Wilkins RV, a family-owned dealership with longstanding ties to Upstate New York, is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026. The milestone highlights the company’s continued role in supporting recreational vehicle owners across the region, Wilkins RV said in a recent release.
The business traces its origins to 1936, when Charles “Charlie” Wilkins established C. Wilkins Used Cars in Hornell, New York, initially as an auto detailing operation. In the 1950s, Charlie and his son Ronald began offering RVs as the interest in recreational travel grew in the post-war era. Ron Wilkins assumed leadership in the early 1960s, renaming the enterprise Wilkins RV and introducing brands such as Coachmen, Shasta and Mallard to meet customer demand. Brian Wilkins, representing the third generation, took ownership in 2004 and has guided the company’s operations since, overseeing expansion while preserving the foundational principles established nearly a century earlier.
Wilkins RV maintains several locations in New York, including the Brewerton dealership in Onondaga County at 8845 Brewerton Road. The site provides access to a range of new and pre-owned RVs, encompassing travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, fold-down models, destination trailers, motorhomes and truck campers. This variety allows the dealership to serve diverse customer preferences, from those seeking compact, lightweight options to families desiring more spacious layouts for extended trips, the company said.
When asked about reaching this milestone, owner Brian Wilkins said, “Reaching 90 years in business is incredibly meaningful to us. It reflects the trust our customers have placed in us over generations and the passion our team brings every day. While we’re proud of where we’ve been, what excites me most is continuing to grow, evolve and help more families enjoy everything the RV lifestyle has to offer.”
The anniversary occurs as the RV industry anticipates modest growth in wholesale shipments for 2026, with forecasts projecting a median of approximately 349,000 units, according to RV Industry Association data. This outlook reflects sustained consumer interest in outdoor recreation and flexible travel options, aligning with Wilkins RV’s long-term focus on serving families seeking these experiences, the company said. Industry observers note that such steady progress builds on previous years’ shipments and points to the ongoing appeal of RV travel among American households looking for affordable, adaptable vacation and lifestyle solutions.
Three generations of the Wilkins family have emphasized consistent customer relationships built on fairness, honesty and respect for the communities they serve, Wilkins RV said. The dealership has evolved from modest beginnings in auto detailing to a full-service RV provider while maintaining small-town values that prioritize reliability and straightforward interactions. This approach has helped build enduring connections with customers throughout Upstate New York, many of whom return over the years for subsequent purchases or service needs.
The dealership offers an indoor showroom along with online tools for inventory viewing and model comparisons. Sales staff assist customers in identifying vehicles suited to various needs and budgets. Pre-owned RVs receive detailed inspections prior to sale to help ensure they meet operational standards.
Service capabilities include maintenance and repairs performed by trained technicians, covering routine procedures such as winterization, de-winterization, appliance inspections and oil changes for both gas and diesel units, the company said. More specialized work includes body repairs, fiberglass restoration, paint services and collision repair. An on-site parts department stocks a variety of accessories and components to support ongoing vehicle upkeep and customization according to owner preferences.
This anniversary underscores the dealership’s enduring presence amid broader industry trends toward increased participation in RV travel among families, Wilkins RV said. It also provides an occasion to recognize the contributions of staff members who have supported the business through changing economic conditions and evolving consumer expectations over nine decades.
