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Pricey gas won't keep RV lovers away from annual rendezvous

The rally at the airport, which starts Wednesday, is an easy drive for in-state participants, but some come from even Montana.

By BETH N. GRAY
Published January 30, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - They are gas-guzzling behemoths. But pricey gasoline apparently won't keep RVs and their owners away from the 25th annual Southeast Area Rally of the Family Motor Coach Association, which opens Wednesday at the Hernando County Airport.

By mid last week, 1,928 coaches had preregistered to establish a city of dazzling, decked-out homes on wheels for the ninth year at the airport. Because preregistration is not required, the number of coaches likely will surpass 2,000.

Last year's event attracted 2,367 motor homes. The record was set in 1999 with 2,770 coaches.

The biggest vehicles these days, as long as 45 feet, some built on tractor-trailer chassis, may eke out as little as 5 miles per gallon.

And, yes, owners are affected by the high cost of gasoline, said Southeast Area Chapter president George M. Schipper of Brooksville.

"There's no two ways about that," Schipper said. "They also know they have an investment, and they want to use it. You adjust your lifestyle to make it fit."

Hernando County's location in Central Florida makes this rally an easy drive for in-state travelers who may feel the gas price pinch. But members are still coming from afar.

"It surprised me," Schipper said as he looked over preregistrations. "We've got them from all the way out to Montana."

Many attend the rally to renew friendships they made at previous visits. And there are seminars each day during which association members can learn about coach maintenance, fire and life safety, food preparation in limited spaces, and suggestions for back road travel.

Day visitors will have access to the seminars, as well as the opportunity to shop among the nearly 300 vendors and to trek through motor homes displayed by about 15 dealerships.

Schipper expects 3,000 to 4,000 visitors daily.

"I can't believe how many people have been calling," said the rally's chief organizer for three years.

He attributed the interest to the just-ended Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa and a similar event recently in Fort Myers.

"The spinoff effect is great," he said.

While dealerships exhibiting motor homes are down from nearly 30 last year, those attending will have as many coaches on display, Schipper said.

He's excited about a new exhibitor, SuperBus, which custom-builds high-end coaches in Clermont.

Register RV Super Center of Brooksville is giving a nod this year to the gas-conscious and economy-minded. The only Hernando County dealer exhibiting at the show will feature tagalong recreational vehicles.

Many Hernando small businesses will be among the vendors - "everything from RV supplies, of course, to ladies' clothing to jewelry to magic cloths for cleaning," Schipper said.

Local civic and service organizations will help fill up food booths with fried, baked and frozen goodies.

Another local dimension is being added for the 25th event. Last year, the rally launched an on-site vehicle service center, staffed by out-of-towners.

"Instead, this year, we're using local service vendors," Schipper said.

Beyond the rally site, local businesses will profit, as they do each year, said Pat Crowley, executive director of the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce. Uppermost are restaurants, which usually put on extra staff to cook and serve the influx of more than 4,000 visitors.

Businesses that have the facilities to service big vehicles and those that sell fuel also expect an increase in traffic, she said.

While the rally agenda keeps the registrants close to their homes away from home for most of the five-day program, "on Thursday and Friday, the people get out in the community," Crowley said. "They have such an impact on our economy."

She said local businesses are "very receptive of them coming into our community."

Chamber members contribute items to welcome bags given to all rally registrants. Included are discount coupons, menus, tourist information and inexpensive paraphernalia emblazoned with business names.

[Last modified January 30, 2006, 00:32:10]