RV camping has come a long ways as we stroll down memory lane

Having lived in the High Desert for 26 years now, Russ and Lori have seen many changes throughout the Victor Valley. Vehicles change, roads change, but the camping fever knows no age.

We thought it would be fun to share a little history of recreational vehicles from a time when few roads were paved and there were virtually no RV parks. Our explorer genes have been active since first traveling west from the east. As time went on, more roads were paved, vehicles got more reliable, and RV parks starting springing up all over The United States.

The first campers self-propelled by an engine were built in 1910. Nicknamed Auto Campers, people became infatuated with traveling by RV instead of the train. Pierce-Arrow produced the ‘Touring Landau’ in 1911.This was one of the first recreational vehicles that actually had a bathroom. Traveling became a little more comfortable by RV. They could now pick their own place and time for any destination. One of the first production recreational vehicles was the 1921 Ford Model T Kampkar. The actual KampKar was an additional camper body that bolted on a truck chassis in a couple of hours. Six adults could be seated for travel. The unit had a stove, comfortable bed, water tank, and folding table. The vehicle had 20 horsepower and sold for $1,125.

Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Burroughs, and Henry Ford used to travel as a group when caravan camping from 1913 until 1924. This drew the attention of millions of Americans. These camping adventures were covered by the media. The sharing of camping adventures by these famous people promoted the manufacture of recreational vehicles as well as places to stay and visit.

During the Depression, RV manufacture hit a low period. During the 1930’s, the construction of travel trailers and some motor coaches was from aircraft aluminum. These were and are a timeless rolling piece of art. Now, travel included electricity, plumbing, dinettes, and running water. More roads were being built. Vehicles got better, and more places were available for folks to explore.

The ‘Canned Ham’ travel trailers emerged during the 1950’s and early 60’s. Named as such, these trailers resembled the shape of the canned hams we could purchase at the grocery store. But something wonderful was happening. As we would read our Popular Mechanics Magazine, some adventurous few installed diesel engines in their pick-up trucks. This was almost unheard of. This gave vehicle manufacturers the idea to start producing diesel powered tow vehicles that previously were powered by gasoline. Now, we truly had more choices. With these choices generally meant more available options. True as well, for the recreational vehicles. Simplicity has its fine attributes as well. Russ and Lori fondly remember being quite content in a 15 foot 1963 Shasta with an ice box and gas operated light over the table. We had our two lovely daughters and two doggies with us as well. None of us recall ever having felt as if we had no room.

Alas, the advent of the slide-out room came upon us. Suddenly all non- slide-out trailers appeared smaller. One slide became two. Two became three and even four or more slides are available on some units now. Technology is better, units are safer than ever before, and the variety of RV choices is endless.

So, Russ and Lori do have a specific RV that we have never owned yet always admired. The 1968 Dodge Travco was a beast that was uniquely different from any RV on the market. Our favorite had the 440 engine mated to a Torqueflite transmission with push button selector. These were simple units that were very durable and reliable. Not on a bucket list, we are enjoying our own Panther travel trailer. Admittedly, it does have one slide-out. Old is gold, classic is cool, but the best RV is the one you have right now. The memories made and the good times had last a lifetime. So, Let’s Get Rollin!

To contact Russ and Lori, email them at Russ.Lori.Rollin@gmail.com