What Happened to the RV in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever watched the holiday classic, “Christmas Vacation”? If so, you may have noticed a peculiar scene involving the family’s RV.

The scene in question shows the RV driving through town with a tree lodged into its roof. But what happened to the RV after that?

The Scene:

In case you need a refresher, here’s a quick rundown of the scene. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, has finally managed to get his entire family together for Christmas.

However, things start to go awry when they bring home an enormous tree that doesn’t fit in their living room. In an attempt to make it work, Clark decides to strap the tree to the roof of their family RV and drive it home.

As they’re driving through town, Clark hits a bump and accidentally knocks over a metal pole that catapults into the air and damages various cars. The camera then pans up to show that the pole has also impaled itself into the roof of their RV, creating a large hole and causing chaos on the road.

Clark continues driving as if nothing happened until he finally pulls up to his house with the tree still on top of the damaged RV. The scene ends with him trying to untie the tree from the roof while his neighbors watch in amusement.

The Aftermath:

So what happened after that chaotic scene? Did they continue using their damaged RV for their Christmas vacation? Unfortunately, we don’t get any closure on this particular plot point within the movie itself.

However, some fans have speculated that because Clark is seen driving an entirely different vehicle when he goes shopping for presents later in the movie, it’s safe to assume that they didn’t continue using their damaged RV throughout their holiday adventure.

  • Some fans speculate:
    • They may have rented another vehicle for their trip
    • They may have borrowed a family member or friend’s car
    • They may have even driven their regular vehicle to their destination instead

Of course, this is all just speculation and we’ll never know for sure what happened to the Griswold’s RV after that chaotic scene.

The Legacy:

Despite the unanswered questions surrounding the fate of the RV, it’s clear that this particular scene has left a lasting impact on audiences. It’s often cited as one of the most memorable moments in the entire movie and has even inspired merchandise like Christmas ornaments and t-shirts.

The scene has also become somewhat of a cultural touchstone, with various parodies and references popping up in other movies and TV shows over the years.

Conclusion:

While we may never know for sure what happened to the Griswold’s RV after that infamous scene, it’s safe to say that its legacy lives on. Whether you’re a die-hard “Christmas Vacation” fan or just enjoy a good holiday movie, there’s no denying the impact that this chaotic moment has had on popular culture.