We all know that Elkhart Indiana is the center of the universe for the manufacture of all things RV.
With so many large corporations involved in building RVs of all shapes and sizes, I’ll bet you didn’t realize that there is one manufacturer that is solely owned and run by a single family unit: It’s Gulf Stream.
About Gulf Stream RVs
Gulf Stream, a leading manufacturer of a full range of RV products was founded and is still owned by the Shea family, originating in the small community of Nappanee, Indiana in 1971.
Back then, the family operation consisted of manufactured housing (Fairmont Homes). Jim Shea built the operation from the ground up. He ran the show and his 3 son’s Jim Jr., Brian, and Dan joined him learning the business through good old fashioned hands-on experience.
In 1983, the Shea’s established Gulf Stream Coach producing a top quality line of motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheel trailers.
Although recreational vehicles are closely tied to manufactured housing, few manufacturers produced both, putting Fairmont Homes/Gulf Stream Coach in unfamiliar territory. Gulf Stream’s first RV, the Foxfire travel trailer, benefited from techniques that had made their housing company successful. It allowed us to put things in the Foxfire that weren’t seen in travel trailers. — About Gulf Stream Coach
The company continued to grow and in the 1990’s the 3 sons assumed the lead in day to day operations, with dear old Dad still actively participating in the company.
Today, Gulf Stream encompasses 26 brands with over 100 different models — all brought to you by the efforts of more than 1,500 dedicated employees.
What Makes Gulf Stream RVs Different
- Gulf Stream RVs have a lot of features that place them a step or two ahead of the competition. For starters, lightweight aluminum framing protects your investment from wood frame related issues like dry rot or weakening of joints.
- With their 5-step lamination process (that includes solid block insulation), a superior bond is created that eliminates the chance of air or moisture infiltration.
- All slideouts have the additional strength of solid steel headers.
- Gulfstream RVs are built to last! They build their units as strong as a well-constructed home. Think: vapor barriers, roof trusses on 16-inch centers, and floor joists on 12-inch centers.
- These RVs will go the distance… and then some.
Gulf Stream RVs Close Up
This weekend we had a Gulf Stream Crescendo Class “A” motorhome as our neighbor at the RV resort.
I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the exterior panels that made up its construction. It had smooth walled fiberglass with a minimum number of seams, reducing the possible entry points for moisture.
This very stylish rig was a diesel pusher powered by a Cummins engine. The bedroom included a queen bed tucked into a slide-out on the right side of the vehicle. There was a dining and living room slide out on the left.
Overall, this Gulf Stream motorhome was a very well appointed motorhome that said quality from front to back.
Reasons To Consider Gulfstream RVs
When you’re ready to buy your next RV, give Gulf Stream a good look. They’re proud of their designation as the largest family owned manufacturer of RVs, and they’ll go the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied with Gulf Stream products.
As an example of how much they care, Gulf Stream maintains registration on not only the original owners of their units, but they also encourage second owners who bought their Gulf Stream RVs used to register their units, as well.
Gulf Stream strives to follow all the units they build throughout their entire life. Now that’s a level of commitment most other RV manufacturers just don’t bother with.
I’ve been involved in RVing for over 50 years — including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. I’ve owned, used, and repaired almost every class and style of RV ever made. I do all of my own repair work. My other interests include cooking, living with an aging dog, and dealing with diabetic issues. If you can combine a grease monkey with a computer geek, throw in a touch of information nut and organization freak, combined with a little bit of storyteller… you’ve got a good idea of who I am. To date, I’ve shared my RV knowledge in over 300 articles here at The Fun Times Guide! Many of them have over 25K shares.
