The First RVs Were Called “Tin Can Tourists”

The term "Tin Can Tourists" refers to the early RV enthusiasts of the 1910s and 1920s who embraced motor camping as a way to explore the United States. Here's more about this fascinating chapter in RV history:

• These adventurers were ordinary people seeking affordable ways to travel and enjoy nature.
• They earned their nickname because they often relied on canned food for meals, cooking over portable stoves.

• Early "RVs" were homemade setups, with motorists outfitting cars or trucks with tents, sleeping cots, or makeshift kitchens.
• By the 1920s, manufacturers began creating vehicles specifically for motor camping, marking the birth of the RV industry.

• Tin Can Tourists paved the way for the modern camping and RV lifestyle.
• They popularized the idea of road trips, contributing to the development of RV parks and roadside attractions.

• In 1919, a group of campers in Florida formalized the movement by creating the Tin Can Tourists club, promoting safe and enjoyable camping.
• The group's motto was "Clean camps, friendliest people, and wholesome entertainment."
• The organization still exists today, celebrating vintage RVs and the spirit of adventure.

The Tin Can Tourists embodied the freedom and excitement of hitting the open road, a legacy that continues to inspire RVers around the world!