The golden era of RV travel was a time when adventure and luxury merged on America’s open roads. These vehicles weren’t just modes of transportation – they were rolling homes, bringing comfort and innovation to road-weary travelers. From handcrafted wooden interiors to sleek aluminum shells, each of these RVs left its mark on the history of camping and cross-country exploration.
Here’s a look at 11 of the most iconic RVs from the past, each one helping shape the world of modern road trips.
1. The 1910 Pierce-Arrow Touring Landau: The First Luxury RV
Before mass-produced RVs became commonplace, there was the Pierce-Arrow Touring Landau – the very first commercially available motorhome. This lavish vehicle was designed for the wealthy, featuring mahogany interiors, leather upholstery, and even a built-in telephone to communicate with the driver. It could sleep four people, had a sink and a chamber pot, and could reach an impressive (for the time) 20 miles per hour. This early attempt at mobile luxury paved the way for decades of RV design to come.
2. The 1937 Sherman Covered Wagon: The First Mass-Produced Travel Trailer
During the Great Depression, families still longed for adventure, but affordability was a major concern. Enter the Sherman Covered Wagon, one of the first RVs to be mass-produced in America. Designed to be towed by a car, it featured built-in furniture, a small stove, and sleeping areas, making camping much more accessible to middle-class travelers. Over 20,000 units were produced, proving that road trips weren’t just for the rich.
3. The 1940 GM Futurliner: A Futuristic Rolling Showcase
At a time when America was obsessed with innovation, General Motors introduced the GM Futurliner as part of its “Parade of Progress” exhibition. This 33-foot-long, 12-ton bus was used to showcase futuristic technologies, from jet engines to microwave ovens. With its bubble-shaped windshield and sleek, art-deco design, it looked more like something out of a sci-fi movie than an RV. Only 12 were ever built, making them one of the rarest motorhomes in history.
4. The 1966 Winnebago Brave: The Beginning of Affordable Motorhomes
Few names are as synonymous with RVs as Winnebago, and the Winnebago Brave was one of the first to be mass-produced at an affordable price. With its boxy shape and bold “W” logo, the Brave introduced the concept of a budget-friendly motorhome, making road trips accessible to more families than ever before. Its lightweight Thermo-Panel construction and custom-made furniture ensured durability without sacrificing comfort.
5. The Curtiss Aerocar Land Yacht: The Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Trailer
Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer, used his knowledge of aerodynamics to create the Curtiss Aerocar Land Yacht in 1929. This fifth-wheel trailer featured a streamlined design inspired by airplanes, providing better stability and fuel efficiency when towed. It came with a full kitchen, spacious sleeping areas, and the ability to connect multiple trailers together, forming a convoy of high-end accommodations for luxury travelers.
6. The Conklin Gypsy Van: The Original Land Yacht
Long before modern RVs, the Conklin Gypsy Van of 1915 was redefining what it meant to travel in comfort. This double-decker behemoth included a bathroom, kitchen, hot water heater, and even a rooftop garden. Built by steam engine manufacturer Roy Conklin, it was truly ahead of its time. The Conklin family even took it on a cross-country road trip from New York to San Francisco, proving its reliability and setting a precedent for mobile living.
7. The 1973-1978 GMC Motorhome: The First Factory-Built Motorhome
Unlike other motorhomes that were built on commercial truck chassis, General Motors designed and built the entire GMC Motorhome from the ground up. This sleek, low-profile RV had front-wheel drive, an aluminum and fiberglass body, and a powerful V8 engine. With around 12,921 units produced, many of them are still on the road today – testament to their durable and futuristic design.
8. The Dodge Travco: The Stylish 1960s Road Warrior
The Dodge Travco, introduced in 1963, quickly became one of the most recognizable motorhomes of the era. Built on a Dodge truck chassis, it featured a fiberglass body, a Chrysler V8 engine, and a roomy interior. The Travco’s iconic curved design and bright color options made it a popular sight on American highways, and it remained a road trip staple well into the 1980s.
9. The 1968 Revcon Motorhome: The Airstream of Motorhomes
Designed by John Hall, the stepson of Airstream’s founder, Revcon motorhomes were made of aircraft-grade aluminum, making them both lightweight and incredibly durable. Built on an Oldsmobile Toronado front-wheel-drive chassis, they had better handling and a smoother ride compared to traditional motorhomes. The Revcon 250 became one of the most sought-after models, offering a sleek, streamlined alternative to the bulkier RVs of the time.
10. The Airstream Trailer: The Silver Bullet of Road Trips
No list of iconic RVs would be complete without mentioning Airstream. Founded in the 1930s, Airstream revolutionized the travel trailer industry with its distinctive aluminum body, aerodynamic design, and lightweight construction. These trailers became a symbol of adventure and freedom, remaining popular through the decades. Even NASA modified an Airstream trailer, known as the “Astrovan”, to transport astronauts returning from the moon.
11. The Shasta “Canned Ham” Trailer: A Retro Classic
One of the most recognizable travel trailers of the 1950s was the Shasta “Canned Ham” trailer, named for its curved, ham-like shape. With signature wings on the rear sides, these trailers had a distinctive retro charm. They were also affordable, lightweight, and easy to tow, making them an instant hit with post-war families looking to explore the country on a budget.
The Legacy of Classic RVs
Each of these RVs played a role in shaping the road-tripping culture we know today. From handcrafted wooden interiors to futuristic aluminum shells, these vehicles represented freedom, adventure, and innovation. While today’s RVs come with high-tech features and modern comforts, there’s something undeniably magical about the classic designs of the past.
Which of these iconic RVs would you love to take on a road trip?
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.