Revved up over RVs

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By Mary Louise Speer | Saturday, March 3, 2007 1:00 AM CST | () comments

(Photo by John Schultz/QUAD-CITY TIMES) Barb Byrne, left, of Coal Valley, Ill., along with Joyce Lundburg, and her husband Dean, check out the plush inside of the Southwind A Class motor home Friday during the RV and Camping Show being held this weekend at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island.

Hundreds of people braved Friday’s snowy, blowy gusts and focused on thoughts of hitting the open road at the QCCA RV/Camping Show in Rock Island.

The show features a variety of travel homes from an A-shaped, 15-foot Scout pop-up camper all the way up to wood-paneled RV’s with leather furnishings. Exhibitors also offer a variety of travel destination, RV and home related services.

“Awesome,” Elizabeth Lundburg, 8, of Davenport, praised as she checked out campers. One of her favorites was the 29 FBS Hornet Hideout. The camper is comfortably configured with a tiny bedroom, galley area and bathroom, and bunk beds at the far end.

“I like that one because it has bunk beds and it’s a pretty color. It has a bathtub my size,” she said.

Sometime in the future, her dad, Doug Lundburg, wants to purchase a camper for family outings. For now, they like coming to the show and checking out all the latest in camping comfort.

Travelers may want to take a furry companion with them on their travels. QC Paws will have a couple of dogs at the show today. The Rock Island County Animal Care and Control shelter is full with an influx of about 20 cats in the last few days, says Kim Herold, who serves as a board member for the non-profit part of the organization.

The facility offers low-cost vaccinations, spaying, and neutering, she said. “We have adoptable dogs that need homes, cats that need someone to hold them,” she said.

People can also purchase chances for the Promise of Spring garden cart raffle or get information about the upcoming Putts for Mutts charity golf event and dinner, she said.

The displays range from models geared at the casual camper who likes heading out for a day or two of adventure to sheer elegance. People browsed through motor coaches elegantly furnished with everything needed for living on the road 365 days a year. ”Getting into this style, it gives more of a residential feel then a camper feel,” said Travis Winter of US Adventure RV, Davenport.

A 36-foot long Pace Arrow motor home smells pleasantly of real wood paneling, heating, and the interior has space for a washer and drier. The unit has a solid 24-foot slideout to tuck in the wings in while traveling to the next destination.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Quad-Cities Conservation Alliance RV/Camping Show

When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday

Where: QCAA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island

Cost: $6/adults, $1/6-15

Special: RV’s, 5th wheels, trailers, and motor homes displays by 10 dealers. World champion yo-yo artist Mark Hayward makes appearances at 11 a.m. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday and 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Sunday. Dogs at the QC Paws booth.