by Phil LeClair

When visiting any hall of fame, there’s always the expectation of being up and close to history. Be it Babe Ruth’s baseball bat, a football helmet worn by Jim Brown, or John Lennon’s guitar, if you can’t touch it, you at least need to be close enough to absorb the aura of the historical artifact. Sure the plaques, pictures and statues are impressive, but let’s be honest, we go to a hall of fame to see the memorabilia!

It was no different on my trip to the RV/MH (Recreation Vehicle/Modular Home) Hall of Fame in Elkhart, IN with Pete’s RV Sales Manager Todd McGinnis. While some time was spent paying tribute to the Hall’s 300-plus industry inductees, and viewing the pictorial exhibits, we couldn’t wait to see the RV collection.  We weren’t disappointed!

Representing 100 years of U.S. RVing, RV Founders Hall houses an impressive collection of early tent trailers, campers and motorcoaches. The self-guided tour starts with a 1913 Earl Trailer and Model T Ford and winds you through the decades until you reach a 1967 Winnebago Motorhome. Along with the latter, here’s a few of my favorites:

• 1958 Airstream Travel Trailer
• 1954 Shasta Travel Trailer
• 1957 Serro Scotty Trailer
• 1974 GMC Motorhome

Being able to step into many of the museum pieces is a treat.  It really puts you back in the moment when the camper was being used and enjoyed by a family (the sound of chirping crickets coming from the museum speakers further enhances the mood!).

If you are passing through Indiana, I highly recommend visiting the RV/MH Hall of Fame.  It is located in the heart of U.S. RV manufacturing, right off Interstate 80 in Elkhart.  The RV/MH Hall of Fame is a fun and interesting experience for the whole family.

There’s great pictures of the collection at the RV Hall of Fame on the Pete’s RV Facebook page.  You can also view a quick video I shot of RV Founders Hall on the Pete’s RV YouTube Channel. You’ll notice the first part of the video was taken in low light.  As I explain in the clip, the museum closed while I was still poking around in there.  Initially, I thought I was locked in, but that wasn’t the case.  Thanks to the museum staff for letting me lag behind and get a few extra minutes to complete my tour!