Nappanee, Indiana: Indiana families planning weekend getaways to Brown County's rolling hills or extended stays along Lake Michigan's sandy shores face a common challenge: finding a travel trailer that balances comfort, towability, and value. The answer sits on the lot at a Nappanee dealership, the Showalter RV, where wholesale pricing meets factory-direct access.
Bunkhouse Design Solves Space Limitations
The Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL addresses sleeping capacity without sacrificing livability. At 33 feet long and 5,740 pounds, this travel trailer sleeps eight to ten people across a private bunkhouse, queen bed, and convertible dinette. Families with multiple children or those hosting weekend guests benefit from the dedicated rear bunk area, which keeps sleeping zones separate from the main living space.
The single slideout expands the interior to 80 inches of headroom, while HyperDeck flooring and carpet-free slides simplify cleanup after muddy hikes through Turkey Run's canyons or beach days at Indiana Dunes. Power front and rear stabilizer jacks paired with a power tongue jack reduce setup time to minutes rather than the hour-long process older models require.
Specification | Detail |
Length | 32'10" |
Dry Weight | 5,740 lbs |
Sleeping Capacity | 8-10 people |
Fresh Water | 21 gallons |
Slideouts | 1 |
Kitchen and Climate Features
A two-burner cooktop, microwave, and 10-cubic-foot refrigerator handle meal preparation for extended trips. The outdoor refrigerator on select configurations allows beverage storage without tracking dirt through the interior—useful during campground gatherings at Chain O'Lakes or Clifty Falls State Park.
The on-demand tankless water heater provides continuous hot water without the recovery time traditional tanks need. High-output furnace capability matters during Indiana's unpredictable spring and fall seasons, when overnight temperatures at Potato Creek or Shakamak can drop 30 degrees from afternoon highs.
Towing Considerations for Indiana Roads
Most half-ton trucks handle the 280BHSL's 698-pound hitch weight and 5,740-pound dry weight. This positions the model between ultra-light pop-ups that lack amenities and heavy fifth wheels requiring specialized towing vehicles. Families upgrading from tent camping or downsizing from larger motorhomes find this weight class manageable for the 90-minute drive from Indianapolis to Hoosier National Forest or the three-hour trip from Fort Wayne to Ohio River campgrounds.
The 20-pound propane bottle with cover and easy-lube axles reduces maintenance compared to older designs. Dark-tinted safety glass windows and a 14-foot power awning with LED lighting extend outdoor living space during the six-month camping season from April through October, when Indiana's 32 state parks reach capacity on holiday weekends.
Family-Owned Dealership Model
Showalter RV operates 10 minutes from Indiana's RV manufacturing corridor, where approximately 80 percent of North American recreational vehicles are built. This proximity eliminates distribution markups that dealers in coastal markets add to base prices. The family-owned structure allows direct owner interaction during the purchasing process rather than the tiered sales management common at corporate chains.
The wholesale pricing model and zero dealer fees approach reflect the business strategy of connecting buyers with inventory without intermediary costs. For shoppers comparing campers for sale in Indiana, this translates to price differences of several thousand dollars on identical units listed at dealerships in neighboring states.
Indiana Camping Infrastructure
The state's 32 parks and Hoosier National Forest provide 200,000 acres of camping access within two hours of major population centers. Electric hookup availability at 75 percent of state park campgrounds supports the 280BHSL's air conditioning and appliance load, while dump stations at facilities like McCormick's Creek and Spring Mill handle the 28-gallon black water and 39-gallon gray water capacities.
Weekend rates for electric sites range from $25 to $35 nightly during peak season, making the ownership cost calculation favor purchase over long-term rental for families planning six or more trips annually. The reservation system through Reserve America requires booking 90 to 180 days ahead for popular locations like Indiana Dunes during the summer months.
RV Dealers in Indiana Selection Process
Buyers researching RV dealers in Indiana should verify factory certification, service department capacity, and parts inventory availability before making purchase decisions. The Kodiak 280BHSL requires periodic maintenance, including wheel bearing service every 12,000 miles and furnace cleaning before winter storage. Dealerships with on-site service bays and extended hours accommodate working families who cannot schedule weekday appointments.
Financing options through the Showalter RV credit application process allow immediate acquisition rather than delayed gratification while saving full purchase amounts. The application initiates loan comparison across multiple lenders, typically resulting in 60 to 180-month terms depending on credit profiles and down payment percentages.
Families ready to explore Indiana's outdoor recreation opportunities with a travel trailer built for multi-generational trips can start by examining the complete inventory at Showalter RV. Contact the dealership at (574) 773-2670 to discuss the Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL specifications, current availability, and trade-in valuations.
ABOUT SHOWALTER RV
Showalter RV serves recreational vehicle buyers throughout Indiana from its Nappanee location between Chicago and Toledo. The family-owned dealership specializes in wholesale pricing on new and pre-owned motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels from manufacturers based in the region's RV production corridor. The business model eliminates traditional dealer fees while providing direct owner access during the sales process. On-site service facilities handle maintenance, warranty work, and repairs, with parts departments stocked for common components and special orders. Financing applications connect buyers with multiple lending institutions for competitive rate comparison. The dealership's proximity to manufacturing facilities allows inventory access to current model year releases and special order configurations. Schedule a visit or request information about available inventory by calling (574) 773-2670 today.
