For decades, Lichtsinn RV has been more than just a dealership, it has been a trusted guide for RV travelers, adventurers and families across the country. From its early beginnings in Iowa to becoming a nationally recognized Winnebago Dealer, the Lichtsinn RV story is built on relationships, innovation, and a love for the RV lifestyle.
Below is a timeline of many key moments in the evolution of Lichtsinn RV.
And so it began…
1970s – THE BEGINNING
1976 – Ron Lichtsinn Sr. Purchased Teslow Chevrolet from Mel Teslow and rebranded it Lichtsinn Motors, selling Chevrolet and Oldsmobile Automobiles.
1979 – Lichtsinn Motors begins selling Winnebago Vans – After a conversation and a handshake with John K. Hanson, the founder of Winnebago Industries, Lichtsinn Motors begins selling Winnebago Conversion Vans.
Late 1970’s, Lichtsinn Motors also sold John Deere equipment.
1980s –GROWING WITH WINNEBAGO As Winnebago Motorhomes grew in popularity, Lichtsinn Motors strengthened its focus on the brand, building expertise in Winnebago sales, parts, service and most importantly, long-term customer support.
1990s – BUILDING LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS During this period, Lichtsinn Motors became known not just locally, but regionally for its repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. A strong emphasis was placed on service after the sale at the dealership.
1994 – Lichtsinn Motors received its first “Circle of Excellence Customer Service Award.” This award has since been rebranded as the “Flying W Award.” Lichtsinn RV has been a recipient of this customer service award each year since 1994.
2000s – NATIONAL REACH With the rise of the internet, Lichtsinn Motor’s reach expands further, selling and delivering Winnebago motorhomes to customers across the United States and Canada. Online listings, education and transparent communication become core strengths of the dealership. Lichtsinn Motors navigates industry challenges later in this decade investing in technology and strengthening its online presence while also focusing on comprehensive guest support.
2001 – Ron and Hope Lichtsinn purchase Lichtsinn Motors ushering in a new era of growth. At that time Lichtsinn Motors had a team of 10 employees that handled both the automotive and RV operations.
2002 – Lichtsinn Motors becomes the largest Motorhome Dealer in the state of Iowa, a title it has retained ever since.
Early-Mid 2000’s – Lichtsinn Motors sold Outback and Trail-Cruiser Travel Trailers. It was also during this timeframe that Ron Lichtsinn Sr. officially retired from the Automotive and RV business.
2003/2004 – Lichtsinn Motors purchased the former Winnebago Industries Home Office building, located across the street from the GM dealership. This building was redeveloped into a new RV Sales facility, while RV fixed operations remained housed in the original the GM Dealership.
2009 – Lichtsinn Motors introduces the WE CARE Program, the giving arm of Lichtsinn RV. Through this program up to $20,000 is donated annually, totaling over $325,000 since its inception.
2010s – EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY Lichtsinn Motors strengthens its focus on customer education and support through blogs, videos, and other guest focused training.
2013-2014 – Lichtsinn Motors breaks ground and builds a 26,000 sq ft state-of-the-art RV facility on the former RV Sales lot. This dealership construction consolidated RV Sales, Parts and Service under one roof and was completed just in time for the 2014 Winnebago Grand National Rally held in Forest City.
2015 – Lichtsinn Motors divests of the GM Dealership to a local dealership group and is then rebranded as Lichtsinn RV. Three additional service bays are also added to the dealership blueprint this year.
2015 – Lichtsinn RV first earns the title of the #1 Winnebago Dealership in North America, a title it has earned each year since.
2017 – Lichtsinn RV received the Clean Auto Alliance’s Environment and Safety Elite Award which recognizes Lichtsinn RVs dedication to environmental and safety standards.
2017 – Lichtsinn RV is featured in RV Pro Magazine’s “RV Origins” issue, highlighting the company’s growth and commitment to guest service.
2018 – Lichtsinn RV is the featured dealer in the season finale of Great American Country’s Going RV.
2020s – NAVIGATING CHANGE During a period of rapid industry change, Lichtsinn RV adapts by enhancing digital tools including live video tours and remote customer support, while maintaining a high-touch personal approach.
2021 FORWARD – INNOVATION AND LIFESTYLE FOCUSED As RV travel surges, Lichtsinn RV focuses on lifestyle-based RVing including: boondocking, extended travel, all-season travel and remote work from the road. Content and guest interactions increasingly focus on helping customers find the “right” motorhome for how they wish to travel.
2021-2022 – Lichtsinn RV broke ground yet once again on its existing lot, to expand further. This expansion provided all areas of the Dealership additional space to better service Lichtsinn RV guests. This expansion included an indoor showroom, additional service bays, a dedicated parts warehouse and shipping center and expanded sales, service and parts work spaces.
2025 – Lichtsinn RV adds the Newmar Freedom Aire to its lineup of premium RV Brands.
2025 – Lichtsinn RV is featured in the July edition of RV News.
2026 – LICHTSINN RVs 50TH ANNIVERSARY Lichtsinn RV celebrates 5 decades of supporting guests throughout every stage of RV ownership.The family of Lichtsinn RV owners, spans across North America.The dealership is supported by a dedicated team of 46 team members.
TODAY – A TRUSTED NAME IN RVING Today, Lichtsinn RV is recognized nationwide as a premier Winnebago Dealer, known for their expertise, transparency and long-term customer care. While tools and technology continue to evolve, Lichtsinn RV’s mission remains unchanged: to help people confidently enjoy the RV lifestyle fostering lasting relationships that lead guests to return and refer others to Lichtsinn RV.
THE FUTURE – Driven by education, innovation and community Lichtsinn RV remains committed to serving both first-time and seasoned RV owners through every step of their ownership journey.
Watch this Video to learn more about the beginnings of Lichtsinn RV
Experience the Best® at Lichtsinn RV, we have been recognized as the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015 by Winnebago Industries. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of the Winnebago Motorhome Factory in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago and Newmar Freedom Aire motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.
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