What began 45 years ago as a "mom and pop" family business, General RV reached heights that few businesses rarely achieve. To be recognized as not only one of the leaders, but number ONE in your field, is truly an honor! In 2001, General RV Centers reached that pinnacle when Statistical Surveys, Inc. announced that General RV became the largest volume RV Dealer in the country. Since 2001, General RV has opened two new super stores in Grand Rapids and Birch Run and has continually remained one of the top 4 dealers in the country.
But how did this Michigan success story start? In 1962, Abe Baidas took his family on a camping trip out West. That trip became the impetus for a business that would grow beyond his wildest dreams. By renting camping trailers from his gas station, he watched his idea blossom into what it is today. What nearly 5 decades ago was essentially a three-man business now employs well over 300 people. For the first 20 years the direction and growth of the company rested in the hands of Abe and his partner and son, Dick. Over the next 20 years the business continued to grow and prosper under the leadership of Abe’s sons, Dick and Rob. A third-generation Baidas, Dick’s son, Loren, joined the management of the company in 1999.
In 2006 the General RV Family suffered a devastating loss with the unexpected death of Dick Baidas at the age of 58. His positive impact on the RV industry, his success in business, his character and the respect from people who worked with him exemplifies that honesty, integrity and hard work certainly pay off. In 2007, Dick Baidas was nominated for RV Hall of Fame for his positive impact on customers, employees, dealers and manufacturers.
Today Rob and Loren and many dedicated employees work together to continue to grow and improve General RV. General RV’s 6 locations, with over 100 service bays and a multi-million dollar parts inventory now include Wixom, Brownstown Township, Grand Rapids, Mt. Clemens, Waterford and it's newest location, Birch Run, with plans for future expansion.
After starting out with only camping trailers, or pop-ups as they are commonly referred to, General RV now carries a full line of recreational vehicles, including luxury diesel pusher motor homes! In the 60s, the company’s sales reached approximately 200 units per year. This year, sales are on track to exceed 5,000 RVs. General outsells it’s nearest competitor in the State of Michigan nearly 6 to 1. When you come to one of General RV’s locations you will see the nation’s leading brands including Winnebago, Dutchmen, Starcraft, Monaco, Fleetwood, Forest River, and Keystone, just to name a few. General RV Center doesn’t just display great products, they are the top in sales and have earned multiple awards for service and parts. You will find the best selection of pre-owned RVs as well! Looking to the future, General RV developed a website that allows buyers to "virtually" see the entire inventory on line. General RV continues to invest in new service technology to provide improved service to our customers.
Despite its enormous accomplishments and size, General RV remains a family business. It is still very much a family oriented dealer, as evidenced by the number of its customers that started out in a pop-up and are now driving a motor home from General RV. It is not unusual to see grandchildren of customers getting their first RV from the same salesperson who sold to their grandparents! The Baidas family has always remained focused on their number one asset, their customers! And someday there may very well be a fourth generation of Baidas' carrying on the tradition that Abe Baidas started long ago.
General RV now offers Same Day Service, on-the-spot financing and in-stock parts and accessories. There is over 20,000 square feet of parts and accessories for ALL major brands of motor homes, fifth wheels, camping trailers, travel trailers, truck campers, and used RVs.General RV encourages you to visit one of it's six locations to see first hand what they have to offer you in the way of purchasing a new or used RV, rentals, or service and parts for your current RV!