RVs Included in Great American Road Trip Campaign

By Jeff Kurowski, Director of Industry Relations

Two Coleman travel trailers, a Winnebago Class C motorhome and an Airstream Bambi travel trailer were among the American-built products included in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Great American Road Trip promotion at Washington, D.C., on May 29.

The campaign was designed to commemorate America’s 250th birthday and inspire both domestic and international visitors to explore the diverse landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture of the United States, according to a DOT lease.

Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy said President Trump tasked everyone from every department to quickly come up with a way to celebrate America’s 250th. That meant the RV industry and other travel and tourism related businesses needed to act fast to participate in the Great American Road Trip.

Camping World’s dealership in nearby Manassas, VA, brought two Coleman travel trailers to the event, which took place on a vacant property across the street from the Transportation Department’s headquarters, said Chris Hennessy, sales associate at the Manassas location.

Winnebago’s Minnie Winnie Class C was driven from the assembly plant in Forest City, IA, to the nation’s capital, said Chad Reece, vice president of government and industry relations.

The Airstream Bambi travel trailer was hitched to a Tesla Cybertruck to show the Cybertruck’s capabilities as an RV tow vehicle. Tesla has an informal arrangement with Airstream to show a Cybertruck hitched to an aluminum-skinned trailer such as a Bambi because they complement each other’s appearance.

The DOT partnered with Brand USA to launch the Great American Road Trip. Brand USA is a destination marketing organization and public-private partnership established to raise awareness of the U.S. as a tourist destination. It was authorized by Congress in 2010 and funded through 2027.

The campaign’s official website, www.roadtripamerica.com, gives travelers access to curated itineraries and personalized recommendations.