RVs have been around nearly as long as cars, and the health of this niche market is often a clear indicator of the national economic standing. Currently, it appears things are going well, as sales have been increasing across the board, according to the Detroit Free Press. Motorhome sales have increased 7.9 percent and towable trailers have grown 8.9 percent.

"RVs are always a leading economy indicator because you don't have to buy an RV – it's purely a discretionary buy," Tom Walworth, president of Statistical Surveys, a Michigan-based company that collects information pertaining to RV, marine and manufactured-housing retail sales, told the news source. "We sit on a three-legged stool – unemployment, fuel availability and interest rates."

Not only are RV sales up, but the iconic motorhome brand Airstream recently opened its first dealership in the Detroit metropolitan area, the heart of the American automotive industry. The classic "silver bullet" motorhomes are being sold at National RV in Belleville, Michigan, and the news source indicates there has been a positive response to the new product offering thus far. Airstream offers both RVs and towable trailers, with new RVs selling for $45,000 to $100,000.

The touring RVs are complete with Mercedes-Benz CDI V6 Turbo Diesel engines, which offer a smooth ride. These motorhomes may not look like the traditional bullet-style Airstreams, but their diesel engines tend to have better gas mileage than traditional engines, so drivers can save a bit at the pump.

The modern towable trailers, on the other hand, have retained the classic look of an Airstream on the outside, but the interiors of these trailers are so modern they almost appear to be from the future. Just as the outside is shiny and silver, the interior walls have the same metallic lining. Some trailers are more conservative and have minimal amenities, while others offer full kitchens in addition to bedrooms and dining areas.

Airstream, founded in 1931, actually designed the trailers to reduce drag and be more aerodynamic than other motorhomes available when RV travel began to take off, according to the news source. Now, the aluminum siding and rounded shape have become a symbol of RVing for the ages, whether RVers have one in tow or see one at RV campgrounds.