Amazing Airstreams – the world's coolest tiny home on wheels
Trailer heaven
These days Airstreams don't mean slumming it on a barren strip of land. First choice for the rich glampers and Instagram influencers, its time to think stylish, cosy and comfortable. We reveal the story behind the brand and take a look at the best Airstream refurbs – and their latest models – to inspire you to take to the road in your very own tiny home on wheels.
The first Airstream
In 1929, Wally Byam, built the first Airstream trailer – a teardrop-shaped canvas and Masonite shelter attached to a Ford Model T chassis – mainly for his wife Marion, who was fed up camping in draughty tents. A year later, Byam published a DIY guide to building a trailer, and requests for him to construct RVs came flooding in. To cope with demand, Byam rented a factory in Culver City, California and officially founded his trailer manufacturing company in 1931.
Finding a name
The fledgling firm completed its first factory-produced model, the Torpedo, in 1932, and launched two larger models soon after, the Silver Cloud (pictured) and the Airlite. A couple of years later, Wally Byam adopted the name 'Airstream', a perfect moniker for the company's teardrop-shaped trailers that cruised down the road 'like a stream of air'.
First aluminum Airstream
During the early 30s, William Hawley Bowlus, an engineer who worked on the famous Spirit of St. Louis airplane, created the Road Chief, an aerodynamic Streamline Moderne-style trailer in gleaming aluminuim. Bowlus' aircraft-inspired RVs failed to sell. In 1936 Byam stepped in, buying up Bowlus' inventory. Byam reconfigured the Road Chief, creating the iconic Airstream Clipper, and put his marketing and advertising skills to good use.
A pricey investment
Sales of the Clipper went through the roof, despite the trailer's hefty $1,200 (£977) price tag – a lot of money in Depression-era America. The interior of the 1936 model was designed to be cosy and comfortable, with leather seating, solid wood cabinetry and a cocoon-like ceiling.
Refined design
Production ceased during World War II, so Byam closed his business and focused on making airplanes instead of trailers, teaming up with aeronautical firms Lockhead and Curtis Wright. Once the war had ended, Byam re-established Airstream. Applying the airplane design skills he learned during wartime, Byam created the Curtis Wright Clipper in 1948. The upgraded Clipper was an overnight success, selling in the thousands. In 1950, Byam created the Flying Cloud, which is still produced today.
Buoyant sales
The firm outgrew its Californian HQ by the 50s, and in 1952 Byam opened a larger factory in Ohio. With sales buoyant throughout the decade, Byam further refined his RV lineup and launched the Airstream International, 'the world's first self-contained trailer' in 1958.
A proud legacy
Byam died in 1962, leaving behind a super-successful trailer company that had become known worldwide. America's most luxurious trailers, Airstream RVs of the time featured the latest modern conveniences, from air conditioning to refrigerators.
Silver bullet design
The Airstream trailer was redesigned in 1969 with smoother edges that resemble a silver bullet. That same year, the company was chosen to design and build a mobile quarantine pod for the returning Apollo 11 astronauts, such was its renown.
Cool cutomisation
Since then Airstreams have started to attract a younger, cooler clientele who have become known for customising and renovating their vehicles. As interest in tiny home living becomes ever greater, Airstream remains a beloved design with its own army of loyal fans.
Airstream camping
Keen to stay in a luxury Airstream or want to try one out before you buy? Autocamp parks in California offer some of the most stylishly decorated vintage Airstreams in the USA. They start from around $200 (£156) a night.
Airstream camping
Ridiculously well-equipped, the swish interiors rock a minimal mid-century feel. With an emphasis on luxury, the trailers feature proper claw bathtubs and guests receive complimentary Malin + Goetz beauty products.
Airstream camping
For an Airstream vacation rental with the wow factor, this stunner is located on a private bluff in Malibu, California with awesome views of the ocean. As you might have guessed, renting the Malibu Dream Airstream doesn't come cheap. At $471 (£369) a night, this trailer is certainly not a budget option.
Airstream camping
The trailer, which is available to rent via Airbnb, has been reconfigured as a large luxury studio with a high-end kitchenette, bathroom and queen-sized bed, and the owners provide lots of cosy wool rugs, cushions and blankets for chilling on the deck.
Airstream camping
This luxury Airstream is tucked away in the coastal wood of Medcocino, California. Sat in 37 acres of woodland it's the perfect trial to see if you want your very own Airstream.
Airstream camping
With a base price of $225 (£176) for two guests each night, this vintage camper redefines the camping experience with hot showers, a 1/2 bath and a great interior living space. Decked out in wood and with mid-century style furniture, it'll also make a stylish retreat.
The Tiki Airstream
This cute Tiki Airstream is 26 feet long and has one full bed, a bathroom and a small kitchenette. The Airstream has been designed to keep its owners comfortable with air conditioning and a space heater for winter.
The Tiki Airstream
The design inside is full of colour and tiki-themed accessories, which will get you in the holiday mood. Prices start at $175 (£136) per night for two adults.
British invasion
Vintage Vacations, based on the Isle of Wight, England rents out an impressive selection of restored classic Airstreams, including this dinky 1962 Safari.
British invasion
The interior is full-on retro. Decked out with vintage furnishings, you'll feel like you're in a 60s time warp – there's even a selection of board games from the era in case the typical British weather makes an appearance. The trailer costs from around $63 (£50) per night to hire.
Class of '71
If you're more interested in having your very own Airstream, a fully restored 1971 Sovereign model such as this, can go for up to $120,000 (£93,9k).
Class of '71
The trailer features a deluxe white and bamboo interior packed with lavish amenities and premium techy touches, from a large bathtub and Tempur-Pedic mattresses, to a high-end sound system.
Dubai disco trailer
It's becoming more popular to renovate your very own vintage Airstream, and it doesn't have to be plain. Renovation and restoration company American Retro Caravans created this psychedelic party Airstream trailer for a client in Dubai.
Dubai disco trailer
Complete with a gold cocktail bar, mini dance floor, lounge area and multi-colored disco lighting, the renovation cost upward of $92,000 (£72k).
Ralph Lauren-style roamer
Showcasing timeless New England meets Native American-style design, this elegant refit is inspired by the Ralph Lauren Corral Canyon collection.
Ralph Lauren-style roamer
The classic American interior features pippy oak finishes and Navajo motif upholstery. The table leg is telescopic and folds away to create a bed.
A mid-century Airstream
This Airstream may have a plain exterior, however it's been completely renovated on the inside to turn it into a traveller's dream. Playfully named Louise, it's now an Airbnb in Olympia, Washington.
A mid-century Airstream
Simple in concept, the design was built to reflect a simple lifestyle. It centers around clean, uninterrupted lines, and has a mid-century nod in its style. With custom sliding cabinetry, new windows, a mirror polish and a tile and cedar wood shower you won't feel like you're living on the road.
A pink dream
Serial Airstream renovators Ellen and Kate completely refurbished this camper to create a blush pink velvet dream, named Isla. The trailer required a full rip-out and renovation to turn into an Instagram-worthy retreat.
A pink dream
Everything in Isla is completely custom made, including the walnut cabinetry in the kitchen and the pink velvet furniture. The bedroom has been seperated off with a door for privacy and skylights keep the space light. In case you are thinking of doing your own, the renovation cost around $60,000 (£47k).
A perfect project
This 1969 Airstream Globetrotter was found in a field just outside of Fairplay, Colorado. The owners added new insulation, replaced the floor, all the electrics and added new air conditioning. You can pick up your own project Airstream in good condition for around $15,000 (£11.7k).
A perfect project
Inside, the monochrome theme works perfectly. The white-washed engineered oak panelling adds a clean, fresh look and the black recycled cabinets and walnut counter-tops create a crisp aesthetic against the white curved Airstream walls.
An RV with room for four
Gilda, as she is affectionately known is a 1966 Airstream Overlander that was found along the Oregon Coast. Already gutted, it had to be re-built from scratch, apart from the exterior.
An RV with room for four
Gilda sleeps four and has ample storage space. With a composting toilet and propane heater she is fine to stay off-grid if needed, but doesn't forgoe luxuries such as a tiled shower and a dinette.
A romantic getaway
If you fancy a younger model, you could pick up a fixer-upper, 1974 Argosy Airstream like this one for around $12,000 (9.3k). This camper already had spray-foam insulation and had undergone frame repairs before its restoration, so all that was needed was a final exterior respray to complete the transformation.
A romantic getaway
Inside, the all-white interior has a custom tiled bathroom and has been completely re-wired. Due to its smaller size, it has an open-plan studio-style layout that's perfect for a couple's retreat.
The biggest Airstream
This 1962 Western Pacific Airstream is just one of ten in the world and was sold for a huge $200,000 (£156k) in 2015. The trailer used to serve as housing for railroad foremen but it has been restored to a luxurious space fit for royalty.
The biggest Airstream
While it comes complete with heating and air conditioning, it lacks a hot water heater and needs to be hooked to permanent water and sewer lines. At 40 feet in length, there's space enough for a fully-equipped kitchen and a living room.
A working wagon
This 1959 Airstream sat among weeds in Salinas, California before it was turned into a small living space in 2009. Inside, the 120 square foot space doesn't have a single right angle. You could get one of these for around $20,000 (£15.6k) in good condition.
A working wagon
This Airstream doesn't travel, it sits in the headquarters of BASE Landscape Architecture adding a unique work space that's sure to fire up anyone's creativity.
A Bohemian renovation
Mavis the Airstream was originally built in 1975, but renovated in 2016. Already in perfect condition, the owners reused some of the retro features such as the wardrobe and overhead cabinets, but replaced entire areas such as the kitchen bathroom and bedroom.
A Bohemian renovation
Exposed wood, white walls and macrame hangings make this a Bohemian retreat from the stresses of the modern world. Now, who's ready to hit the road?
Buy your very own Airstream
If these amazing RVs have whet your Airstream appetite and you fancy your very own kitted out trailer but don't have the time or the inclination to take on a refurb, you can buy a brand new model kitted out to your own specification.
The Basecamp
Basecamp was built for adventure due to its lightweight nature. The trailer, which will set you back $36,900 (£28.6k), seats five and sleeps two. As comfortable in the campsite as it is off the beaten track, Basecamp is full of exciting features. A rear hatch allows space for extra storage and quick access to any outdoor gears, while the large wheels allow driving over rougher terrains.
The Basecamp
Inside, the panoramic front window floods the interior with natural light and the decor has been designed to work in harmony with the outdoors, while the marine-grade flooring means it can withstand all the wear-and-tear of muddy hiking boots, kids and pets on your adventures.
The Classic
Starting at $149,900 (£116k), the Classic Airstream was made for longer trips or full-time living and has the traditional aerodynamic shape that's become iconic to the brand. It has integrated smart technology that you can use to control the interior and exterior lights, the retractable awning and even check your water levels when you're out and about.
The Classic
The interior style is timeless with solid wood cabinetry, leather seats and the aluminium wall and ceiling panels. When it's time to hit the hay, you'll be greeted with a queen-sized memory foam-topped mattress that'll make you forget you're on wheels.
The Flying Cloud
The Flying Cloud is one of the most popular modern Airstreams, with prices starting at $66,400 (£51.4k). The model also has the most floor-plan options of any trailer, so there is something for everyone.
The Flying Cloud
Take a look inside and you'll find riveted aluminium, panoramic windows and plenty of storage space, making it perfect for adventurers on the go.
The Globetrotter
In 1948, Airstream founder, Wally Byam and his friend Cornelius Vanderbilt, painted 'Globe Totters' on the side of their trailer before heading to Europe. Today, the Globetrotter is a modern design dream with its sleek, clean lines and elegant features capturing the essence of European design.
The Globetrotter
The inside can be customised with four different decor options, each with either light or dark woods and the climate control system will keep you comfortable, no matter where you are in the world. Prices start at $106,900 (£82.8k).
The International Serenity
The International Serenity starts at $86,400 (£66.9k) and is bursting full of the latest technology including a surround sound speaker system, a power awning and a solar pre-wire kit. Storage space will also never be an issue with a custom built-in wardrobe to keep your clothes organised.
The International Serenity
Inside, bright accents and lots of light make a standout design that draws inspiration from around the world. Warm wood grounds the space while lighter cabinetry adds a bold but neutral accent.
The International Signature
The International Signature is defined by its contemporary style. With prices starting at $84,400 (£65.4k), it's full of modern conveniences such as 110V outlets and USB charging ports.
The International Signature
The decor echoes the sleek sophistication of the Classic Airstream with a slightly modern twist. It has ample space to eat, lounge and sleep and has everything you need plus luxury features such as leather upholstery.
The Sport
If you are looking for something slightly more compact, the lightweight Sport Airstream might be the model for you. Starting at $47,900 (£37.1k) it's large enough to sleep four, yet small enough to be towed with an SUV.
The Sport
Choosing a smaller trailer doesn't mean giving up your home comforts. The Sport still features a bathroom with a shower, a comfortable bed, dinette, refrigerator and a two-burner range in the galley kitchen.
The Tommy Bahama
For this special edition travel trailer, Airstream and clothing company Tommy Bahama have teamed up to combine their unique styles. The $83,900 (£64.9k) trailer has Caribbean-style matte finish cabinetry and polished wood plantation shutters to give it breezy holiday vibes.
The Tommy Bahama
Warm wood tones make it feel like you are inside a tropical beach house and with a back-lit bar in the dining area, it's perfect for entertaining. If you're after something bigger, check out our gallery of millionaire motorhomes to see the world's most luxurious RVs.
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