A New Old Way To See the World.(Column)(conferences)

Byline: Dutch Mandel

Nearly 10,000 of the passionate walked the convention center and talked horsepower and torque, spring rates and chassis mods. Some ogled a new BMW design as others pored over an iconic all-American model whose shape is Carmen Electra memorable.

For a full day-not long enough-I wandered the aisles of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association convention in Louisville, Kentucky. I was surprised at RVing's inner circle; great characters, high technology and serious design power the various companies, each with a distinct personality.

Many manufacturers create or foster owner clubs of like-equipped RVers who gather socially when on the road. One RV dealer sponsors conclaves-sales shows, really-in warm-weather climes with live entertainment and parties galore. Another firm has developed a motor coach resort where parking pads sit astride cabanas, each with in-ground pools surrounded by desert palms. Reserve your spot for $1 million, but the first 100 are already sold out.

This convention boasted concept vehicles, a show first. How does a refrigerator box become a concept? With practice, patience, design expertise and talent. The Newmar London Aire is a 45-foot-long unit fitted with a 10-speed ZF gearbox, 600 hp and enough torque to successfully pull off a coup d'etat. It has a multiplex electrical system, 42-inch flat-screen TV that drops from behind panels in the ceiling and blackout curtains that can be raised or lowered in unison to make it theater-dark. Vacuum- actuated French doors operate like those on the Starship Enterprise. There's a two-way mirror in its stateroom that doubles as a TV. A touch-screen computer operates all systems including seven security cameras monitoring its perimeter. Though a concept, you can bet Newmar will bring out this high-tech wonder. Should it be antithetical that Newmar is run by Mennonites?

Tell Bob Lee that building motor homes is not rocket science and he'll agree. Lee left NASA to move to ...