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60-956: A recreational vehicle , often abbreviated as RV , is a motor vehicle or trailer that includes living quarters designed for accommodation. Types of RVs include motorhomes , campervans , coaches , caravans (also known as travel trailers and campers), fifth-wheel trailers , popup campers , and truck campers . Typical amenities of an RV include a kitchen , a bathroom, and one or more beds. RVs can range from utilitarian – containing only sleeping quarters and basic cooking facilities – to luxurious, with features like air conditioning (AC), water heaters, televisions and satellite receivers, and quartz countertops. RVs can be either trailers that are towed by vehicles or vehicles that drive themselves. Most RVs have one level, but there are also some with two levels. To save space while traveling, larger RVs often have slide-outs or canopies that open up when parked. Self-driving RVs can be categorized into pushers, which have

120-513: A fleet of 1.1 million natural gas vehicles as of December 2011 . As of January 2011, the Australian motor vehicle fleet had 16.4 million registered vehicles, with an ownership rate of 730 motor vehicles per 1000 people, up from 696 vehicles per 1000 residents in 2006. The motor vehicle fleet grew 14.5% since 2006, for an annual rate of 2.7% during this five-year period. The following table compares vehicle ownership rates by region with

180-574: A fleet of 779,090 natural gas vehicles as of June 2012 , the largest NGV fleet in Europe. Sweden, with 225,000 flexible-fuel vehicles, has the largest flexifuel fleet in Europe by mid-2011. More than one million plug-in electric passenger cars and vans have been registered in Europe by June 2018, the world's second largest regional plug-in stock after China. Norway is the leading plug-in market in Europe with almost 500,000 units registered as of December 2020 . In October 2018, Norway became

240-459: A fleet of over 256 million in 2008, and passenger cars accounted for 87% of the union's fleet. The five largest markets, Germany (17.7%), Italy (15.4%), France (13.3%), the UK (12.5%), and Spain (9.5%), accounted for 68% of the region's total registered fleet in 2008. The EU-27 member countries had in 2009 an estimated ownership rate of 473 passenger cars per 1000 people. According to Ward's, Italy had

300-426: A kitchenette has a stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and sink. More luxury models may also provide a microwave . A small bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet is usually also located in the motorhome. On smaller motorhomes, the toilet may be of the "cassette toilet" type, which is a kind of portable toilet or container-based toilet . The toilet sometimes swivels to provide extra room and can be accessed from outside

360-603: A number of vehicle classes including cars , buses , motorcycles , off-road vehicles , light trucks and regular trucks . These classifications vary according to the legal codes of each country. ISO 3833:1977 is the standard for road vehicle types, terms and definitions. Generally, to avoid requiring people with disabilities from having to possess an operator's license to use one, or requiring tags and insurance, powered wheelchairs will be specifically excluded by law from being considered motor vehicles. As of 2011 , there were more than one billion motor vehicles in use in

420-517: A partial solution to the homelessness problems found in cities across the US. RVs for Homeless ( https://rvforhomeless.com/ ) has been formed as a coalition to encourage the donation of older vehicles to alleviate homelessness. This is distinct from the simple use of older vehicles as temporary shelters in homeless encampments. As of 2016, the average age of RV owners in the United States was 45,

480-482: A range of options. One layout innovation that started in 1999 was the development of a slide out or slide room. As seen on the floor plan of the Thor Motor Coach, a slide out is an area that increases the square footage living space of the motorhome. These slide out(s) extend to allow for more living space while parked and retract while driving. As with most innovations, the original slide outs were considered

540-424: A rate of 1:6.63 vehicles to people. The global rate of motorization increased in 2013 to 174 vehicles per 1000 people. In developing countries vehicle ownership rates rarely exceed 200 cars per 1,000 population. The following table summarizes the evolution of motor vehicle registrations in the world from 1960 to 2019: Since the early 2000s, the number of alternative fuel vehicles has been increasing driven by

600-477: A side lounge. In the United Kingdom and the United States, the word motorhome is commonly used. On occasion, other synonyms are used, such as motor home and motor caravan . In Germany , a motorhome is referred to as a Wohnmobil . In Sweden , the term husbil means motorhome. In France , a motorhome is called a camping-car . In Italy , the term camper is used to mean motorhome in general, and

660-462: A three-year decrease since 2015. Per 2020 research reports, more millennials are interested in buying RVs due to their increased demand for camping and outdoor recreational activities, especially in the US. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , sales of RVs in the United States have increased, and as of March 2021, 11.3 million households own an RV, which is a 26 percent increase over the past ten years. In

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720-641: A total of 1.69 million natural gas vehicles. In addition, all the Brazilian gasoline-powered fleet is designed to operate with high ethanol blends, up to 25% ethanol fuel ( E25 ). The market share of flex fuel vehicles reached 88.6% of all light-duty vehicles registered in 2017. India's vehicle fleet had the second-largest growth rate after China in 2010, with 8.9%. The fleet went from 19.1 million in 2009 to 20.8 million units in 2010. India's vehicle fleet has increased to 210 million in March 2015. India has

780-441: Is a type of self-propelled recreational vehicle (RV) which is as the name suggests, like a home on wheels. Motorhomes usually have sleeping spaces for two to eight people. Each sleeping space is either fixed or converted from another part of the motorhome's interior, usually a fold-out sofa. A kitchenette area contains cooking equipment. The type of equipment included differs depending on the motorhome make and model, but generally

840-402: Is cheaper and also offers the flexibility of itinerary planning. While it is legal in all of the United States to live in an RV, there are laws regarding where and for how long RVs can be parked. Some owners fit solar panels to the roof of their RV. It is possible for RV users to live off the electrical grid while still having access to internet, making remote working feasible. Usage of RVs

900-406: Is common at rural festivals such as Burning Man , but most festivals have strict rules about operating an RV during the event. Burning Man is strict about RV water leaks, and generator usage is another of the restrictions that festivals put on the use of RVs. Bluegrass Festivals regularly host RVs; they become the locations for afterhours jamming by participants. Recently, RVs have been proposed as

960-668: Is frequently used for larger motorhomes. In some countries, the proprietary name Winnebago has been largely genericised to refer to any motorhome. The origins of the motorhome date back to 1910, when the Pierce-Arrow motor company introduced the Touring Landau model at the Madison Square Garden auto show. The Pierce-Arrow's entry was specialized for the camper in mind—providing cargo compartments for camping equipment and even an on-board toilet. In

1020-430: Is the second largest after China (2.21 million by September 2018). As of 2017 , the country's fleet also includes more than 160,000 natural gas vehicles , mainly transit buses and delivery fleets. Despite its relative small size, natural gas use accounted for about 52% of all alternative fuels consumed by alternative transportation fuel vehicles in the U.S. in 2009. The 27 European Union (EU-27) member countries had

1080-784: The Grande Diligence of Prince Oldenburg (1896) and the De Dion Bouton trailer of Monsieur Rénodier (1898). The first steam-driven motorhome was the Quo Vadis (France,1900) and the first gasoline-driven motorhome was the Passe Partout (France, 1902). The first recorded powered motorhomes in America were the 'camp cars' of Roy Faye and Freeman Young of 1904–06 (a 1904 Rambler , 1905 Thomas Flyer and 1906 Matheson ). Lightweight tent trailers were especially popular in

1140-608: The United States , the country with one of the highest motorization rates in the world, and how it has evolved from 1999 to 2016. In 2017, a total of 97.3 million cars and commercial vehicles were built worldwide, led by China, with about 29 million motor vehicles manufactured, followed by the United States with 11.2 million, and Japan with 9.7 million. The following table shows the top 15 manufacturing countries for 2017 and their corresponding annual production between 2004 and 2017. Motorhome A motorhome (or coach )

1200-551: The electrified segment , the fleet of hybrid electric vehicles in the United States is the second largest in the world after Japan, with more than four million units sold through April 2016. Since the introduction of the Tesla Roadster electric car in 2008, cumulative sales of highway legal plug-in electric vehicles in the United States passed one million units in September 2018. The U.S. stock of plug-in vehicles

1260-571: The mid-west ; it was 27 feet (8.2 m) long and mounted on a Dodge chassis. Soon afterwards, other campers took an interest in the design and asked Frank to build them one too. By 1960, the Franks had sold seven motorhomes, and decided to open Frank Motor Homes, Inc. the next year. With the stylish fiberglass construction and contemporary color palette, the Frank motorhomes became an acceptable option for 1960s suburbanites who wanted an RV but scoffed at

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1320-425: The travel trailer . Soon other firms began to manufacture these mainstream motorhomes. In 1958, one of the most recognizable names in motorhomes was launched— Winnebago . Under the direction of John Hanson, Winnebago began to produce nearly all of their motorhomes' components other than the chassis. In ten years, Winnebago had grown from 415 employees to 1,252 in 1969 with over $ 3 million in sales. While Winnebago

1380-489: The 1890s, US RV pioneers self-built timber 'houses on wheels' for health, leisure and hunting purposes. The most widely reported of these were those of Morgan Lasley and his family. Horse-drawn RV use declined after the First World War as many horses were killed during the war and automobiles became cheaper, more powerful and more widely available. The first powered RVs were steam-drawn trailers from France including

1440-451: The 1920s, individual builders and manufactures began to convert panel trucks and buses to be used for camping. Designers patterned these "housecars" after airplanes, boats, and buses. One of the earliest known RVs is the "Gypsy Van," built in 1915 by Roland and Mary Conklin. The Gypsy Van was essentially a motorhome constructed on a bus chassis, featuring a range of amenities that were considered quite luxurious for its time. RV production

1500-460: The 500 million-unit mark in 1986, from 250 million motor vehicles in 1970. Between 1950 and 1970, the vehicle population doubled roughly every 10 years. Navigant Consulting forecasts that the global stock of light-duty motor vehicles will reach 2 billion units in 2035. Global vehicle ownership in 2010 was 148 vehicles in operation per 1,000 people, a ratio of 1:6.75 vehicles to people, slightly down from 150 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2009,

1560-631: The RV Industry Association. The recreational vehicle industry around Elkhart is part of a large network of related transport equipment companies, including utility trailer makers and specialty bus manufacturers, who source from the same supply chains. The industry has taken hits from US tariffs on steel and aluminum and other duties on RV parts made in China, from plumbing fixtures to electronic components to vinyl seat covers. Tariff-related price hikes forced manufacturers to pass on some of

1620-612: The US from 1911, thanks to improved roads , new national parks and the affordability of tow vehicles such as the Ford Model T . At the other end of the price scale, luxury touring limousines, developed in France by De Dietrich in 1904, were built in small numbers in the US by Welch (1909) and Pierce Arrow (1910). The first US RV club, the Tin Can Tourists, was formed in 1919. The first known, recreational fifth wheeler

1680-460: The US) were usually converted goods trucks and were heavy, noisy, inflexible and expensive, restricting their use to the wealthy or self-builders. The 'one box' RV was not seen in large numbers until the small, lightweight Volkswagen Kombi of 1950. During the 1920s and 1930s, caravans (travel trailers) became the dominant form of RV in the UK due to their low cost, weather-resistance and flexibility. There

1740-405: The United States declined -11.5% in 2017 and -12.8% in 2018. As of 2016 , the stock of alternative fuel vehicles in the United States included over 20 million flex-fuel cars and light trucks , the world's second-largest flexible-fuel fleet in the world after Brazil . However, actual use of ethanol fuel is significantly limited due to the lack of E85 refueling infrastructure. Regarding

1800-690: The United States, about 85 percent of recreational vehicles sold are manufactured in Indiana , and roughly two-thirds of that production in Elkhart County , which calls itself "the RV Capital of the World", population 206,000. The industry has US$ 32.4 billion annual economic impact in Indiana, pays US$ 3.1 billion in taxes to the state and supports 126,140 jobs and US$ 7.8 billion in wages, according to

1860-427: The adoption of plug-in electric vehicle . As of 2020 , the stock of light-duty plug-in vehicles in use totaled over 10 million units. As of 2019 , in addition, the medium and heavy commercial segments add another 700,000 units to the global stock of plug-in electric vehicles. In 2020 the global market share of plug-in passenger car sales was 4.2%, up from 2.5% in 2019. Nevertheless, despite government support and

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1920-507: The back of the RV so they can use that to travel around more easily when they reach their destination. Although the most common usage of an RV is as temporary accommodation when traveling, some people use an RV as their main residence. In fact, one million Americans live in RVs. In the United States and Canada, traveling south each winter to a warmer climate is referred to as snowbirding . In Australia,

1980-518: The end 2016 Vehicle ownership per capita in the U.S. is also the highest in the world, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDoE) reports a motorization rate of 831.9 vehicles in operation per 1000 people in 2016, or a ratio of 1:1.2 vehicles to people. According to USDoE, the rate of motorization peaked in 2007 at 844.5 vehicles per 1,000 people. In terms of licensed drivers , as of 2009 the country had 1.0 vehicle for every licensed driver, and 1.87 vehicles per household. Passenger car registrations in

2040-494: The end of September 2018. The United States has the highest vehicle ownership per capita in the world, with 832 vehicles in operation per 1000 people in 2016. Also, China became the world's largest new car market in 2009. In 2022, a total of 85 million cars and commercial vehicles were built, led by China which built a total of 27 million motor vehicles. In 1968 the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic gave one of

2100-521: The engine at the back, and pullers, which have the engine at the front. Generally, pushers use diesel fuel, while pullers use gasoline. The first recreational vehicles were horse-drawn. They evolved during the second half of the nineteenth century as adaptations of vehicles used for other purposes, including public transport caravans (UK, also known as stage wagons ), gypsy vardos (Europe), living vans (UK), ambulance wagons (US) and sheep herders wagons (US). The first, currently-known, purpose-built RV

2160-453: The engine of a motor vehicle, the most popular options promoted by different governments are: natural gas vehicles , LPG powered vehicles , flex-fuel vehicles , use of biofuels , hybrid electric vehicles , plug-in hybrids , electric cars , and hydrogen fuel cell cars . Since the late 2000s, China, European countries, the United States, Canada, Japan and other developed countries have been providing strong financial incentives to promote

2220-499: The first international definitions of a motor vehicle: Other sources might provide other definitions, for instance in the year 1977, ISO 3833:1977 provide other definitions. The U.S. publisher Ward's estimates that as of 2010, there were 1.015 billion motor vehicles in use in the world. This figure represents the number of cars, trucks (light, medium and heavy duty), and buses, but does not include off-road vehicles or heavy construction equipment . The world vehicle population passed

2280-455: The increased costs through higher RV prices, which in turn has contributed to slower sales. Shipments of RVs to dealers fell 22% percent in the first five months of 2019, compared to the same period a year earlier, after dropping 4% in 2018. RVs are most commonly used for living quarters while traveling. People may choose to take a road trip in their RV and use the RV to sleep in, rather than a hotel room. They may even decide to tow their car from

2340-431: The interest of several governments to promote their widespread adoption through public subsidies and other non-financial incentives. Governments have adopted these policies due to a combination of factors, such as environmental concerns , high oil prices, and less dependence on imported oil . Among the fuels other than traditional petroleum fuels ( gasoline or diesel fuel ), and alternative technologies for powering

2400-462: The largest hybrid electric vehicle fleet in the world. As of March 2018 , there were 7.51 million hybrids registered in the country, excluding kei cars , and representing 19.0% of all passenger cars on the road. The Brazilian vehicle fleet reached 64.8 million vehicles in 2010, up from 29.5 million units in 2000, representing a 119% growth in ten years, and reaching a motorization rate of 340 vehicles per 1000 people. In 2010 Brazil experienced

2460-473: The month of October 2021, 58,000 RVs were manufactured in North America, the most ever in a single month. Motor vehicle The vehicle propulsion is provided by an engine or motor, usually an internal combustion engine or an electric motor , or some combination of the two, such as hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids . For legal purpose, motor vehicles are often identified within

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2520-411: The motorhome for easy emptying. Larger motorhomes usually have a separate shower cubicle. A motorhome also has a cab area with a driver and passenger seat. These seats often swivel to become part of the living space. A dinette area provides a table and seating space typically used for eating meals. A lounge may also be included, consisting of either a U-shaped sofa located in the rear of the motorhome or

2580-654: The rapid growth experienced, the plug-in electric car segment represented just about 1 out of every 250 vehicles (0.4%) on the world's roads by the end of 2018. The People's Republic of China had 322 million motor vehicles in use at the end of September 2018, of which, 235 million were passenger cars in 2018, making China the country with largest motor vehicle fleet in the world. In 2016, the motor vehicle fleet consisted of 165.6 million cars and 28.4 million trucks and buses. About 13.6 million vehicles were sold in 2009, and motor vehicle registrations in 2010 increased to more than 16.8 million units, representing nearly half

2640-399: The rate of motorization of developed countries . The United States has the second-largest fleet of motor vehicles in the world after China. As of 2016 , had a motor vehicles stock of 259.14 million, of which, 246 million were light duty vehicles, consisting of 112.96 million passenger cars and 133 million light trucks (includes SUVs ). A total of 11.5 million heavy trucks were registered at

2700-507: The second highest (after the U.S.) vehicle ownership per capita in 2010, with 690 vehicles per 1000 people. Germany had a rate of motorization of 534 vehicles per 1000 people and the UK of 525 vehicles per 1000 people, both in 2008. France had a rate of 575 vehicles per 1000 people and Spain 608 vehicles per 1000 people in 2007. Portugal, between 1991 and 2002 grew up 220% on its motorization rate, having had in 2002, 560 cars per 1000 people. Italy also leads in alternative fuel vehicles , with

2760-571: The second largest fleet increase in the world after China, with 2.5 million vehicle registrations. As of 2018 , Brazil has the largest alternative fuel vehicle fleet in the world with about 40 million alternative fuel motor vehicles in the road. The clean vehicle stock includes 30.5 million flexible-fuel cars and light utility vehicles and over 6 million flex-fuel motorcycles by March 2018; between 2.4 and 3.0 million neat ethanol vehicles still in use, out of 5.7 million ethanol only light-vehicles produced since 1979; and, as of December 2012 ,

2820-400: The slang term for a retired person who travels in a recreational vehicle is a "grey nomad". There are local and national RV rental companies, such as Adventure KT and Outdoorsy that specialize in renting RVs to families for vacationing purposes. People enjoy the road trip and luxuries an RV provides while traveling without having a long-term expense. This is similar to home vacation rentals but

2880-485: The subsequent decades. Prior to WW2 a number of other countries developed their own small-scale RV manufacturing industries including Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Germany had a particular focus on small, lightweight caravans towable by low-cost automobiles whilst Australia developed 'pop-top' caravans with good ventilation, ample water storage and high ground clearance. During WW2 RV production

2940-509: The term motorhome refers to Class A motorhomes in particular. Spain and Portugal use auto caravana or auto-caravana . In the Netherlands and in Poland , the term camper is used. In Australia and New Zealand , the term campervan is frequently used for smaller vans, either with a low top or high top that do not have a toilet and shower. In New Zealand , the term housebus

3000-452: The total stock. China is also the world's largest electric bus market, reaching about 385,000 units by the end of 2017. The number of cars and motorcycles in China increased 20 times between 2000 and 2010. This explosive growth has allowed China to become the world's largest new car market, overtaking the US in 2009. Nevertheless, ownership per capita is 58 vehicles per 1000 people, or a ratio of 1:17.2 vehicles to people, still well below

3060-591: The world's first country where 10% of all passenger cars on the road are plug-in electrics. Also, the Norwegian plug-in car segment market share has been the highest in the world for several years, achieving 39.2% in 2017, 49.1% in 2018, and 74.7% in 2020. Japan had 73.9 million vehicles by 2010, and had the world's second largest motor vehicle fleet until 2009. As of 2016 , the registered motor vehicle fleet totaled 75.81 million vehicles consisting of 61,40 million cars and 14,41 million trucks and buses. Japan has

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3120-421: The world's fleet increase in 2010. Ownership per capita rose from 26.6 vehicles per 1000 people in 2006 to 141.2 in 2016. The stock of highway-legal plug-in electric or new energy vehicles in China totaled 2.21 million units by the end of September 2018, of which, 81% are all-electric vehicles . These figures include heavy-duty commercial vehicles such buses and sanitation trucks, which represent about 11% of

3180-404: The world, excluding off-road vehicles and heavy construction equipment . The US publisher Ward's estimates that as of 2019, there were 1.4 billion motor vehicles in use in the world. Global vehicle ownership per capita in 2010 was 148 vehicles in operation (VIO) per 1000 people. China has the largest motor vehicle fleet in the world, with 322 million motor vehicles registered at

3240-455: Was a successful trailer builder of the period and is the only survivor of over 400 pre-WW2 US RV manufacturers. These trailers, with their distinctive, shiny exteriors, were not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Its aerodynamic shape and sturdy construction made it a favorite among travelers. These early advancements in RV and trailer design established the foundation for a burgeoning industry that would continue to develop over

3300-417: Was halted during World War Two and would not resume for the domestic market until the 1950s. When production did begin again, designers began grafting trailer bodies onto truck or bus chassis. Raymond Frank gave these housecars their contemporary name of “motorhome". Following a pattern common in RV history, in 1958 Frank designed and built his first motorhome so his family could take vacations to Florida and

3360-672: Was halted in most countries except when required as accommodation for military personnel or essential workers. Between 1945 and 1960, RVs flourished in many western countries as disposable income and leisure time grew. Dedicated RV parks were established to cater to the needs of both short and long-term RV users. Improvements in RV technology including batteries, fridges, gas cookers, toilets and lightweight construction techniques dramatically improved RV comfort levels. More powerful gasoline and diesel engines allowed RVs to increase in size, weight and speed. Regulations were introduced in many countries to control how RVs were manufactured and used. In

3420-961: Was likewise a travel trailer boom in the US in the 1930s as automobile production-line manufacturing techniques were used in travel trailer manufacturing to meet growing demand from recreational users and those seeking low-cost housing during The Great Depression . Self-built trailers were highly popular in the US during the 1930s and travel trailers featured in a number of Hollywood movies including Mickey's Trailer (1938). The 1920s and 1930s, saw some influential, maverick builders construct innovative RVs in small numbers. These included Bertram Hutchings (UK, 1930–39, streamlined caravans), Charles Louvet (France, 1924–34, aircraft-inspired, coach-built motorhomes and trailers), Noel Pemberton Billing (UK, 1927, Road Yacht motorhome), Glenn Curtiss (US, 1918–30, Adams Motorbungalo, Curtiss Aerocar, Aero Coupler hitch) and William Hawley Bowlus (US, 1934, aluminum monocoque trailers). Wally Byam's Airstream (US, 1931 onwards)

3480-618: Was the Auto Salon Deluxe built in Belgium for Baron Crawhez by Auto-Mixte Pescatore in 1913. In the early twentieth century RV builders in the UK (Navarac, Piggott Bros, Eccles, Bertram Hutchings), the US (Detroit Trailer Company, Welch , Graham Brothers , Pierce-Arrow ) and France ( De Dietrich , Cadel) experimented with a wide range of RV types including caravans and trailers, motorhomes , touring limousines, tent trailers and fifth wheelers. Early motorhomes ('house cars' in

3540-605: Was the horse-drawn Wanderer (UK), commissioned from the Bristol Wagon Works Company by Dr. Gordon Stables in 1884. Stables was a pioneer of the UK's Gentlemen Gypsy movement (1885–1914) which promoted the restorative benefits of horse-drawn leisure caravanning and inspired the formation of the world's first RV club, The Caravan Club (UK), in 1907. The Wanderer was closely followed by the McMaster Camping Car (US,1889). Camping-vehicle In

3600-494: Was the market leader, other companies were also growing. In 1969 a total of 23,100 motorhomes were sold. While the gas crunch of the 1970s drove many manufacturers out of business—including Frank Motorhomes (then known as Travco) —today, the motorhome market continues to be strong. In 2014, 43,900 motorhomes were sold in the United States. Motorhomes can be roughly categorized into three categories: There are many different motorhome layouts available with each manufacturer offering

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