The Vast History of the RV
57The Vast History of the Recreational Vehicle
It started out with the pioneers and their canvas covered wagons traveling miles across the country to find new lands to prosper. They would pack their wagons with all the luxuries that they knew of and camp as they navigated to their apparent destination looking for an adventurous life. It may not have been what we perceive today as being a recreational vehicle, however it was the start of the industry that many would come to value, explore, and chase their dreams with.
Camping is one of America’s favorite past times, and it certainly has grown into a plethora of genres for people to indulge their vacations, retirements, and lives upon. The recreational vehicle was not per se defined as what it is today until after the period that the first automobile was created. This is the era when new innovations flourished as the United States was inspired by newly found inventions and mechanisms that made life much simpler.
It was said that Henry Ford himself used to fill his Model T with equipment that simulated that of today’s RV’s and that was ready made for camping. With the birth of automobiles came the necessity to expand their uses, and soon there were paved roads everywhere. In the meantime, camping was still known as an enjoyable activity that united families, allowed them to bond, and that enabled individual’s to explore nature in it’s finest of moments.
As the great notoriety of camping was increasing, so too was the convenience of campgrounds. Campgrounds were beginning to embellish their services by adding picnic tables, convenience stores, fire pits, stoves, restrooms, and showers. And then it happened! It occurred in Canada first as motor homes were added to the bodies of the first automobiles, however the monumental moment in time for America was when Anheuser-Busch unveiled it’s “house on wheels” and it was sold for a steep (back in that day) price of $535.
1910 was a big year when recreational vehicles were manufactured and introduced to America. In fact a version of the “Touring Landau” was a primitive version of the type B van camper that exists presently. It was produced by Pierce- Arrows and even contained a toilet. However, Pierce- arrows were not the only innovators in that era for producing RV’s. Auto Kamp Trailers and the Los Angeles Trailer Works had their own lines of the traveling homes. Some of these versions of the RV were featured in issues of popular mechanics in 1911.
The Recreational Vehicle industry has been flourishing for 100 years now and will be celebrating it’s centennial anniversary soon. This can only mean that it will be expanding for centuries to come as now RV’s have more luxuries than anyone could imagine. From a bathroom with a mere toilet to the latest of technologies and hydraulics that are included in the trend- setting autos. These mobile campers have it all such as full baths, kitchenettes filled with all the necessities, generated power, plasma TV’s, hot tubs, many bedrooms, laundry facilities, satellite television access, and much more.
The possibilities are endless in where the next generation is going to lead the recreational vehicle industry, but it is for sure that people will never grow tired of traveling in the life of luxury and seeing the country sides wherever their endeavors may lead them to. With the vast options available for choosing the one that best suits it’s purpose and anyone’s budget it is certifiable that it is one industry that will always be demanded. There will always be places to travel and people who want to explore the world in a- home away from home with mobility.
- RV Volunteer Destinations
The opportunities for full or part time RVers who want to participate in volunteer efforts around the country are endless. As we all know, there are areas in Kansas and along the Mississippi River that need all the help others can give. What a great way to spend time in your RV and help those in need by giving of yourself. Often with volunteer work, out of pocket expenses can add up and are not always reimbursed by the organization you are working with. Driving your own home away home can certainly help save money, yours and theirs. By staying in one area for longer periods of time helping to rebuild communities may also help on the fuel bills. Sharing your time and your experiences with those who need you so desperately will become a cherished memory. You’ll get to meet many others along the way that feel the very same way about helping others in need. The friendships that blossom from your volunteer efforts can last a lifetime not to mention the fulfilling experience of working one on one helping individuals. There are many wonderful volunteer organizations that would love to have your help. Retired full-time RVers are some … Continue reading → - 11 months ago
- Will Higher Gas Prices Keep your from RVing This Year?
As travelers plan their summer vacations, many have found that they need to cut back on some the extra activities of summer vacation. Rising prices have affected the travel industry, including gas, motel costs, restaurants, and the airlines. However, a recent survey taken by the RV Industry Association shows that more than half of all RV owners plan to travel just as much as previous years. Surveys completed by other RV canvassers found that RVers will plan trips closer to home and go on more weekend getaways as RV owners admit that gas prices must be taken into account when planning trips. Despite the higher gas costs, more than 65% of RVers questioned stated that they are scheduling mini vacations and long weekends closer to home. Only 9% of RV owners said that they will use their RV less this year and cite the reasons as strictly financial while 38% say they will use their RV about the same amount of time as last year. For most RV owners, it’s all about the life style. They are not willing to stop RVing just because the price of gas is rising. As one RV owner stated, “There are over 16,000 campgrounds … Continue reading → - 13 months ago
- Fractional Ownership – Time Shares for RVers
We hear all the debates regarding the pros and cons of owning versus renting but have you considered the possibility of fractional ownership? For some, this may be just the answer. It’s your motor-home, but you don’t have to worry about it. You can use whenever you plan to but you don’t have to store it, maintain it, fix it, clean it, or winterize it as other owners do. The concept has been around a while and is gaining popularity not only with RVs but luxury yachts and small planes as well. Advertised as ‘all the fun without the hassles’, we must ask – how does this work? Many RV owners do not live full time in their RV. In fact, most only use their motor-home just a few weeks each year. That expensive motor-home is just sitting around the rest of the year, either getting in the way or costing extra for storage. Fractional ownership is much like a time share condo. You share the ownership of a motor-home with a group of others. The cost is then divided between all of you making your purchase a much smaller and easier to manage investment. The whole process is overseen … Continue reading → - 13 months ago
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