SOUTH BEND — As the 33rd annual Valley RV and Camping Show gets under way at the Century Center this weekend, dealers say they are feeling better about 2009.

"We're optimistic because we have to be, I mean this is our livelihood," said Rob Reid, owner of Great Lakes RV in Elkhart.

Reid says the deals have never been better.

"Every winter you can get a good deal at the show, but this winter you'll get a better deal than you'll ever have again, because all of us dealers need to move inventory," he explained.

Reid says some RVs are discounted up to 40 percent off the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price.

If ever the industry needed a boost, 2009 is the year. Mark Bowersox, the director of this weekend's show, says he's already dropped the admission price from $6 to $3.

Bowersox says even if people can't buy, they can start thinking about the future and have a little fun this weekend.

He says financing is available to good buyers.

"In the past people were given credit who probably shouldn't have been given credit, but right now if you're a good solid buyer we can probably get you financed," he said.

For more information on the Valley RV and Camping Show, go to RVShows.org or CenturyCenter.org.