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Remembering Airstream’s fanciest trailer: the Land Yacht

The nautically-themed trailer is out of production, but its memory lives on in other Airstream models

Airstream trailers have been nicknamed a lot of things: the Silver Bullet, a Toaster-on-Wheels, and even the Silver Twinkie. But the now iconic American aluminum trailer—especially its largest models—has also been known as a “land yacht,” thanks to its high-end design reminiscent of the largest ships on the sea.

Airstream lived up to this title in 2014 when it debuted what it called “the most luxurious Airstream ever conceived.” The special edition model—the Land Yacht 28 —boasted three rooms and was designed with the help of Mauro Micheli, head designer at yacht design firm Officina Italiana Design , with cabinetry from the Italian firm Tecnoform.

All of that impressive pedigree meant one thing for the Land Yacht: It was fancy. Designed to resemble a luxury watercraft, the 28-foot trailer slept six and came with boat-deck plank flooring, LED lighting, and Corian countertops. The master bedroom boasted a pillow top queen mattress, a 30-inch flatscreen, and plenty of under-the-bed storage.

The technology and decor was also first class. A powered pedestal table moved the dining room table out of the way to free up space, and a powered outdoor awning made shade accessible. The interior came in two color options, dark wood and cream or a lighter wood with dark grey seating fabric.

The Land Yacht started at $146,362 and because it was a special edition model, it had limited production.

“It doesn’t come down to how many Special Edition units we sell, it’s about creating truly unique models that allow our team, and those we partner with a creative outlet to try new ideas,” said Bryan Melton, General Manager of travel trailers at Airstream.

“When you remove certain constraints, you allow engineers and designers to maximize their creativity. The results are truly special, like the Land Yacht, which continue to make strong statements within Airstream’s prolific history.”

Not long after the debut of the Land Yacht, Airstream took many of that model’s favorite qualities and added them to the remodeled Classic trailer and their new line of Class-B luxury touring coaches . Today, the Land Yacht is still on the product page of Airstream’s website , but according to a reputable Airstream dealer in Colorado, the only Land Yachts still left for sale are in Canada.

For many Airstream fanatics, the Land Yacht will go down as one of the fanciest—and best designed—trailers in the company’s history. Take a 360-degree tour, over here .

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HISTORY OF AIRSTREAM TRAVEL TRAILERS

The founder of Airstream , Wally Byam, traveled practically his entire life. When Wally was younger, his grandfather, a mule train conductor from Baker, Oregon, used to take Wally on excursions. He went on to become a Shepard in his teenage years, sleeping on a donkey cart with only two wheels. He packed food, water, kerosene, a camping stove, and a sleeping bag into this two-wheeled vehicle. One could say this was, in concept, the first Airstream Bambi ; years before the idea would even come to fruition.

Wally kept this industrious passion throughout his life and built more trailers. They were built of plywood and masonite in the early years, as he began experimenting with adding amenities to turn them into travel trailers . He started by adding chemical toilets, gasoline stoves, pumps for water, and ice chests.

As he soldiered on, the trailers started to adopt a more aerodynamic as Wally started to employ aircraft construction procedures he learned in the service. These construction practices lessened wind resistance and make them more durable, increasing the strength-to-weight ratio of the travel trailers.

In 1934, Wally Byam introduced the name “Airstream” because his improved trailers cruised down the road “like a stream of air.” On January 17, 1936, the Airstream Trailer Co. introduced the “Clipper”, and an American legend was born.

The Clipper was truly revolutionary. At $1200, the Clipper was expensive, especially during the Depression years , yet the company could not build them fast enough to keep up with the orders that poured in. 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. The Clipper boasted of its advanced insulation and ventilation system, and even offered “air conditioning” that used dry ice.

But survival was soon threatened from without. On December , 1941, 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.

With the war’s end, the economy boomed and consumers began demanding more of the goods they had been deprived of. By 1948, Airstream Trailers, Inc., was helping to satisfy that demand at its new facility in Van Nuys, California. Wally had learned much about aluminum fabrication and design in the aircraft industry, and he was ready to begin applying that knowledge to his trailer concepts.

The demand for Airstream trailers seemed to know no bounds, and it was soon obvious that Airstream had become a nationally known product. In July 1952, the lease was signed for a facility in Jackson Center, Ohio, to serve the eastern market. By August the first Ohio-made Airstream rolled off the production line, and the California factory was moved to larger facilities in Santa Fe Springs.

For the next ten years, Wally continued to improve and refine his products, and the company continued to prosper and grow. During this period, the company made the transition from direct, factory sales to a dealership network, providing even better service and responsiveness to its customers.

Then in 1962, Wally Byam passed away. Many companies would find it difficult to survive the loss of such a dynamic, visionary leader, but Wally’s technical and organizational skills had been absorbed by his successors, and the company continued to flourish.

By the early seventies, the popularity of motorhomes had grown by leaps and bounds. After several years of development, the first Airstream motorhomes were introduced in 1979.

In 1989, Airstream rolled out the all-new Land Yacht motorhome. In contrast to the Classic, this motorhome featured laminated fiberglass construction and had front and rear end caps so innovative that a patent was granted for them. The Land Yacht was an immediate success and is still the best-selling Airstream motorhome.

Airstream’s long tradition of design and manufacturing excellence led Money magazine to declare them one of “99 things that, yes, Americans make best.” Airstreams are found in both the Smithsonian Institution and the Henry Ford Museum. An Airstream trailer was selected by NASA to house the first astronauts back from the moon. Airstream motorhomes continue today to be an integral part of the space shuttle program. Airstreams have truly become an American Legend.

Over 70% of all Airstreams ever built – including some built from the original five-dollar plans – are still rolling down the highways. Airstreams have survived millions of miles across some of the roughest roads in the world and Airstreamers have enjoyed the freedom to go where others only dream of traveling. As they relax in their climate-controlled coaches, enjoying a cold drink and eating dinner prepared in a microwave oven while watching ball games by satellite TV, Airstreamers are realizing a dream made possible by the vision and dedication of Wally Byam and the adventurous spirit of those early Airstream explorers. They are living the Airstream Way of Life!

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The Airstream Land Yacht is One Trailer You Have to See

• Steve Fennell
• August 1, 2016

Table of Contents

To strengthen the Land Yacht theme, Airstream consulted with Mauro Micheli, the acclaimed yacht designer for prestigious Riva Yachts

Airstream has an interesting history of building Special Edition models. In past years, they have offered the contemporary Eddie Bauer Edition as well as the rustic-themed Pendleton National Park Service Edition. One of the latest selective models to be conceived – and a departure from its other special trailer predecessors – is the Land Yacht 28, which was introduced in late 2014 and has achieved plenty of attention across the highways of North America.

Every special edition model that the company devises carries a distinct theme. What makes the Land Yacht so unique this time around is it was inspired by Airstream leaders of past and present – late company founder Wally Byam and current President and CEO Bob Wheeler as both share a passion for recreational sailing. As Byam inspired many traditional Airstream designs from his passion of travel – on and off the water over the years – Wheeler and his design team commemorated that passion into the Land Yacht 28.

The exterior of the Land Yacht.

To strengthen the Land Yacht theme, Airstream consulted with Mauro Micheli, the acclaimed yacht designer for prestigious Riva Yachts and co-founder of Oficinia Italian Design firm based in Italy. The results were the iconic Airstream profile on the outside with a clean, modern and stylish interior with several forms of function on the inside.

“The Land Yacht is unique as we teamed with Mauro Micheli,” said Bryan Melton, General Manager, Travel Trailers for Airstream, Inc. “With our engineering input, he and his team created the design elements. Our goal was to have a super clean, beautifully appointed interior with attention to every detail. For example, he designed the fridge and freezer to be concealed behind a padded panel, while the cooktop and sink in the galley are concealed with a wood enclosure and built-in aluminum back splashes. They are all hidden providing a refined appearance, yet are easily accessed when they need to be used.”

“Airstream’s Bryan Melton explained that only 45 Land Yachts were scheduled to be built when the model was first introduced. There are only 12 left in the market place across North America and the last one – number 45 – will be completed at the end of September.”

Other key appointments are found in the lavy. While it’s not uncommon for Airstream trailers to feature the shower and toilet/sink in separate areas of the unit, the Land Yacht has an all-encompassing lavy with the essential components in the same space – with fit and finish executed to the tiniest of detail. Another functional design includes the master bedroom. It comes complete with a power memory foam, pillow top queen mattress, plus under bed storage, however, the standard 30-inch flatscreen TV is cleverly located behind a two-way mirror allowing two common functions in one small area.

The all-encompassing head that includes a shower, sink, and toilet in one ideal location.

Some Land Yacht Standards Include:

• A powered solid wood dinette table* • Power stabilizers • A premium awning package • Comfortable, convertible seating • Power entry steps, • Induction cooktop • The Quietstream A/C unit* • Interior hardware* • A new bathroom design* (*Airstream Firsts)

“With its features, the Land Yacht has a heavy designer influence that makes it incredibly clean and unique with a strong yacht theme, while still making it functional, practical to use,” said Melton. “That’s really what it’s all about. Special editions are meant to take us outside our comfort zone allowing us to set new boundaries. The reward comes from our customers who are seeking something a little different, and our special edition models provide just that.”

Melton explained that only 45 Land Yachts were scheduled to be built when the model was first introduced. “We build only two a month and have since we began this Special Edition,” he explained.  There are only 12 left in the market place across North America and the last one – number 45 – will be completed at the end of September.

The Land Yacht is available in two interior colors, Mocha (seen Here) and Polar (shown at top).

“The Land Yacht is kind of an ode to the olden days of Wally (Byam) with his dream and passion of travel, adventure and sailing,” explained Melton. “This model represents the most luxurious Airstream model, with fine detailing and design elements throughout. Once #45 rolls out of the factory, we will temporary suspend the famous Land Yacht badge.”

While Special Edition models from Airstream (including the Land Yacht) have a scheduled life span in the consumer marketplace, the influence and design that are incorporated into these models commonly stay within the Airstream brands. There were a series of features introduced in the Land Yacht, with the most popular being the Quietstream ducted A/C, which has become standard on all but the Sport Airstream models.

“It doesn’t come down to how many Special Edition units we sell, it’s about creating truly unique models that allow our team, and those we partner with a creative outlet to try new ideas.,” said Melton. “When you remove certain constraints, you allow engineers and designers to maximize their creativity. The results are truly special, like the Land Yacht, which continue to make strong statements within Airstream’s prolific history.”

If you have any questions about the company`s Land Yacht Design or wish to join in on the Airstream discussions with other owners be sure to go to AIRForums.com .

Specifications

Length: (exterior):28′ Width: (exterior): 8’5.5″ Height: (exterior) : 9’9″ (w/A/C) Interior width: 8′ 1″ Interior height: 6’6″ (w/A/C) Hitch weight: 842 lbs. (w/LP Batteries) Unit Base Weight: 6,586 lbs. (w/LP, Batteries) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 8,200 Net Carrying Capacity: 1,614lbs. Fresh Water Tank: 39 gal. Gray Water Tank:  37 gal. Black Water Tank: 39 gal. Water Heater w/electronic ignition: 6 gal. Ducted Furnace: 25,000 BTU Sleeping Cap: 1-5

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I had a 31 ft many years ago. Fabulous RV. What scared me sometimes was that it towed so easily that you would forget it was back there. Really. The reason I sold it was that I wanted a motor home and at that time they were not being made.

My husband sailed for many years and loves boats- so he had a great desire for us to change our 27 FB I International Signature for the Land Yacht. It is absolutely beautiful but while there is lots of storage it is perhaps less functional than with our first AS. For example, there is no kitchen garbage can nor is there a medicine cabinet. However, we have figured out solutions for these issues and have very much enjoyed our special model.

The Airstream Land Yacht looks very nice, appears to be quality built. Looking at the Specifications, the one item that everyone needs to know is not listed. The Price. Most new 25 to 30 foot trailers sell for $20 to $30K. I suspect that that Airstream sell in the $80K range.

According to the Airstream website, the Land Yacht starts at $146,362. Hope this helps you.

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2015 Airstream Land Yacht 28FB Review

Only one Land Yacht floorplan is available – the 28FB. It has an exterior length of 28’, exterior width of 8’5.5”, interior width of 8’1”, exterior height with A/C of 9’9”, and interior height with A/C of 6’6.5”. The Land Yacht 28FB has a hitch weight of 842 lbs, unit base weight of 6,586 lbs, gross vehicle weight rating of 8,200 lbs, and net carrying capacity of 1,614 lbs. For liquids, the Land Yacht has a fresh tank capacity of 39 gallons, black water tank capacity of 39 gallons, gray water tank capacity of 37 gallons, and water heater capacity of six gallons. As many as five people can sleep in the Land Yacht.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Airstream Eddie Bauer Extended 27FB EB Review

Airstream trailers are designed for easy towing. Constructed with patented aerodynamic technology, the Land Yacht 28FB has a low center of gravity and deflects wind. Its semi-monocoque construction, also used for airplanes, means that its aluminum skin is stretched and riveted to the frame. This makes it lightweight and strong. The Land Yacht 28FB has an enclosed, insulated underbelly with heated holding tanks. Controlling the interior temperature is the Quietstream Climate Control system – a ducted air conditioning system that reduces noise.

To the outsider, the Land Yacht doesn’t actually resemble a yacht. But it does look like an Airstream, which means it’ll get you lots of attention on the road. The bullet-shaped trailer has alloy wheels, aluminum bumper with storage, and aluminum LP bottle cover. Its paint uses Rockguard Protection to prevent it from chipping, staining and scratching. Other niceties include exterior LP gas port and adapter, and exterior shower. An LED light is located on the power entry step. For safety and convenience the Land Yacht 28FB features exterior convenience lighting and a power hitch jack with a light. It also has power patio awning, power stabilizers, and solar pre-wiring.

Upon stepping inside, this Airstream has a noticeably yacht-type feel, which is accomplished through the curves and style of the furnishing and appliances. Whether you decide to go with the Mocha décor or Polar décor, the Land Yacht’s combination of textures, colors, and patterns is striking. Custom flooring looks beautiful with the padded, detail-stitched cabinetry. All the windows have shades and USB charging outlets are found throughout the cabin.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail Travel Trailer 2730 RBS

Before stepping into the lounge, wipe your feet on the custom Airstream entrance mat. Ultraleather seating can be used as a dinette or a cozy sitting area. Villa sofa comes with integrated power recliners. You can kick back on your seat of choice and turn on your hideaway LED TV with mirror glass. Entertainment is available via the DVD, AM/FM radio and CD player. The space is equipped with cable, portable satellite hook-up and a digital TV antenna.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Palomino Puma 28-DSBS

When you’re ready to call it a night, put your clothes back into the wardrobe, clean yourself up in the bathroom and crawl under your blankets. The bedroom comes with a pillow-top memory foam mattress, bedspread, bed pillows and throw pillows. If you like watching TV before bed then you’ll be thankful for the LED/HDTV. Storage space will not be an issue because you have two nightstands, under-bed storage bins and a large wardrobe.

The Airstream Land Yacht 28FB sells for around $150,000. For more information visit: http://www.airstream.com/ .

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Airstream’s 26-Foot Land Yacht

This type A gasoline-powered coach may come in a compact size, but it goes to great lengths to provide ample living comfort and drivability.

By Lazelle D. Jones February 2003

For some motorhome enthusiasts, a bigger coach is not necessarily better. Yet they still want the style, comfort, and livability that have become the standard in today’s type As. Enter the 2003 26-foot Land Yacht.

This coach represents a step into the future with its appointments, equipment, design, and construction, even though its diminutive length may remind some motorhomers of the 1980s, when production models were typically 30 feet long or less. Airstream also uses the words “low profile” to describe its gas-powered Land Yacht line, and with good reason: this motorhome’s exterior height is 10 feet 2 inches (to the top of the roof air conditioner).

The 26-foot Land Yacht has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 15,000 pounds. With a full tank of fresh water (44 gallons), a full tank of fuel (60 gallons), and a full tank of LP gas (82 pounds), the unit I reviewed weighed 13,580 pounds. So, it was capable of accommodating another 1,420 pounds of passengers and cargo.

My test coach achieved a fuel economy figure of 9 miles per gallon, which is reasonable for a motorhome with a big eight-cylinder gasoline engine. The fuel tank is large enough to accommodate a driving range of approximately 540 miles at 9 mpg.

I picked up the Land Yacht in the Los Angeles area and proceeded north up Interstate 405 and the Sepulveda Pass. The coach either led or kept pace with the flow of traffic along the way. The monster 8.1-liter Chevrolet Vortec engine that comes with the P32 Workhorse chassis is the heart and soul of the Land Yacht. The big-block V-8 develops 340 horsepower and yields 455 pound-feet of torque. The four-speed automatic transmission, also a General Motors product, completes a powertrain that is capable of towing another 4,000 pounds.

Airstream provides the following statement concerning towing a vehicle behind this unit: “The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), not at GCWR (gross combined weight rating). A separate functioning braking system is required for any towed vehicles or trailers weighing more than 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) when fully loaded.”

The Land Yacht was very good in passing scenarios, such as when accelerating from 50 mph to 70 mph, as well as when entering a freeway and merging into traffic. With the Land Yacht’s reduced length, changing lanes on the interstate during rush hour was relatively uncomplicated. The coach’s shorter length and low-profile exterior height made it easy to maneuver into fuel stations and alongside the gas pump.

I liked the optional keyless entry. A touch of a button on the key fob unlocks the main entry door; two touches, and the driver’s-side door also unlocks. Touch the button three times, and the patio light and interior lights illuminate for several seconds. This feature is a great help when returning to the coach after dark.

After manually adjusting the bottom half of the split-side mirror system and using the power-adjust feature to tailor the top half to meet my needs, I had good visibility along both sides of the coach. (The exterior mirrors are also heated.) The optional backup monitor has two adjustments, one for distance and another that focuses down toward the rear bumper.

I appreciated the power window in the driver’s-side door, and the fact that the step for this door is recessed into the side of the coach; it keeps you from worrying about bumping your shins on a protruding step. I also was impressed by the placement of the hood release below the dash; this is a good security feature.

Overall, driving this motorhome was similar to handling a giant sport utility vehicle. The power-adjustable driver’s seat quickly creates a zone of comfort that accommodates the body dimensions of the pilot.

Since I’m accustomed to type A motorhomes that are at least 34 feet long, I was initially skeptical about the livability of this 26-foot coach. That skepticism was compounded when I heard it was 96 inches wide. However, I was in for a surprise.

The Land Yacht’s designers floored me with their use of interior space. A high amount of livability — a level that many RVers will find to be totally sufficient — has been gleaned. This coach includes all of the comforts demanded by today’s discerning motorhome client.

Let’s take a tour of the unit. The main entry door is on the curb side, immediately aft of the copilot’s seat. Airstream has equipped it with a tension-type device that is mounted into the entry step and connected to the bottom of the entry door. This device controls the door when it is being opened and closed; it precludes the need to physically hold the door or to attach the door to the side of the coach when one wishes to leave it open.

A single entry step lined with a nonskid mat leads into the coach. The interior floor is conveniently closer to the ground than in other coaches, because this unit does not have coach-wide basement storage. Yet this motorhome’s interior height is 6 feet 7 inches. Only a very few will find themselves brushing their heads up against the ceiling.

Immediately aft of the entry door is the in-line galley. First comes a double sink, followed by a three-burner cook top with a foldable Corian cover. Next is an 8-cubic-foot two-way refrigerator-freezer. A 10-cubic-foot unit with an ice maker is available as an option. My test coach had the optional oak facing on the refrigerator, so it blended in with the cabinetry.

Behind the driver’s seat on the street side of the coach is a sleeper sofa. Aft of that is a private bath with a marine-style porcelain toilet and a molded fiberglass shower.

You may have noticed by now that I have not mentioned a dinette. A booth-style dinette is standard on this model, but my test coach had an optional sleeper sofa in the dinette’s place. When it’s time to eat, occupants can quickly set up a portable table that is supported by two stainless-steel posts; the bottoms of the posts are mounted into floor inserts and the tops connect underneath the table.

The dining table has a laminate top and measures 48 inches long and 22 inches wide. It offers ample room for enjoying a meal, taking on some paperwork, or enjoying a favorite craft. Its portability means that the living area can offer a more commodious space.

Speaking of, the designers of this coach truly employed “creative space planning.” The clever use of space can be further seen in the rear bedroom configuration. This area not only has eye appeal, but plenty of utility and livability. Along the curbside wall is a cabinet and a sink complex with a Corian countertop. Drawers and storage are located below the lavatory. Aft of this is a large wardrobe that can help keep a large selection of clothing wrinkle-free.

The full-size bed (54 inches by 74 inches) is positioned in the right (streetside) rear corner of the bedroom with its head on the back wall. Near the foot of the bed on the streetside wall is a high cabinet with stacked drawers. On the top of this cabinet is a standard 13-inch television. A headset with a volume control, which plugs in above the headboard, lets folks who enjoy television and those who want to sleep both feel like winners.

The right side of the bed abuts the streetside wall. A carpeted passageway runs along the left side of the bed to the rear wall, and a partial passageway along the foot of the bed provides access to the lavatory, wardrobe, and stack of drawers, and facilitates making the bed. To further augment ease of movement in this area, the bottom outside corner of the mattress is angled.

Plush carpet covers the floor of the bedroom — and the entire coach. Windows throughout the Land Yacht feature fabric-covered shadow boxes and pleated day-night shades, except in the bedroom, where night shades are used. All cabinets feature an oak finish.

Airstream builds this coach on a straight-rail Workhorse chassis. A series of 12 outriggers (six on each side) are welded to the chassis, making it ready to receive the floor. The heated, rotocast holding tanks are located below the floor, perpendicular to the chassis rails. The fresh water tank is actually placed inside the coach, below the rear bed, where it is winterized by the interior environment. The LP-gas tank is mounted on the rear streetside corner; the 5.5-kilowatt Onan LP-gas-powered generator (which is standard) is situated on the opposing rear corner.

The optional four-point PowerGear hydraulic leveling jack system is attached to the chassis.

The floor, walls, and roof are vacuum-laminated. This method literally sucks the air out of the structure and draws and holds the constituent parts together while the adhesive cures.

The floor is made of welded tubular steel members anchored with steel mechanical fasteners to the outriggers; polystyrene foam insulation is cut to fit in between. The floor is based on galvanized steel, with a plywood interior facing. An all-steel driver platform and firewall are welded to and integrated with the chassis.

The walls and roof are formed with welded tubular aluminum structural members. The walls are permanently anchored to the floor with huck rivets. This is the same technology that is used to guarantee the structural integrity of vehicles such as railroad cars.

Located along the sides of the roof and along the tops of the walls are interconnecting aluminum members. Once the roof and walls are joined, mechanical fasteners hold them together. A single piece of fiberglass forms the roof exterior. Shaped bead-foam insulation is used to create the roof crown and promote runoff. A silicone-type caulk is used to seal all seams.

The interior of the roof and walls is covered by a low-maintenance vinyl that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The exterior storage bay doors are made of insulated aluminum. The bays themselves are carpet-lined, metal structures. The 26-foot Land Yacht features one storage bay that almost runs the width of the coach. It is accessible from the rear of the vehicle and is long enough for skis. It’s also high enough that you don’t have to squat or bend over to see what’s inside.

The Land Yacht’s exterior treatment consists of gelcoat fiberglass with approximately half the body being painted, which is standard, but full body paint is available as an option. When the latter is chosen, a base coat is applied, followed by a top coat featuring the color scheme. A clear coat is applied over painted areas, and a clear plastic protective film is applied to the nose of the unit.

This motorhome’s front nose style is more rounded than many on the market today, which makes it more aerodynamic — and good-looking.

The 26-foot Land Yacht is cooled by a 13,500-Btu roof air conditioner that also features a heat strip; an 11,000-Btu bedroom air conditioner is available as an option. A standard Fan-Tastic Vent fan with a rain sensor is mounted in the living area; a second one is available in the bedroom as an option. The coach is heated by a 30,000-Btu furnace.

Other standard electric features include an Intellitec mini battery management system; 30-amp service; and a 55-amp converter. A 5-watt solar panel provides a trickle charge to the chassis battery.

An optional 130-watt inverter is available to power the front entertainment center. As noted, a 5.5-kilowatt generator is standard.

The only potential sticking point I found with this unit was the size of its holding tanks — 24 gallons for black water, and 23 gallons for gray water. However, this would likely affect only occupants who were involved in stand-alone camping for a period of days. Being mindful of water usage in such situations can mitigate it.

My test coach’s base suggested retail price was $93,162, and the final price as tested came to $104,776 with the following options: side lounge with pedestal table; auxiliary defrost fans; keyless entry; Fan-Tastic Vent fan in bedroom; inverter; power passenger seat; DVD player; 12-disc CD changer; power patio awning; dual-pane windows; docking lights; hardwood raised-panel inserts in refrigerator door; rearview backup camera and monitor; leveling jacks; full body exterior paint.

The bottom line: Although the Airstream 26-foot Land Yacht is shorter than most motorhomes, it is long on everything else.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer … Airstream Inc., 520 W. Pike St., Jackson Center, OH 43311; (937) 596-6111; fax: (937) 596-8140; www.airstream.com Model … Land Yacht Floor plan … 26 foot Chassis … Workhorse Engine … Chevrolet Vortec V-8, 8.1-liter; 340 horsepower @ 4,200 rpm, 455 pound-feet torque @ 3,200 rpm Transmission … Hydra-Matic 4L80E Axle ratio … 4.63 to 1 Tires … Michelin XRV 225/70R 19.5F Wheelbase … 158.5 inches Brakes … four-wheel antilock disc Suspension … front — independent coil with auxiliary springs; rear — parabolic taper multileaf Alternator … 130 amps Batteries … chassis — (1) group 24, 690 cca; house — (2) group 27 deep cycle, 600 cca each Steering . .. 14.1 Saginaw 710 Inverter … 130 watts Electrical service . .. 30 amps Auxiliary generator … 5.5-kilowatt Exterior length . .. 26 feet Exterior width … 96 inches Interior height … 6 feet 7 inches Exterior height . .. 10 feet 2 inches (with roof air conditioner) Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) … 19,000 pounds Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) … 15,000 pounds Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) … front — 6,000 pounds; rear — 10,000 pounds Wet weight as tested … (weighed with full water and fuel tanks) front axle — 4,700 pounds; rear axle — 8,860 pounds; total — 13,580 pounds Payload … 1,420 pounds Frame construction . .. welded tubular aluminum Insulation … 1.5-inch expanded polystyrene Fresh water capacity . .. 44 gallons Holding tank capacities … gray water — 23 gallons; black water — 24 gallons Fuel capacity … 60 gallons Fuel requirements … unleaded gasoline Propane capacity … 82 pounds Water heater . .. 6-gallon LP-gas/110-volt DSI, with motor aid Water system … demand Furnace … 30,000 Btus Air conditioner … (1) 13,500-Btu roof unit with heat strip; additional 11,000-Btu unit with heat strip optional Refrigerator … 8-cubic-foot two-way; 10-cubic-foot two-way with ice maker, optional Toilet … Porcelain with water-saver sprayer Warranty … Workhorse chassis — 3 years/36,000 miles; Airstream coach — 2 years/30,000 miles Base suggested retail price … $93,162 Price as tested . .. $104,776

RV News & Notes: January 2003

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The 5 Most Unique Airstreams of All Time

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on January 11, 2022

Airstreams are one of the most classic campers on the road. Everyone knows that iconic silver bullet shape when it rolls into a campsite.

We’re looking at the five most unique Airstreams of all time to see how the brand has innovated over time. We take a look at how these one-of-a-kind campers hold up and what makes them so special.

Let’s dive in.

History of Airstream Campers

Airstreams hit the road for the first time in the 1930s. They were produced out of a small trailer factory in Culver City, Calif. From travel trailers to motorhomes, and now Class B RVs, Airstream has been a recognizable brand ever since. 

Known as the “silver bullet,” Airstream campers utilize aluminum walls. They also have strategically placed windows to maximize natural light. Each Airstream features thoughtful design, innovative technology, and modern decor specific to its decade.

Pro Tip: Need some inspiration for your Airstream? We found The 5 Best Vintage Airstream Renovations to get your DIY juices flowing!

The 5 Most Unique Airstream Campers

There are several Airstream models on the market today. But we’re examining the five most unique Airstream campers. Let’s look closer.

#1. The Argosy

About the Argosy: In the early 1970s, Airstream decided to offer a medium-priced travel trailer. They marketed the Argost as “almost an Airstream.” While the camper had the same aluminum shell as other Airstreams, it used lower-grade materials to save costs. Airstream painted the outside. The company made the Argosy from 1973 to 1979, and again in 1986 to 1989. The ‘80s version featured a redesign with fiberglass end caps. 

What Makes It Unique: The Argosy is the only Airstream with a painted exterior. These paint jobs could be classic or eye-catching and striking.

How They Hold Up: It’s rare to find an Argosy for sale today. Owners typically keep them for a lifetime. If they sell them, buyers quickly scoop them up and refurbish them. They hold up if the owner maintains them well. Otherwise, you’ll have quite a bit of work ahead of you if you plan to rebuild one.

#2. The Airstream Nest

About the Airstream Nest: Airstream’s Nest is a modern twist on the Airstream campers. It has a fiberglass body and is compact with a rear entry door. Airstream produced it from 2018 to 2020. Unfortunately, the risk of having a fiberglass option in their lineup didn’t pay off for the brand. But if you’re lucky enough to find a used one for sale, these lightweight, small campers are a great option for a weekend getaway.

What Makes It Unique: The fiberglass gray and white body with a rear entry door really stands out among Airstreams. This is much smaller than a classic Airstream.

How They Hold Up: The Airstream Nest holds up great, and owners love them. Like any fiberglass camper, it has few seams, so there’s less risk of leaks.

#3. The Airstream Motorhome

About the Airstream Motorhome: Airstream manufactures five models of Class B motorhomes. They’ve been making touring coaches since 2004. Currently, the company offers the Atlas , Interstate 24GL , Interstate 24GT , Interstate 24X , and Interstate 19 . They include various floorplans.   

What Makes It Unique: Airstream’s motorhomes offer the luxury and quality you would expect in one of its travel trailers, but their drivability takes it up a notch. The self-contained Class B motorhomes have modern technology to keep you on the road for weeks on end.

How They Hold Up: Airstream motorhomes are some of the best Class Bs on the market today. Their quality builds, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis are long-lasting and hold their value better than other vans.

#4. The Land Yacht Motorhome

About the Land Yacht Motorhome: Airstream introduced motorhomes in 1979, and the Land Yacht Motorhome came on the market in 1989. It last made one in the early 2000s. In contrast to the manufacturer’s first motorhomes, the Land Yacht had laminate fiberglass construction as well as front and rear end caps. 

What Makes It Unique: The Land Yacht was Airstream’s best-selling motorhome. It rivaled the popular Winnebago. 

How They Hold Up: The motorhome holds up well, and people still RV in them. Some seek them out in order to remodel them.

#5. The Airstream Basecamp

About the Airstream Basecamp: The Basecamp is the smallest Airstream on the market today. Airstream first produced it in 2007. Airstream’s founder’s first teardrop trailer design in the 1930s inspired the Basecamp’s look. 

What Makes It Unique: The Basecamp is great for adventure. Its high clearance and lightweight compactness make it easy to tow and use for camping off the beaten path. Plus, it still has room for a bathroom, so you get luxury off-road.

How They Hold Up: The Basecamp holds up well. You can tow it with an SUV.

Pro Tip: Want more info on What Is An Airstream Basecamp? We’ve got you covered!

Airstream Past and Present

You have to hand it to Airstream. The company puts out unique designs and luxury features. It strikes a balance between the traditional and the innovative.

What’s your favorite Airstream from the past or present? Tell us in the comments below!

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About Wally

In 1931, Airstream began with Wally Byam’s dream: to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car, and create first-class accommodation anywhere.

Every inch of an Airstream has a function. Airstream is the most thoroughly tested brand in trailer history. Its engineering is the culmination of over 80 years' experience plus millions of miles on roads throughout the world.

With Airstream, there is no planned obsolescence. Airstreams of the 1930s are still on the road today, sturdy and modern as ever. They are intended as a lifetime investment in happiness.

Airstream’s first ride was in 1929, but really Airstream was born the first time Wally Byam left home. Wally’s early life – schooling, sailing, camping, and working – all came together to form a vision of the open road, the outdoors, and freedom. That vision was realised in a tent on a Model T chassis. It was realised in a boy working to pay for his school. It was realised when Wally Byam built that first trailer, and it’s still alive today.

Self Made Man

Everything that Wally Byam got in his life was through his own hard work and perseverance. Wally graduated from Stanford in 1921, and if his family helped him pay for it, there’s no record of it. It’s believed that he paid for college by working several jobs. During the school year Wally would work in concessions for Stanford football and basketball games, and he was the house manager at his Sigma Chi fraternity. It’s believed that in the summers, he earned money working as a sailor, and that time spent on the sea fostered Wally’s love of travel and of experiencing the world, and also inspired some of Airstream’s early designs.

The First Airstream

In 1929, Wally Byam built the world’s first Airstream trailer. It started out as a tent contraption that he built on a Model T chassis, but it wasn’t a lot of fun in the rain (and Wally’s first wife Marion wasn’t a fan). So he replaced the tent with a teardrop-shaped permanent shelter – and added a stove and ice chest, too. It was easy to tow and caught the eye of other travellers, so much so that enough people asked Wally about it for him to decide it might be “a pretty good business to get into.” Good thing he did!

Wally and Neil

Wally also worked for Stanford’s newspaper, and after he graduated he used that experience to secure a job at the Los Angeles Times. As at Stanford, he worked as an advertising manager, but after a short time he left the paper to join a new organisation called the Penny Newspaper Group. That organisation was founded by Cornelius “Neil” Vanderbilt, Jr, and while this would be their first meeting and first collaboration, Wally and Neil would become friends for life.

As the 1930s dawned, interest in Wally Byam’s early trailer designs was growing. So much so, in fact, that he couldn’t handle the demand on his own from his yard anymore, or by sending five-dollar manuals around the country. People had seen the first Airstreams, and they wanted to get on-board. A factory would open. A trailer would debut. But then a Great Depression would jeopardise everything.

The Torpedo Debuts

Every great legacy starts somewhere, and for Airstream it was the Torpedo Car Cruiser. The Torpedo was the first factory-produced Airstream model, and by early 1932 there were over a thousand Torpedoes on the road. Soon it was joined by the Silver Bullet and Silver Cloud, but the Torpedo was the forerunner of every Airstream trailer that you see on the road and off it today.

From Hobby to Business

After the success of Wally’s Popular Mechanics guide to building a trailer, he decided that it’d be a lucrative business to get into, so when neighbors started asking him to build trailers for them like the one in his front yard, he obliged. Noise complaints quickly followed, so Wally rented a building and opened a small trailer factory in Culver City, California in 1931 – Airstream’s first factory. They soon relocated, but the Airstream dream was born.

Trailers Boom - then bust

When Wally Byam opened the first Airstream factory in California, there were fewer than 50 trailer manufacturers registered for business. In the next five years, demand for the trailer lifestyle exploded and the industry followed suit – by 1937, there were around 400 manufacturers competing for customers. Unfortunately for many of those daring entrepreneurs, the Great Depression and World War II took a toll, and today, only Airstream remains.

Airstream survived the Depression. World War II would be another challenge. Factories closed, and Wally Byam and others joined the war effort. But after the fighting stopped, Airstream was back, and soon better than ever. And as the company grew, Wally would have a chance to get on the road, battle-test his trailers – and plant the seed of a caravan revolution.

The Curtis Wright Clipper

As World War II drew to a close, Wally Byam was working at Curtiss-Wright to help manufacture airplanes for the war effort. When the war ended, though, he saw an opportunity. They had an idle plant, and he had a trailer business to get back to. So the Curtis Wright Clipper was born – similar to the Airstream Clipper in many ways, but improved with Wally’s new manufacturing know-how. This would be Wally’s first airplane-constructed trailer, but it wouldn’t be Airstream’s last.

The War Years

When the United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, aluminum became hard to come by. In fact, the government ordered that travel trailers could only be made as part of the war effort, not for public recreation. Wally saw Airstreams as a mode of travel, not a substitute for a house, so he decided to close up shop. For the duration of the war, Wally and many Airstream crew members found employment in various aircraft factories in California. The experience they got from working on military planes would end up serving Airstream quite well at war’s end indeed.

The First Adventure

In 1948, Wally went to Europe with his friend Neil Vanderbilt to tour the war-ravaged land. Neil’s goal was to film postwar Europe for lecture tours, but Wally’s was all for Airstream. They traveled the continent in an Airstream trailer, and Wally wanted to road test the trailer to find weaknesses that needed fixing, as well as improvements that could be made. This may not have been the plan at the time, but the trip would end up as a precursor to the Airstream caravans that would follow in later years. Two friends on the road together – how fun!

In the 1950s, Airstream went through a lot of changes, and mostly for the good. The old factory was outgrown. Wally Byam led a caravan of trailerites outside American borders for the first time. Innovation continued, inside the company and out. By decade’s end, in a lot of ways Airstream had made the leap from being a travel trailer company to being a movement and a culture that was shared by thousands.

Moving East

By 1952, Airstream had outgrown its Los Angeles plant and desperately needed to expand. Rather than staying on the West Coast, Wally traveled east to scout locations across the Midwest. He spent a summer looking in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio before finding a factory for sale in Jackson Center, Ohio. With Neil Vanderbilt on the board and Airstream’s obvious success, funding was easy to find, and soon Wally had his ideal second location locked down. And it turned out to be a great choice – more than sixty-five years later, Airstream is still making trailers in Jackson Center.

First Caravan

In 1951, Wally Byam decided to travel with a group of friends from Texas to Nicaragua. When a magazine picked up the story, he invited others to join in the Los Angeles Times. He expected about 35 trailers to show up; he got 63. The first caravan wasn’t the smooth ride today’s Airstreamers are used to – bad roads and bad weather led to equipment failures, and many caravanners dropped out early. Only 14 completed the trip, and Wally said he’d never do it again. Luckily for all of us, that vow lasted only a year!

Necessity is the mother of Invention

When you’re constantly trying to push the envelope on the road, you need to innovate. As people took Airstream trailers to new and more challenging locales, they needed more. And Wally Byam fostered that, urging people to create what they need when it didn’t already exist. In 1954, he convinced Mark Bowen of Bowen Water Heater Co. to develop the first hot water system ever in a trailer. The 1958 Airstream International was developed as the first-ever “self-contained” travel trailer – one with full freedom from external trailer hookups, like outside sources of power. With new capabilities, Airstreams could go farther for longer than ever before.

For the first three decades of its existence – and maybe even longer – Airstream and Wally Byam were synonymous. But the 1960s changed that. Wally passed away, and Airstream no longer had its founder and leader. There would be turmoil and there would be change, but nobody should be surprised that the company and the idea that Wally devoted his adult life to was grand enough and strong enough to live on.

A big Change

In 1969, the Airstream trailer had its first major redesign in over 30 years, with an internal facelift as well as exterior and structural changes. The end result was an Airstream with rounder edges and more streamlined shape, a more luxurious and comfortable interior, and a more distinct “bullet” shape. It even added a foot of length and four inches of width. It was a big step on the path from Wally’s first trailer to the one you see on the road today.

A Legend Passes

After battling cancer with his trademark tenacity, Wally Byam passed away on July 22, 1962. He left behind an Airstream company at its peak, working to meet the demand that Wally’s dreams and hard work had created for travel, adventure, and experiencing the world first-hand. After some competition between Wally’s lieutenants Art Costello and Andy Charles, Costello was voted Airstream’s new president a year later.

Out of this world

When humans first visited the moon in 1969, it was feared that the astronauts who walked on its surface might bring back disease or other maladies with them. NASA took every precaution, and it was decided that the Apollo 11 trio would be quarantined upon their safe return. Airstream was tasked with constructing a “mobile quarantine unit” that could be taken to the USS Hornet, which would greet Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. There’s even a famous photo of President Richard Nixon speaking to the trio from outside!

With a recession and a gas crisis, the 1970s weren’t a great decade for the auto industry as a whole, let alone travel trailers and Airstream. Driving for fun wasn’t on the table for many people. And that brought change to Airstream. For the first time in the company’s history, it left California – and for good. New products were introduced, unlike anything Airstream had done before. But even in a time of flux, with change everywhere, what remained was undeniably Airstream.

Coming back Together

As a recession and the Middle East gas crisis hit American drivers hard in the late 1970s, it did the same to Airstream. With the expansion of the Jackson Center facility and a need to consolidate, Airstream finally made the move east complete. The California plant was closed in 1978, and all manufacturing and executive operations would move to the Ohio complex – where they remain today.

Expanding Once Again

In the late 1950s, Airstream had purchased four acres in Jackson Center, Ohio, near our Midwest factory. In 1971 a seed was planted there, and from it grew the world’s most modern trailer manufacturing facility. The new, massive plant – 150,000 square feet – is still operating today, churning out trailer after trailer just as it did when it first opened.

Spreading Out

For the first four decades or so of Airstream’s life, we were exclusively a travel trailer company – Wally Byam had thought several times about diversifying and producing a motorhome, but each time decided against it. In 1974 that all changed. With leadership wanting to avoid being entirely dependent on one product for revenue, the Argosy motorhome debuted. Sales were modest, and the Argosy line would be discontinued in 1979. But the will to innovate would live on in later models like the Land Yacht motorhome and the Interstate touring coach.

Since Wally Byam’s death, Airstream had gone through periods of great prosperity and periods of great hardship. But in the 1980s, Airstream found stable footing once again. New ownership came in, and ushered in an era of success that continues to this day. And with the silver bullet trailer gaining retro icon status, we were able to keep the old with the new.

Venturing to New Lands

The Wally Byam Caravan Club International has been around since the 1950s, just a few years after Wally’s first caravan, but in the 1970s and 80s they collaborated with Airstream itself to hold numerous rallies and caravans around the world – even some places many Americans weren’t as keen on visiting at the time. Only about a decade after President Richard Nixon famously went to China, in 1985 an Airstream caravan followed him there for the first time.

Under New Management

Airstream leadership had been in flux for years after the passing of Wally Byam, with control of the company changing hands several times in the next few decades. In 1980, stability came once again. Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein, owners of Hi-Lo Trailers, saw the market starting to pick up and moved to form a new company, Thor Industries, and acquire Airstream. And that association continues to this day, over thirty years later.

Becoming an Icon

The design and beauty of the Airstream trailer have gained it many admirers, and after decades of touring the roads and campsites of America (and the world), it’s gone from being an oddity to a true American icon. One example? In 1987, Money magazine chose the Airstream travel trailer as one of “99 things that, yes, Americans make best” alongside titans of American industry like Coca-Cola and Heinz ketchup. That’s not bad company, is it?

Airstream is a company that spans eras – we appreciate our history very much, as you can see, but we also look forward whenever possible. In the 1990s, we embodied that generational bridge. New efforts were started to honor and preserve Airstream’s greatest historical resource, the trailers themselves. And with more products and updated designs, a whole new generation of Airstreamers could get on the road in style.

In with the New

In addition to honoring Airstream’s rich history, the 1990s saw a rededication to newer generations of travelers. To attract younger buyers, the Safari was introduced. With a cost 20 percent less than its contemporaries, it was easier to afford while maintaining the quality Airstream demands. And with a weight 20 percent lighter than a traditional trailer, it could be towed by lighter vehicles. It was a hit, and quickly about half the Airstreams being sold were Safaris.

In with the Old

With the quality and longevity of Airstream and our trailers, often an individual trailer can still find great use for decades or even longer. In the late 80s and early 1990s, interest in older Airstreams began to grow, including restoring them to original glory and renovating them to mix vintage and modern. To meet this demand, in 1993 a new chapter within the Wally Byam Caravan Club International was formed, appropriately named the Vintage Airstream Club. To join, owners have to have a trailer that’s at least 25 years old.

The Old becomes New

As for the new trailers rolling off the line, it had been since 1969 that any major design change had been made. In 1994, the first redesign in almost 30 years was made, adding about five-and-a-half inches in width in addition to a total interior change. Along with changes to profile and structure and shape, these alterations made a bigger, more comfortable trailer while maintaining performance – and the Airstream that you see on the road today.

We’re very proud of what’s come before us, in the near-century Airstream trailers have been on the road. In the past ten years we’ve seen the Wally Byam Caravan Club International and Airstream itself pass major milestones, and we hope to see many more. That’s why we’re also always looking forward to the future, and trying to develop new, better trailers and other products so that Airstreamers can always enjoy the open road in comfort and without worry.

Seventy-five years on the Road

The next year, Airstream itself had its 75th birthday. The silver bullet design has stood the test of time, and so has the riveted-aluminum construction. The company’s longevity is reflected in the individual trailers we build – in 2006, 65% of the Airstreams that had been built since Wally Byam’s first trailer were still on the road. In fact, some of those aged warriors included some of the ones built from the five-dollar plans Wally sold before the first factory was even open.

A Half-century of Community

In 2005, the Wally Byam Caravan Club International celebrated its 50th anniversary. From the first Central American caravan Wally led to his adventures across Europe with Neil Vanderbilt, from tours of the United States to trips to Africa and China, the WBCCI has spent half a century helping Airstreamers meet each other, form lasting bonds and memories, and travel the world safely and enjoyably.

Growing the Family

The 2000s saw a major expansion in the things Airstream could offer prospective trailerites. From the Base Camp trailer to the returning Classic motorhome to the Interstate touring coach, there has never been more variety available under the Airstream name. Some models come and go, but quality and commitment to innovation never will – it’s part of what makes Airstream what it is.

The way people want to travel sometimes changes as time goes by, and it’s in the Airstream thinking to keep our finger on the pulse of those changes. During the 2010s we launched the Nest, a travel trailer made of fiberglass rather than our signature aluminum. In fact, the idea was originally one of Wally’s! It harked back to his 1950s experiments with bringing a fiberglass Airstream to the public. In addition, we continued to develop new variations on the classic Airstream theme…

Addition of Bambi

Originally a nickname for Airstream’s smallest single-axle trailers, Bambi is now official – its own range. The smart floorplan makes the most of the available space, without compromising Airstream’s design aesthetic or commitment to quality. The perfect travel trailer for those who want to “just hitch up and go”, the Bambi is a nimble and lightweight offer, able to be towed by most midsized cars.

Addition of Basecamp

Ever-aware of lifestyle trends and changing needs, Airstream invested time and expertise in developing the Basecamp model. Perfect for more rugged terrain or for active types looking to go off the beaten path, it’s a smaller, lighter caravan with increased ground clearance – all achieved without compromising Airstream’s classic qualities. The sing-out feature is the rear hatch, so drivers can load bike, board or other large leisure gear with ease.

Wally’s Creed

“In the heart of these words is an entire life’s dream. To those of you who find in the promise of these words your promise, I bequeath this creed . . . my dream belongs to you.”

To place the great wide world at your doorstep for you who yearn to travel with all the comforts of home.

To provide a more satisfying, meaningful way of travel that offers complete travel independence, wherever and whenever you choose to go or stay.

To keep alive and make real an enduring promise of high adventure and faraway lands…of rediscovering old places and new interests.

To open a whole world of new experiences…a new dimension in enjoyment where travel adventure and good fellowship are your constant companions.

To encourage clubs and rallies that provide an endless source of friendships, travel fun and personal expressions.

To lead caravans wherever the four winds blow…over twinkling boulevards, across trackless deserts…to the traveled and untraveled corners of the earth.

To play some part in promoting international goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the world through person-to-person contact.

To strive endlessly to stir the venturesome spirit that moves you to follow a rainbow to its end…and thus make your travel dreams come true.

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Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht Paperback – February 1, 2000

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 144 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Chronicle Books
• Publication date February 1, 2000
• Grade level 8 and up
• Reading age 13 years and up
• Dimensions 10.75 x 0.75 x 9.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0811824713
• ISBN-13 978-0811824712
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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books; First Edition (February 1, 2000)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0811824713
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0811824712
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.24 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.75 x 0.75 x 9.5 inches
• #348 in Classic Cars (Books)
• #811 in History of Technology
• #1,571 in Pop Culture Art

About the author

Bryan burkhart.

Bryan Burkhart is a print and digital designer & art director with 15+ years experience. As a print designer he has designed and co-authored several monographs including AIRSTREAM, The History of the Land Yacht (Chronicle Books), PREFAB and TRAVEL TRAILER, A Visual History of Mobile America. (Gibbs Smith, Publisher), SPA and CHEAP HOTELS (Taschen).

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 77% 15% 4% 1% 3% 4%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 77% 15% 4% 1% 3% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 77% 15% 4% 1% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the book's content great and appreciate the great pictures.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book has great general history and information.

"...However, the book is still a wonderful history and contains excellent outdoor photographs from many countries...." Read more

"...This is a unique historical book which may not appeal to non-Airstreamers, but it is still a part of RVing history and anyone interested in vintage..." Read more

" Airstream has a great history and this is a fine book to learn about one of America's Icons. Lots of photos in a quality paperback edition...." Read more

"...It is interesting, informative and provides a nice history of the trailer ." Read more

Customers appreciate the great pictures contained in the book.

"...He’s really enjoying the stories and great pictures contained in book ." Read more

"...I love all the old pictures . It is just a fun book for all things Airstream!" Read more

"... Lots of photos in a quality paperback edition . Packed well and arrived in good shape." Read more

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This 2001 AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT 30 foot motorhome has only 15,000 original miles.
Top of the line everything. L29 Workhorse chassis, 8.1L Vortec Chevy engine, Automatic 4 speed transmission with over drive, 124 amp Alternator.

Sleeps 6
5.5 Kw Onan Generator, with 99 hours
White Leather Power seats Driver & Passenger
Driver’s door with power window & power lock
Automatic electric entrance Step
Heated Power Mirrors
Cruise Control
Hitch/Tow Package
Roof Ladder
Laminated roof, leak free and will last forever unlike rubber roofs
32 x 68 Hard wood dining table with no-mar finish
Porcelain kitchen sink with pure touch faucet
Corian counter tops in kitchen and bathroom
Oak Cabinets
White Leather swivel barrel chair in living room
2 Air Conditioners, one 13,500 BTU and one 11,000 BTU with electric heating elements
Furnace, 35,000 BTU
Water Heater, Electric or Propane, and has heat exchange to heat from motor home engine
1 piece fiberglass shower with exhaust vent & light (never used)
Convection Microwave Oven
Fridge/Freezer, operates on electric or propane
3 burner Stove with storage drawers
Queen Walk Around bed with Bedspread and matching pillows. Pocket door separates the bedroom from the Center Bath
Day/Nite Shade on windows
3 Skylights, automatic Fantastic roof vent in living room
Cedar Closet
AM/FM Cassette Stereo with digital 4 way speaker system
2 TV’s, digital converter installed to operate the analog TV’s
Power Booster Antenna, Cable and Telephone Ready with Jacks installed
16’ Patio Awning
Hydraulic Leveling Jacks

This No Pets, Non-Smoker motorhome cost $101,000 when new and is in great condition. It was stored inside during the winter. Everything works as it should and drives great.

* When this unit was for sale in May of 2014, it had an asking price of $15,000.*

Archived 3/19/2019

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