American Beauties In Louisville
Practical Motorhome|April 2017

Niall Hampton visits America’s leading RV show to see which of the latest developments in motorhome technology could be adapted for use in Europe.

American Beauties In Louisville

Last November, the US RV industry gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for its annual trade show. Taking place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Recreational Vehicle Industry of America national show is the Stateside equivalent of the events held in the NEC and Düsseldorf. Unlike the British and German extravaganzas, though, the Louisville show isn’t open to the public. Instead, it’s where RV manufacturers and their suppliers come together to showcase their wares to dealers and distributors across North America and beyond.

Practical Motorhome was delighted to be able to attend the RVIA show, now in its 54th year and thriving – the US motorhome market has enjoyed several consecutive years of growth to reach sales of approaching 50,000 units a year (that’s around five times the size of the UK market). Once again, we were guests of the UK’s leading leisure vehicle accessories manufacturer, Milenco, which operates in most major markets across the globe.

For many Brits, American RVs are objects of bewilderment, perceived as unnecessarily large and expensive-torun vehicles that aren’t an ideal fit for the comparatively narrow and winding roads of old Europe. Although American motorhome types might fall into broadly similar categories to ours (see panel, right) there are of course differences regarding base vehicles, equipment specification and the interior look and feel. That’s why a visit to Louisville is instructive for anyone keen to spot some new trends that could be coming our way – and Practical Motorhome spotted a few faces from leading European manufacturers and dealerships during our visit.

Keeping up appearances

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2017-Ausgabe von Practical Motorhome.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2017-Ausgabe von Practical Motorhome.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS PRACTICAL MOTORHOMEAlle anzeigen
ACE NOVELLA COACHBUILTS
Practical Motorhome

ACE NOVELLA COACHBUILTS

Each month we focus on a great secondhand mainstream motorhome. We then tell you which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
A touch of NORFOLK SUN
Practical Motorhome

A touch of NORFOLK SUN

The smart new McLouis Fusion made an ideal base for a summer weekend break

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
PANAMA P12
Practical Motorhome

PANAMA P12

If you're looking for a camper that can ferry the whole family about during the week, the new P12 might be the answer, says Peter Baber

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA 600
Practical Motorhome

VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA 600

More space makes the big Cali suited to those who want extra creature comforts from their camper.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
December 2024
48 HOURS IN CROMER
Practical Motorhome

48 HOURS IN CROMER

The charming coastal town of Cromer, in Norfolk, is especially renowned for its picturesque beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 2024
AND DID THOSE FEET IN ANCIENT TIME...
Practical Motorhome

AND DID THOSE FEET IN ANCIENT TIME...

Having returned to the UK following his European Odyssey, Marcus Leach seeks out the highs of the Peak District

time-read
6 Minuten  |
December 2024
BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT COVER
Practical Motorhome

BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT COVER

In his latest column, podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims finds that when it comes to insuring your pride and joy, cheapest isn't always best

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 2024
PROTECT YOUR MOTORHOME
Practical Motorhome

PROTECT YOUR MOTORHOME

We all love our motorhomes, but sadly, there are criminal types out there who love stealing them just as much. So what steps can you take to prevent the worst from happening to you? Our tech expert Peter Rosenthal explores your options

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
December 2024
THE ROMANCE OF THE EUROS
Practical Motorhome

THE ROMANCE OF THE EUROS

Sports fan David Dowling combined his twin passions motorhoming and football for on a German adventure to the Euros and the Romantic Road.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
December 2024
SOUTHERN SEES
Practical Motorhome

SOUTHERN SEES

Titanic struggles, medieval halls and playful otters are among the highlights of Victor Charles' Hampshire tour.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
December 2024