If Detroit is Motor City, then Elkhart, Indiana must be Motorhome City. Most RV manufacturers in the US call Indiana home, and most of those do their manufacturing in Elkhart County.

In fact, some 60 to 80% of all RVs — globally — are made in this northern Indiana town of about 50,000 people just east of South Bend. With the RV/MH Hall of Fame in town, Elkhart is a destination for both RV manufacturers and aficionados.

 

RV / MH Hall of Fame - Elkhart, IN.

RV / MH Hall of Fame – Elkhart, IN.

RV / MH Hall of Fame is typically open for tours 7 days / week.  Visit rvmhhalloffame.org for more info.

RV / MH Hall of Fame is typically open for tours 7 days / week. Visit rvmhhalloffame.org for more info.

Why are so many RVs built in Elkhart?

RV historian Al Hesselbart can explain how Elkhart became the RV capital. Hesselbart worked at the Hall of Fame for years and has authored a book on the origin tale called “The Dumb Things Sold … Just Like That!

dumb-things-sold

According to Hesselbart, three trailer manufacturers set up shop in Elkhart in the 1930s. These forerunners saw opportunity in the available workforce and central shipping location. Indiana was already home to auto plants such as Studebaker, so Elkhart had skilled workers to build RVs.

From there it was a matter of growing to scale. RV parts suppliers sprung up to serve the trailer companies, making the area even more conducive for additional RV companies. Before long, the existing infrastructure and workforce acted like a magnet for more and more RV manufacturers and suppliers to build in Elkhart.

The RV Industry is Here to Stay in Elkhart, Indiana, USA

While many manufacturing jobs have moved overseas, Elkhart has held onto its claim as the RV capital. Even during recessions, the industry finds a way to make it thanks to Indiana’s business-friendly regulations and the irreplaceable workforce found there.

Over the years some RV manufacturers in other parts of the country have actually closed up shop and relocated to Elkhart.

Of course, RV fans also love the fact that they can buy trailers and motorhomes built in the USA. It’s a very American pastime and lifestyle, and we at RVT are so glad that the RV industry is thriving in Elkhart!

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