The Tin Can Tourists: Where America’s RV journey began

The Tin Can Tourists (TCT) club holds a special place in the history of RV culture. I was eager to learn more about it!

The formation of the Tin Can Tourists club in 1919 marked the beginning of a communal spirit among auto campers. What started as a way for folks to band together for safer, cleaner, and friendlier camping experiences quickly evolved into a movement that helped shape the modern RV culture.

Origin of America’s first RV club?

I love the name: Tin Can Tourists. RVers love a good road story, and the tale behind the name “Tin Can Tourists” is as quirky and charming as a vintage trailer itself.

Over a hundred years, details can blur into folklore, so I was determined to find out where the “tin can” in Tin Can Tourists originated.

Truth or tall tale?

There have been plenty of stories tossed around over the decades. Some say that early campers were dubbed “tin can tourists” because they relied on canned food during long journeys. Remember, back then, refrigeration was not all that common. Many foods that travelers packed for their journeys were routinely stored inside tin cans.

Another rumor about the group’s name said that Tin Can Tourists came from a clever marketing idea. Members of the Tin Can Tourists were said to attach an actual tin can to their radiators as a recognizable sign of club membership. Certain fuel stations recognized the tin can and rewarded group members with discounts on gasoline.

Some say the ‘tin can’ in Tin Can Tourists was a reference to the travel trailers themselves. Because they were fashioned from metal and looked somewhat similar to a tin can, the name was an obvious choice!

If these are only rumors or legendary stories, where did the name Tin Can Tourists actually originate?

The verified story

A 1919 diary entry from an original club member, Ms. William Austin, clears up much of the mystery. According to her diary, TCT founders chose the name “Tin Can Tourists” to pay tribute to the only vehicle dependable enough for those long, adventurous trips. That would be the Ford Model T, affectionately known as the “Tin Lizzie.”

This account not only explains the “tin can” part of the club’s name but also reflects the pioneering mindset of America’s earliest RV enthusiasts.

Core principles and activities

The Tin Can Tourists’ primary objectives were to provide safe and clean camping areas, offer wholesome entertainment, and uphold high moral values.

The TCT organized regular gatherings, known as homecomings or conventions. At these gatherings, members participated in social activities, shared travel stories, and fostered relationships with one another. To me, the group’s gatherings seem like a foreshadowing of today’s RV rallies or meetups.

Meeting locations and significance

Florida, with its favorable climate, became a popular destination for TCT’s winter conventions. Cities like Tampa, Sarasota, and Gainesville hosted these events. In the summertime, Tin Can Tourists gathered in Michigan because of its cooler, more pleasant temperatures.

These larger gatherings helped unite TCT members. Nonmembers took notice, of course, and club membership grew. Meetups also boosted the local host economies by attracting tourists and promoting infrastructure development.

Legacy and modern-day TCT

After a years-long period of dormancy, the Tin Can Tourists was revitalized. The modern TCT welcomes all vintage trailer and motorhome enthusiasts, organizing rallies and events across the country. These gatherings celebrate the rich history of the RV culture. They allow members to showcase their restored vehicles and share their passion with others.

Upcoming events

For those interested in experiencing a Tin Can Tourist rally, several events are on the horizon. You can find all their events hosted across the country here.

Why it still matters

For anyone who lives for the freedom of the open highway, the story of the Tin Can Tourists is more than just historical trivia—it’s an inspiration. It shows us that even when resources were limited and the roads were rugged, a community could emerge by embracing creativity and resilience. The legacy of those early road warriors continues to fuel today’s culture of exploration, making every modern RV trip a nod to the past.

Not all that different

While our rigs now boast all the comforts of home—from high-tech navigation to luxurious interiors—the spirit of hitting the open road, embracing community, and overcoming challenges remains unchanged. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of tin (and a lot of heart) can set you on the road to unforgettable adventures.

So, the next time you set off on an RV road trip, take a moment to appreciate the Tin Can Tourists. These pioneers relied on nothing more than a trusty Model T to chase down their dreams. Their legacy is still alive in every mile of open road and every campfire shared under a starry sky.

MORE AMERICAN HISTORY ARTICLES:

• Roadside history: When Burma-Shave entertained America
• Discovering America’s soulful history along the Blues Highway and Mississippi Blues Trail
• All RVers own a “whiskey stick,” but we bet you don’t know its history!
• How observing pavement helped create a retailing empire
• Why do outhouses have crescent moons on them?

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