RV Super Show kicks off run at new site in Elkhart

August 09, 2012|By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com) | WSBT-TV

ELKHART – The annual Midwest RV Super Show started its four day run on Thursday but at a different location.

The last two years it was held in downtown Elkhart. This year, it's at the RV Hall of Fame.

The move comes as the local RV Industry continues to rebound from tough economic times during the recent recession.

Among those on hand for the show are Steve Bowser and his wife, originally from the area. In 3008, they moved to Tennessee but came back to take a look.

“On our bucket list was buy an RV and travel in it,” said Bowser. “With the economy improving , and it appears to be, it’s a good time to considering RVing.”

And he was not alone. The show area drew a steady crowd on day one.

“We have 9 RV dealers, over 200 brand-new RV’s, 2012-2013 models, and we are right here in a space that is easy to get to, easy to find,” said Show Director Mark Bowersox.

Dealers at the Super Show say they feel the event is a good indicator and barometer for the RV industry locally and nationally, where it’s been recently and where it’s headed.

“I believe the towable market, the travel trailer, the fifth wheel market has already rebounded,” said Claude Donati of Nexus RV. “I think the motor home market is still in the process of recovering.”

“We feel it has turned the corner,” added Rob Reid of Great Lakes RV Center. “You always like to be positively optimistic, but we have seen good trends this summer.”

John Swardson is a Jayco dealer in Middlebury and said, “We have seen since 08 and 09 just a steady increase every year. More and more people are buying.”

It does seem like RVing interest is growing again,” said Lowell Miller, who owns an RV. “It did slow down some with the economy, but I think people are starting to get back into it.”

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