Courvelle's RV Archives - Courvelle's RV Blog

RVing in the Big Easy: Your Ultimate Guide to Camping in New Orleans

by admin | Oct 20, 2023 | Courvelle's RV, RV Lifestyle

New Orleans, the vibrant heart of Louisiana, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and lively music scene. While the city’s attractions and events are truly enticing, embarking on an RV adventure in the Big Easy can offer a unique and immersive experience. In this comprehensive guide to RV camping in New Orleans, we’ll navigate the exciting blend of culture, history, and natural beauty the city has to offer while helping you plan the perfect RV journey to one of America’s most captivating destinations.

RV Camping in New Orleans: Culture & Campgrounds

Embracing New Orleans’ culture is a one-of-a-kind experience. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant history by strolling through diverse neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Jackson Square. Dive into the city’s rich heritage by visiting iconic landmarks like City Park, and the St. Louis Cathedral. And stop in to explore even more history at The National WWII Museum.

When it comes to exploring the culture of New Orleans, we have to talk a little bit about the food. New Orleans is truly a distinctive and eclectic culinary haven. Stopping in at Café Du Monde for chicory coffee and beignets is a New Orleans tradition you cannot pass up. And NOLA offers tons of dishes featuring the freshest seafood you can get. Try some of the local favorite Cajun and Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and the famous po’ boys. Even if you don’t want to eat out, there are plenty of seafood markets to shop. Grab some fresh crawfish or shrimp at Zimmer’s Seafood and whip up some Cajun recipes at the campground!

Cafe Du Monde Beignets in Jackson Square.

From the beautiful architecture and nature to the amazing music and food, NOLA is an exceptional experience. Visiting the city in an RV offers freedom to roam and can enhance the adventure in an all-new way. Keep reading for how to maximize your trip RV camping in New Orleans!

Choosing Your RV

To kickstart your New Orleans RV adventure, you’ll need the perfect home on wheels. Selecting the right RV is essential for an enjoyable journey. At Courvelle’s RV, your trusted RV dealer in Opelousas, we have RVs that cater to various preferences and travel needs.

Travelers seeking mobility and self-contained living may opt for motorhomes, which offer the convenience of home, complete with kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, travel trailers and fifth wheels provide a more budget-friendly option offering the essential amenities and versatility.

Consider factors like the size of your group, mobility requirements, and the amenities you desire. For instance, a family with children may opt for a spacious motorhome, while solo travelers might prefer a compact travel trailer for easy maneuverability. Our team at Courvelle’s can help you determine the perfect RV for your travels.

Choosing a Campground

New Orleans teems with RV parks that cater to varied preferences. Let location, amenities, and reviews guide your choice. Consider both the proximity to the city center, nearby attractions, and natural surroundings. Do your research and opt for an RV park that’s close to your favorite attractions and planned activities. French Quarter RV Resort is located just blocks from the French Quarter, offering a prime location for exploring the city.

If you’re looking for waterfront camping, New Orleans RV Resort & Marina is located on Lake Pontchartrain. This resort is a gated campground and is only 12 minutes from the French Quarter. Check if the RV park offers shuttle services or access to public transportation, like Jude Travel Park. This will make it much more convenient to explore the city since you won’t need to move your RV or fight through traffic. Plus, you can get around without worrying about RV-friendly routes and parking.

Also, check for full hook-ups, Wi-Fi, pet-friendliness and amenities like a laundry room or a rec area. Some parks organize social events, which can make your stay and ultimately your New Orleans adventure even better. Compare which campgrounds best meet your needs before booking. Verify that your RV’s size fits within the park’s limits. Check out big rig-friendly parks like Three Oaks & a Pine RV Park to avoid any length or height restrictions. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

Shop All RVs

Tips for RVing in New Orleans

When to Travel

In New Orleans, you can revel in year-round RV camping opportunities, with a variety of experiences awaiting you in every season. Which is great because New Orleans hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. You can plan your visit around events and festivals like the popular Jazz & Heritage Festival or on the season.

The busiest seasons for RV camping in New Orleans are fall and spring. In the fall (September to November), you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring (March to May) brings lovely weather and the city’s vibrant flora. And, of course, the city is flooded with visitors during Mardi Gras, which usually takes place in February or March. While summers can be hot and humid, winter RV camping is an option for those seeking milder temperatures. All in all, there’s never a bad time to for RV camping in New Orleans!

Plan Ahead

When planning an RV camping trip in New Orleans, it’s crucial to book your campsite in advance. Since there are year-round festivities, always check for local events and festivals. And be mindful of peak seasons, fall and springs, as they can affect campsite availability and pricing.

Navigating NOLA in Your RV

Plan your routes carefully, taking into account your RV’s size and any road restrictions. The streets are narrow in New Orleans, so we recommend finding a safe space to park to explore the city. Luckily, New Orleans has several RV parking options, so research ahead of time based on where you plan to visit.

Safety Tips

Be aware of your surroundings and exercise common-sense safety precautions. Lock your RV when you’re not present and be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Find Your Perfect New Orleans RV

Whether you’re a first-time RVer or a veteran traveler, camping in New Orleans is a unique and unforgettable experience. Exploring the city with the right RV allows you to experience the rich culture and enjoy all the local sights. With Courvelle’s RV, you can find the perfect RV to match your travel style and budget. Let our team help ensure that your RVing adventure in New Orleans is a memorable and stress-free experience. Whether you’re interested in a new RV from top brands like Crossroads RV or a reliable used RV, we’ve got you covered. Come in and visit our RV dealership today to start your journey and create unforgettable memories in the Crescent City!

Ready to find the best RV for your next trip?

Shop RVs in Opelousas

Is RV Consignment Best to Sell Your RV?

by admin | 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!

RV Louisiana: Best Weekend RV Trips

by admin | May 21, 2022 | Courvelle's RV, RV Lifestyle

Courvelle’s RV is proudly located in Opelousas, Louisiana, just north of Lafayette. From our years of serving the RVing community in and around St. Landry’s Parish, we know a few things about the best places to RV Louisiana. From the obvious New Orleans to the lesser-known historical gems of the Creole State, there’s something for everyone here!

Best places to RV Louisiana for the weekend

Whether you’re a long-time Louisiana resident or you’re just visiting our state to pick up your new RV, this list of weekend RV trips in Louisiana can inspire your next RV trip to the bayou and beyond!

Unique camping New Orleans

New Orleans is an obvious stop if you’re going to RV Louisiana. You likely already know about all the historical significance, creole food and jazz music you’ll find in The Big Easy. But how do you visit this vibrant city in your RV? The key is in picking a great RV park. If you want to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city, stay at French Quarter RV Resort, located just blocks from this historic neighborhood in downtown New Orleans. This RV resort can accommodate luxury motor coaches as well as plenty of other RV types. It features a fitness center, swimming pool, recreation room and more to make your stay in New Orleans more comfortable than ever.

Shop RVs in Louisiana

Explore the Northshore

Drive north from New Orleans across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to discover Louisiana’s charming small towns on the Northshore. The 24-mile bridge is scenic in itself, but you’ll love the boutiques, breweries and art galleries you’ll discover in cute towns like Slidell, Covington and Abita Springs. Here, you can bike the St. Tammany Trace, visit the Old Town Soda Shop from Norman Rockwell’s painting, tube the Bogue Chitto River or go on a swamp tour on Honey Island. Try camping at Fontainebleau State Park or go with all the amenities at nearby Reunion Lake RV Resort.

Coastal bliss on Grand Isle

For a beachy getaway when you RV Louisiana, head to Grand Isle. As the only inhabited barrier island in all of Louisiana, it’s the best place to get away from it all and soak in the sand and sunshine along the Gulf coast. There are several of RV parks along the island, and you’ll want to plan a trip to Grand Isle State Park into your stay. Here, you can observe the birdlife on a kayak trip or go fishing off the pier. A weekend RV trip here can be spent relaxing on the beach or getting active with bike or paddleboard rentals. It’s really up to you!

Southern history in Natchitoches

Step back in time and experience southern history in the town of Natchitoches (pronounced nack-a-tish). It’s the oldest settlement in the state, so if you want to see history while you RV Louisiana, this is the place to go. If you’re a fan of classic rom-coms – the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed here, and you can even go on a Steel Magnolias tour while you’re in town! The beautiful basilica here is one of the town’s most notable landmarks. See buildings that were built centuries ago and visit an old-timey general store. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend RV trip for history buffs.

Spice things up on Avery Island

Avery Island, Louisiana is known for being the home of Tabasco hot sauce. The famous condiment company was founded in the 1800s and still has their factory and fields here. As you RV Louisiana, plan a stop in this area for a tour of the Tabasco factory and maybe even a visit to the Jungle Gardens. This botanical garden and bird sanctuary features tropical plants, alligators and even a Chinese garden section with a Buddha statue.

Football like never before in Baton Rouge

For a truly one-of-a-kind RVing experience, plan to camp overnight for an LSU Tigers football game. Even if you aren’t a fan of LSU, it’s still a must-see experience. Just come ready to socialize and have a great time! The tailgating in Death Valley is unmatched, and people go all-out in Baton Rouge. Their setups can get elaborate, from multiple big screen TVs to full-on catering setups with jambalaya and gumbo. Get some friends together and go root on the Tigers for a weekend RV trip and make some new friends while you’re at it!

Get out there and RV Louisiana!

Our great state has so much to offer. Many of these weekend RV trips are just a short trip from our home in Opelousas, Louisiana. Try out one of these stops, or ask your Courvelle’s sales person for their own personal favorite spots! If you’re still in need of inspiration, check out our guide to the best RV resorts in the state. Wherever you end up, enjoy your travels as you RV Louisiana!

Ready to find the perfect RV in Louisiana?

Check out our RVs!

What Is The Best RV For A Retired Couple?

by admin | May 6, 2022 | Courvelle's RV, RV Buying Guide

If you’ve found your way to this blog, chances are you’re a retiree or soon-to-be retiree contemplating the RV life! We happen to think it’s one of the most fun and adventurous ways to spend retired life. You’re no longer required to be in a certain location for your job or income, so it gives you the freedom to hit the road. But what is the best RV for a retired couple? We’re glad you asked.

Best RV Types For Retirees

At Courvelle RV, we’re no strangers to helping retirees live their best lives post-retirement. We’ve matched many retired couples up with the perfect RV for their travels, so we’re happy to pass along our wisdom to help you pick the right retirement RV! Read on to find out what we think is the best RV for a retired couple.

Best RV for a retired couple who loves comfort: Class A

Class A motorhomes are without a doubt one of the most popular RVs among retired couples. This type of rig is perfect for the traveling couple who wants their RV to feel just like home and want to travel for longer amounts of time. These RVs feel the most like a sticks and bricks home thanks to their size and the many amenities that fit inside them. RV life typically requires some downsizing, but the experience will be the most smooth when you opt for a Class A RV. You won’t feel like you’re sacrificing too much when you have amenities like a full size fridge, a king size bed and plenty of storage space.

You can also travel longer in these kinds of rigs thanks to their large holding tanks. You don’t have to hook up to water or sewage as often and it offers you more flexibility to camp somewhere without hookups because you can be self-sufficient for longer. It’s a great solution for being able to camp in your kid’s driveway without having to make trip after trip to the dump station! If convenience and comfortability are most important to you, then this is the best RV for a retired couple like yourselves.

Shop Class A RVs

Best RV for a retired couple who wants the best of both worlds: Class C

Many retirees who want the convenience of a motorhome but with a little more maneuverability and a lower cost choose a Class C motorhome. These RVs can range from 20-40 feet in length and are often built on a heavier truck chassis. This allows manufacturers to pack them full of amenities without making them too hard to drive. There’s a learning curve with driving any type of RV, but a Class C can be one of the easier types to adjust to. This is the best RV for a retired couple who loves doesn’t want to overcomplicate their travels but also doesn’t want to sacrifice on comfort. These can be a more affordable option than many other RV options out there, and the RV will also serve as your vehicle for your road trips!

Shop Class C RVs

Best RV for a retired couple who wants flexibility and adventure: Travel Trailer

If you’d rather have a towable for your retirement rig, a travel trailer may be the right pick for you. One of the reasons this RV type makes our list is because there’s so much variety within this one category! There’s a travel trailer for every travel style, size and budget. They can be anywhere from 16 to 35 feet long and can be towed by any number of different vehicles depending on the travel trailer you end up with. They also tend to be much cheaper and have much better fuel economy than their towable counterpart, the fifth wheel.

A good reason to opt for a towable RV is to give yourself the flexibility to have whatever adventures you please. When you camp with a travel trailer, you can unhitch your rig from your vehicle at the RV park, and then take your tow vehicle out on the town for more exploring! This kind of flexibility isn’t quite as easy in a motorhome since you’ll have to pack up the rig every time you need to venture out of the RV park. A travel trailer allows you to park it, get it all set up, go off on your adventures and then come back to your home base later on.

Shop Travel Trailers

Choosing the Best RV Type for You

The truth of the matter is: there isn’t one singular answer to the best RV type out there. The answer depends on your style of camping and what you’re looking for in your RV! The great news is, our experts at Courvellle’s RV are always here to help you through every step of the way towards your dream RV retirement. Let us match you with the perfect RV for your lifestyle goals!

Ready to find the perfect RV for retirement?

Let our experts help!

7 Reasons to Choose a Class C RV

by admin | Apr 10, 2022 | Courvelle's RV

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!

Working from Your RV: Everything You Need to Have

by admin | Mar 29, 2022 | Courvelle's RV

Believe it or not, many RVers are able to ditch the office and travel full time while still earning a living. Some run their own business. Others connect remotely or work seasonally at a campground or nature park. While it takes careful planning and forethought, it’s an opportunity open to those with an itch for adventure and a heart full of wanderlust. So if you are interested in working from your RV, then these are some of the must-haves that you will need to ensure a productive environment.

First things first- there are all kinds of different ways to work from your RV. You can either work a traditional 9-5 job, temporary campground jobs, freelance work or even own your own business. No matter your job type of working style, this guide will help you create a perfect working space in your RV.

Shop for a New RV Here

Set Up Your RV Working Space

First, dedicate a specific area to work remotely from an RV. You want a space where you can lay out your computer, cell phone, charger, papers, and work materials in one place that won’t have to be picked up at the end of each day.

It could be the dinette, a sofa, or even the picnic table outside. The key is to dedicate that workspace only for your work, a place other family members won’t disturb. Grated, in an RV, you probably will have to set it up and take it down each day, especially if you’re driving from place to place between working hours. But the idea is one place should be your main work area. It makes things more efficient because you get more comfortable and used to where you have placed the things you need for work.

Set Up Your RV Internet

When working from your RV, you are going to need good internet connectivity. There are two ways that you can get internet when working from an RV- either using someone else’s WiFi signal or using a cellular-enabled mobile hotspot to make your own WiFi network.

Some campgrounds have access to free WiFi. While this is a good, free, option, it is likely not going to be the best option. These connections are not secure and they can become overloaded with other guests using them at the same time.

Your best bet will be to get a strong hotspot. You can contact your cellphone provider to get set up. With this option, you may have to pay more but you will have a secure and more stable internet connection to work from.

Set Your Working Hours

When working remotely from your RV, we recommend setting specific working hours. Try and establish a similar routine to work remotely. If you are working a traditional job, then your employer will likely set your hours. But if you are a flex employee, freelancer, or business owner, you will set your own hours. When the end of the day comes, shut down the laptop, organize your workspace, and make a to-do list for the next morning. Then walk away from that work area and, best as you can, put work thoughts away till the next day.

Dress for Work, Even When Remote

The desire to work in pajamas is great when working remotely. But getting up and getting dressed can really help you feel ready for the workday. You don’t have to be office chic’, but you should be at least presentable, showered, with combed hair, and dressed neatly. Like a clean car and a washed RV seem to drive better, so we work better when we’ve cleaned ourselves up.

That’s all the main tips you’ll need for working on the road from your RV! Do you have any tips from your own experience? Any other burning questions you have about working from your RV? Let me know in the comments below!