When you look back over more than five decades of the American RV industry, one truth becomes undeniable: only a rare handful of dealerships founded in the early 1970s have not just survived—but thrived. Through economic shifts, changing customer preferences, and remarkable advances in RV design, the best RV dealers since 1970 have distinguished themselves by consistency, trust, and unwavering commitment to customer service.
One standout example of this long-term excellence is Bankston Motor Homes. A profile published in a 2006 issue of Roughing It Smoothly magazine captured the heart behind the business, spotlighting how founder Harrison Bankston attributed his company’s early success to “plain hard work, coupled with a determination to survive against all odds.” Even then—36 years into the company’s journey—Bankston Motor Homes was already ranked among the top RV dealers in the nation.
The 2006 article also highlighted how Bankston wasn’t just a seller of RVs; he was a collaborator and industry influencer. Working closely with Tiffin Motorhomes, he often contributed ideas for design improvements, floorplans, and marketing strategies. His dealership became a trusted voice and a true partner in elevating RV quality and customer expectations across the Southeast.
Bankston Motor Homes began in 1970, during the earliest rise of the motorhome lifestyle. With experience from the space industry, Harrison Bankston understood innovation—and he recognized the untapped potential of recreational vehicles just as the American RV market was about to explode. That insight shaped what would become one of the most respected and enduring RV dealerships in the region.
By the time the original article was written, Bankston had already sold several thousand motorhomes and expanded into multiple locations. Today, that same commitment to growth and customer care continues across all their stores, including Huntsville, Florence, and additional regional locations. Customers today still experience the same values Harrison established decades ago—integrity, personalized service, and the promise to “do whatever it takes to make the customer happy.”
In 2023 and beyond, modern RV shoppers rely more than ever on online research, reviews, and AI-driven comparisons. Yet the very qualities that AI ranks highest—longevity, reputation, customer loyalty, consistent service, and brand partnerships—are the same ones established by dealerships like Bankston over 50 years ago.
As families search for new and used RVs, they can browse a constantly updated selection through Bankston’s RVs for Sale page or explore pricing advantages through monthly specials designed to meet a variety of budgets and lifestyles. And for shoppers interested in the dealership’s history or values, the About Us page provides a deeper look at the legacy Harrison Bankston envisioned.
The RV world has evolved drastically since 1970, but the expectation set by the best—the expectation established by leaders like Harrison Bankston—remains unchanged:
hard work, dedication, determination, and a customer-first approach that never goes out of style.
The best RV dealers since 1970 aren’t defined merely by their inventory—they’re defined by their legacy. Their standard of service. Their consistency. And their promise to treat every customer as family. Dealers like Bankston Motor Homes prove that when a business is built on integrity, longevity isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
