"I got a call from Roger White of the Smithsonian Institute, who happened to be creating a display celebrating the history of the RV," said Woodworth.

"It was a real surprise because my interest in all this started out 35 years ago as a way to be closer to my family. I started off collecting the Model A and restored one to go on to become a national winner for vintage vehicles. I decided to keep it and take my girls camping in the Model A, and then it evolved into something with a kitchenette and sleeping area.

"Through the years, I developed a reputation for restoring and collecting vintage vehicles and actually had file drawers full of RV and camping-related literature," he added.

"I really got the collecting bug after the Smithsonian contacted me and my collection spanned from 1914 to 1937 RVs. That led to work for the Good Sam Club and then becoming the spokesperson for the National RV History Tour of the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association).

"I think the industry is doing OK today. It will evolve and the vehicles must get better fuel mileage. But they also have to remain opulent enough for buyers," he said.

"To show that I haven't given up my old stuff, I have a bed and breakfast in Yosemite with some of my collection on show. If you're ever in the neighborhood, drop by."

Editor's Note: David Woodworth is known as the country's leading historian of RVs and owner of the world's largest collection of antique and historic RVs. David contributed to our story on the 100-year anniversary of RVing. If you would like to contact him, he can be reached at modelttours@gmail.com or by logging onto www.tinlizzieinn.com.