A Brief History of RVs

Throughout 20th-century American history, the RV has grown to symbolize adventure and the nomadic spirit. Today, RV and campervan sales are at an all-time high, and the #vanlife has enjoyed several years of notoriety and growth. However, this evolution began long before your Instagram feed was brimming with stylized, renovated buses, luxury coaches, and campervans.

Lucky for us, these beautiful contemporary RVs and campervans provide unique insight into the growth of a great American pastime and the rich history of travel and recreational vehicles.

So, what was the first camper and RV?

Arguably, motorized camper vehicles date back as far as the nineteenth century, but the first consumer campervan that’s easily recognized as a modern US predecessor was the Pierce-Arrow's Touring Landau, which entered production in 1910 and cost around $200,000 in today’s dollars.

A limousine Class B?

Although the Touring Landau began as a limousine, Pierce-Arrow made the bold decision to offer a bench seat that folded into a bed, making it most comparable to today's Class B RVs. However, the most impressive amenities for the time were a sink and toilet with functioning plumbing and a phone that allowed passengers to connect with the driver.

Imagine it: during a time when a not-insignificant number of people in the country went without running water in their homes, the Touring Landau offered functional plumbing in a converted limo!

The first US Class A RV

As for the first RV, five years later, in 1915, the Roland Conklin Gas-Electric Motor Bus Company's Gypsy Van landed on the market. The double-deck Gypsy Van could house up to 17 passengers and boasted amenities similar to today's Class A or Super C RVs.

Inside the Gypsy Van, you (and your sixteen closest friends) could whip up a meal in the kitchenette, enjoy a full shower, appreciate the most modern appliances (even a phonograph!), and store your favorite tchotchkes and books on a concealed bookcase. 

"Tin-can tourists"

These two vehicles—the Touring Landau and the Gypsy Van—gave way to the "tin-can tourist" movement. Tin-can tourists were individuals known for surviving out of their vehicles for weeks at a time.

In 1919, the organization was formally recognized. Members were required to be at least 12 years old, demonstrate strong moral character, and live a nomadic life by choice. Two years later, in 1921, the organization had grown to an impressive 17,000+ members.

The evolution of the RV

As nomadic vehicles grew in popularity, versatile, more affordable options quickly hit the market. Tent campers became widely popular, but many people noticed that they had several setbacks in early production.

One camper in particular, Arthur Sherman, found himself caught in one too many thunderstorms when attempting to erect his tent camper to no avail. Full of frustration, he became determined to create a solid-body waterproof camping solution. 

Sherman began by constructing a single unit intended for family camping, and he soon noticed that fellow campers were fascinated by his creation. He entered his "Covered Wagon" into the Detroit Auto Show and quickly realized that he had stumbled his way into an untapped market.

The solid-body industry exploded as the 1930s drew to a close, selling over 20,000 units annually thanks to one frustrated camper. Thus, the demand for modern, solid-body recreational vehicles took flight.

RVs of today

The features, appearances, and purposes of the RVs of yesterday still echo through the market today; even as mechanics and manufacturing have evolved, our basic needs and wants haven’t changed that much over the last century.

Adventurous twenty-first-century Americans now choose from a veritable smorgasbord of options for hitting the road. Camping vehicles can be hauled or motorized and come in various shapes and sizes.

Versatility and style

As more individuals make their biggest journeys in RVs, the demand for versatility and a wide variety of styles has never been greater. Modern options are endless, from converted buses and vans to luxurious and elegant Class A coaches and heavy-duty off-grid-ready campervans.

Understanding the fundamental differences between RV classes and types is an important starting point to determine which RV best fits your needs. 

Modern-day RVs for sale at Transwest

Whether you are looking for a full-time motorcoach or road-trip-ready RV, our team at Transwest will help you find the perfect travel vehicle. No matter your style, we are here to help you locate the ideal RV for your next adventure and all the ones that follow.

With a quality selection of RVs from today’s finest manufacturers, we have something for any traveler's needs. Find a Transwest dealer near you, or browse our online storefront. Visit us today and hit the road tomorrow!