Tri-State Outdoor News

Economic woes are impacting RVers, especially manufacturers, retailers and suppliers, but much of the industry still is healthy, and for buyers with cash there are plenty of opportunities.

It’s also sport show season, presenting opportunities to view the latest in RV and camping rigs as well associated equipment.

There was economic realism about the industry’s future and the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s annual trade-only show held in Louisville in early December. Despite declines in “RV shipments and reduced sales forecast due to the tightest credit conditions in several decades, most exhibitors maintained optimism about the industry’s long-term future.

And while the credit crunch has obviously had an impact, most Tri-State dealers say financing is available for buyers with decent credit ratings.

The annual RVIA show in Louisville is an international event where manufacturers have an opportunity to exhibit, and dealers have an opportunity to view the latest in RVs and equipment, plus order products for the coming year.

“We had unexpected business,” said Andy Wesdorp, national product manager of Carriage, Inc. “Dealers showed up that we hadn’t prospected. We’re optimistic about 2009.”

“We’re encouraged and pleased by the show,” said Sid Johnson, Director of Marketing at northern Indiana’s Jayco, Inc. “The dealers we’ve talked with are approaching the economic downturn with the idea of being ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”

A total of 8,427 RV dealers, warehouse distributors, accessory store owners, campground operators and exhibitors attended this year’s event — down 38.5% from 2007. Representatives from 1,387 dealerships attended — a decline of 20% from 2007.

Many manufacturers unveiled RVs that were smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic, more environmentally friendly, and more fuel-efficient than previous models. Cutting edge 2009 models included the firstever motorhome hybrids, the first fully-recyclable travel trailer, and units that incorporate “green” technologies such as fuel cells, solar panels, and hydronic heating systems.

“We were pleasantly surprised with the traffic in our display,” said Dicky Riegel, chief operating officer of Thor Industries, Inc. “Dealers responded to our new product development and lightweight designs.”

Show attendees were realistic about tough market conditions for 2009, but remained optimistic about the industry’s future.

“For many of us, today’s situation is nothing new,” said RVIA President Richard Coon, a 30-year veteran of the RV industry. “We’re a resilient industry that has a history of coming back stronger than ever, even after worse downturns than this one — the oil embargoes and high interest rates in the 70s, for example.”

At the show, the industry Go RVing promotion program received a new theme. Go RVing coalition co-chairman Tim Stinnett of Tom Stinnett RV in Clarksville announced, “A new slogan “Go Affordably. Go RVing’”, will be the tone for the 2009 print and internet ad campaign.

“No matter how many people today may be yearning for the intangibles that make RVing so special, what’s really going to convince them to buy now is knowing they’ll be saving money as a result,” said Stinnett as he pointed out that now is an excellent time to buy.

Planning already is underway for next year’s show — the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show — which will take place December 1-3 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

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PUBLIC RV SHOWS — The local RV show season is well underway across the Midwest and the country. While a few shows reportedly have scaled back a bit, there still are plenty of opportunities for people interested in RVs and camping to get in out of the cold to view the latest in rigs and equipment and pickup camping tips.

The Central Indiana RV Show already took place in mid-January, however many new RVs and equipment will be available for viewing and exploring at the annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis Feb. 20 to March 1.

Information about the show is available at the internet website: indianapolisboatspsortandtravelshow.com.

The Fort Wayne RV & Camp Show is scheduled Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, and the St. Louis RV Vacation & Travel Show is scheduled Feb. 19-22.

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GOOD EATING SITE — RVers love to eat whether campfire cooking or food prepared in your rig and shared with friends under the awning.

Recently on a cold day while surfing the internet, I found an interesting website primarily related to RV cooking.

“We choose this title as we all have to eat,” reports the site, which contains a 2003 date, however the date doesn’t impact the tasty recipes. Readers are encouraged to provide their favorite recipes.

In addition to recipes, there is other interesting RV and camping information. The website address is: recipesource.tripod.com.

Here is a recipe for hobo stew – an easy to fix meal–from the website:

1 lb ground beef
2 cans Veg-All
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 can tomato soup
1 small onion diced
1 soup can and 1 tomato sauce can of water
salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet. Add all other ingredients stir and simmer for 10 minutes. Hot, hearty, filling, and quick after a day of swimming, fishing and hiking.