Guide to College Football RV Tailgating in Louisiana

Guide to College Football RV Tailgating in Louisiana

by | Sep 3, 2022 | RV Lifestyle

Ah, football season. If there’s one thing that eases the sting of saying goodbye to summer adventures, it’s the smell of football season back in the air again. College football RV tailgating in Louisiana is a popular fall activity, and as a top RV dealership in Louisiana, we totally understand why!

Why try RV Tailgating in Louisiana?

There’s no doubt that Louisianans take college football seriously. It’s a season in its own right around here! If you own an RV, RV tailgating can be the perfect way to experience this part of the Louisiana lifestyle. It allows you to have a comfortable place to hang out, cook food and watch pregame festivities alongside thousands of fellow fans who are just as excited as you are. You can get more creative with your tailgating menu when you have your whole RV kitchen at your fingertips! And you won’t miss a minute of College GameDay or any other games leading up to kickoff if you have satellite TV in your RV. Even if you’re not the biggest football fan, it’s worth it to try and experience this electric atmosphere at least once.

Search RVs in Louisiana

You can’t just show up to a college campus in your RV and expect to find parking, though. You’ll need to plan ahead. Passes for RV lots can be hard to come by because they’re so popular, and in some cases, can be pretty pricey. We’ve laid out everything you need to know about RV tailgating and Louisiana’s 3 biggest universities.

RV Tailgating at LSU

LSU has one of the most iconic tailgating scenes in the country – and it’s right here in our home state! Fans flock from all over to experience the camaraderie, good food, and game day buzz in Baton Rouge during football season. Whether you are going into the stadium for the game or not, it’s a can’t-miss tailgating destination. Even opposing fans rave about how much fun RV tailgating at LSU is!

Because it’s such a popular tailgating scene, it can be tough to get a spot in LSU’s RV lots. There are two different ways to go about it.

Season Reserved RV Lots

If you are a die-hard LSU fan and you plan on tailgating at Death Valley all season long, then you may want to invest in a spot at a season reserved RV lot. These lots can be pricey and often sell out far in advance (all passes in these lots are sold out for 2022). If you want to park in the RV lots here in the future, it’s best to plan ahead. Season-long passes for Lot 401 closest to the stadium cost thousands and also require a sizable contribution to the school’s Tradition Fund each year. More affordable season reserved RV lot passes can be found in Touchdown Village 1 and 2. These cost around $500 in addition to a required contribution to the Tradition Fund depending on the lot you choose. If you’re a big fan of the Tigers, this investment can be well worth it!

Single Game RV Lot

If you’re just planning to experience RV tailgating in Baton Rouge for a single game, you’ll want to reserve a spot in Lot 412. This lot is near the LSU vet school and is the only lot open to single game RV parking. These passes are released on a game-by-game basis and range between $100-250 per spot. Lot opening times are announced on a weekly basis before the games, so be sure you’re staying up to date to get into your spot at your earliest convenience.

RV Tailgating at University of Louisiana Lafayette

Just down the road from our RV dealership in Opelousas, Louisiana, is University of Louisiana Lafayette. While it’s a smaller school than LSU, the Ragin’ Cajuns have an extremely loyal following, and tailgating there is a blast!

RV tailgating at ULL primarily happens in the Cajun Country Rice RV parking lot just off of West Congress Street. In order to get a pass for tailgating in these lots, you’ll need to have at least 2 season tickets associated with your account. Rather than charging a parking fee, ULL requires donations to their Annual Fund. As of 2022, the minimum Annual Fund donation to get season-long Cajun Country RV parking is $1200.

RV Tailgating at Louisiana Tech University

RV tailgating at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston is very similar to the process at ULL. There’s a designated RV parking lot, and passes there require membership to the LA Tech Athletics Club and season tickets. Season passes in this lot can range from $2500-3500.

Where will you be RV tailgating in Louisiana this season?

Now that you know the details, which college football game will you tailgate at this season? We hope no matter which team has your allegiance, you’ll find a way to take your RV to a football game at some point. It’s truly a bucket list RV experience!

If you still need the right RV for your college football tailgate, our experts at Courvelle’s can help. Located in Opelousas, just north of Lafayette, Louisiana, we have a large selection of new and used RVs, including Class A, Class C, fifth wheels and travel trailers. We’ll help you find an RV with an outdoor entertainment center and outside kitchen that’s perfect for tailgating!

Need the perfect RV for college football tailgating?

Browse our RVs in Louisiana!

 148 total views

How to Find the Best RV for Full-Time Living

How to Find the Best RV for Full-Time Living

by | Aug 31, 2022 | RV Buying Guide

Transitioning to full-time RV living is an exciting decision! You’re saying goodbye to a traditional and materialistic way of living and chasing adventure and experiences instead. You’re about to make so many new memories! But first, you’ll need to decide on your new home on wheels. Right about now, you’re probably asking, “What is the best RV for full-time living?” And we can understand why. With so many options, you need some help narrowing it down. We can do that!

Things to consider when you shop for the best RV for full-time living

While the best RV for full-time living varies from family to family, there are a few things you should consider when making your decision. Assessing these important points can help you identify what you’re looking for and how to shop for your new home.

Space

Any decision to transition to full-time RV life is going to involve some downsizing. But how much do you really want to downsize? If you’re willing to live an extreme minimalistic lifestyle, then you could make a Class B RV work. If you want to live as close as possible to a sticks and bricks level of comfort, opt for a Class A motorhome. Do you have kids? You’ll likely want an RV that has a separate sleeping area for them so things don’t feel too cramped.

Size for parking and campgrounds

While the size of your RV obviously affects the space inside it, it can also affect where you are and are not allowed to go. While a Class A RV may be comfortable, there are some campgrounds that aren’t big enough to accommodate large coaches. On the flip side, there are some luxury campgrounds that only accept Class A RVs. If you plan on staying at a lot of state and national park campgrounds, you may want something smaller. It can also be difficult to maneuver a motorhome in cities and public parking lots. If any of this is a concern for you, but you still like the idea of a motorhome, maybe a Class C would be a good fit for you.

Shop for a full-time RV

Costs

Your budget will obviously come into play here. How much are you willing to spend on your new home? Travel trailers can be most affordable, while the price point for Class A RVs and fifth wheels tends to be a little higher. You’ll also want to consider the other costs of full-time living. This includes expenses like fuel efficiency, since gas is such a big operating cost of RV life. The best RV for full-time living would ideally have decent gas mileage.

Weather

Another important thing to considering when picking the best RV for full-time living is what kind of climates you plan on traveling through. Will you chase warm weather the whole time, or will you possibly enjoy some wintertime fun here and there? If at any point you think you’ll be somewhere that temps get a little chilly, you want your RV to be prepared. Choose an RV for full-time living that can handle all 4 seasons and is plenty insulated.

Two of the best RVs for full-time living

You can make full-time RV living in really any RV, but there are two that are popular choices among the full-time RV crowd.

Used Class A

Even with its size and the initial cost to purchase, many people opt for a Class A RV for full-time living simply because it’s most comfortable. The price point is a little higher than towable RVs, but often, people are willing to spend that much because they are using the RV to replace their sticks and bricks house. These RVs can often come with house-like amenities like residential-sized refrigerators, showers, and stovetops. It might just be the best RV for full-time living because you won’t be sacrificing a whole lot in the transition to RV life with a Class A!

The key to not spending a fortune on your motorhome purchase, though, is to buy a used Class A. We’ve written a whole blog post about why it pays to buy a used Class A motorhome, but in short, it allows you to avoid the initial depreciation hit these big RVs take in the first year or so. You’re still getting a rig that’s worthy of living in full-time, but you’re saving thousands of dollars. At Courvelle’s RV, we have a carefully curated selection of used Class A RVs to help you find a high-end yet affordable motorhome lifestyle.

Fifth Wheel

Some people would consider a fifth wheel the best RV for full-time living. They’re typically a little less expensive than a Class A RV but are usually the most comfortably appointed of all the towable options. If you’re choosing this RV for full-time living, you will also need a pick-up truck with a fifth wheel hitch to tow it. Unless you’re pulling a toad vehicle behind a Class A, it’s nice to have your truck available to jet around town for groceries or exploring without packing up at the campsite.

The best RV for full-time living really depends on your lifestyle

While some people may feel strongly that a Class A or a fifth wheel is the best RV for full-time living, the truth is: it really depends on your wants and needs. The RV that is the best for one family may not be the best for you! Take the time to assess your budget, needs and travel plans before making this big decision. If you need some help directing your decision, our sales team is here for you! We can help you work through what type of RV is best for you and help you find an RV that fits exactly what you’re looking for. We can’t wait to help you find your dream home on wheels!

Need help finding the perfect RV for your full-time lifestyle?

Talk with one of our RV experts!

 102 total views

6 Things To Do When You RV in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

6 Things To Do When You RV in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

by | Aug 1, 2022 | RV Lifestyle

Courvelle’s RV is located Opelousas, Louisiana, in the heart of St. Landry Parish. RVing is a popular pastime here in Louisiana, and if you’re shopping for your RV at Courvelle’s, you either live in the area or you’ve chosen to travel to Opelousas to pick up your new RV. Either way, if you RV in St. Landry Parish as a local or as a visitor, we’ve put together a guide to RVing in our area.

Guide to RV near Opelousas

Whether you’re planning a staycation or exploring the area after picking up your RV, there’s so much to do when you RV in St. Landry Parish. This area encompasses towns north of Lafayette like Opelousas, Washington, Arnaudville, Melville and more. Courvelle’s RV has been a staple in Opelousas, Louisiana for decades, so our list focuses on spots in and around Opelousas. Still, there are some other great St. Landry locations here as well. Read on to find some of our favorites!

Enjoy Zydeco Music

Did you know our town of Opelousas, Louisiana is known as the Zydeco Music Capital of the World? Louisiana legislature officially gave Opelousas this title in 2000, but it has long been the case. This style of music was created by French Creole speakers and blends blues, R&B and indigenous music into one flavorful style, all centered around the accordion. Opelousas is actually the birthplace of the accordionist known as the King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier.

You can learn more about him and other influential Zydeco musicians at the Zydeco Music Exhibit at Le Vieux Village Heritage Park. If you want to enjoy this type of music when you RV in St. Landry Parish, plan to attend Music & Market on Friday evenings in the spring and fall or visit Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center on the weekends.

Shop for RVs in Opelousas

Stay at Evangeline Oaks RV Park

If you need a place to park your RV in St. Landry Parish, try checking out Evangeline Oaks RV Park here in Opelousas. It’s an upscale campground with full hookups, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, an on-site bath house and laundry facility and more. There are paved roads and picnic tables and many shaded sites with towering 100-year-old live oaks overhead. They’re located just off of Interstate 49, only 10 minutes down the road from us at Courvelle’s RV. You can also stay at Alice’s RV Park or Dale White RV Park, which are both located nearby.

Place Your Bets at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino

Evangeline Downs is one of the most popular attractions to see when you RV in St. Landry Parish. This horse racing track and casino is open 24 hours and has been racing horses for over 50 years. From April to September, you can enjoy thoroughbred racing, and from October to December, they hold quarter horse races. The complex has over 1300 slot machines, nightlife, zydeco music and delicious restaurants. Whether you’re there to gamble, enjoy the racing or a little bit of everything, you’re sure to have a great time here.

Try Authentic Cajun Cuisine

When the town’s slogan is “Perfectly Seasoned,” you know you need to try the food in Opelousas. In fact, you may have picked up a can of Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine seasoning at the grocery store before. If so, you’ve purchased seasoning from an Opelousas native! There are an abundance of Cajun and Creole restaurants to stop at when you RV in St. Landry Parish. The third oldest establishment in the state, Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant, is located just north of Opelousas in Washington, Louisiana. Further south in Arnaudville, you’ll find another local favorite, The Little Big Cup. This charming restaurant is located on the banks of Bayou Fuselier and serves up a taste of the bayou.

Attend a Festival

If there’s one thing we have in St. Landry Parish, it’s flavor. You can actually attend full festivals that celebrate all the local cultural flavor in our area! Get a taste of the local food AND music at the Zydeco Music Festival the Saturday before Labor Day. People travel from all over the world for this one-day festival. You can also attend the Annual Holy Ghost Creole festival later in the fall and learn more about the Creole culture. There’s so much to the local culture here, and you don’t want to miss it when you RV in St. Landry Parish. A festival is a great way to experience it.

Take One of These Weekend RV Trips

There’s so much more to discover in Louisiana! When you RV in St. Landry Parish, consider venturing out to take one of these incredible weekend RV trips in Louisiana. From New Orleans to Natchitoches, and Baton Rouge to Avery Island, these are the best things to do when you RV Louisiana.

Stop by Courvelle’s RV when you RV in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana!

If you’re reading this list because you’re planning on picking up an RV at Courvelle’s, we can’t wait to see you! If you stumbled up this blog looking for information on RVing in St. Landry Parish, we encourage you to stop in at Courvelle’s RV. We have a fantastic RV parts store and a service department that can help you with anything your RV might be needing. You may even find the perfect RV for sale here in Opelousas and be able to add your photo to our famous polaroid wall! We look forward to welcoming you.

Find the perfect RV in St. Landry Parish at Courvelle's RV!

Shop our RVs

 162 total views

Is RV Consignment Best to Sell Your RV?

Is RV Consignment Best to Sell Your RV?

by | Jul 29, 2022 | Courvelle's RV, RV Consignment

Owning an RV is an experience like no other! Being independent of hotels and able to camp wherever your wheels can take you is a liberating feeling. However, there comes a time for some RV owners where they aren’t taking advantage of this ability enough, or they are doing it so much, they’re ready to upgrade to the next RV! So how can you get the most out of selling your RV investment? One great option is RV consignment! When owners consign an RV, they give the job of selling the RV to a third-party or dealership. Not only does consignment save the hassle of sorting through buyers, but it also may increase visibility to a wider audience. It’s both a safe and easy way to sell your RV.

What is RV Consignment?

Most people consign an RV through a dealership, which handles the whole process of selling your RV. The dealership snaps the pictures, posts the unit on their website and through classifieds, takes the phone calls, shows the unit, and processes the paperwork. This means consignment is not a “sell your RV for cash” deal or trade it, but more a partnership with the dealership or seller you chose. Simply put, you provide the RV, the dealer sells it, and you both share in the spoils!

What's Your RV Worth?

How Does RV Consignment Work?

RV consignments work by a third-party seller or dealership selling your RV for you, but they share in the profit with commission from the sale.

This is what you can expect when you consign an RV:

    • The seller consignment periods are usually one to three months.
    • Consignment fees vary from fixed rate commission to percentage based on final sale.
    • Dealerships can take care of any tune-ups needed to increase resale value.
    • You may want to purchase RV consignment insurance.

Is Selling Your RV on Consignment a Good Idea?

If you want to sell your RV with the least amount of effort, then RV consignment is for you! Not all owners want to take on the role of “salesperson.” It’s a lot of time and effort to keep up with buyer communications, scheduling appointments, showings, negotiations and filing paperwork.

Here are the advantages of consigning your RV:

    • Convenience. The seller takes care of all the advertising, showing, negotiations, and money handling. You just collect your share at the end.
    • Saves Time. You don’t have to worry about wasting time with buyers that are not serious. This includes last minute appointment cancelations and waiting on return texts or phone calls. Also with dealers, they naturally have more foot traffic, so they can sell your RV quicker.
    • Safe & Confidential. Since your presence is not needed in the sale, your identity is kept anonymous. Additionally, since dealerships show and sell your RV there, you don’t have to be exposed or handle exchanging of money. This keeps both you and your home safe.
    • Earn More Money. Even though you may have to pay seller fees and commission on the final sale, you may end up getting more through RV consignment versus selling your unit by yourself. Dealers have a much larger audience and offer financing, which inreases sales potential.
Consign Your RV With A Dealer!

How Much are RV Consignment Fees?

When working with a dealer, you may elect to have one of two ways to split the sale. The first method is that the dealer will take a straight percentage on total sale. The alternate method involves a base price being set, and then the dealer takes any earnings above that price as commission. For example, say your RV is listed at $70,000 but sales for $75,000. With the first method, the dealers cut would be $7,000 if the straight commission was 10%. The second method would yield the dealer $5,000. Of course, there can be other fees and optional costs like tune-up and detailing. However, these “extras” could add perceived value to buyers and result in greater profit on the sale.

Is RV Consignment Insurance Needed?

It is not necessary to purchase, however, in some cases, it is worth it for protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind. For example, a potential buyer could dent your motorhome on a test drive or break a fixture when viewing your towable. Unfortunately, many traditional RV insurance policies will not cover your RV when it’s with a dealer. You don’t want damages like this to bring down your sale value, and this is where RV consignment insurance has you covered. It’s important to note, though, that Courvelle’s won’t allow any test drives of your RV unless the buyer has gone through prior credit approval, helping to protect you rig before purchase.

How Do I Find Out How Much My RV is Worth?

Getting an estimate of how much your RV is worth is very easy online. Just like a car, you need to know the make, model, milage, and year of your RV. Additionally, condition and extra features may also help with accuracy. With this information, you can plug it into NADA Guides, RV dealer consignment forms, or various RV classified websites to get an idea of the going rates.

Where Can I Consign My RV in Louisiana?

At Courvelle’s RV, we make consigning your RV easy! We are a top RV dealer in Louisiana, and we buy Class A RVs and more. Have more questions or need help selling your camper? Contact us for an estimate on your RV, and begin selling your RV today!

 

Ready to Take the Next Step to Consign Your RV?

Let Us Help!

 185 total views

Class A vs. Class C Motorhomes: How to Choose

Class A vs. Class C Motorhomes: How to Choose

by | Jul 4, 2022 | RV Buying Guide

If you’ve landed here, it’s likely you know you want to buy a motorhome. You just can’t decide which one! The big debate when it comes to motorhomes is usually Class A vs. Class C. There are also Class B vans, but those resemble van life much more than RV life. If you’re looking for a motorhome, you’re likely choosing between the two larger options.

Class A vs. Class C: Which is Right for You?

For starters, let’s break down the difference between Class A vs. Class C. Both are drivable motorhomes where the cab is part of the living space, rather than the living space being towed behind a vehicle. Class C RVs are the smaller of the two options. Its most recognizable feature is the portion of the living space that hangs over the cab of the vehicle, usually designed as storage space or a bed. Class A RVs are much bigger – they are the giants of the RV world! These large rigs are the closest to sticks and bricks living you can get since their size can fit much more amenities.

Size isn’t the only thing that differentiates the two. Read on to find out more.

Maneuverability

For starters, one of the biggest Class A vs. Class C differences is maneuverability. Class C RVs have the upper hand in this category since they’re shorter in length and height and less wide. Your turn radius is a little easier in a Class C, so it’s easier for beginners to learn how to drive them. They’re also less susceptible to swaying in the wind down the highway.

Campsites

It isn’t just a matter of personal preference though – there are some places you may want to visit that simply don’t have room for a Class A RV. Not all campsites allow Class A RVs due to their size. This is particularly true of many state and national park campsites. However, there are other campsites that are exclusive to Class A RVs. These campsites are typically luxury motorcoach resorts, which means you get to enjoy another level of camping comfort.

Shop Class A RVs

Cost

As you may already know, the cost of a Class A RV is typically higher than a Class C. They are usually the more luxurious option of the two, and the price tag reflects that. While you will be paying more, you’re also usually getting more space and more features.

Depreciation

While cost may be higher for a Class A, it also depreciates more quickly than a Class C. If you’re planning on keeping either RV long term, then this may not be an issue for you. If you want to change RVs in a couple of years, then it is something to consider. To solve a big part of the depreciation issue when it comes to Class A RVs, buy a used Class A motorhome instead of new.

Sleep Capacity

The sleep capacity between Class A vs. Class C really comes down to the floor plan of the RV you choose. While Class C RVs, they’re often very smart with taking advantage of the space they do have. The sleep space over the cab helps a lot! Some massive Class A RVs still only have one bedroom, and feature a large, comfortable living space instead. Just look for the RV that has the sleep capacity your family needs.

Shop Class C RVs

Comforts

When you think luxury comfort in the RV world, you often think of Class A RVs. And for good reason – these rigs can sometimes feel like a far cry from RV living with full-size kitchen features, multiple slides, and walk-around bedrooms. That doesn’t mean Class C RVs aren’t comfortable though! A great Class C can be just as luxurious, especially if you are traveling as a couple and won’t need all the extra room.

Storage

Class A RVs have the upper hand between Class A vs. Class C when it comes to storage simply thanks to their size. The basement of these RVs often provide tons of space for you to store gear and seasonal items. Don’t underestimate a well-built Class C RV, though! These rigs are thoughtfully designed to take advantage of every inch.

Fuel

What a Class C RV lacks in size, it makes up for in fuel mileage in the Class A vs. Class C debate. While Class A RVs can be cushy, their boxy shape means they’re not very aerodynamic. As a result, their fuel mileage just can’t compete with a Class C. There are many reasons to choose a Class C RV, but this may be an important factor for you.

Choosing the right motorhome for your family

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to making your Class A vs. Class C RV choice. The best thing to do is to browse our Class C inventory, and browse our Class A inventory to see which resonates with you. Or, you can get in touch with our team at Courvelle’s RV in Louisiana to find the right fit for you!

 

Ready to find the right fit for your RV travels?

Let our team help!

 194 total views