Jolley Rogers

Have you ever wondered about the history of RVs? It’s a great option for anyone who wants to have an adventure somewhere away from home. It continues the experience of settlers who traveled West during the US’ early history. In the same way, people can use RVs today to explore new areas and make new experiences. They traveled with horses and wagons but today people can travel in RVs.

It all started a century ago when automobiles became popular and US roads improved. Americans also wanted to explore, which resulted in recreation vehicles being mass-produced. This was the birth of the RV industry.

In the year 1910, the US had few paved roads, no highway system, and few gas stations. However, it’s interesting that 1910 was when the RV industry started. As always there’s some debate about when the history of RVs actually started. However, many experts state this year as the beginning of the industry.

This was the year the world’s first motorized campers were constructed. Before that time people camped in rail cars that were on train routes. This provided people with freedom who didn’t want to just travel by train. They could go wherever they wanted and when they wanted thanks to RVs.

There are many historians who point to 2010 as the start of the RV industry. That’s because RVs were built for the first time for sale. They were called “camping trailers” or “auto campers” a century ago. They were the early versions of today’s RVs.

Historians explain that there were single units constructed before 1910, according to the Smithsonian Institution. However, the year 910 was a big year for the RV industry. It’s worth noting that the 1910 RVs had few comforts versus today’s motorhomes. However, they provided people with the ability to travel and eat anywhere. One of the big differences was the first RVs didn’t have bathrooms.

During 1910 Auto-Kamp Trailers and Los Angeles Trailer Works also started producing RVs. During that year the Type B van camper was also rolled out at Madison Square Garden in NYC. It was quite innovative and included features like an onboard bathroom.

These various companies and game-changing products were included in a 1911 issue of “Popular Mechanics.” It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of RVs. It shows how much RVs have improved over the years.

That brings us to 1913. During that year the Earl was an early version of today’s travel trailers. If you’re a fan of RV history you should consider learning more about the trailer in terms of modern units. It will help to reveal some of the changes that have occurred over the years.

During the 1930s RVs used a construction with an aircraft style. It included dinettes, beds, electricity, and water. Then following WW2 the RV industry sky-rocketed. That’s because more Americans wanted to travel instead of remaining home more often. This shows a major shift in the industry.

Then by 1950, the RV industry had changed quite a lot compared to the year 1910. They were fully towable RVs by the year 1950. In fact, many modern-day RV builders started manufacturing their products during the 50s and 60s. Some of the innovations included interior comforts and aerodynamic designs.

Throughout the decades the RV lifestyle has continued and is still popular today. Economic times of the US have changed over the decades. However, RVs have remained popular, which shows the staying power of the vehicles. If you’re looking for a way to travel with more convenience and flexibility you should certainly consider purchasing an RV. The key is to know what you’re looking for then finding the perfect model.