Recreational Vehicles
History of the RV
The recreational vehicle (RV) has become one of the most popular vehicles on the road for adventure-seekers. Families large and small love enjoying the open road together as they check out some of America’s most scenic spots and stay in various campgrounds across the country.
But the RV hasn’t always existed. It wasn’t until 1915 that the motorhome became part of our history.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, that’s when the prominent Conklin family from New York set out on their 25-foot, eight-ton conveyance had been custom-built by Roland Conklin’s Gas-Electric Motor Bus Company to get them comfortably to San Francisco.
Tabbed “the Gypsy Van” by onlookers, this massive vehicle attracted crowds and media as it traveled across country over the next two months in the fall of 1915.
The First RV
The Smithsonian Magazine lists the RV’s onboard luxuries as “an electrical generator and incandescent lighting, a full kitchen, Pullman-style sleeping berths, a folding table and desk, a concealed bookcase, a phonograph, convertible sofas with throw pillows, a variety of small appliances and even a roof garden.”
Imagine how this vehicle heading down the highway would have turned the heads of people used to smaller, more compact vehicles. That’s exactly the reaction the Conklins received.
The New York Times published several articles about the Conklins, calling their vehicle a “sublimated English caravan, land-yacht, or what you will,” featuring “all the conveniences of a country house, plus the advantages of unrestricted mobility and independence of schedule,” according to the Smithsonian Magazine.
Why the RV?
During the early 1900s, many Americans were on a mission to find relaxation and a reconnection to the great outdoors. One hundred years later, we find ourselves in a similar mindset, driving the popularity of RVs to an all-time high.
Today’s 34-foot Class A motorhome with multiple TVs, two bathrooms and a king bed is an updated version of the Conklin’s “Gypsy Van.” RVs provide the chance to leisurely travel while also taking advantage of the great outdoors.
With Americans looking to get away from their devices and electronics, our love of RVs doesn’t appear to be a trend that will end anytime soon
