Recreational vehicles have been around almost as long as automobiles have. Since it first emerged in the early 1900’s, the way in which the RV has changed is due both to changes in the economy as well as what’s changed in the way families vacation.
Most of us can appreciate the brilliance of the latest and greatest models released in the 21st century. But RVs didn’t always boast as much versatility, nor have they always looked as sleek as they do now. Still, as the more developed models have come to life, they’ve definitely caught the attention of automobile enthusiasts and families everywhere.
TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY
The very first RV, the Pierce-Arrow’s Touring Landau, made its first appearance in 1910. This never-before-seen camping vehicle came equipped with a fold-out bed, a chamber pot, and a fold-out sink—the bare essentials required for any home-on-the-go. That same year, several other manufacturers began rolling out what were called auto campers. These were essentially add-ons that could be hitched to the back of vehicles.
As automobiles continued to develop and become more reliable over time, people began to travel a lot more often. Camping sites and national parks quickly became a popular place for families during their vacations.
1920S AND 1930S
The first generations of RVs cost between $500 and $1000, which was quite a lot at that time. Although their popularity would drop during the Depression and WWII, they were marketed as mobile hospitals and even accommodated other wartime needs. After the war, however, when soldiers returned home, many families wanted nothing more than to pack everything up and embark on a long-awaited vacation. And that they did. Especially since workers were beginning to see paid vacations in the 1930s, they had no reason not to.
1950S AND 1960S
By the 1950s, families had more money to spend on automobiles and vacationing, and by then a two-week vacation benefit was available to more than half of the working population. At the same time, our country saw the biggest and most aggressive increase in production of motorized RVs—a boom that lasted well into the 1960s. Winnebago, a manufacturer that specialized in a wide variety of RVs, began producing and distributing them at a relatively low price point. In 1967, Winnebago rolled out five models that became America’s first family of motor homes.
MODERN DAY
RVs today embody the very essence of automotive innovation. They often come equipped with all the bells and whistles—washer/dryers, warm showers, satellite TV … These days they seem to have it all. The advancements in technology made over the last century have paved the way for some pretty extravagant recreational vehicles. We’re anxiously waiting to see what engineers will come up with next.