After nearly half a century as a cornerstone of Durango’s RV market, Tarpley RV closed its doors at the end of June. The dealership, founded in 1976 by Bill and Dorothy Tarpley, was later passed down to their son Brad in 1996.
Under Brad’s leadership, Tarpley RV grew significantly, expanding from a small operation with just a handful of employees to a thriving enterprise that, at its peak, employed up to 50 workers.
According to a Durango Herald article, Brad Tarpley’s decision to close the dealership was driven by personal considerations. Nearing retirement age and with his children showing no interest in taking over, he made the choice to shut down operations. The closure was bittersweet for Tarpley, who took pride in the company’s role as a stable employer in the community.
Throughout its 48-year history, Tarpley RV maintained a dominant position in the local market. The dealership initially opened in a lot right next to the main highway entering and exiting Durango. In 1988, it relocated to U.S. Highway 550/160, coinciding with an expansion of car dealerships in the area. Tarpley viewed this as beneficial due to the complementary nature of vehicle and trailer sales.
The closure of Tarpley RV comes as the national RV market experiences a resurgence. Overall RV shipments have increased by 5% in June versus 2023. This upward trend in the broader market underscores the personal nature of Tarpley’s decision to close, rather than reflecting industry-wide challenges.
For many years, Tarpley RV faced limited local competition, with its primary rivals located in Farmington and Utah. The closure of Al’s Trailer Sales, Inc. in Farmington further consolidated Tarpley’s position in the regional market. Four Corners RV remains the other significant competitor in Durango, but the city’s size and location off major interstate highways limited the presence of larger dealerships. “We’re just not quite a large enough community, and we’re not on an interstate,” Tarpley told Durango Herald. “A lot of times, those larger dealerships want to be on an interstate.”
The Tarpley family’s journey in the RV business was deeply intertwined with their desire to build a life in Durango. Brad Tarpley reflected on the challenges of living in the area, noting that the cost of living issues faced by residents today are reminiscent of those in the 1970s when his parents started the business. “My folks, with myself and two siblings, wanted to live in Durango, and then as now, you couldn’t just move to town and get a job tending bar,” he said.
Brad Tarpley expressed gratitude for the support the business received over the years, acknowledging the deep connection between the company and the town. “The Tarpleys could not be more grateful for the support we’ve always felt from the community that we live in,” he said.
As for the former Tarpley RV location, Durango Motor Co has purchased the property at 25871 U.S. Highway 550/160. The specific plans for the site have not been disclosed.
Brad Tarpley’s plans for the future remain open-ended. While not ready to fully retire, he intends to take some time to consider his next steps. His reflections on the business’s closure were tinged with nostalgia and appreciation for the community that supported Tarpley RV throughout its long history, as well as his parents. “They just tried to treat people right,” he said.
