Today if you’re willing to drop some cash you can get pretty nice accommodations on wheels in the form of a new RV, or recreational vehicle. These dwellings for some are a temporary retreat from the outside world, while others live in them most or all of the year. They aren’t known for great gas mileage, but what they lack in efficiency they make up for in charm and freedom. Some of the biggest ones even have a second story! Many Americans have a dream to travel in their golden years, bouncing between scenic drives and gorgeous camping spots. But, did you know that these portable homes date back to before the First World War? Here we take a look at RVs from 1910 to now to see the evolution of these fun vehicles over time.

1910s

The original camper would have been the covered wagon, a vehicle that could serve as shelter if needed. They were widely used in the 1800s when moving house or traveling out West on overland passes. But, when it came to the brand new automobile the first campers were quite innovative. This model had pop-out side tents that turned this car into a much larger camping spot. And, in theory it saved having to set up a series of tents for the entire family.

1920s

The camper below was said to have slept 4 people thanks to the side supports that opened out. It’s unclear if that’s 4 people with or without the dogs. From the original caption, “Rosalie Eugenia ‘Gene’ Gardiner, dog ‘Rags’, and son Wm. Frederic Gardiner beside converted Model ‘T’ Ford Depot Wagon, year unknown. ‘Had sleeping accommodations for 4 which swung out from the sides of the body, also a kitchenet [sic] built out on the tail-gate. Cook, eat and sleep without going outside!’”

Called “tin can tourists” after the highway from Canada to Miami was completed in 1915, people flocked to use motor vehicles to take their vacations in the new-fangled contraptions that reminded people of tin cans. It was in 1919 that the Tin Can Tourists of the World was founded in Tampa, Florida, at a campground. Automobiles and RVs had opened up a whole new way to vacation or even potentially spend one’s retirement. Folks took roadtrips for fun as engines became more efficient, powerful, and reliable.

For the first time trailers could be used to camp in and the first streamline style trailers were produced.

Even though metal campers and trailers were the style, there were also wooden framed models that harkened back to the wagons and caravans of yore.

1930s

Plywood was among the newer materials that made motorhomes like this late 1930s model possible. Plywood interiors with modern kitchens and even separate bedrooms made these campers very luxurious- and expensive!

By the 1940s some families were living in RVs as they made good temporary housing. Trailers were also used to house workers at various munitions plants and other wartime jobs.

But, the boom in war work and the prosperity that followed the Second World War meant that by the end of the decade many folks were able to afford campers and RVs for recreational use.

In the 1950s camping became a national pastime as people flocked to state and national parks as well as private campgrounds for some wholesome family fun.

Shells for pick-up trucks were one way to go camping, though not as fancy as a dedicated RV.

In the 1950s all kinds of new products were released for campers, including these pop-up trailer types. While not quite the luxury of a motorhome, these did the job for many a weekend traveler.

1960s

In the 1950s the Volkswagen TI Transporter bus was first released and by the 1960s this compact van had become one of the premiere ways to camp or travel. These could be fitted with lots of seats or with small kitchenettes and benches for living space. Add-ons like roof racks, awnings, or pop up top roof panels made these vans more suitable for camping or living.

Small trailers with pop-out sides continued to sell because they were compact and good for quickly setting up shop.

1970s

In the 1970s VW buses and other vans became the mode of choice for beach dwellers, hippies, and even families who didn’t want to drive a huge RV around the place.

1990s

In the 1990s RVs and motorhomes got huge, with long-bodied models containing many rooms, wall to wall carpet, and some even featured built-in TVs and microwaves!

For those wanting a more compact option the Chevrolet Express vans made for a popular choice in campers.

In the past 10 or 20 years camper vans and renovated vintage RVs have been extremely popular. Custom builds are not uncommon and there are whole communities and industries based on converting old motorhomes, Sprinter vans, and other vehicles to become the ideal space for camping or living.

2020s

Many recent conversions have the sleeping area higher up in the back to make space for water tanks, camping and sports gear, clothes, and other storage underneath.

Tiny home living, van life, and the era of digital nomads have made for a whole new generation of RV enthusiasts, just as eager to see the wilderness as those who came before them.