RV Hall of Fame

Elkhart, Indiana is the center for recreation vehicle manufacturing. 87% of all RV’s made in the USA come from this area.

The history of people camping out of their vehicles is long and varied. The RV Hall of Fame includes a museum full of examples of camping units starting in 1913 thru the 1980’s.

Entrance to the RV museum

They had a nicely done 1/24th scale model of an RV factory showing the manufacturing process.

Model of the assembly process

This is an example of a camping unit that fits on the rear of a Model T Ford. A portion slides rearward and makes a sleeping area while the sides slide out for storage.  

This is a 10 foot Airstream prototype that was built as a potential product for the European market. It was never put into production.

Airstream prototype for the European market

Several examples of Teardrop trailers were on display. These were designed to be lightweight and easy to tow. These same features are popular today for the current generation of teardrop trailers.

This is an example of the type of aluminum trailer that was a forerunner to the Airstream. It was quite striking from an interior viewpoint.

The interiors of some of the trailers from the 1930’s were beautiful. The use of natural materials lets them age gracefully.

Several of the Shasta trailers brought back memories of the units we used to rent for family vacations.

They also had new RV's on display - This Winnebago Trend model caught my eye. It has a bed which descends from the ceiling, big skylights, European styling and front wheel drive.