by admin | Feb 22, 2022 | Courvelle's RV
Is RVing during hurricane season in states like Florida and Louisiana a smart thing to do? Simply put, motorhomes and towable RVs are not safe to stay in during a hurricane. Even if it fizzles out into a tropical storm, your RV can still be critically damaged. Stronger winds and excessive rainfall can either blow or float your camper away. And even just a foot of floodwater can lift your tow vehicle or motorhome. However, it is still possible to enjoy your RV and be safe during stormy weather.
RVing During Hurricane Season Safely
Yes, it is possible to RV and travel through the southeastern states during hurricane season without being caught in the storm. With great advances in technology, warnings can be issued days ahead of a hurricane making landfall. However, predicting the path of such storms is not an exact science. Considering this, caution should always be taken when RVing during hurricane season.
Sticking with Your Camper & Traveling Cautiously
Trip Timing – Hurricane season is at its peak between August and October. When RVing during hurricane season, avoid planning to stay in campgrounds that are high-risk areas, especially coastal areas. These areas include the southeastern states along the Gulf and Atlantic. If you do, book places that offer free cancelations.
Track Weather – Hazardous weather can happen anywhere and at any time. From freezing temperatures that can bring snow and ice, to severe thunderstorms that result in tornados and flooding. It’s always best to look ahead and be alert. This can be accomplished through simple weather radios or smartphone apps that push notifications as dangerous conditions emerge.
Drive Away – If there’s time, evacuate your campground or resort if a hurricane is heading your way. Fill up on fuel and head out. The sooner you move, the better. Traffic will only get worse as people evacuate and run to gather last-minute supplies and gas. Driving conditions will worsen as the weather intensifies.
Avoid Flooded Roads – According to Weather.gov, a foot of water will float most vehicles. Two feet of rushing water will sweep away SUVs and pickup trucks! As you can see, it doesn’t take much from mother nature to put you and your rig at risk when driving or camping in bad weather. Don’t risk you and your rig to the uncertainty of floodwaters.
Abandon Ship – If there is no way to avoid the oncoming threat of a weather event, then be ready to abandon your RV. This is especially true with tornadoes, as RVs and motor vehicles are the least safe place to take cover in the path of a twister. Things like RVs and vehicles can be replaced, especially if properly insured. The lives of you and your passengers cannot.
Have Emergency Plan – You may not always be able to grab supplies last minute if you get stuck on the road in bad weather. Have transition items already prepared for pets and children, like carriers or leashes, to make moving easier? In addition, keeping all important documents (RV title, insurance, passports, cash, etc) all in one place or in a bag will save precious time. When RVing during hurricane season, having these items including a hurricane evacuation kit are excellent precautions. Evacuation kits cover your basic needs if you need to stay at a public shelter or another lodging that has limited
Hurricane Proofing Your RV and Seeking Shelter
A category one hurricane can sustain windspeeds of up to 95 MPH that can overturn semi-trucks, buses, and high-profile trailers. This means you’ll have to mitigate the strong winds and anchor your RV as good as you can. If you are leaving your RV parked during a hurricane and taking shelter somewhere else, here are some tips that will better secure your camper.
Take Important Items – The RV and vehicle titles, insurance information, birth certificates, driver’s license, and other important documents should be taken out of your RV as they may get damaged or lost if left inside. These are the exact things you’ll need in emergencies, and the last thing you want to have to find or replace after a disaster.
Proper Parking – Unless you have strong enclosed storage space for your RV or are able to park next to a building as a wind block, your RV will have to face the full force of the storm. Park your RV on the higher ground that’s level. Have the fore or aft end facing into the oncoming wind to reduce the surface area that the wind will be pushing against. As a result, you use the aerodynamics of the RV to keep it more stable. Also, keep your RV clear from trees or any object that could easily fall on it.
Put Away Decorations – If your camper is more of a park model home or destination trailer, then you may have a deck with outdoor furniture and décor. Box up what you can and tie furniture to the deck, so it doesn’t blow around or away.
Fill Your Tanks – It may be good to top off your propane and fuel. Keep gas tanks closed or off before seeking shelter. Gas stations may be out of order after a hurricane, so having some gas and diesel on hand will prove valuable, especially to power a generator or certain RV appliances. Plus, you’ll have even more water if you fill your fresh water tank beforehand.
Stock on Supplies – If possible, gather nonperishable food, water, medicine, batteries, and other items. Stored-up supplies should last about 3-4 days, as it may take time for utilities to be restored. Then after returning from a suitable storm shelter, your RV will carry all these additional resources if it’s still there.
Hunker Down – Keep all sliding elements and awning folded in. Board up windows, empty your black tank, fill the water tank, and tie down the RV. Adding water to your water tank gives extra weight and stability to your RV. You can even fill up all tanks with water to give more weight to help anchor your rig. Adding stabilizer jacks, wheel chocks, and RV anchors provides even more stability in high wind situations.
Check RV Insurance – Whether you are RVing during hurricane season or leaving your camper parked at home, it’s important to check your RV insurance plan. Things like flooding, wind, and any storm-related damage that can occur need to be covered under claims. Not all insurance companies allow for “last minute” add-ons like this, so update your insurance as soon as possible to minimize your risks.
As you can see, you can both protect your RV and enjoy a safe summer RVing anywhere. Your two greatest assets will always be caution and planning! If you are looking for help in the process, let Courvelle’s RV assist you. Being one of the best RV dealers in Louisiana, we have what you need to be prepared for RVing during hurricane season. In addition, we carry various RV parts and provide RV service for whatever rig you own. We also offer various new and used RVs for sale from popular brands like Crossroads and Braxton Creek. Contact us today for a quote or any question you may have about RVing!
by admin | Sep 16, 2021 | Courvelle's RV
Buying an RV is a large commitment, so it should go without saying that it is something you want to really take time to think about and do your research. When purchasing an RV, one of the first things people tend to ask themselves is “Do I want to buy a New or Used RV?”. While there is no right or wrong answer to that question, there are quite a few benefits to buying used, including saving money! But buying Used has its drawbacks as well, and you need to be ready to look over your potential purchase to make sure everything is in good working order. So if you are ready to dive into RV shopping, make sure you keep reading for these helpful tips for buying a used RV.
Helpful Tips for Buying a Used RV
Keep these tips handy when shopping for a used RV, and you will make sure that you never get taken advantage of by shady sellers.
ALWAYS See the Used RV in Person Before Purchasing It
This should go without saying, but please, always make sure you get to look over the RV you plan to purchase in person before sending money to anyone. This goes for new RVs and Used RVs, especially if you are buying from a private individual instead of a trusted RV dealer.
You wouldn’t buy a house without ever seeing it in person, would you? No? probably not! So don’t buy an RV, or any vehicle for that matter, without seeing it in person first. Sadly, many fake private sellers will try to get you to send them money upfront for a camper you have seen only in pictures, and then you will be out the money and still no closer to RV ownership. So please, be careful when browsing for used RVs online. You are much better off checking at a local trusted RV dealership or browsing a large, well-known RV classified site where users have been verified.
Remember, Used RVs Aren’t Likely to be Perfect
When buying a used Rv, you need to keep in mind that things aren’t going to always be perfect. Sometimes you will need to make repairs or settle for a floorplan that isn’t your absolute favorite. Really, it is all based on what you NEED, what you WANT, and your DEALBREAKERS. Every person is going to want something slightly different from their camper, so keep in mind what you want to get out of the experience as a whole, and then make your lists to help narrow down which one you want to purchase and what your dealbreakers are.
Even if you don’t find the perfect RV, when you buy used, you can always use the money you save to do upgrades and customizations to truly make it your dream camper.
Check with Insurance BEFORE Buying
When you are buying a used RV, you will want to talk to your RV insurance company prior to making your purchase. Depending on the year of the camper, you may not be able to get proper coverage, so it is better to know ahead of time what your insurance company’s policy is before you go buy a vintage used camper.
Check the RV’s History
Once you have started to narrow down your choices, we recommend checking up on the history of the RV you are interested in. There are free websites out there that you can easily use, such as rvchecx.com or carfax.com, to check up on the history of the RV, including any accidents, damage, or repairs. All you need to do is the VIN number.
Be Aware of Motorhome Mileage
If you are thinking about buying a used Motorhome, make sure to keep in mind the mileage. Super high mileage can be a red flag when it comes to buying a used motorhome. While high mileage doesn’t always equate to problems, it is common for higher mileage units to have more issues.
That doesn’t mean you need to totally discount these finds though. If you are mechanically inclined and able to do your own repairs, then go for it! Get the high mileage unit, do a motor swap, and save some serious cash. But if you are someone who can’t do their own engine work, then you may be better off finding something with lower miles.
Thinking about buying a used RV in Louisiana?
If you are in the Louisiana area and looking for a clean, low mileage used RV, you can contact our expert sales team here at Courvelle’s RV. We have the cleanest inventory of used towables and motorhomes in the South East! We will he glad to answer all of your RV buying questions and help get you into the perfect new or used RV for your needs!
by admin | Aug 31, 2021 | Courvelle's RV
Traveling through The Bayou State will leave you breathless and in awe of the unique beauty and richness of the area landscape. With Baton Rouge and Lafayette listed in the top places where people are most excited about summer vacation time, you can be certain that there are places all over the state that are must-visit spots.
Louisiana is home to many diverse areas including swamps, historic plantations, national forests, and the ocean. Check out these Instagrammable spots in Louisiana on your next trip through this fun-loving state.
Kisatchie National Forest
Located near Alexandria, the Kisatchie National Forest boasts plenty of pine trees and enough azaleas to create the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Check out the Wild Azalea Trail which is the longest hiking trail in the state that covers 28 miles of the rolling landscape. Many visitors and residents travel this point-to-point trail in order to unwind and experience the quiet of nature. Kisatchie National Forest also offers soothing creeks as well as interesting caves for visitors to explore and enjoy.
French Quarter
If you’ve never been to New Orleans, nothing is quite like the experience of visiting the French Quarter that the area is so well known for.
You’ll see beautiful historic buildings during the day that hint at a simpler time as well as buildings painted in soft pastel colors. Arches and covered walkways are iconic in their structure and historical beauty. Note the many shops that cover the area today as well as the balconies that allow for easy outdoor living.
At night you’ll see the French Quarter come alive with activity from visitors all around the world. The balconies will fill with people and the lights will shine on well past midnight.
Honey Island Swamp
Add some variation to your Instagram feed by including pictures of the virtually untouched natural beauty of the Honey Island Swamp.
This pristine area features plenty of wildlife like exotic birds and alligators. The swamp is also home to many cypress trees with knobby trunks that plunge into the water as well as beautiful Spanish moss that drape from the trees. Take photos of the majesty of the swamp with access to the area from many area tour guides.
From forests to swamps to historic buildings there are plenty of great photo-worthy spots in Louisiana. Your Instagram feed will be filled with diverse beauty from century-old trees to the lively crowds that still enjoy the historic French Quarter today. Take a hike through the longest trail in Louisiana or hang out on white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. No matter where you travel there are plenty of options to choose from with these Instagrammable Spots in Louisiana.
by admin | Aug 18, 2021 | Courvelle's RV
Louisiana is a great state for searching for those hidden gems and unique places to visit while traveling. It has its own pyramid tomb specifically for Nicolas Cage, a beautiful oak tree, and so many more destinations. Keep reading for our favorite places to visit here in Louisiana!
The Day the Civil War Stopped
While it’s not the most breathtaking of views, we thought we’d start this list with a massive part of American history. Every year, St. Francisville stops to honor a momentary truce during the Civil War inspired by the Masonic brotherhood. In what was otherwise known as a rather bloody war, this spot here symbolizes a moment of the ceasefire. Every June, reenactments of an important commander’s burial take place as part of a weekend-long event of lectures, presentations, and concerts.
Garden District
This area was once home to the rich who owned multiple slaves and plantations. It’s also known as one of the best collections of well-kept plantation homes and mansions in the southern region of the United States. It gets its name from the large gardens that used to surround the homes but were replaced by Victorian homes
Audubon Park
Located in New Orleans, Audubon Park is a public park for joggers and walkers alike. It features a nearly 2-mile-long path home to several ancient oak trees that even provide shade for an afternoon picnic. The park also contains a lagoon, riding stables, and playgrounds.
Lincoln Parish Park
Home to what some say is one of the greatest biking trails in America, Lincoln Parish is one of the best places to check out if you’re a cyclist, or if you simply enjoy being outdoors. Book here, and you’ll have an amazing camping experience unlike any other.
The Singing Oak
Happily getting off the topic of death, ghosts, and cemeteries, the Singing Oak in New Orleans often gets overlooked by tourists because most think it’s a simple tree. What they don’t know, is that it offers symphonic melodies and tunes made by wind chimes while also giving one a break from the heat during the brutal summer.
Hung up by local artist Jim Hart, the chimes are painted black in order to blend in with the shadows the tree naturally offers. All chimes are tuned in the pentatonic scale, all ranging in different sizes. While visiting, you can expect to hear soothing and peaceful melodies that may make you relax more than what you thought a tree ever could.
Nicolas Cage’s Pyramid Tomb
Some of the best internet memes are of Nicolas Cage and his desire to steal the Declaration of Independence, so we shouldn’t expect anything less than his extravagant purchase of a pyramid-shaped tomb for when he dies.
The nine-foot-tall pyramid stands in the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, along with other above-ground graves. Though Cage has chosen to stay silent over his purchase, fans obviously theorize over his reasoning. Some say it’s a tribute to his “National Treasures” movies, while others say it’s a clue to his connections to the Illuminati group.
The pyramid has clearly made its way into pop culture, though several locals were upset about his ability to gain a spot in the already crowded cemetery. If you want to visit, you’ll need a tour guide, unless you’re visiting a family member.
Regardless of how you like to travel, our wonderful state has something for every type of adventurer! The parks, museums, and destinations for history buffs along with different kinds of RV resorts are waiting for you. The state is a one-stop shop for all your camping and traveling needs. Whether you like resort camping, a deluxe cabin, or you prefer the backcountry, there is something here for everyone. As always, don’t forget to contact us with any questions you have. Happy traveling!
by admin | May 17, 2021 | Courvelle's RV
From here in Opelousas, LA, Courvelle’s RV has you covered with the best Crossroads has to offer. Get started on finding the best Crossroads Trailer in Louisiana by searching Courvelle’s Crossroads trailers models. We even try to have a few used models on our lot, as well. Check them out here!
Since 1996, Crossroads has provided high-quality products that are now sold at the national level. Their philosophy is to narrow down the number of frills and bells and whistles to focus more on what matters – quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction. They also realize that building strong relationships with their dealer community is paramount, which is why we continue to recommend them time and time again to everyone who walks through our doors. In business for over 20 years, you know Crossroads is a manufacturer you can trust – that’s our guarantee.
Whether you’re interested in a Zinger, Zinger Lite, Cruiser Aire, or a Sunset Trail Super Lite, trust Courvelle’s RV to have the best selection of Crossroads travel trailers available to you.
We truly love our CrossRoads Trailers, and we hope you can find one on our lot that you and your family can envision yourselves in for years to come. RVs are an investment, so come on down and talk to a staff member about what you’re looking for in an RV today.
Contact us for any questions you have pertaining to your RV. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to support you and help you find the answers you’re seeking. Our team will address any questions you have pertaining to purchasing a new RV, gussying up your existing unit, warranty problems, and any other concerns you might have.
Our sales team is ready and willing to show you the latest we have to offer as well as a large assortment of previously owned RVs including motor homes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Our service center and parts department have a strong relationship with several RV manufacturers expanding their knowledge base. This gives them the chance to solve a wider range of complications you might encounter with your RV. No matter what your RV-related concern is, you can always count on Courvelle’s to give you the right answers.
Ready to invest in a Crossroads trailer? Check out our full inventory and see what we offer.
Give us a call at 1-877-233-6708 or visit the website today!
by admin | Nov 23, 2020 | Courvelle's RV
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.
