After taking a year off due to COVID and supply chain issues, the Fort Myers RV Show returns to the Lee Civic Center for four days, from Thursday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 30.

This year’s RV show, the 36th annual, has been one of the largest shows in Florida, and it provides attendees the opportunity to see the latest camping products available to RVers and outdoor lovers, offered by numerous local RV dealers.

The last show in 2020 brought in more than 12,000 attendees, with the hopes of bringing in more this time around as people want to get out and do things.

And for the first time, buyers will be able to take home used RVs from 2017 and later, which will offer an opportunity to buy them at tremendous discounts as opposed to brand new, though those will also be on display and for sale, organizers said.

“It has always been a new model show. By going to a late-model show, we still have coaches that will be very nice and it will allow the dealers to expand their offerings to the public,” said Jack Carver, show manager. “It’s not just the matter of selling RVs, we want to educate the public on what the RV lifestyle is about.”

Because of supply chain issues, buyers could wait months for a new RV as opposed to being able to get one then and there by buying used, Carver said.

Units on display include gas and diesel motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, 5th wheels, park models and van campers featuring all styles, brands and price ranges.

The show also allows attendees the chance to browse more than 50 outdoors and camping vendors, displaying equipment and accessories to help outfit RVers or provide information on camping throughout the nation.

Items include new towing systems, specialized lighting RV insurance, unique camping equipment and where to camp throughout the nation. Daily RV travel and maintenance seminars also will be offered.

Now is a good time to buy, because the RV market has never been hotter, organizers said. People are eschewing cruises and plane trips because of the fear of COVID and exploring the wide-open spaces, making an RV a necessity.

The RV Industry Association recently declared 2021 the “Year of the RV.” With 62 percent more RVers in 2021 than in 2001 and the dramatic rise in RV popularity, the national association reported the pandemic signaled a fundamental change in the way Americans travel, vacation and live.

“People are seeking alternatives to outdoor adventures and planes and cruises. So, there’s been a boom in sales, and when you add in the supply chain problems in other industries and labor shortages and people retiring and quitting, it has caused a shortage in RVs,” Carver said. “It’s still affecting us now.”

The 36th annual Fort Myers RV Show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 with children under 16 free. Parking is free courtesy of the RV Trade Association.

For more information, go to leeciviccenter.com.