It’s that time of year when people start thinking about getting away from home, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring new places. Many of those travelers will take to the road in a recreational vehicle (RV) – an affordable home away from home – with total freedom in mind.
“A lot of the appeal is for those people who are afraid of the dangers of traveling. With an RV, you can have your own possessions with you and travel at your own pace, without having to check in and out of hotels. It makes a world of difference for those who like to travel,” says Rick Sullivan, president of Sullivan RV Supercenter in Decatur, Ind.
Sullivan’s specializes in RV sales, service and parts. Dozens of new and used vehicles are on display and for sale in the showroom and on the grounds at the annual spring open house.
This year’s event is from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22 and 23 at Sullivan’s, 7982 N US Hwy 27. Popcorn, hot dogs and drinks are available at no cost.
People are drawn to the open house each year, whether they want to buy a new or used RV, or whether they just want to see what new features and models are available today,
Sullivan says. Event-goers can also get acquainted with what services the business offers.
New buyers at the open house can get six-month free storage of their vehicle. Sullivan’s also offers free delivery up to 100 miles on any new model purchased at the open house.
Some of the newest features people can see at the open house are models with more slide-out extensions, larger kitchens, and bunk beds for children.
RVing is popular with young families wanting to get away for an affordable weekend vacation. Larger diesel and gas-powered motorhomes are for long-term travel – three to six months at a time – which has more appeal for those who are retired and have more time to spend on the road, Sullivan observes.
People will be surprised to see RV prices coming down, he adds.
During the pandemic, RVs were selling for top dollar because manufacturers couldn’t keep up with the demand. Sullivan sold everything he had in the showroom for the full retail price and wasn’t able to restock.
“Everyone was afraid of flying and being around other people, so they could be on the move in the privacy of their own RV, sleep in their own beds, and social distance at the same time,” he recalls.
Sullivan began hosting open houses, usually twice a year, since 2005, always following his participation in the Fort Wayne RV & Camping show, which was held this year February 1-3 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. He designs flyers and other marketing materials for the show in hopes that those interested will come to his open houses in the early and late spring.
“The open house is an opportunity for people to look, feel and try out the features, while being able to ask questions and talk to experts about the equipment,” he says.