Think back and remember your very first RV. Ah, the good ol’ days. Do you remember how excited you were when you got it? Your very first home on wheels! Oh, boy – the wide open roads, the empty campgrounds… Ha!
What type of RV was the very first one you owned, do you remember? Once you vote in the poll, will you leave a comment below and tell us if you still own the same type of RV (not the same RV, but the same kind). Perhaps you started with a pop-up and now have a large Class A. Or maybe you switched from a small Class C to a fifth wheel. Either way, we’d love to learn about your transition between types, or if you’ve kept to the same through your RVing ownership.
Tent Trailer
It was a British made TT and everything was on the wrong side so we had to turn it around at each camp site. Luckily it was so well balanced we do it by hand as long as it was a level site.
Hard side A-frame pop-up for us after years of backpacking and tent camping.
7’x7′ Umbrella Tent
Our first was a 1987 Skyliner Nomad Weekender 26′ travel trailer. Perfect efficiency apartment on four wheels. Bought new and kept it about 15 years. Next was/is our ’01 CrossRoads All American 32′ travel trailer. We bought this from the original owners in ’16 and have put many miles on it and many nights in it, with many more of both to come.
We had a LL Bean tent. It was great, large and very waterproof and easy set up. We had cots with therma rest, a chair and side table. We were very happy though when we got our first travel trailer with a bathroom.
Wait. Are you counting a tent as a kind of RV? Or is that supposed to refer to a “tent trailer,” aka a canvas-sided pop-up?
1974 Westphalia pop top with an attachable side tent.
Same. We had 2 sets of bulk cots for the older boys while Mom and dad and the younger of 8 children were in the “bus”.
We began camping in tents. As we aged, it became less attractive to sleep on the ground and graduated to a Scamp. Last summer we bought a Class C Fuse. Each step on this journey has been thrilling.
Back in the early 70’s, a few years after my wife and I were married. We purchased what back then was referred to as a mini-motorhome. By today’s standards it would have been a Class C with no slides. Prior to that we borrowed my brother’s pickup truck camper a few times, for camping in the Smokies. That got us hooked.
As a further note to my message above, the “mini-motorhome” was built on a Dodge cut-a-way van chassis, as so many were during that era.
Like most in the poll our first was a Coleman pop up. And it came with a canoe! Both are gone now and we have since enjoyed 5th wheels and a Class A. Now on our 2nd travel trailer and we also own a 5th wheel. This will probably be our last one.
I was just going to check popup/tent, but my first one was a Kwik Kamp popup that I pulled with my 1985 Goldwing. This was specially designed to be pulled by a motorcycle. It was great for week long trips. No more sleeping on the ground in a tent. It had a queen size bed.
When my health got to be too bad to realistically plan on hiking the 3 N-S National Trails in retirement, I started to plan on a motorcycle and motorcycle camper (I was looking at the Aspen) Then cats re-entered my life….
First was a 1973 Starcraft pop up. Then had a small Wilderness bunkhouse. Don’t remember the year of that one. Then went to a 36ft larger Wilderness 2 bedroom bunkhouse with a slide out. From there had a 1992 30ft Bounder Motorhome. Now we have a 2002 Kountry Star 38ft diesel pusher that has 2 slides.
We both tent-camped some as kids. Bought our first RV (a pop-up tent trailer) shortly after we were married in 1969. Graduated to not one but two VW Westfalia Campers (which we drove for almost 20 years). Eventually we wanted to carry our Motorcycle with us, so we bought a 5th wheel toy-hauler that we pulled for 7 years before upgrading for the last time to a 40′ tag-axle Country Coach with a Hydra Lift on the back for the motorcycle. We don’t expect to need another rig… 😍
Like most, we began camping in a tent. After many years and developing stiff joints, we moved up to a 27′ travel trailer. Then 5ers (2 of those, big and bigger), then we went backwards to a monster-size Lance truck camper on our dually. In between all those, we car-camped in our 4Runners (3 different ones) when day trips provided us too much fun to get back home safely. (We always went prepared for that possibility.) Now, we are full-timing like other retirees our age who’ve worked and saved and planned all our lives for geezer life in a Class A. And we’ve loved every minute in each!
Our first camping was in Grandpa’s old tent. You could stand up in it and it had a canopy at the front. Our next was a pop up camper that went up one end at a time. It reminded me of the way a camel stands up. We graduated to a pop up that cranked up. Now that was luxury.
Our first RV was a Jayco hybrid. Hard sided with foldout bunk ends.
Started with a homemade bunk in the back of our first pickup with a shell over the bed. Myself, my wife and our first dog. Went through two pop ups as the three girls were growing up. A Starcraft and a Scamper. Did the camping cabin thing for a while before returning to true RV. Now have a 25 foot Jayco travel trailer with no slide and shopping for something a bit roomier for some extended retirement trips.
I got DH into cabin camping when he refused to do tent camping anymore.That was a nice option for a couple of years.
When I went back to school I rented a 17- footr trailer from my dad on a “rent-to-own” basis
I almost forgot about my 4WD Chevy Luv with an over the cab camper shell, but I was single then. We tent camped a number of years after marriage and since then are on our second Class C.
First real RV was a homemade shell camper that had two side areas for sleeping. We fiberglassed that one ourselves…and were “itchy” for days because we didn’t use the right protection on our arms. But it was special to us! We have always loved and owned truck campers of all kinds. Then we bought a small 24’ fifth wheel, then graduated to a 30’ one. Now we are back in a camper again, an Arctic Fox, which we love. What goes around, comes around.
My first RV was a Little Guy teardrop trailer.
In 1976 we bought a hand-made house on the back of a 51 Ford 2 ton truck someone had put together, and drove it across the country. It drove so slow over the Rockies we got passed by a cyclist!
Our first motorhome was a 1956 Chevrolet Housecar. I’m not sure who the manufacturer was, but it was built on what was known as a bread truck chassis, and was around 28ft. in length. It had four bunk beds and a large rear dinette that could be made into a king size bed if so desired. The engine was a 283 V8 with a three speed manual transmission with an electric overdrive. It had only single wheels on the rear axle, and in a cross wind would scare you to death. We bought it for $1800 in 1973 and it began our education in RV design, maintenance, operation, and two kids. Since that time, we have had a Concord Motorhome, Bluebird Bus, Roadtrek 210 Popular, and now we own a Leisure Travel Van Wonder RTB. Each of the RV’s we have owned has had pros and cons, but we have loved them all and had wonderful adventures all along the way.
You made me go and look up “Housecar” on Google. Great looking retro futuristic style.
We camped with tents and in the back of a pickup shell, but the first true RV was a trailer.
it was a 21’ Lance 2 door, honestly wish I had back.
Our first travel trailer was purchased in Wasilla, AK (we wouldn’t recommend anyone purchasing an RV in Alaska because of the high mark up they add for shipping). It was an OUTDOORS RV Backcountry series 25ft. We didn’t have the best experience with this trailer because the type of slide motor it had. #LESSONLEARNED
Way back in 1965 we purchased a 9 ft by 9 ft Umbrella Tent made by Camel. Camped in it from 1965 to 1971. Then we bought a larger 12 ft by 12 ft Log Cabin style.Camel Tent. The reason for that was we had started a family. Our year old baby had grown too large for his space in our tent and in our 2 seater VW Karmann Ghia. So we had to buy a larger car and the larger tent. From then on we graduated up to trailers, more trailers and since 1997 we are now on our third Class A, a 40 ft bath and a half DP. Stay safe, Stay well, Safe Travels.
My first RV was a 1983 micro-mini Dolphin on a Toyota chassis, which I bought in 1986. I kept it for about 5 years. It was fully self-contained and had everything I needed.
Our first RV was in 1990, a King of the Road fifth wheel. It had one of the first slide outs, the couch moved out. It had two entrances, one on each side, which was great! We were able to use one for entrance/exit, and one to attach our screen room to, and the dogs could go in and out. One of the best set ups ever. WE kept it 13 years. No problems except general maintenance.
Started with a Roadtrek, now have another Roadtek. Class B forever!
In the 1950’s my dad bought a teardrop trailer, while we never took it anywhere, us kids camped in the yard in it. Later in the 50’s he bought a willys I guess it would be called a station wagon, but was bigger. We took a long trip from the Chicago suburbs to Pa, then up to Canada and back through Mi. He built shelves inside and put brackets on the outside so the shelves could be hooked on and we had a outside table attached to the jeep. There were 6, parents, 4 kids and a springer spaniel. As an adult my first and last was a C.
When we were first married my husband had a tent. We went camping a couple of times in it and I was then able to convince him to buy the tent trailer.
2007 Lance truck camper 820(?), then 34′ 5er, 30′ 5er with bunk beds for grandchildren. Back to 2021 Lance 850 camper.
When we got married (1975) our first RV was a Volkswagon van….Westphalia with the pop up roof. Moved to a tent trailer when child #2 came along.
First RV experience was a Class C rental. Company I worked for had 3 month sabbaticals every 6 years. 1980 was my first. My then husband got 6 weeks off from his work. Our son was 18 months. We went from CA up to British Columbia. Across Canada and back home thru the US. Still can’t believe we did that. I’m not an adventurous person by nature. When I think back, no cell phone, had to use pay phones. Never had an issue finding a campground. We were both 31. Ah, to be young again.
I hit pop up because it was the closest choice. My first trailer was home built 8x8x2 ft high. The front half lifted for a 6×8 storage area for tent, lawn chairs and any other equipment deemed necessary. The rear opened on the top at an angle the back wall (rear of the trailer) was double doors that opened to the sides. We had a 12×12 open side tent top to cover the rear area for cooking and eating. The left rear side of the trailer was a pull out camp stove, the right was a large cooler, and under the stove and between was storage for cooking utensils and other dishes and additional groceries. We carried two tents 8×10 for over night and 12×20 for longer stays. From there we went to custom built (by self) camper vans, a small trailer held what would not fit in the van. After a few years we went to a class “C”, we found we preferred the freedom of movement and versatility of the custom van and went back. We have been in vans since. We are now in our mid 70’s and loving the freedom.
In 1981 I bought a 1968 Smoky 14′ travel trailer for $400. It was hardly used and in pretty good shape. It just had the basics, a sink, gas fridge and stove, self contained toilet, and a few 12 volt lights that were powered by a car battery. A friends mother enjoyed using it more than I did, taking her kids camping. Sold it a few years later for what I paid for it.
Skip ahead 35 years, bought a 38 year old 22′ class C motorhome for $300, fixed some mechanical problems it had so now everything works, and have been running the wheels off it now that I’m retired. Sometimes going to a campground, sometimes boondocking.
We had a Fleetwood Sequoia Highlander tent trailer we bought new for $15K in 2006 and had it for 10 years. It had 2 king beds, stove, oven, microwave, a wet bath with a cassette toilet and an outdoor grill that attached to the outside of the trailer. It was so easy in that we never had to dump the tanks, level it, nor pay to store it off our property, all inconveniences we have to do now with our new travel trailer. Sometimes I miss those days until I remember how many times we had to fix the leaky roof 😉
Converted Step VAn
My first and only, 1984 Toyota Dolphin (some 10 years ago) with many happy adventures and more to come! Just got a new engine and am in process of “re-remodeling” and redoing interior. Love that thing!
Our camping experience began with tent camping, then tent camper fold down, then a travel trailer – all with my parents or as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster. After a few Midwest thunder-storms – our first camper was a Clas A 26′ Eldorado Encore (Mpls, KS). Our 2nd and current is a Class A. Winnebago 34′ with no restricting, sticking or leaking slide-outs. Albeit difficult to get around without a toad – our camping is usually in the woods at federal lands/state parks and we love our “Vectra LE”!
My first RV was a backpack, human powered by feet. That was a great arrangement throughout Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington for 5 decades. 6 years ago we substituted a Winnebago View, small class C, for the engine, but still hike into the backcountry from wherever we are parked. Right now, as I write this, we are parked on the Pacific Coast by the dunes, listening to the surf.
Very nice, Jack! Enjoy all of the beautiful weather down there this week. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Our first “RV” was a Coleman utility trailer that carried our tent, lanterns, sleeping bags, etc. to National Forest and State Park campgrounds. Next was a pop-up camper, followed by 3 5th wheels, each getting a bit longer. Currently have 40′, 4 slides – very comfortable.
My first “RV” was a 1947 Palace Royale which I had in a trailer park while attending college in the 70’s. Though I didn’t travel around in it, other than to drive it about 60 miles to set it up, it was old and I learned a lot about travel trailers fixing it up during the four years I lived in it. After retiring I switched from tent camping to a Camplite hybrid to begin my rv travels.
It was an Aristocrat 15 ft. Lo – Liner. Had a gaucho at the rear window for a bed. No refrigerator, had an ice box. Had gas/propane mantels for lights. 3 burner gas stove with gas oven. hand (wobble) pump for water. No bathroom. Had an overhead bunk bed at the front. No hot water tank.
I bought my first RV when I was 18. It was a 1975 8 foot Six-Pac slide in truck camper. Then after getting married, we stepped up to a 12 foot Dreamer camper. Then, on to a few trailers, now on our fourth motorhome,,,,,a 40 foot Tiffin.
One day I was driving home and a couple blocks away I saw a guy putting a ‘FOR SALE” sign in the window of his Starcraft pop-up. I went home and brought my wife back and we bought it. It wasn’t brand new and it had a couple things to repair but we ended up camping in that pop-up with our two kids for over twenty years.
Now we own a fifth wheel, it’s just the two of us, and sometimes two or three grandkids. But those days with the pop-up were some of the best camping memories of our life.
Had not gone camping since I was a kid, when we found a killer deal on a Class A Georgetown, and that has been our rig for the last 12 years.
My first real RV (I had tents from Scouts and stuff) was a home-made teardrop on a harbor freight 4×8 trailer. It leaked, but it worked when I needed it to. it towed like a dream. Never even felt it back there! comfortable enough for me, but now my DW had different ideas. so we’re now in a Thor Class C.
Actually I still have our 1980 Coleman Gettysburg popup. No one seems interested in buying it.
My dad bought a 13 foot trailer in the late ‘60’s. We would pile mom, dad, 3 kids and the dog, plus whatever kid friends wanted to come, into the Vistacruiser. Always overheated the engine going over Snoqualmie Pass. The parents slept in the trailer, while us kids were out in the Army tent in 100 degree weather. Aah, the smell of mildew!! Now I have a Class B camper van that seems like the ultimate luxury for one person!
After a lot of research we bought our first RV in 2008 a 34 foot Forest River Palomino 5th Wheel. In 2012 we swapped it out for a 38 Foot Heartland Big Country. In 2017 we swapped it out for 2017 43 foot Heartland Big Country. 2020 we decided to go big and bought a 36 Foot Open Road Allegro. This will be our last!
Our first RV was a Volkswagen pop-up. Many miles with two pre- to teenagers. Wish we had it back now.
First RV was a brand New 22 foot 1975 Arabian 5th wheel .
First “RV” was a used, rental pop up. Kept if for a few years then bought a used bunk house travel trailer then a new 35 foot travel trailer. After that we bought a 60 acre, 110 site campground that we had for 10 years, sold it profitability. Bought a 40 foot Class A which we sold and purchased a smaller Class C which we still have and use. All this was between 1972 to present!
My first was a blue bird school bus that I converted to motor home. My first trip was from Maryland to Colorado. Loved it, but traded it for 30 acre in the co mts.
When my in-laws bought a class C, we bought their class B, van camper. Easy to drive, easy to park, easy to make a decision to just go somewhere for a weekend. We loved the easy way to travel so much, that when that one bit the dust we bought another used class B.
My first recreational vehicle was a boat.
Yeah, my city defines RVs as including but not limited to kit airplanes, boats whether motorized or rowed, and self propelled or towed living accommodations- by that definition mine would be a canoe. None are allowed to be visible in our city.
My first camper looked just like the one in the picture-except mine was pink and white. My grandparents bought it new. A 1959 Rainbow.
’65 VW bus. Empty except for bench seat. We added plywood shelves behind the seat, and bed. Coleman stove and icebox. Alaska to El Salvador, California to Florida. One quarter million miles when finally hit and totaled while parked.
Started in Spring of 2018 with new Lance 855S. Traded up to 5th wheel in spring of 2020. Will not go fulltime but have most of 2021 reserved in different places in Southeast. We are members of a FCRV group and also meet back up with folks we have met camping the past 3 years. I’m retired and Betty has online business which also provides places to be for conferences in resort areas.
First “RV” was a Danish Fold-up tow behind. Towed all over Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland behind a 1972 Honda, (not Civic), It opened like a book, and set up in less than a minute. Coleman copied the design and sold their version in the U.S. about 1975.
Good times for 2. European campgrounds are very different.
We camped several times with my in-laws in their 5th-wheel. We lacked an RV at the time and did without for several years, instead joining them on numerous occasions. When we finally bought one, it was a 43′ diesel pusher.
Started with a used 1973 Bethany Pop-up. Bought it in 1981. Ice box, Sink had hand pump. 10-gallon fresh water tank. No gray water tank – used a collapsible plastic tank. In 1983 bought a Jayco 24-foot rear bunkhouse travel trailer. 1997 saw a 37′ Jayco Designer 5th wheel as we approached retirement. 2005 was a 38′ Jayco Designer Legacy 5th wheel with stackable washer and dryer. Perfect for 89-day trip to Alaska and 6-weeks to New England. Wife had a knee replacement after our return and had many problems resulting in an above-knee amputation. Next was a 38-foor Forest River travel trailer with 36″ exterior doors so a wheelchair would fit through. Had wheelchair lift arm that was great. She died from dementia/Alzheimer’s a little over a year ago. Currently have a 35′ 2015 Crossroads Cruiser.5th wheel. Bedroom a little tight but can’t afford a new unit. It works pretty good.
Hi, Tom. We’re very sorry to hear about your wife. But we’re glad to hear you’re still RVing. And, of course, we always appreciate your contributions to our comments. Thanks you! Take care. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com
My first camper was a dark green 1966 VW Campmobile with a little white pop top. I paid about $1,600 for it. I was attending college in SoCal at the time and used it as my on-campus office during the day between classes. My wife and daughter traveled throughout the West and as far east as Wisconsin on our Bicentennial vacation in 1976. We had some great times in that old rig and I miss it.
Our first trailer was a 1997 Nash 25S, which we kept for 15 years. Loved it!
Went from a 2012 FR Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite to a 2021 GD Reflection 320 MKS. In between we’ve had a 2016 KZ Durango (a piece of crap), and a 2017 Heartland Elkridge (disappointing quality). Reflection is not without it’s problems, but it has far less in quantity and quality, than the others.
I’m in my second RV now (a 2015 Dynamax DX3-37RB I bought new in 2014). My first RV was a 2010 Casita Spirit Deluxe Travel Trailer which I bought new and picked it up at the factory in TX in August, 2010 (and then headed out to the Burning Man event in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert). That little “egg” was a GREAT way to get started. I put 50,000+ miles on that little “egg” camper and, recovered most of what it cost me when I sold it. I would HIGHLY recommend starting out in a “fiberglass egg” RV. They’re lightweight and easy to tow. New, they start at around $20,000.00 which, if you decide to “graduate” to something bigger (like I did) you’ll recover much of your initial cost. As the RV life is NOT for everyone, starting small means you won’t take a huge loss should you start with an expensive RV just to find that RVing is NOT your “cup of tea”.
Our first past the tent stage was a Palomino brand tent trailer we acquired sometime about 1984. Two burner stove and hand pump water faucet. Second was a Jayco tent trailer 1996 model. Quite an upgrade from the first. We are now in a 2015 Wilderness 27 ft travel trailer.
We started rving in 2001 with a 1986(?) Bluebird Wanderlodge class a we named Ribbit. Huge green bus decked out with all the bells and whistles at the time. Took it to Mazatlan for the winter and had a frog sitting on top of the world painted above the front windshield. Later custom carpet done by a family member who had a flooring business. Since have had every type of rv available except a 5th wheel. Now in a new 21′ class c. Wonder if Ribbit is still out there being used?! Memories!
I’m going to assume the Tent/Pop Up entry is NOT for free standing tents, and so my first is a 17 ft molded fiberglass trailer with a dedicated bed and plenty of windows. Before my health went south I was an ultralight backpacker and I was miserable thinking my camping days were over and I would not be in any shape to buy a motorcycle and an Aspen popup trailer-at that time my retirement planning centered around almost fulltime traveling,. But now I have heart problems, severe arthritis and chronic pain, and heat induced asthma, and spent most of 2018 and 2019 in hospitals- and my DH also in 2019 and 2020.. I’ve gone on a few camping trips in my Lil Snoozy (Grandmotherbear’s Den) and hope to go on many more
We started in 1976 with used 11 1/2 ft truck camper. In 1983 we traded it in for small 5th wheel. We could not fit 4 kids in the truck camper. We moved up several times. We had small Class A but with problems. I am now alone and in a Class C that I like. Do camp with family at times.
Grew up camping in my folks 60’s Travel-eze trailer. In the late 70’s (high school) bought and converted a retired International Harvester postal truck; that, and then tents, got me through to the trailer we have today.