For many, the perfect destination for their first adventure in their new motor home is Elkhart, Indiana. While the name may not ring loud like some others in America, Indiana is an iconic destination for motor home owners. That’s because it’s very likely that your motor home, fifth wheel, or RV was built in Elkhart.
Known as the RV Capital of the World, here is a look at some of what Elkhart, Indiana has to offer.
Early History Of Elkhart
What started as an area mostly inhabited by Native American tribes, Elkhart saw much of its economic expansion in the late 1800’s. It’s likely that this is attributed to the infrastructure created by the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad Company, which was the first major rail line through the area. Elkhart now has three major railroads, including two Amtrak rails, which make up for a good amount of traffic through the city. As it stands now, the population of Elkhart now sits at around 50,000, and much of the economy is stabilized by the creation of motor home units.
Band Instrument Capital Of The World
Along with being known as the RV Capital Of The World, Elkhart is also known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World. If you played clarinet, flute, saxophone, or any other sort of instrument while growing up, chances are your instrument came from this community. With so many young musicians around the world, it’s great to take a stroll down memory lane by taking a road trip to Elkhart.
RV Capital of The World
As mentioned before, Elkhart is second to none when it comes to RV and motor home rig production. Forest River, Bennington Marine, Keystone, Skyline, Sun Valley, and Thor are just a few of the industry names that call Elkhart home.
Recreational Enjoyment
While you are in Elkhart, you’ll want to take part in plenty of other activities aside from just visiting an RV manufacturing plant. Luckily for you, there are plenty of those activities to take part in.
The Elkhart Jazz Festival comes to town for three days during the summer, and it’s one of the premier festivals for jazz in the nation. The Elkhart Jazz Festival has been going strong for more than 25 years, and it remains a staple in the community every summer.
Elkhart was also once home of the Elkhart Air Show. This annual event stopped in 2007 due to financial issues, but the community continues to keep it a part of its history. This air show brought in military, professional, and hobbyist aviation specialists for a performance that would light up the sky. Despite the fact that the air show has not been held for a few years, it’s presence can still be felt while visiting Elkhart, and it’d be great to see it resume again in the future.
Elkhart, Indiana is known as the RV Capital of the World. That title, along with a multitude of other activities to take part in, make it an enjoyable destination to consider once you have your motor home.
Crossroads Trailer Sales has been the #1 5th Wheel dealer in New Jersey for the last 9 years. Our 10 acre lot features over 250 5th wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers to choose from. We are a family owned and operated business that has been proudly serving the RV community since 1988. Pleasecontact usfor all of your 5th wheel and trailer needs. We look forward to hearing from you and thanks for reading!
FAQs
While Elkhart, Indiana may be better known for its Amish community, this small town also carries the title for being the capital of Recreational Vehicle (RV) production in the United States. Thanks to the Hoosier spirit and innovative approach to travel, the RV explosion had its epicenter in this quiet community.
What percentage of RVs are made in Elkhart, Indiana? ›
According to Thomas, about 85% of all RVs made, are manufactured in Indiana. You'll see below, we calculate that about half of all RV manufacturers are located in Indiana and with heavyweight conglomerates Forest River and Thor there, it foots that 85% of RV units made would come out of this city of 53,949 people.
Has RV sales slowed down? ›
Ashurst said RV sales took off as Americans looked outdoors for social-distance-safe activities, then decelerated down almost 50% from their 2021 peak. Higher interest rates have also cut into demand.
How did Elkhart become the RV capital of the world? ›
By 1948, it was official. National press clippings show Elkhart referenced as the “Trailer Capital of the World.” At that point, 100 companies were building trailers in and around Elkhart County. As more manufacturers sprung up, that attracted additional suppliers, which in turn attracted more manufacturers.
What state sells the most RVs? ›
The highest number of RV sales by state is Indiana ($6.8 billion), California ($2.2 billion) and Texas ($1.8 billion).
What is the RV capital of the United States? ›
While the name may not ring loud like some others in America, Indiana is an iconic destination for motor home owners. That's because it's very likely that your motor home, fifth wheel, or RV was built in Elkhart. Known as the RV Capital of the World, here is a look at some of what Elkhart, Indiana has to offer.
What RV is made by the Amish? ›
Located in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, we manufacture the iconic TAB Teardrop Camper, the TAG Teardrop Trailer, the TAB 400 Teardrop Camper, the Barefoot Travel Trailer, and the Cirrus Truck Camper.
Who is the largest RV dealer in the US? ›
Our Lazydays RV Supercenter in Tampa is the world's largest RV dealership, sprawled across 126 acres and packed with everything RVers need. We offer an impressive selection of RVs for sale in Florida, with the largest selection of new RVs for sale and pre-owned RVs for sale in the nation.
What is the top RV manufacturer? ›
Let's have a look at the Top 10 RV manufacturers, their history, and what they are famous for.
- TIFFIN. For over five decades, Tiffin Motorhomes has been synonymous with excellence in the RV industry. ...
- WINNEBAGO. Winnebago needs no introduction in the RV world. ...
- FLEETWOOD. ...
- COACHMEN. ...
- GRAND DESIGN. ...
- JAYCO. ...
- NEWMAR. ...
- FOREST RIVER.
Buy in the Off-season
With RV sales slowing, dealerships are more likely to offer discounts and incentives to clear their inventory and make room for next year's models. This makes October to January the best time of year to buy an RV.
What's the best day of the week to shop for RVs? You may find that the best time to buy RVs is during the week. Dealerships tend to attract more customers on the weekends. Weekdays come with lower levels of competition, which means it will be easier to get one-on-one time with a salesperson.
What time of year is cheapest to buy an RV? ›
RV Manufacturers Discount RVs in the Fall and Winter
To keep sales going, these manufacturers often give dealerships discounts in the fall to encourage the dealers to increase orders. Buying an RV during the slow season means you may be able to pick one with extra features for a lower price.
Where are most trailers made in Indiana? ›
Elkhart County manufactures one of every two recreational vehicles on the road today. How did it all begin? Wilbur Schult, a dynamic promoter and retailer, bought Elkhart's Sportsman Trailer Company from Milo Miller in 1936.
What camper brands are made in Elkhart, Indiana? ›
Manufacturing Titans: Forest River & Thor Industries
A significant chunk of the RV industry's success can be attributed to two dominant manufacturers based in Elkhart: Forest River and Thor Industries.
What percentage of RVs are made in Elkhart County? ›
The city calls itself the “RV Capital of the World” — more than 80 percent of the vehicles sold in the United States are made in Elkhart and the surrounding area, according to the RV Industry Association — and Mr.
Why is Elkhart Indiana famous? ›
In 1934, the first trailer factory opened in Elkhart, followed by similar businesses. Today Elkhart is known as the “world capital” of recreational vehicles, as well as manufactured housing and band instruments; most of the leading brands in each industry are headquartered in the city.
Why are so many people moving into RVs? ›
The Covid-19 pandemic forced more people into poverty. Some of the RV dwellers have jobs but either don't want to pay apartment rent, or can't afford to pay it, in a city where the average one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500 a month.
What state has most RV parks? ›
Texas had the most (376) RV parks but California had the most park employees (3,161) in 2018. Alaska again led the pack in pay: its 31 RV parks reported the highest average annual payroll ($91,611) per employee of any state.
