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. This achievement underscores the enduring appeal of RV travel among American households looking for affordable, adaptable vacation and lifestyle solutions.
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.
Ronald 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's commitment to meeting individual needs reflects its long-term focus on serving families seeking these experiences.
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.',
The milestone highlights the company's continued role in supporting recreational vehicle owners across the region.
