as President of a local chapter of the RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association), was on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college and was a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. He and his wife Cheri operated their own RV dealership for many years and for the past 29 years have managed RV shows.
Dave presents seminars at RV shows across the country and was referred to as “The foremost expert on boondocking” by the late Gary Bunzer, “The RV Doctor.” Dave and his wife are currently on their fifth travel trailer with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications on his own unit.
Sessions
10 – 11 AM
Wednesday, September 10 – Sunday, September 14
Champions Club, Main Concourse
Boondocking 101: Finding a place to camp
Are you a free spirit looking for the total freedom an RV offers? Be sure to attend this entertaining seminar. Dave Helgeson will teach how to break free of schedules, reservations, leash laws, campground fees, check-out times, noisy neighbors and other modern inconveniences. In this seminar you will learn how to find your own scenic camping hideaways on public lands via the internet in advance of arriving. Regardless of where you travel, thousands of sites await you in the boondocks. While boondocking is easier out west, there are options east of the Mississippi too, even in Pennsylvania!
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday, September 10 – Saturday, September 13
Champions Club, Main Concourse
1 PM – 2 PM
Sunday, September 14
Power Play, Main Concourse
Beginner’s Guide to RVing – An Introduction to Essential Systems
Are you new to RVing or thinking about joining the RV lifestyle? Maybe you were among the thousands that purchased an RV during the pandemic and never received a proper walk through. Join lifelong RVer and industry expert Dave Helgeson as he shares the basics to get you started on your RVing journey. In this seminar you will learn how propane, electrical and plumbing systems operate along with RV appliances. Dave will also share how to prepare for your first RV outing including practicing, basic equipment to get you started, loading and departing for the campsite, setting up camp and departing camp. Even those that have been RVing for years are likely to gain some useful tips from this seminar.
