A Quick Look at the History of Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are a common sight on today’s highways, and a great way to see the United States. Most of us take them for granted because they’ve always been around, but they have some interesting history. Here’s a look at the development of these highly versatile campers. To create some travel trailer history of your own, come see us at MIG RV in Bellefontaine, Ohio. We’re your RV vacationing headquarters in Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio.

Early Prototypes

Around 1910, early adventurers pitched tents on wheeled platforms to fashion primitive travel trailers. Most of the cars of the period only traveled at very slow speeds (around 15 mph), and the tent trailers were a creative way to save some setup time. Within a few years a few manufacturers began selling hard-sided travel trailers, and some crafty campers even fashioned trailers of their own!

Modern Travel Trailers

By the 1920s, travel trailers began to take shape with new features such as kitchens, living rooms and a lot of other new comfort features. In fact, some people even began living in travel trailers all year long!

Travel Trailers Take the World by Storm!

In 1929, Arthur Sherman built the “Covered Wagon,” which became the first mass-produced travel trailer. Sherman became the largest manufacturer in the travel trailer industry, which had grown to over 400 manufacturers by the mid-1930s.

To see our current inventory of new and pre-owned travel trailers, visit MIG RV in Bellefontaine, Ohio. We serve RV lovers in Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio, as well.