Airstream is one the most iconic brands in American automotive industry. These vehicles are made to inspire wanderlust. These vehicles are an example of the classic, modern aesthetic. Airstream's hallmark is the silver bullet finish.
The brand was created in Culver city, California, in the 1930s. It started as a small trailer company. Airstream relocated to Jackson Center, Ohio in 1952 after the company grew. In the early 1970s, it expanded its line of trailers with the Argosy brand. Airstream introduced the Class A motorhome in the 1990s. They were first produced in 7.6- and 8.5-m models. Airstream stopped manufacturing Class A motorhomes in 2006.
Airstreams made from aircraft quality aluminum alloy. They are lighter than fiberglass and easier to tow. They can withstand all weather conditions and are durable. However, they are costly. Airstream does however not produce low-quality trailers. The company aims to appeal to the middle-class.
They are made from a steel frame and an aluminum interior shell. The shell is insulated and riveted to the frame. This makes it leak-proof. It's a tedious job. This is why the Airstream team prides itself on using American labor to create these products. They only use high-quality labor and materials to create the most beautiful Airstreams.
Airstream's first production of trailers was in 1931. At the time, there were many companies manufacturing camping trailers. Many of these companies couldn't continue due to the Great Depression or World War II. In 1937, there was only about 400 trailer makers in the United States. The boom in the campervan business was due to the high demand for travelers.
Wally Byam was a Baker City, Oregon native who attended Stanford University. After graduating from college, he began his career at Lockheed Aircraft as an advertising executive. When he reopened the company in 1947, he created new travel trailers. These trailers were easy to transport and had a stove, fridge, and an ice chest. He had a lot of ideas that came from his work on airplanes.
Airstream built a second factory after moving to Jackson Center in Ohio. It was a great location. It was easy access to the highway. The factory was also close to the Ohio River which is a popular area for recreation and camping.
Airstream now offers an entire line of Interstate touring coach, ranging from the entry-level Interstate Nineteen to the more luxurious Interstate Sixty-Eight. Its newer products feature solid-wood cabinets, Kohler faucets in bathrooms, and a hot and cold shower. It also sells marine-grade flooring and adjustable lighting. The company has also been working on plans to add connected technology to its product line.
The company just launched the eStream concept for a battery-electric camping caravan. This electric vehicle looks a modern take on the Airstream. The company plans to introduce more products in the future.