Buzz
You’ve likely spotted these iconic silver trailers on highways or in movies and TV shows, but how well do you truly understand their story? In the late 1920s, Wallace (Wally) Merle Byam, the founder of Airstream, designed a travel trailer in his backyard. This was inspired by his wife’s demand for a kitchen during camping trips and her refusal to sleep on the ground. Their adventures with this trailer sparked so much curiosity that Byam started building trailers for others in his backyard. This eventually led to selling plans in magazines and the establishment of the Airstream Trailer Company in 1932. Here are 11 intriguing facts about these groundbreaking trailers.
1. Wally Byam was a master of memorable marketing quotes.
If he were alive today, he’d dominate the world of sound bites. Here are some of his most notable bon mots:
"It’s better to wear out than to rust out."
"Adventure can be discovered anywhere, in every corner, except at home in a rocking chair."
"France is the ultimate paradise for trailer enthusiasts."
"When in doubt, grab a beer."
"Just as everyone adores a lover, I’ve found that the world has a soft spot for trailer lovers."
2. Vincent Price lent his voice to a miniseries about Airstream.
Between 1963 and 1964, the Around the World Caravan embarked on a journey that mirrored the historic path taken by Marco Polo in the late 13th century. Starting in Singapore, the caravan traveled 31,000 miles over 403 days, concluding in Lisbon, Portugal. This expedition was documented by the National Geographic Society, and in 1966, a miniseries titled “Around the World Caravan” aired on television, narrated by the legendary actor Vincent Price. Reflecting on the event, Price remarked, “A flying saucer landing couldn’t have sparked more curiosity than an Airstream caravan.”
3. A square-shaped Airstream once existed.
Known by nicknames like Silver Bullet, Silver Burrito, and Toaster-on-Wheels, the Airstream’s iconic design took an unusual turn from 1986 to 1991 with the introduction of a squared-off model. Available in two versions—a traditional travel trailer and a 5th wheel—these “Squarestreams” resembled the boxy look of conventional RVs. However, loyal Airstream enthusiasts were unimpressed. The Wally Byam Caravan Club initially banned these models (a decision later overturned), and the move was likened to the infamous “New Coke” controversy of the 1980s.
4. Eight Airstreams are buried nose-down in the ground near I-4, approximately 15 miles from Tampa, Florida. (Located near Exit 14 on I-4, close to Dover).
Dubbed the Airstream Ranch, this tribute/eyesore/art installation (depending on your viewpoint) narrowly escaped demolition after local businesses deemed it a visual disturbance. A petition with 10,000 signatures saved it, and in 2012, a judge ruled that the display was not junk, a sign, or illegal storage—allowing the Airstreams to stay. Whether it qualifies as art remains a topic of debate.
5. Despite the common nickname “Silver Bullet,” Airstream’s Silver Cloud model was neither silver nor bullet-shaped.
Early versions of Airstream trailers were constructed from Masonite, a hardboard made of compressed wood fibers, with a wooden frame. These models featured a teardrop shape and two-tone coloring. The 1936 Airstream Clipper marked the first aluminum, riveted, bullet-shaped trailer, which bore a striking resemblance to something extraterrestrial.
6. Long before hipsters embraced it, Wally Byam was advocating for the Chemex coffee maker in the 1950s.
“I personally prefer the Chemex setup with filter papers,” Byam once noted. “I wish Chemex would produce a stainless steel version, as I keep breaking the glass ones.” Both the Chemex coffee maker and an Airstream trailer have been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City.
7. The production of aluminum trailers, including Airstream, was halted during World War II.
Airstream ceased production during WWII as aluminum was deemed essential for the war effort, and the War Production Board mandated a stop to personal travel trailer manufacturing. Wally Byam closed the plant in 1942 but revived Airstream, Inc. in 1948 with the introduction of the Airstream Liner.
8. Airstream hotels can be found in France and South Africa.
The Granddaddy Hotel in South Africa features a unique rooftop Airstream trailer park, where the trailers were lifted into place by crane. In France, the BelRepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park offers Airstream rentals as accommodations and even boasts an Airstream-themed bar called the Apollo Lounge. For those who prefer not to travel abroad, numerous Airstream hotels, bed and breakfasts, and trailer parks are available across the United States.
9. The iconic design of the Airstream trailer drew inspiration from the Streamline Moderne aesthetic.
A simplified offshoot of the Art Deco movement, streamlined design initially influenced functionality, as seen in Streamliner trains, but later became a trend symbolizing speed, progress, and a futuristic vibe. This style gained immense popularity in the 1930s and 40s and was applied to everyday items like toasters, staplers, and alarm clocks. Remarkably, this aesthetic has stood the test of time, maintaining its futuristic charm.
10. Pamela Anderson once owned an Airstream featuring a stripper pole.
Nicknamed the “Lovestream,” this all-white Airstream was a gift from Hugh Hefner in 2001. The interior included Playboy logos on the couch, mirrored ceilings, white shag carpeting, and a circular vibrating bed.
11. The popularity of trailering surged in the early days of Airstream, with around 48 trailer companies in the mid-1930s. By the end of the decade, that number had skyrocketed to 400.
Airstream is the sole survivor from that era. However, in 2013, the Bowlus Road Chief—the original riveted aluminum trailer that inspired Airstream’s iconic design—was reintroduced by a dedicated enthusiast.
In her latest book Airstream: The Silver RV, Tara Cox explores the fascinating history of the iconic trailer and its rise to becoming a symbol of American culture. Pre-order the book now to dive into its captivating story.
