The History of Coachmen RV: From Humble Beginnings to an RV Industry Leader

Few names in the RV industry are as well-known as Coachmen RV. With decades of experience and millions of families served, Coachmen has built a legacy of trust, innovation, and affordability. Let’s dive into the history of Coachmen RV and how it became one of the most recognized RV brands in America.

The Beginning of Coachmen RV

Coachmen RV was founded in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana, by brothers Tom, Keith, and Claude Corson. With just a small facility, a team of 12 workers, and a big dream, they built their first year’s output:

• 12 travel trailers

• A single truck camper

• 80 truck caps

From the start, Coachmen focused on building affordable, reliable RVs that could bring families into the camping lifestyle.

Rapid Growth in the 1970s and 1980s

By the 1970s, the RV lifestyle was exploding in popularity, and Coachmen grew quickly to meet demand. Their lineup expanded to include Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.

Coachmen became known for creating RVs that balanced quality and affordability — giving families a way to experience the outdoors without breaking the bank.

A Trusted Name in RVing

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Coachmen solidified its reputation as one of the largest RV manufacturers in the United States. With nationwide dealerships and strong customer loyalty, millions of RVers hit the road in a Coachmen.

The brand’s trademark “Running Man” logo became a familiar sight at campgrounds across America.

Coachmen Joins Forest River

In 2008, Coachmen RV was acquired by Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company owned by Warren Buffett. This gave Coachmen even greater resources, stability, and reach while still allowing the brand to maintain its identity.

Today, Coachmen operates as a Forest River division, continuing its tradition of building affordable, family-friendly RVs with a wide range of options for every lifestyle.

The Coachmen Lineup Today

Coachmen offers one of the widest selections of RVs in the industry, including:

• Class A Motorhomes – Gas and diesel motorhomes with residential comfort.

• Class C Motorhomes – Family-friendly favorites like the Leprechaun and Freelander.

• Travel Trailers – Lightweight models like the Apex and Catalina.

• Fifth Wheels – Spacious and well-equipped options for extended travel.

• Toy Haulers – Rugged designs for outdoor enthusiasts with gear.

This variety ensures that whether you’re a first-time buyer or a full-time traveler, there’s a Coachmen RV designed for you.

Coachmen’s Legacy

From a small Indiana start-up to a household name in RVing, Coachmen has built more than 600,000 RVs since 1964. Their success is rooted in:

1. Affordability – Making RV ownership possible for more families.

2. Variety – Offering everything from small travel trailers to luxury motorhomes.

3. Customer Trust – Decades of reliability and support from a nationwide dealer network.

Final Thoughts

For over 60 years, Coachmen RV has helped families, couples, and adventurers experience the freedom of the open road. Their commitment to affordability, variety, and customer satisfaction has made them one of the most enduring names in the RV industry.

Whether you’re buying your first RV or upgrading to your next adventure vehicle, Coachmen remains a trusted choice for countless RV travelers.