June is RV Centennial Month

RV Centennial month recognizes the recreational vehicles' industry 100 years existence. Both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives have adopted resolutions "recognizing and honoring the 100 years of enjoyment of RVs in the United States."

The self-proclaimed RV capital of the world is Elkhart, Indiana. "No single industry has a greater influence on the local economy than the recreational vehicle business," states the city's website. "Fully one of every four jobs in Elkhart is tied to manufacturing RV's or component parts and services directly connected to the RV industry."

The city states that over 300,000 units have been shipped out of the area in recent years and the industry is responsible for over $ 1 billion in wages in a four-county area.

Other manufacturing jobs according to the city website are in Elkhart Is home to leading manufacturers in the Marine, Musical Instrument, and Manufactured Housing industries.

By the late 1940s, Elkhart was proclaimed the "trailer capital of the world." Today, there are 20 manufacturers giving factory tours in the area. Learn more on the website Amishcountry.org and click on the tab "RV Scene."

Manufacturers include Jayco, Carriage, Damon Corporation and more.

A RV history article on the website Gorving.org points to 1910 as the year the first motorized campers were built. They were known as "auto campers" or "camping trailers."

The Pierce-Arrow "Touring Landau" had a toilet on board. It was unveiled at Madison Square Garden in 1910.

Despite fuel prices, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a study of PKF Consulting released by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

The study found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied." Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV family vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of vacations.

Fuel prices would have to more than double for typical motor home vacations to become more expensive than other forms of travel.

For those interested in buying a RV, including a Class B motor home, there are numerous RV owner associations online. Go to a particular manufacturer's website to see if there is a link to an owners association or ambassador club. Log on to a website like rvresources.com to scroll through links to many RV Associations.