But don’t expect to see a row of CEO’s lined up begging for money in front of a congressional hearing. The RVDA isn’t proposing bailout money. They just want a temporary change in the rules.

Here’s what they’re looking for. There’s something called the net operating loss period (NOL) during which small businesses can use profits from previous periods to generate operating cash. Right now NOL only goes back two years which, in these tough times, doesn’t help much.

So the RVDA is asking Congress to temporarily extend NOL a more beneficial five years. It’s something that’s been done before and has help small businesses survive previous recessions.

Will it work? I have no idea; I’m no economist. But it is satisfying to see an industry taking a more creative approach to the problem then just asking for a few billion dollars in bailout money.

With markets in just about every industry tightening and spending for luxury items down now might seem an unlikely time to start a new RV and fifth wheel manufacturing company. But don’t tell that to the folks at EverGreen RV in Indiana.

The start-up opened for business in Dec. ‘08 and they only see a bright future ahead.

Their main line of RVs is called Everlite and it features a new composite material they’re calling ComposiTek. According to co-founder Doug Lantz “it’s replacing wood in the construction process to give us lighter weight, stronger more durable and thus a higher quality product.”

Hmm, a lighter and therefore more fuel efficient RV. They might just be on to something here!

The organizers of this week’s Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show don’t want their attendees to worry too much about the economy. It seems apparent from slipping sales that this is indeed what the industry’s customers are thinking about.

But in case those headed for the show are clutching their pocketbooks a little tighter this the show is featuring “Affordability Pavilions.” Within these one can find boats and RVs with expected monthly payment of $300 or less.

Will it work? Hard to say. To say that these are uncertain times is to repeat an already overused understatement. Recreational items, especially those with monthly payments, might not be what the average consumer is looking for. On the other hand sales haven’t been zero; somebody’s buying them and an “Affordability Pavilion” might just be the thing that buyers on the fence might need to be pushed over.

Let’s talk about this popular fifth wheel from Carriage. The 2008 Domani is described by Carriage at “both a work of art and state-of-the-art.” That’s a bold statement but the RV lives up to it.

The interior makes clever use of space creating a simultaneously intimate and spacious feel. The bathroom and kitchen are designed to be the utmost in usability while remaining elegant in appearance. The bedroom features a queen bed under a skylight. The deep closet and drawers offer plenty of storage while the whole space speaks of comfort and relaxation.