Filed under: Activities & Attractions, Destination Camping & RV Resorts, Historic Places & Landmarks, RV Campgrounds

Mom, Where Do RV’s Come From?

May 18, 2012 by Dalin Brinkman · Leave a Comment

Print This Post ·

RVs come in all shapes and sizes. So it would make sense that they come from a lot of different places, too. That’s only partially true.

While RVs are made all over the U.S., one particular county lays claim to being the capital of of RV creation: Elkhart County, Indiana. The “Hollywood” of the RV industry, Elkhart makes between 50-60% of all recreational vehicles in the United States each year. Dutchman, H-L, Jayco, Gulf Stream, Keystone, Royale Coach and Winnebago all have manufacturing facilities here.

So it begs the question, what makes this middle of nowhere location the center of the RV world? The answer is that it’s in middle of almost everywhere. Located midway between between Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland, Elkhart is only a small distance from a lot of major markets.

As one of the first major manufacturing locations for RVs, it was heavily promoted as “the place” to build RVs. Wilbur Schult, who purchased Sportsman Trailer in 1936 promoted Elkhart to anyone and everyone who would listen. As a result many manufacturers set up shop in the county. This in turn led to high number of suppliers moving nearby, as well.

If you are a avid RV enthusiast, many of these companies provide tours of their facilities. As you might imagine, Elkhart is also a wonderful place to buy a new RV.
View RV Sales Locations in the Elkhart Area

If you are on your way to Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland or anywhere in between, Elkhart has some great campgrounds to stay at on your way.
See the campgrounds in the Elkhart Area