The 48th Annual RV Trade Show - Louisville, KY

Last evening the wind and rain were torrential at times due to the warm front that passed through the area. Thunderstorms were heard off in the distance south of Shepherdsville, noted I turned over and fell back asleep. Waking this morning, the sky was overcast and it was still raining. Colleen and I both commented about how dark it was outside. I theorized that since we were so far west in the Eastern Time zone that the sun was probably a little delayed getting out here. Showered and dressed it was time to make my way into Louisville but not before a small walk with Miss Roxy.

Terry Bradshaw speaks to customers at the unveiling of the Evergreen RV “Element”

Bag in hand and I departed the park and began making my way out to the Interstate. The GPS told me that I was about 15 miles away from the Kentucky Exposition Center. Of course instead of the direct route the GPS had me get off the Intestate take some local roads and eventually I wound up at the familiar main entrance. Sometimes I feel like throwing the GPS out of the window. Now for the next challenge, parking. It’s really impossible to find a parking space anywhere near the building especially when it’s raining but quite by accident I came across a good spot directly behind a high top Sprinter Class B.

The view that is shown here shows that this vehicle is very aerodynamic and presents less that 60 sq feet of frontal area.

I grabbed my umbrella and began making my way to the South Wing to attend the 48th Annual National RV Trade Show. I registered my ID and was handed back a clip on ID holder. Next question for me was where’s the Press Room? The answer was that it was located in the Off of the Lower Arena all the way up on the North end of the complex. So a short hike was in order. I arrived in the Press Room and signed in, found a coat closet and put up my coat and umbrella. I poured a cup of coffee and began looking around to see if I recognized anyone. Bob Livingston was there along with a number of other Affinity people. After a brief people watch, I grabbed my bag and made my way out to the floor.

Element features many innovative and lightweight construction materials. No wood products are used in this vehicle and its completely re-cyclable.

My first task was to track down Terry Bradshaw. I was determined to get a picture of him and the exhibit where he was appearing was close by in the west Wing at the Evergreen Recreational Vehicles exhibit. When I walked into the exhibit there were many media types and all types of video production equipment and lighting equipment. Turning I saw Terry standing behind a counter speaking with some customers and posing for group shots. Terry’s got a timeless look about him but you can see how he’s matured over the years. He was dressed in a distinguished looking dark colored suit, white shirt and tie. The customers in the exhibit were lined up to meet Terry and get their picture taken with him.

The Open Range Fifth Wheel RV Toyhauler features an elevator in it’s side load storage bay, what appears to be an 8 by 10 porch and a robust interior for those types of folks looking to tear up trails in style.

The RV Company that he was there is support of, Evergreen Recreational Vehicles, introduced their new model the “Element”. This trailer has an extended tear drop aerodynamic profile and one slideout on the street side. The Element has large hinged windows that open horizontally on a hinge offering a large ventilation opportunity if desired. All the hinges are mounted on the front side of the window openings. The inside of the vehicle is very European and bright accents are used to make the space look larger. The Element that was shown is called Clear Water Blue. According the Evergreen Press materials the Element is, “Totally wood free, the Element is ultra resistant to rot mold or mildew that mark the demise of most RVs. Sustainable ComposiTekTM Construction make the Element eco-friendly and recyclable.”

Show here is the rear entry of a Fuzion Toy Hauller

It’s not difficult to surmise that this RV Show is all about towables. You can find a toy hauler made by just about every towables manufacturer and many companies that exhibited here are specifically committed to toy haulers. I can’t name all the different brands of toy haulers but they are truly amazing. The Open Range Fifth Wheel toy hauler has a “stacker type” of storage space where an elevator could store a vehicle at some height off the main deck. I believe instead of carrying perhaps 2 quads that one could carry 4 such vehicles in this rig. The toy hauler also had an elevated porch that came off the curb side of the hauler attached to a slide out which appeared to be quite capable of accommodating a number of people. The amenities of the coach were extensive including its Nitrogen filled tires. Toy hauler fans are going to love this new Open Range RV.

The rear entry VRV Toy Hauler at the RVIA Exposition. The color of the VRV rigs in the exhibit suggests action and adventure.

Manufacturers of Park Trailers are seen at this show as making a definite statement. Style, comfort, utility and affordability. Walking through the West Wing I came on oak colored park trailer which I though was pretty remarkable. The windows in the front of the unit will provide the occupant with a mega dose of sunlight. The Skyline Oak Haven features bar style seating in the kitchen area and a loft sleeping area. Windows surround the top of the trailer accent the cathederal style ceiling in the living area. Across the aisle another a unit offered called the Canturbury which featured the same look and feel of an upscale camping park trailer.

The Skyline Oak Haven