When was airstream invented

The Safari was less expensive than competitive models and lighter weight for easier towing. By the end of the s about half of all Airstream trailers sold were Safaris. The Interstate motorhome series continues to be produced today. New Basecamp Introduced in , this small but versatile unit has a different look than the typical Airstream and, given its lower price compared to other offerings from the Ohio-based company, it was designed to bring a new clientele into the brand. The Basecamp can seat up to five people, but at the end of the day most guests will have to leave — the Basecamp sleeps two.

Airstream Nest Early in Airstream introduced an all-new trailer — the Nest. The small, lightweight Nest is designed for a younger crowd. Return of Bambi Bambi has been a nickname used for all single-axle Airstream trailers since the s, but in the company created an official Bambi line of travel trailers. The Bambi is designed as a family of lightweight, space-maximizing trailers that are easy to tow, making them a great place for a consumer to join the Airstream family.

The Bambi lineup is available with four different floor plans that range from a foot model to the largest foot offering. Every version comes with a dedicated sleeping space, convertible dinette space, kitchen and the all-important restroom. Airstream Caravel Another name from the s returned to the Airstream lineup that same year with the introduction of the all-new Caravel. As it was in its original form, the Caravel is designed with a clean, neutral interior, taking the look and feel of larger Airstreams and offering it in a small, lightweight package.

A step up from the Bambi line, the Caravel is also available in floor plans ranging from to foot versions. The Basecamp 20 is longer than the original, as well as wider and taller.

Taking advantage of the additional space, the floor plan has been completely reconfigured for the new model. Placed conveniently at the front of the trailer beneath panoramic windows, a new dinette seats up to four people.

The dinette can be converted into a bed that sleeps two children or one adult. At the rear of the trailer, a larger dinette has two tables with multiple seating and lounging configurations. This dining area can also be folded into a large bed for two adults. The increased size of the Basecamp 20 also provides additional storage locations throughout the cabin.

As Airstream trailers regained their popularity this prompted new businesses to grow that coincided with the growing RV business. At Vintage Trailer Supply you can find the answers to all of your refurbishing, restoring and repairing questions when it comes to fixing up your Airstream trailer.

At Vintage Trailer Supply, DIY is made possible with help on exterior, interior, electrical, plumbing, vintage decor, and more. Often, Airstream trailers that were built 60 or 70 years ago are completely functional today.

Most young travelers are using Airstream trailers to downsize and live minimally. These construction practices lessened wind resistance and make them more durable, increasing the strength-to-weight ratio of the travel trailers. The Clipper was truly revolutionary. With its monocoque, riveted aluminum body, it had more in common with the aircraft of its day than with its predecessors. It could sleep four, thanks to its tubular steel-framed dinette which could convert to a bed, carried its own water supply, had an enclosed galley, and was fitted with electric lights throughout.

But survival was soon threatened from without. On December , , the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and leisure travel and the materials necessary to build trailers became luxuries the country could not afford.

Structural aluminum was classified as a critical war material, available only for the building of vital aircraft. Tires and gasoline became scarce and Wally Byam closed his doors.

By , Airstream Trailers, Inc. Check it out. Ethan Wolff-Mann is an editor at Supercompressor. He hopes that someday, this will all be his. Follow him on Twitter ewolffmann. Skip to main content Lifestyle. Airstream was invented by a lawyer who started building trailers as a hobby. The idea came about because Wally's wife refused to go camping without a kitchen.

Launched in , the first Airstream slept four. Airstream is the only travel trailer company to survive the Great Depression.