You’ve probably heard whispers in the RV community about big changes coming to the industry. Well, the rumors were true, and one of the biggest names in RV retail has officially closed its doors for good.
Lazy Days RV, once a powerhouse in the recreational vehicle world, has ended its nearly 50-year run. This isn’t just another business closing – it’s the end of an era that started with just two travel trailers and $500 in assets. Here’s everything you need to know about what happened and what it means for your next RV purchase.
1. It All Started With Just $500 and Two Travel Trailers
Back in 1976, Herman Wallace and his sons Don and Ron started what would become one of America’s largest RV dealerships. Their entire inventory? Just two travel trailers. Their startup capital? A mere $500 in assets. It’s the kind of humble beginning that makes you believe in the American Dream.
The Tampa location became their flagship store, and for 35 years, they didn’t expand beyond that single location. Talk about playing it safe! You’d think with that kind of conservative approach, they’d be around forever, right?
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Founded | Started with 2 trailers and $500 |
| 1993 | Leadership Change | Don Wallace took over from Herman |
| 2011 | First Expansion | Finally expanded beyond Tampa |
| 2025 | Closure | 49-year history comes to an end |
You’d be amazed how a business can go from rags to riches and back again. The Wallace family probably never imagined their small Tampa operation would become a cautionary tale about rapid expansion in the RV industry.
2. They Were Selling 2023 Models at 39% Off in 2025
Here’s where things get really interesting – and a bit desperate. When the Endless RVing team checked Lazy Days’ website during their final days, they found 2023 model motorhomes still sitting on the lot. These weren’t just slightly discounted; they were marked down by a whopping 39%.
Think about that for a second – you’re essentially buying a three-year-old “new” RV. That’s like walking into a car dealership and finding 2022 models still being sold as new inventory. The math just doesn’t add up for any healthy business.
According to RV industry reports, total RV sales in 2024 were 356,518 units, down 6.9% from 2023. Used RV values have also dropped significantly, creating a perfect storm for dealerships holding excess inventory.
You know things are bad when a dealership is practically giving away inventory just to clear space. It’s like watching someone desperately trying to empty their garage before moving day – except this garage was worth millions of dollars.
3. The Acquisition Deal Was Worth Over $64 Million
Campers Inn RV stepped in to acquire the remaining assets, and the numbers are staggering. The total deal included $30 million for all assets excluding RV inventory, with the famous Tampa store alone accounting for $15.6 million of that purchase price. Add in the real estate at $34.9 million, and you’re looking at a deal worth more than $64 million.
But here’s the kicker – Campers Inn will only pay different percentages based on model years:
- 100% of invoice for 2026 models
- 90% for 2025 models
- 80% for 2024 models
- 85% of NADA wholesale value for 2023 and older models
Campers Inn RV, founded by Arthur and Frances Hirsch in the mid-1960s after a bad dealership experience, has been one of the fastest-growing RV dealership groups since 2018. They’ve acquired or built 19 additional locations in recent years and will expand to 48 dealership locations across 22 states.
You can almost hear the negotiators saying, “We’ll take your shiny new stuff at full price, but that old inventory? Yeah, we