Choosing the right size rig for you and your family is perhaps the most important decision you make when you’re on the hunt for a new one. You have to consider storage, sleeping situations, amenities, and much more. While we here at Courvelle’s RV are advocates for RVs in all shapes and sizes, we focus on the benefits of choosing a Class C rig below!
It’s important to ask yourself a few questions in order to narrow down which RV class is best for you. Many people land on Class Cs because of their size. They’re relatively easy to drive, and they fit in most campground sections. Class Cs are a great middle-of-the-line option, and they aren’t the best choice for everyone, but here are a few reasons many of our customers ultimately choose a Class C.
What is a Class C RV?
Class Cs are a midsize option for those that want the space of a Class A but the size and price of a Class B. Sleeping areas are often above the cab and in the back, and their slide-outs are similar to those in a Class A. Class Cs often have a separate bathroom area, but many Class Bs do not. Class Cs also aren’t normally big enough to tow a vehicle, so keep this in mind while shopping. So, if you want a motorhome that easy to drive, a bit bigger than a Class B but still comes with many of the features, a Class C might be for you!
Affordability
If price is the main factor for you, as it is for many people, a Class C might be your best option. Class As and Bs are expensive when compared to a Class C – it almost feels like you’re getting a bargain! There are, of course, other rigs that are more affordable, but you won’t get the space a Class C offers.
Size
Even though Class Cs are usually smaller in size and weight than a Class A, they’re sometimes about the same length. If you want something that’s bigger than a Class B but aren’t ready to jump up to a Class A, a Class C offers a great middle ground.
Many people often find, after years of RVing, that they don’t need or want the floor space that they originally thought they did. Most enjoy their small RVs because lots of campgrounds have length limitations which could prevent you from staying at specific campgrounds if you have a massive Class A.
Be careful, though! Some Class Cs are pretty large, so it doesn’t mean you’ll qualify for size requirements in some parks and campgrounds. Be sure to keep this in mind when looking at length.
Sleeping and storage space
One of the neatest and most defining features of Class C is the space over the cab. It’s most of the time used for sleeping, but you can also use it for storage. Many Class As come with a drop-down bed, but the bed is always built right into Class C’s design. That extra space is great for when you’re traveling with a few extra people than usual.
It’s so easy to tow a vehicle
If you do need another vehicle with you, most Class Cs are still powerful enough to do so. Keep in mind, though, that most tow behind vehicles are usually rather small or compact cars, and if yours is bigger than that, make sure your Class C has enough power to tow it! Many people like having a separate vehicle because it allows them more access to other adventures or activities. Class C RVs are just a bit too bulky to handle certain journeys!
Ease of driving and better gas mileage
Because Class Cs are motorhomes, everything you need is condensed into one. They’re much easier to drive in and out of campsites than, say, a Class A. You’ll probably also have to hop on the highway to reach your destination, and you won’t get any trailer sway you would get if you had a travel trailer. Class Cs often get decent gas mileage, especially with a diesel engine.
No need for hitch materials
Again, since this is a motorized vehicle, you don’t need to worry about acquiring the right towing and hitching materials. Hitching and unhitching a trailer is a rather time-consuming task, and if you have a motorhome, you’re able to spend more time with family out on adventures. If you do take an extra vehicle with you, you’d have to hitch it to the motorhome, but it’s much easier than hitching a trailer!
If you have a Class C motorhome, let us know what your favorite features are in the comments below!
As the heat from the Louisiana summer dissipates, and we exit the Gulf Coast’s tropical storm season, the great state of Louisiana settles into our moderate, wet winter.
The shorter days usher in mosquitoes free nights and stunning sunsets, but Louisiana always stays true to our cajun cuisine. Whether winter is your favorite season for the gumbo or the wild game — who says you have to pick one of the two — Louisiana’s winter is certain to have an ideal RV destination for you. At Courvelle RV, we know a thing or two about RVs and camping.
So, we’re taking a look at some of our customers’ fan-favorite RV winter campgrounds across Louisiana.
Located in Westwego, on Lake Cataouatche a 20-minute drive southwest from New Orleans, you’ll find the Bayou Segnette State Park. They offer a large selection of RV slots with water and electric hookups. During the summer you can enjoy swimming in the wave pool, but in the winter, you get to enjoy the beauty of wildlife.
They offer both salt and freshwater fishing due to the park’s unique location. The extraordinary ecosystem offers you the chance to spot plants, trees, and wildlife from both swamps and marshlands. From the boat ramp, you can access abundant wildlife and vegetation that aren’t readily accessible on foot.
The campground hosts a multitude of activities throughout the year, so you are sure to find fun activities the whole family can enjoy in any season. Make sure to check their page for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and other weather-related closures.
Just off of I-12 in southeastern Louisiana, Reunion Lake is the ultimate RV destination. Their fully paved roadways and RV sites ensure a hassle-free camping experience. Their website boasts that they’re the best snowbird campground around, and it’s not hard to see why.
With their beautiful lake, fitness center, outdoor games, and giant hot tub, this resort has plenty to keep you and yours busy. They also have a nearby Sonic located just off the property, as well as an RV-friendly gas station.
If you’re looking for a month-long stay, they offer extended stay benefits to sweeten the deal. Be sure to check their website for more information on their amenities, reservations, and announcements regarding mask policies.
Just north of Ponchatoula, near the Mississippi border, you’ll find the Bogue Chitto State Park. A true national treasure, the dynamic Bogue Chitto river feeds into this vibrant water system and its attached streams.
This 1,786-acre state park is home to cypress-tupelo swamps, hardwood forests, upland forests, and rolling landscapes. And you can’t miss Fricke’s Cave, which is more of a gorge, that features two-foot-tall spires with pebbles perched atop. Following the boardwalk, you too can take part in this spectacle.
From canoeing, fishing, biking, birding, horse riding, and disk golfing, you’re sure to find plenty of activities to keep you and yours entertained. They have 81 premium campsites with full hookup capabilities – some on the waterfront. For reservations and updated information about the park, be sure to check their website.
Just northwest of Courvelle RV in Opelousas, you’ll find the ever-beautiful Chicot State Park. Situated right beside Lake Chicot, this location is great for nature lovers year round.
Some local activities include canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The Louisiana State Arboretum is also nearby. There, they provide guests with helpful, informative hikes that take you around the area and showcase our large variety of vegetation.
The north landing at this park features 90 campsites with water and electricity as well as a boat launch, dock, and 400-foot fishing pier. Be sure to check their website for updated information and reservation availability.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head up to the northeastern part of the state for an adventure you are sure to remember. Located on Caney Lake, this beautiful environment offers ample fishing, bird watching, and nearby activities.
One must-see location lies just north of the park. While there, we recommend visiting the Poverty Point World Heritage Site. One of the most important archaeological sites in North America, Poverty Point is indeed a rare remnant of an exceptional culture. According to their website, “It has been estimated that landscape preparation and earthworks construction may have required moving as many as 53 million cubic feet of soil. Considering that a cubic foot of soil weighs 75-100 pounds and that the laborers carried this dirt in roughly 50-pound basket loads, it is obvious that this was a great communal engineering feat.”
There are no nearby RV campgrounds to Poverty Point, however, neighboring Jimmie Davis State Park is only a short drive away. With 73 campsites that are equipped with a table, pad, and fire ring, you’ll find this camp to be a quaint and comfortable space for you to rest after a long day of nature watching and exploring. Be sure to check their website for recent announcements and booking availability.
RV Service and Dealing in Opelousas, Louisiana
Before you hit the road to visit one of our great state’s campgrounds, make sure your RV is ready for winter-weather and general driving conditions. If you need a helping hand, you can count on the experts at Courvelle’s RV to keep you safe.
If you’re still looking for the right RV, be sure to stop by. We have a large selection of New RV’s for Sale and Used RV’s for Sale in Opelousas, Louisiana from big brands like Crossroads RV and Dutchmen. Contact us today to find the fairest RV prices in the state.
When it comes time to service your RV, it can be stressful. Is there any of this you can do yourself? If you do go to a service provider, how much will that end price tag be? And what if they have questions that you don’t know the answers to? It can be especially hard if you own a used RV, and aren’t sure when any previous maintenance was completed.
That’s where Courvelle’s RV can help. Below, we’re going to offer 5 tips to make RV service less stressful.
Tip 1: Record All Identifying Numbers
Whether you’re completing the service yourself, or if you’re visiting a service center, it’s helpful if you know all your identifying numbers. This includes a list of your RV’s brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, and spec numbers.
Your RV service provider will be able to utilize these numbers when locating parts, warranties, and recalls. While this may be difficult if you aren’t the original owner of the RV, most sales will include this information in the owner’s manual
By compiling this list into an excel document, you can ensure a less-stressful experience when communicating with an RV service expert or searching for a part yourself.
Tip 2: Look for Obvious Issues
If you start noticing an odd sound or strange feeling while driving, try to identify it. Complete a quick inspection of your RV, looking for leaking water, cracks, broken hardware or wiring issues.
If all else fails, try to research the issue online. While this may not give you the exact solution to the issue, you will be better informed of any issues when searching for solutions, and if you need to visit an RV service expert, you’ll be able to pass this info along to them.
Tip 3: Record Specifics
Even if you cannot find the exact issue after completing your inspection, you may be able to identify the issue by researching the specifics.
Does the problem occur every time? Does it happen when starting the RV, or after a long drive? Does it happen more when it’s cold? How might your weather conditions factor into the issue?
Thinking through these questions may help you locate the issue. If not, these factors may still be helpful when communicating with a service provider.
Tip 4: Know your Warranty
Before you decide if this issue is something you can fix yourself or if you need to employ the help of an RV service supplier, it’s important to take a moment to talk about warranties. You may have gotten an RV warranty from the dealership, but that warranty is most likely separate from the warranty extended by each appliance manufacturer.
By doing a project yourself, you could adversely impact the manufacturer’s ability to honor a warranty. That’s why it’s always important to check your warranties before jumping into a project – this also plays into the first step, record all identifying numbers. Knowing updated warranty information can help you easily decide if you need a service expert, or if you can complete this task yourself. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at some DIY service successes.
Tip 5: RV DIY Service
Any savvy shopper will find that you can get the parts cheaper online. With so many process videos and how-to articles available, it seems like we can do anything now. However, sometimes you might run across a more technical problem, and you’ll find yourself faced with the choice, “Can I do this myself, or should I schedule an appointment at an RV Service Center?”
When it comes to do-it-yourself service, the only true limit to what you can do is your level of technical ability. You have access to all of these new ideas, and we encourage you to take on new challenges such as routine maintenance and facelift upgrades with your RV. Let’s take a look below at some of the DIY projects we’ve seen our customers have a lot of success with.
Routine Maintenance:
We’ve seen many of our customers complete some amazing renovations on their RVs, but sometimes the unseen, routine maintenance tasks have the largest impact and can save you the most money. These projects include things like adding lubricant to your slide outs, cleaning your water heater, regularly checking and filling your tires, and minor roof maintenance. All of these actions will help keep your RV running in great condition for many years to come.
Facelift Upgrades:
One thing we love to see around here are your DIY RV upgrade photos. So many of our creative and talented customers have completely revamped their dated RVs and turned them into mod lodges or contemporary cabins. Whether you painted the cabinets and upgraded the bathroom, or if you completed a total remodel, the work you do never ceases to inspire us, and that’s why we want you to keep doing it
However, sometimes these projects can quickly get out of hand. For example, when adding solar panels and converters to your battery, it may seem easy enough. But a faulty solar panel setup can put you and your passengers in danger, which is why it’s always best to call on your local RV Service experts if you aren’t comfortable with the technical level required in your project — it may even save you money in the end.
RV Service Experts When You Need Them Most
If you do decide to schedule a service appointment instead of completing the service yourself, you can count on our expert team at Courvelle RV to offer you fare rates for your RV Service. We are conveniently located in Opelousas, LA. If you can’t find the part you’re looking for, we might be able to order it for you.
In the event you’ve decided that your RV is beyond repair, we may be able to offer you a trade-in value — feel free to search our inventory if you’re interested in upgrading. Either way, we invite you to contact us today to see how we can best serve you and your RV.
So you’ve got your RV, and you’re ready to hit the road, but now that you’re behind the wheel it feels like you’re driving a bus…. and you’ve never driven a bus. The whole family is in the back, making this one of the most high-stakes drives you’ve ever taken. At Courville’s RV, we’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve watched new RV owners like you have this same feeling time and time again.
That’s why our expert team wanted to dedicate some time to create a list of tips and tricks for first-time RV drivers. Below, we’re going to share a list of ten things we wish we’d known before getting behind the wheel, so you can feel comfortable starting your new RV lifestyle.
Test Drive
In the event you haven’t already purchased your RV, take it for a test drive before you drive off the lot. Sure, you may not be 100% comfortable driving a motorhome right away, but you’ll at least know if the seat is comfortable, and the sales team can give you insider tips about driving that particular make and model.
This is especially true if you are buying a used motorhome — you always want to test drive to ensure you don’t feel anything that is “off.” And if you, personally, don’t know what something would feel like if it’s broken, consider bringing along a friend, family member, or expert who may be able to help you spot issues with the RV.
Either way, you can trust the team at Courvelle RV to help you find the right RV for your lifestyle, and we’re happy to show you our motorhome inventory.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you’ve selected the best RV for your lifestyle, it’s time to practice. We don’t mean getting on a busy interstate in your home town or driving down a busy street during rush hour. Instead, you should find a large abandoned parking lot or a less-frequently traveled road. Try to focus on some of the more difficult tasks such as turning or parallel parking.
Obviously, turning is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when driving a motorhome — your vehicle is much longer than a standard car or truck, so you’ll need to swing wide. Additionally, you may find that you have a hard time understanding your size and monitoring your surroundings. If you notice you’re having trouble, you may want to jump down to our next tip.
Just know that all of these common issues are easier to figure out when you aren’t in a high-stress situation that involves other drivers, and that’s why practice makes perfect.
Adjust Your Mirrors
Before you drive anywhere, you should take the necessary time to adjust your mirrors. While it’s not as easy to see what is behind you or even around you, the size of your vehicle makes it imperative that you find a way to do so. Ensuring you have visibility can save you and your passenger’s lives, and protect the lives of others on the road around you.
Even if you take all the time in the world, you’ll still find that you will have natural blind spots in most RVs. It’s helpful to know where those blind spots are so you can take additional cautions when merging or backing up your motorhome. If you still don’t feel comfortable, you should consider investing in back-up cameras or object sensors — we’ll discuss this further in tip ten.
Wait Your Turn
It’s important to practice patience when driving a motorhome because of your size — it’s best not to get in a hurry. However, that’s not what we’re talking about here. We want to look specifically at your turning radius so you feel confident making turns.
While swinging wide is a solid rule to follow, it’s not a fool-proof solution as you can still end up swiping a car when turning at a red light. Besides swinging wide, there are a few things you can do to have more confidence when taking turns.
First, you should make sure you take the turn as slow as possible. Don’t speed up just because someone is tailgating you. Taking the turn slow can save both of your lives.
Next, you want to know your turn radius. This will help you calculate how far you actually need to swing. You may not be able to turn into some gas stations or even at some red lights if the streets are too narrow. It’s best to have an idea of what those streets look like before you attempt the impossible turn.
Finally, if there is a double turn lane, you may find that you are more comfortable staying to the far-right lane to give yourself more clearance. Of course, if you are still feeling uncomfortable, you may consider adding cameras and sensors to your rig. See step ten for more information.
Know Your Size
Piggybacking off of the last tip, it’s also helpful to know the exact width and length of your motorhome. Your RV is going to be much larger than any vehicle you are used to driving, and understanding your vehicle’s exact dimensions can help prevent accidents and uncomfortable situations.
Let’s say, for instance, you wanted to stop at a fast-food restaurant or you’re going through a tunnel. There is typically a sign that tells you the height of any relevant overhang, but you may not have paid attention to them in the past. Now more than ever, you need to know your exact height.
Additionally, the width of your motor home may become a concern as some roads are significantly more narrow and may not be suited for larger vehicles. Even on the highway, if your RV is 8-feet wide, you’re already at the legal edge of the highway. This leaves limited room for any mistakes, making it even more important to pay attention while driving.
Watch the Weather
Another precautionary tip we advise is checking the weather before you hit the road. Of course, sometimes you may have to drive through bad weather. But, if you know the weather ahead of time, there may be a route you can take that will help you avoid the storm.
Every outside element you encounter when you’re already on-edge about driving may make it more difficult. If you do run into bad weather, take a deep breath, and make sure to follow the next tip on our list.
Take it Slow
We can not emphasize this tip enough — if you’re new to motorhomes and large RVs, the best thing you can do is TAKE IT SLOW. Because your ability to stop, turn quickly and react to dangerous situations is much slower in a motorhome, the best thing you can do is slow down.
Driving slower will give you the additional time that is necessary so you can react to obstacles on the road. If you are worried about other drivers around you getting frustrated at your speed, remember that you are driving slowly to help protect your family as well as the other drivers. We recommend staying in the far right lane unless you are passing, and follow the posted speed signs when you feel comfortable, but don’t exceed the posted speed limit.
Brake Early
As explained above, it will take your RV more time to slow down than an average car because you have more weight. Most experts recommend that you give yourself at least an extra six seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Secure the Goods
There is nothing worse than getting on the road and hearing a squeaky door that isn’t latched shut or having items start falling off of your shelves. That’s why it’s important to ensure your items are safely sealed and secured to prevent any movement or damage while driving.
This applies to your human cargo, too — make sure your family or travel companions understand the danger of moving through the RV while you’re in motion. Instruct all passengers to stay safely seated when your motorhome is moving, and ask passengers to buckle up when possible.
Add Cameras
Last but not least, if you find that you’re still having trouble understanding your turn radius, seeing your blind spots, or backing up, you aren’t alone. That’s why we sell custom back-up cameras and blindspot sensors. We can even help you install them on your RV. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident when driving, and the team at Courvelle RV is here to help.
Your Louisiana RV Dealer
From all of us here at Courvelle RV, we hope this list of tips and tricks was a helpful guide to get you and yours safe on the road. If you are still feeling anxious about driving, know that you have a whole team of supporters cheering you on. If we can do it, so can you!
If you are still searching for the perfect motorhome for your family, or if you are interested in upgrading your RV for a mobile home with updated safety features, please contact us today. We’re here to help with all of your RV needs, and we’ll never pressure you into a sale.
Whether you have a brand new RV or a used trailer that’s a bit of a fixer-upper, there are many modifications RV-enthusiasts say you can’t live without. If your RV is your main residence, you may be already too familiar with some of the struggles we list below, but hopefully, you’ll find some new solutions that may help you out along your way.
Illuminating RV Power Solutions
Our first set of upgrades start with your power — How do you get it, how do you store it, and how do you use it? Let’s take a closer look below:
Solar
Whether you are a boondocker, an environmentalist or someone who just happens to not have a power hookup, adding solar panels to your RV can be a great way to create natural, sustainable energy. You can consider fixing the solar panels to your roof, or if you have space for storage, you can purchase portable solar panels that you can move outside when parked. While solar setup may cost a bit more in the beginning, it can save you a lot of money in the long run, and it allows you to be more self-sufficient by providing electricity even when you’re off the grid.
Converter
If you’re installing solar panels, you will also need a converter. This will help you store more electricity for longer, which allows you to spend time off the grid and still enjoy power for your must-have appliances.
Batteries
If you notice that you aren’t holding enough charge when you’re running off of solar or battery power, you may consider upgrading your existing batteries with lithium batteries. Lithium batteries will hold a longer charge which allows you to spend more time on the road, and less time plugged in.
Electric Thermostat
By updating your old thermostat to a new, electric model, you will get more precise control over your RV’s temperature, which may also save you money on cooling and heating expenses.
Light Bulbs
When you upgrade your RV’s light bulbs to LED instead of incandescent, you’ll conserve 90% more energy, and you’ll save money on new light-bulbs because LED bulbs have a 22-year lifespan. These LED bulbs are also recyclable, dimmable, and they produce little inferred light.
LED Strip Lighting
If you need additional lighting for hard-to-see areas around your RV, consider purchasing some inexpensive, LED strip lighting. Under your bed, in a storage compartment, around your outdoor awning — there are no limits to what you can illuminate with LED strip lighting.
Vent Fans
Your RV’s vent fans can become dated and worn, and they may not be circulating air in your RV properly, or even worse, they can be circulating dust, mold, bugs and other toxins around your home. You can easily refresh these fans with energy-efficient vents that will help keep your RV fresh.
RV Space-Saving Designs
One of the most difficult parts of RV living is the space – from counter space to cabinet space and all of the every-day storage challenges you encounter in between. We’re going to take a closer look at some of our favorite RV storage solutions:
Counter Extensions
RV space is an issue, and there are no special exceptions for the kitchen. However, a collapsible counter extension could be just the solution you need. Great to use as a cutting board or just a little extra space to place your bowl until you need it, this counter extension is one of our favorite kitchen solutions.
Spice Storage
The next on our list of favorite kitchen solutions would have to be a herb-storage rack. Whether you place it on the inside of your cabinet door, or as an attachment underneath your cabinet, there is sure to be a better way to safely store your herbs and spices.
Dish Drying Rack
Many RVs don’t have a dishwasher, and you may find that you don’t have designated space to dry your dishes. A rollable, metal dish rack is the perfect solution for dish drying when you need a portable option.
Trash Bin
Last but not least on our kitchen hacks, you’ll find a space to store your trash bin. You can add a sliding rack in a cabinet, or even attach a trash can to the inside of a cabinet door. Either way, a secure trash bin is sure to prevent frequent spills and fight clutter.
Shoe Rack
With a smaller closet and no formal entry, you may struggle to find a place to properly store your shoes. We like wall-hangers by the entry for a space saving solution that doesn’t move when you hit the road.
Bumper Rack
Looking for bike, kayak, or cooler storage? If you don’t have a pull-behind car, a bumper rack may be a great solution for your RV’s outdoor storage.
All the Comforts of Home — RV Edition
Even with more energy-efficient, longer-lasting electric solutions and space-saving storage, you may still miss some of the comforts of home. But living in an RV doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable and stylish. Below we’ll list some inexpensive upgrades to maximize your comfort in your RV:
Mattress
Not a fan of your thin and springy mattress? Trade it out! There is no harm in upgrading your mattress to something more comfortable. Just make sure it’s the right size for your space.
Shower Head
Is shower pressure an issue? It might be your shower head. Replace your outdated shower head with a high-pressure system to get the shower of your dreams.
Floors
Give those grungy, outdated floors a facelift with laminate wood. This quick refresh will lend your RV a whole new life.
Backsplash
Peel and stick tiles are an easy way to give your kitchen a quick and simple upgrade. Simply clean the walls and stick them on to bring your kitchen into the 21st century.
Stabilization
Rocking and swaying when you’re trying to sleep? That’s no way to live. Add an additional stabilization jack to your RV for peace and tranquility as you move around your parked RV.
WIFI
Even though some parks advertise free WIFI, you may have trouble getting signal in the park. If you’re someone who relies on WIFI, you may consider buying an extender or on-the-road WIFI device that will support a data plan.
Back-Up Camera
This is your home, and you need to protect it whether you are in motion or not. A back-up camera is a great way to give your driver the resources to successfully get from point A to point B. If your RV didn’t include a backup camera, it’s easy to install an after-market model.
Lowest Priced Trailer and RV Service Provider in Opelousas, LA
Located on I-49 near exit 15, Courvelle RV is here to service your travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome no matter where you purchased it. We also have a great selection of RV parts and RV accessories in stock to get you back on the road quickly when it matters most. For all your RV needs, please call or stop in to visit us just south of Opelousas, Louisiana.
Routine Maintenance: 
Located on I-49 near exit 15, 
