Airstream Travel Trailers, the Original RV

How many RV manufacturers can say they supplied vehicles for the NASA space program? Only one, that being Airstream. Founder Wally Byam started his career in the RV industry by producing and selling "How to kits" for people to build their own travel trailer. When the opportunity came for him to take over the Bowlus Company he jumped in with both feet. Making minor changes to the 1935 Bowlus trailer, the Airstream Clipper first came on the market in 1936.

The familiar shape of the "Silver Bullet" was originally designed by Hawley Bowlus, who happened to be the Chief Designer of Charles Lindberg's Spirit of St. Louis. With an eye for aerodynamics and aircraft design, the Bowlus trailer, and it's successor the Airstream, became well known for their easy towing and good handling characteristics on the road.

With competition from 400 other trailer manufacturer's in 1936, the Great Depression took it's toll. By the end of hard times, Airstream was the sole survivor. With the end of World War II, the boom in the economy made leisure travel accessible to more people. With the increased demand a second plant was brought on line in 1952 in Jackson Center, Ohio. By 1979 the California operation was shut down, and Jackson Center has continued to be home to Airstream ever since.

In the 1950's Wally Byam started taking groups of Airstream owners on excursions all over the world to promote his product. This led to The Wally Byam Caravan Club International being officially organized in 1955 at a rally in Nova Scotia, Canada. They, to this day, hold an annual rally each summer over a period that always includes July 1st through July 4th. Many smaller regional rallies are also held, but the main event is known as the International Rally.

Wally Byam stayed true to his roots, born July 4th, 1896 in Baker Oregon, he was on the road long before most roads existed. He rode mule trains with his Grandfather, and as a young man lived in a two wheel donkey cart as he tended sheep. Outfitted with a kerosene stove for cooking, sleeping bag, and a wash bucket, this was his first experience in Boondocking (Rving without hookups).

His first production model, the Airstream Clipper, hit the market for $1,200. Expensive by any standards, but with modern aircraft productions methods being the mainstay of his design, the supper strong trailer was in high demand. As World War II came on the scene, aluminum became impossible to obtain, production was shut down and Wally Byam did his part to support the war effort by taking jobs at Lockheed and Curtis Wright.

At the end of the war, it was back to business as by 1948 the demand for his Airstream trailers sent production into high gear. Wally Byam died on July 22, 1962 at the age of 66. This didn't stop the company he spent such a large part of his life building from carrying on. In the 70's Airstream started building a line of motorhomes called the Argosy. Beginning as a painted aluminum vehicle in the early years, by 1979 the first aluminum unpainted Airstream motorhome went into production. Other models came and went, but the companies bread and butter continued to be the Travel Trailers.

Currently production is limited to five different models of Travel Trailer, and a class B coach called the Interstate which is based on a Dodge Sprinter Van. With the cost of fuel ever on the increase, the Interstate makes the most of your traveling dollar. Rated at up to 22mpg the 5 cylinder Mercedes diesel motor will let you travel in comfort without the financial drain experienced with a larger class A motorhome .

Their line of travel trailers covers everything from small but functional, to large and decadent. There is no better statement that you have arrived, then to pull up with a 34' Classic LImited Airstream Luxuray Travel Trailer hitched behind your tow vehicle.

To this day, Airstream Trailers are a brand known world wide for their quailty and longevity. Old Airstreams are cherished family heirlooms to be passed from generation to generation. There is nothing more desirable to be traveling in then a lovingly restored old Airstream polished to a high shine.

In Wally Byam's own words, "Lets not make any changes, lets make improvements", Airstream has remained true to it's roots.