Camping Cars in America: The Desert Rush

The world’s biggest motorhome rally is in Arizona. Once a year it welcomes more than a million motorhome enthusiasts. These Americans might be rich, poor or anywhere in between, but they have one thing in common – they have fallen in love with a nomadic lifestyle.

They gather on a few dozen hectares of land. Some arrive in little campervans with only the barest and most essential amenities. Others are driving luxurious motorhomes worth a few million dollars, complete with marble flooring, master bedroom with king size bed, guest room, walk-in shower, heated toilet seats, fully equipped kitchen, and air conditioning.

The market for motorhomes is booming in the USA: more than twelve million Americans own one. In 2020, the year when Covid first hit, orders grew by 53%. It’s a lifestyle choice for many, such as the Huffaker family. This retired IT professional and his wife have lived on the road for the past five years. They are “snowbirds” who migrate to follow the sun.

But for others it is born of necessity. When their food truck business failed, Jackie and Richard found themselves on the street. They have lived in their minivan ever since. For Curt, who owns eleven car dealerships in the west, this rally is a golden opportunity. In ten days he hopes to sell two hundred and !fty vehicles: a quarter of his annual sales.

We go behind the scenes of this unique rally.