Vagabonds and tin can tourists are an integral part of the great American road trip story. And so they are featured prominently this week in Jim Hinckley’s America.
Introduction
Few stories capture the essence of the great American road trip like those early “Vagabond” camping adventures of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and their associates. Extensive media coverage of these pioneering excursions ignited a national fascination for adventures on the open road. And they sparked a cottage industry that would be the foundation for iconic brands such as Airstream.
From the Gypsy Van of Roland Conklin to the aluminum-shine of Airstreams, and the community built by the Tin Can Tourists, generations of Americans have experienced the allure of the open road.
The Vagabonds: Ford, Edison & Firestone Hit the Open Road
Between 1916 and 1924, industrial titans Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone, along with naturalist John Burroughs and other associates, embarked on legendary annual summer camping trips. These weren’t wilderness backpacking trips. Luxurious custom built trucks, cooks, and even electric lighting allowed for roughing it in style.
- In 1916 and later years, Edison mapped routes through the Adirondacks and New England.
- Their 1918 caravan covered large swaths of the eastern U.S.
- By 1921, President Warren G. Harding joined them for part of their journey.
- These trips played a role in transforming public perception of the automobile as a recreational vehicle, niot just transportation.
These Vagabond journeys sparked a national fascination with motoring, camping, and road trips for recreation.
Roland Conklin’s Gypsy Van (1915): Motor-Home Pioneer
A less-famous but even more audacious cross country adventure came from bus manufacturer Roland R. Conklin in 1915. He built a double-decker Gypsy Van that was truly a “motorhome.”
- The van was luxuriously outfitted with amenities not available in the average American home.
- There was a full kitchen with sleeping quarters for the cook, electricity, a motorcycle for the chauffeur if there was a need for assistance, hot and cold running water, and even a piano.
- Conklin, his family, and entourage crossed the country in comfort, showing early on that “home on wheels” could be more than a novelty. The adventure also aptly illustrated the need for a federal highway system.
- This journey was a precursor of the later boom in recreational vehicles and trailer travel.
Airstream Trailers: From Masonite to the Iconic Silver Bullet
The legacy of early roadtrippers and motorhome pioneers like Conklin set the stage for Airstream, one of the most iconic name in travel trailers.
- After more than a decade of building trailers, and selling plans for trailers, Wally Byam, founder of Airstream, rented a building and opened a small trailer manufacturing factory in Culver City, California in 1931.
- His early trailers used wood or Masonite skins. The the now-famous Airstream Clipper, made of riveted aluminum, was introduced in the mid 1930s.
- That shiny, streamlined “silver bullet” shape was revolutionary. It became the Airstream trademark.
The Tin Can Tourists: Keeping Vintage Road-Trip Culture Alive
Tin Can Tourists (TCT) is one of America’s oldest camper clubs. It was organized at Desoto Park, Tampa, Florida, in 1919. An official state charter was granted a year later.
Legend is that the name is derived from the nickname for the Ford Model T, Tin Lizzie. The campers diet of canned food and the practice of placing a tin can on the radiator of their car as a sign of membership is also a part of the legend.
With the passing of years Tin Can Tourists grew into a vibrant community that hosted rallies, regional events, and built fellowship around vintage trailers. Modern revival efforts have reconnected classic camper lovers with this rich history.
Route 66 Centennial Caravan: Tin Can Tourists Celebrate 100 Years
In June 2026, the Tin Can Tourists are launching a very special event: the Route 66 Centennial Caravan.
- There will be two caravans, east to west and west to east that will meet in Amarillo, Texas.
- The pace will be relaxed (about 200–250 miles/day), giving time to soak in the sights, take photos, and connect with fellow vintage trailer enthusiasts.
- This is an official Route 66 Centennial event.
Coffee With Jim: Tune In November 16, 2025
On the Sunday, November 16 episode of Coffee With Jim, the guest was Dal Smilie, Tin Can Tourists ambassador at large and co host of Tin Can Tourist Route 66 Centennial Caravan..
In this wide-ranging, road-trip inspiring conversation, Jim and Dal talked about:
- The history of the Tin Can Tourists
- Vintage trailer history and restoration
- The upcoming Route 66 Centennial Caravan
- Studebaker and vintage trucks, and modifications needed for the towing of classic trailers
This episode is available on Podbean, as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Soon it will be available on Dynamic Living Radio.
If you’re building a website, an embedded Coffee With Jim player is available on request. There are currently embedded players on the Jim HInckley’s America website, The Bee, and the Kingman Tours website.
Honoring Route 66 & Retro Roadside Culture: Enchanted Trails Trading Post
We also want to highlight the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This full service modern RV park features vintage trailer displays, a cozy gift shop in the mid 1940s trading post, and all the retro charm you’d hope for on the Mother Road. As a bonus Vickie Ashcraft, the owner, shares our passion for telling people where to go. She is also the president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.
Thanks to Our Supporting Sponsors
Coffee With Jim and Jim Hinckley’s America are made possible by our wonderful advertising partners:
- Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park (Albuquerque, NM)
- Two Lane America
- Cactus Inn Motel (McLean, TX)
- Roadrunner Lodge Motel (Tucumcari, NM)
- Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba, MO)
- Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours
- RouteTrip USA
- Deana Nelson State Farm Insurance (Kingman, AZ)
Join Our Road-Trip Community
If you love vintage trailers, historic road trips, or the spirit of Route 66 — you’re in the right place.
- Subscribe to Jim Hinckley’s America to stay up to date.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Join us live on Sunday mornings for Coffee With Jim. Bring a friend, a fresh pot of coffee, and let’s hit the road — together. The best adventures are those shared with friends.
Thank you. Shared adventures are the best adventures.