Saturday, September 24, 2011

The History Of Recreational Vehicles And Its Associated Independent Lifestyle

By Jimmy Dalton


Like most other forms of travel, the history of recreational vehicles (or "RVs") dates back further than most people are aware of. Their use as a means of living while in transit, arose for a number of reasons around 1910, although arguably, these mobile homes find their origins much earlier, during the times of gypsy wagons and the covered wagons associated with historical settlement movements.

Initially, their structure was simple. A caravan-type structure was built on car or truck body, and accommodated sleeping places, small dining areas, and a kitchen. With these basic comforts, travellers were able to enjoy a new found freedom, unrestricted by the railway systems of the time.

Societies and clubs quickly spread, due to the increased popularity of this lifestyle, many of which are still around today and continue to celebrate the "free" lifestyle. This led to the emergence of networks formed around the "RV living culture". Unpaved roads and lack of camping areas did not deter these groups from thriving.

The mass production of these vehicles rapidly increased approaching the early 1920s, with an increasing number of families embracing the lifestyle as a cheaper, more inclusive way of travelling and sightseeing. Owning one, meant that when it was not on the road, it could be used as an extra living space, although many who took to the road became, "full-timers", or a group of people who saw their RV as being a type of mobile home - a subculture which thrives even today.

The popularity of this type of lifestyle gradually led to the emergence of a type of subculture, including families who met regularly for an outdoor camping vacation and those who lived and travelled within their motor-homes, working at the various camping grounds. Needless to say, during these formative years, these travellers became isolated from, "mainstream society", to some degree due to the lack of phone or internet facilities.

Today, these motor-homes have evolved significantly to accommodate the needs of luxury travellers, to include features like music entertainment systems, spas, Jacuzzis and cable television. Travellers can use phone and internet access to run their businesses from the RVs, adding a sense of convenience not formerly experienced by the earlier RV travellers.

The history of recreational vehicles illustrates that this kind of lifestyle was birthed from a love for the outdoors and travelling, although today, luxury travellers use these motor-homes to accommodate their busy lifestyles. For over 100 years, this subculture has thrived, from the Unites States to countries all over the world.




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1 comment:

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