Estes Named to RV/MH Hall of Fame

Bill Estes, publisher of Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines, has been selected for
induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame. He is one of 12 inductees who will be honored at a
ceremony in August in Elkhart, Indiana. Founded by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, the Hall
of Fame recognizes industry pioneers and leaders. The 2002 class will bring the total
number of individuals honored to 230. Art Rouse, publisher emeritus of the magazines, was
inducted in 1986. Already an RV enthusiast, Estes joined TL Enterprises, which publishes
Trailer Life and MotorHome, in 1968 after working as a news reporter for the Los Angeles
Times. He has served in a variety of key roles for TLE, including director of technical
services for all publications, and is now Vice President/Publisher for RV Consumer and
Trade Publications for Affinity Group Inc., parent company of TLE. In addition to having
tested and reported on RVs and RV accessories for both magazines for many years, he
authored The RV Handbook, a how-to guide for RV owners now in its third edition. In 1980,
Estes received the first-ever Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award from the
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. In 1984, he accepted a Presidential Commendation
awarded to Trailer Life by President Ronald Reagan for publishing a special section on
national parks and forests, and for contributing 100,000 copies for public distribution.
The award was presented by Vice President George Bush. “I appreciate the recognition,” said
Estes, “and feel very privileged to have worked with a great staff to produce thousands of
issues of our magazines that have helped so many people discover and enjoy this great
lifestyle. It has been so meaningful to me and my family to have had so many wonderful
experiences in our beautiful country, and for me to have been involved for so long in an
interesting and exciting industry.”