The “beginning of a dream” says Bart Caple, begins at one of our shows. You can tour the largest Motorhomes to the smallest Popups and everything in between – all in one place and even purchase on the spot. For RVers in South Louisiana the third and biggest of four shows by BAC Shows will be in full bloom in February with the 21st Annual New Orleans Spring RV & Camping Show, the largest RV show and sale in Louisiana.
Our dream began many years ago and was fulfilled in 2007 when we purchased a 2000 5th wheel and tow truck. We continue to dream about the perfect RV and are always looking at new models. That brought us to the 14th Annual Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport & RV Show at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma. We attended the New Orleans show several years ago and came away with lots of ideas and wants. Our 10 year old RV is beginning to give us the urge to upgrade so looking at new RVs allows us to scratch the itch without too much damage and also plan for the future.
Caple’s first show was held in Lake Charles in 1986 and today holds four shows in Louisiana. Houma was the first and after New Orleans in February, Lafayette wraps up the group in March.
So, what did we see? The new Vizion, a Keystone product, was the first we’ve seen with a full basement. The floor in the rear of the 5th Wheel has been raised and as a result has gobs of storage under the living area.
We loved the decks made using the ramps of Toyhaulers; one even had its own canopy. The floor plans for these toyboxes are getting better and better (in our humble opinions). Some had another feature we’re just noticing on 5th Wheels – the inline bed with the wardrobe in the bedroom slide. We’ve certainly seen inline beds before, but the great majority of units with a slide had the bed on the slide. We like inline bedrooms because of the extra room on either side of the bed. This arrangement is not uncommon in motorhomes but not so much in fivers.
Because of our interest in cooking (rvcooking.cajunville.com) we also are paying more attention to outside kitchens and stopped to look at several different configurations. None seem to be large enough for us so far which means that we’ll eventually design our own – just scared of the price tag.
When asked what was the most unique product at the show this year? Without hesitation Caple said the “RV that floats”. The Forest River South Bay Sunterra was definitely the most interesting RV. The RV complete with slides sat on two pontoons. The inside was compact, like a small studio apartment, yet it would serve the water loving rver.
Caple said 2006 was the high mark in the RV Industry in south Louisiana. He contributed this to Hurricane Katrina and the need for temporary housing. As far as the evolution of RVs, Caple said technology was the greatest change in the industry. This was echoed by Billy Thibodeaux owner of Premiere RV, Inc. in Scott. He said RVs have “multiplex systems and lack a single source warranty”. He also thinks the complexity of motorhomes are “alienating users because every system is independent of each other”. Another issue is many campgrounds have not caught up with technology – Wi-Fi, cable, etc. Even with these drawbacks, Billy says the “RV lifestyle is second to none”.
This belief was also shared by Scotty’s Campers of New Iberia. Even with the down turn in the economy, people are still purchasing RVs. They just don’t travel as far staying closer to home. Scotty’s has been in business since 1968 and has witness firsthand the growth of the recreation industry. What started in a driveway and yard, has grown to the Scotty’s of today. They are a sales and service dealer including supplies.
Even though we did not find our dream RV, we did see many interesting models with lots of new technology. RVing is a lifestyle that is here to stay and to be enjoyed.
As actor Matthew McConaughey said of RVing, “There’s nothing not to like about it. The freedom of being able to pull up, stop, power up anywhere you want – beach or whatever. Set up and have your front yard different every single day. Whatever you want it to be, and to see the country that way – it’s awesome.“
New Orleans Spring RV and Camping Show
FEBRUARY 24-25-26, 2012
Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, Louisiana
Acadiana RV and Camping Show
MARCH 16-17-18
Cajun Field
(next to UL Lafayette Football Stadium)
Lafayette, Louisiana
Some beautiful RV’s there. I especially love the boat! Close to where I live there is a place where you can rent those boats by the week and tour around the local waterways.
Thanks for the comment. It may be fun on the boat/rv for a few days. I don’t think I would like it for any length of time – too confining. It is unique!