RAILSTREAMING • LAND YACHT CONCEPT • FLYING CLOUD BUNKHOUSE
O nline Edition
Spring 2013 AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA ML IFE .CO M
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
traveling well
Spring 2013
The official Airstream lifestyle magazine
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EDITOR’S PAGE
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INBOX
10 A irstream
from the Sun
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Railstreaming
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Revival and Evolution
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RIVET BIT
FROM THE ARCHIVES
FLOORPLANS
CLASSIFIEDS
Airstream from the Sun, Page 10
Revival and Evolution, Page 17
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EDITOR’S PAGE
AIRSTREAMS Around The World
ABOUT OUR COVER Our cover photo this issue of Robert Warner and his pups at Alumapalooza 2012 was taken by photographer Alison Turner. Alison spends most of the year on the road with her dog, Max, capturing portraits of people and places she comes across by chance as she wanders the country. This will be her fifth year on the road to continue working on her ongoing projects, “Bingo Culture” and “Portraits of America.” You can view more of her work at www. AlisonTurnerPhoto.com
WHAT’S COMING • Working From Your Airstream • Trip To Morocco • Preventing Stolen Airstreams • Josh Rogan, Musician
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Airstreams have long been spotted all over the world, thanks to Wally Byam’s famous and irreproducible caravans starting in the 1950s. But after the mid-1980s, when Frank Sargent led eight caravans across China, international Airstreaming slipped into a decline. Today, there are few organized opportunities for Airstreamers to globe-trot across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central America as they used to do. You might think that without those highly visible caravans passing by, interest in Airstreams would fade outside the USA, but in fact the opposite has happened. As economies have developed, people around the world have begun to wish for Airstreams of their own and Airstream dealerships are popping up to serve them. In January, Airstream announced that their dealers in England, Holland, Germany, and Tokyo have been joined by dealers in Australia, China, and South Korea. Like Coca-Cola and blue jeans, Airstreams have become a symbol of America and a highly desirable export. New international dealers mean new opportunities for North Americans as well. When Frank Sargent organized “Caravan America-China” in 1985, eleven Airstreams had to be shipped over to China with companion station wagons. They were used for eight caravans, and then left in China because it was too expensive to ship them back. The sheer cost of importing an Airstream and tow vehicle has prevented further caravans. But there may yet be a day when you can fly to China and buy an Airstream in Beijing, Shanghai or Xiamen at the local dealer, tow it around the country, and then sell it to an eager market of Chinese buyers. In other words, with the costs and regulatory barriers of import/export removed, traveling around the world in an Airstream may once again be something we can do. There isn’t much RV infrastructure in China yet, but with wealth rising, ownership of cars rising, and governmental encouragement of personal travel (to boost economic growth), that could change quickly. Will campgrounds, RV service centers, and public dump stations follow? If you can’t wait for that, there are opportunities coming sooner in Korea and Australia. The Australian dealer (A&A Industries, Bateman’s Bay) is working on in-country caravans right now, although plans have not formally been announced yet. And in Korea, Bluebird RV in Seoul is reportedly located close to 400 commercial campgrounds and Korean National Parks. Airstream is also looking at possible outlets in South America, South Africa, and Russia. Cape Town to Cairo, anyone? Perhaps the grand caravans of the 1950s and 1960s will someday be reproducible, rather than just historical adventures that we read about in Wally Byam’s books, and Airstream will reclaim its reputation as the best way to travel the world. Back in the US, it’s interesting to note how Airstream is simultaneously looking forward and backward with its latest two products, both of which are discussed in this issue. The new Flying Cloud Bunk is a thoughtful refresh of a unique Airstream floorplan, while the Land Yacht Concept reflects a philosophical toe dipped in the waters of super-luxury. It will be interesting to see the results that both of these directions yield. Both home and abroad, Airstream seems to be branching out in directions that will broaden our community. In the full print edition of this issue we also have some answers to practical questions that are commonly asked by new Airstreamers. How much horsepower does your tow vehicle need? Andy Thomson has the exhaustive answer in his article, “More Power.” What should you do to prepare for traveling with your pets?
A I RST R E A M LI F E O N LI NE EDITIO N | AI R S T R EAML I FE.CO M
traveling well
The official Airstream lifestyle magazine Editor and Publisher: Rich Luhr rich@airstreamlife.com Associate Editors: Tom Bentley Becky Blanton Layout and Design: OneTree Marketing lisa@airstreamlife.com Advertising Sales: Brett Greiveldinger brett@airstreamlife.com (802) 877-2900 Ext. 2 Frank and Vivian Sargent in 1985.
Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius Culinary Consultant: Eleanor O’Dea Customer Service: David Winter
Renee Ettline returns to Airstream Life after a long hiatus to discuss that. What’s an “autoformer”? John Irwin will tell you. And finally, the question I like to answer the most: Where can I go with my Airstream? There are a billion answers to this one, but Tom Palesch has written up a great and inspirational answer from his own experience, in his article on Rockhounding. When I read it, I immediately wanted to hitch up my Airstream and go hunting for rocks around the Great Lakes. Subscribe to our regular print edition to read all of the above articles! See you on the road,
Rich Luhr Editor & Publisher PS: When you are making your summer plans, consider coming to Alumapalooza 4 at the Airstream factory, and Alumafandango in central Oregon in August. They’re both going to be great fun. You’ll see ads for both of these events in this issue.
Associate Contributors: Jody Brotherston J. Rick Cipot Fred Coldwell Renee Ettline Bert Gildart John Irwin Forrest McClure Charles Spiher CONTACT Airstream Life 411 Walnut St #4468 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Telephone: (802) 877-2900 Fax: (802) 610-1013 www.airstreamlife.com AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION You can get Airstream Life online, for free! Each issue we select 15-20 pages of the upcoming magazine and make it available on the Internet to readers who sign up at www.airstreamlife.com/ online. It’s a sneak peek, with no cost, no obligation! CUSTOMER SERVICE Airstream Life’s world headquarters are the dinette table of a 2005 Airstream Safari 30 We’re always glad to hear from you, but if you have a simple question, please check our website for help first. There you can subscribe, renew your subscription, change your address, get advertising information, download writer’s and photographer’s guidelines, notify us of an address change,and get answers to frequently-asked questions. See www.airstreamlife.com or call (802) 877-2900. Airstream Life (ISSN 1550-5979) is published quarterly by Church Street Publishing, Inc., 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs FL 32043. Subscription price is $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Ferrisburg VT and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Airstream Life, 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 © Copyright 2013 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM® is the property of Airstream, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in CANADA.
INBOX
Amazing Things You’ll Find With Your Airstream This photo was taken by Anna Fallico at the Gros Ventres campground in Grand Teton National Park during our late September vacation. My partner and I awoke to find this bull moose ten feet from our Airstream with a group of photographers nestled around waiting to capture their perfect shot. We had no idea this campground had so many moose in it but were happy to see them every day we were there. Matt Greydanus & Darin Simmons Estacada, OR
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Unique Airstream Rallies I am attaching photos from two events that I attended. The first was the WDCU Installation Rally at Shenandoah Wine festival at the historic Long Branch in Millwood,VA. We were allowed to boon-dock in a pasture behind the main house. It was a great time, they had Virginia wine makers set up in tents for public tastings and they also sold their products. The other event was “Urban Air� in Eaton Rapids, MI, Oct. 26-28. This was put together by Kirk MacKellar and Chad Carlson. It was attended by 30-plus Airstreams. It truly was a unique experience unhitching and camping on a downtown main street. Many of the residents from the surrounding area came to view the spectacle and local merchants were very pleased to have an increase in their sales both from locals and the Airstreamers. The city was really into having us there camping in their downtown, and provided electricity to all of us. This nighttime panoramic shot was taken from the Eaton Rapids Fire Department ladder truck. Take Care, Nick Martines
It truly was a unique experience unhitching and camping on a downtown main street.
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INBOX
50 Ideas To Help Keep Your RV Organized, Clean, and Decluttered.
Stay Organized! My husband and I are subscribers to Airstream Life and have been for the past several years. We currently travel full-time in a Winnebago motorhome but our dream is to someday travel in an Airstream. Having read your magazine in earnest I was wondering if you might enjoy previewing a guidebook I recently wrote: “50 Ideas To Help Keep Your RV Organized, Clean, and Decluttered.” I wrote the guide after Ron and I presented seminars at several national rallies and were asked for more information. Hopefully some of the information would be helpful to your subscribers. Keep up the great work at Airstream Life! Sincerely, Brenda Speidel [Editor’s note: Brenda’s book is available inexpensively on Kindle through Amazon.com and in other ebook formats through Smashwords. If you’re interested in Airstream or personal organization, there will be a special seminar at Alumapalooza, led by Ramona Creel.]
Wants a Centerfold I bought a copy of “The Byam Books.” They are very informative and interesting. Received the Fall issue of Airstream Life. The Tin Huts are a good laugh as always. How about a centerfold of a special Airstream someone has redone in each Airstream Life? Jim Johnson Dothan, AL Good suggestion, Jim. We’re always interested in high-quality photos of nice Airstream makeovers and restorations, so when we get them, we’ll publish them.
Your “quick start” guide to traveling, camping, and owning an Airstream travel trailer! This fun guide is filled with succinct, practical and tested answers to the most commonly-asked questions and typical new owner challenges. Includes sections on all kinds of “newbie” topics: understanding all the systems, camping, towing, solar & generators, maintenance, winterizing, simple repairs, packing, backing, dumping, filling, winter travel, Internet, cleaning, tools, myths, and sample checklists. Makes a great gift for new Airstream owners, and a handy reference even for experienced owners. Includes over 30 illustrations, and an indispensable eight-page “Jargon Guide” with definitions of commonly used Airstreaming terms. Spiral bound (so it lays flat while you're reading it), and 6x9" paperback format so it will fit on Airstream shelves. 104 pages. Written by Rich Luhr (Editor of Airstream Life) with contributions by Airstream Life staff. $9.95 at the Airstream Life store at www.airstreamlife.com/store and Amazon.com. Available as an eBook for Kindle and iPad/iPhone too!
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Storm Clouds in Cottondale I just wanted to send you this image I made in Cottondale, TX. I was wrapping up work at A&P Vintage Trailer, where I am restoring our 1970 Safari 23’, and these ominous clouds started to roll in as I was rolling up my extension cords. Being a professional photographer, I always try to have some kind of camera with me, and this time it paid off. Along with the typical images of my restoration work, I took a few shots of the clouds with this 1954 Flying Cloud in the foreground. The final image revealed itself to me after hammering on it a bit with Photoshop. My wife Leslie and I are pretty excited about finishing our ground up restoration and hitting the road in 2013. It has been years in the doing, and now it will be done. I’m also looking forward to focusing my professional work on the people we meet and the places we go with our Airstream. It’ll be a mix of business and pleasure all the way. Leslie has a recycled wool hat business that we need to take to colder regions, and I am a fly fishing guide as well as photographer, so you know where we’ll be—in the cold and wet. Thanks,
We’d like to see your Airstreaming pictures and hear your stories. Email us at editor@airstreamlife.com. High-resolution (not reduced) photos in JPG format are best. You can also mail letters and photos to Airstream Life, 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs FL 32043, but keep in mind that photos won’t be returned.
Shannon Drawe AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | AIRSTREA ML IFE .CO M
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24/7 roadside assistance. Your weekends are spent on the open road. What makes it even easier is knowing that with Progressive’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance you will never be stranded. In fact, Progressive will tow your RV and your vehicle, even if your vehicle isn’t insured by us. Drive comfortably. Call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, go to progressive.com or call an independent agent.
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All Airstreams have a story.
from the Sun
RIVET BIT
AIRSTREAM
But the 1972 Airstream resting three stories off the ground on a platform of steel beams and surrounded by cascading parachutes and fully functional solar panel wings has a more intriguing story than most. An art installation entitled, “All Utopias Fell,” the Airstream is a 10-year-long installation that is open seasonally at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Massachusetts. It was a chance encounter with an Airstream trailer in a Nevada desert that sparked the story Artist Michael Oatman set out to tell. “I was originally commissioned to install solar panels as an art installation at MASS MoCA,” Oatman said. But it’s not easy to make the sun, or the concept of a sea of solar panels, an exciting work of inspiration and fascination to the general public. MASS MoCA curator Denise Markonish remembers Oatman’s early frustration with a concept for displaying the solar panels in an array on the roof or property where people could stand observe them. “He said, ‘I don’t want to design a deck’,” Markonish quotes. The installation was supposed to highlight a 230-foot grid of solar panels, now named Codex Solis, a massive field of solar panels. At 50 kilowatts, the field of solar panels would, and do, generate 7% of the power consumed by MASS MoCA. They weren’t exactly art by themselves. They needed something more. “Michael came up with an idea about a guy in the 70’s that was obsessed by the sun and wanted to launch a spaceship into orbit and capture the sun’s energy,” said Markonish. “I went through a lot of ideas about making it (the solar panels) like a world map, or a sign, or even lenses and mirrors that would visually dissolve the edge of the roof,” recalls Oatman. They were all interesting ideas, but nothing really grabbed him until he was doing a visiting artist residency in 2006 out in Nevada. Inspiration bit him like it bites most Airstream owners, with an unexpected glimpse of an Airstream trailer. “I was just driving by this eight-foot wooden fence,
By Becky Blanton Photos courtesy of Michael Oatman and MASS MoCA
A 1972 Airstream named “Haley” (after the former daughter’s owner) has become a metaphor for sustainable living in this exhibit three stories above the ground.
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A constant radio crackle overshadows the scene as visitors walk through.
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and peeking out over the top was this Airstream trailer. I pulled over to the side ofthe road and got out. No one was at home, so I climbed over the fence and took some pictures. Something just clicked in my memory and I remembered that an Airstream trailer was used to quarantine Mercury and Gemini Astronauts when they came back from their expeditions.” “Airstreams have always been these streamlined, beautiful objects. I just envisioned a kind of landed Airstream trailer, or rocket ship, as if the Skylab program of the 70’s had been engineered by some sort of hippie engineer in his home shop.” Everything came together quickly at that point, and Oatman was obviously onto something. It’s been two years since the exhibit was installed, and Markonish says “All Utopias Fell,” is the museum’s most popular exhibit. “People come from all over and come in and say, ‘We’re here to see the spaceship,’” Markonish said. The Airstream is part one of the three-part project. After visitors enter it, they encounter part two, “The Library of the Sun” which hybridizes a domestic space, a laboratory and a library. Once inside the craft, visitors can view the third part, “Codex Solis,” the massive field of working solar panels outside. The Airstream spaceship has its own fictional story. The pilot, David Carusi, went missing, leaving only mystery and the ship behind. According to Oatman, Carusi (whose last name is derived from the mythological Icarus) gets an idea about studying the sun. He contrives a plan to get his Airstream, call letters IA0128, launched into orbit in 1978. Its mission: a journey to the heart of the sun, a metaphor for finding more sustainable ways of existing. Inside the Airstream are things many of its younger visitors have never seen— like a record player and a collection of a hundred records that they can actually play. There are books, canned food, clothing, toys and items that Carusi would have taken with him into outer space. Everything inside dates for 1978 or earlier. Oatman even used the green and orange and white striped awning from the Airstream to create spacesuits or uniforms for the unknown occupants of the vehicle.
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A constant radio crackle overshadows the scene as visitors walk through. It’s a hands-on exhibit, allowing visitors to sit in the cockpit, read the books housed in milk crate bookcases, or study the gauges and dials, or wonder at the intent of the nest of wires and power tools at the ship’s workbench. The prior owner had stuck a 10-inch sticker of “the great seal of Ohio” over an old faded “Good Sam” sticker on the outside of the door. Over time the ink on the Ohio seal had faded, leaving a sort of sun image created by the Good Sam sticker peeking out from behind the two mountains on the Ohio logo like a head with light rays bursting from it. “We used that accident of fading to create the mission patch for the object. I just rearranged the letters on the Ohio sticker to say, ‘Fearless of heat, I go to eat the hot star.’” Oatman said. “We had embroidered patches made using that image and those letters.” The 13-acre complex of buildings that MASS MoCA now calls home was formerly the Sprague Electric Company. The U.S. government used Sprague physicists, chemists, electrical engineers and technicians during World War II to design and manufacture crucial components of some of its most advanced high-tech weapons systems, including the atomic bomb. Outfitted with state-of-theart equipment between 1942 and 1985, Sprague was a major research and development center, conducting studies on the nature of electricity and semiconducting materials. After the war, Sprague’s products were used in the launch systems for Gemini moon missions. For anyone who worked or was involved with Sprague at the time, seeing Oatman’s installation of a “crashed” space ship on the former Sprague property has an even greater and more believable ring of mystery and possibility. It’s almost as though the Twilight Zone played a part in bringing the ship into existence. While the magic and mystery of a fictional space traveler, and the array of solar panels continues to attract visitors in droves, Oatman sums up the work in a way all Airstream owners can relate to: “The idea for the project came from an invitation to made a piece about solar power … but it didn’t become art until the Airstream became involved.”
The field of solar panels generate 7% of the power consumed by MASS MoCA.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
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Railstreaming …
With Jody Brotherston’s interior review of the renovated Western Pacific 40’ Airstream in the Winter 2012 issue and Sherlock’s examination of Don William’s 1960 California 18 footer in this issue, which Don thought might be a Western Pacific 18’ Comet, we’ve been dancing around the juncture of railroads and Airstreams. So for this From the Archives photograph, we jump squarely into that intersection: Railstreaming! Wally Byam’s first large caravan was the First Annual Inter-American Trailercoach Caravan Tour that took place in Mexico and Central America from December 1, 1952 to late February 1952. The caravan began with 103 trailers of different makes and models (caravans were not exclusively Airstream until 1955) and ended with only 14 hardy trailerites who could keep up with Wally’s extreme caravanning. But one leg proved to be impassable for even Wally, so the caravanners loaded their cars and trailers onto flatbed rail cars for the 170 mile journey through the jungle from Arriaga, Mexico to Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border. An early 1950s International “L” series pickup truck leads the silver tapeworm, followed by two Airstreams, two SOB’s (Some Other Brands), then a short Airstream, a Curtis Wright or Silver Streak 22’ Clipper, then a Curtis Wright Model 2, another Curtis Wright or Silver Streak 22’ Clipper, three Airstreams, a Willys station wagon and car, a support truck and Airstream, a Dodge Power Wagon towing an Airstream, two more Airstreams and, finally, two SOBs. The Dodge Power Wagon was the caravan tow truck that winched many a car and trailer combination up a steep grade or rocky road. By opening his caravans to owners of all trailer brands, and then leading them over bone-jarring, molarshaking roads in exotic locales, Wally hoped to sell them first on adventurous trailer travel and second on a light and sturdy Airstream. Instead, Wally lost most caravanners along the way, lost 27 pounds, and gained many gray hairs. He swore off ever again leading a caravan of paying customers. But over time the daily hardships became fond memories of hearty adventure, and soon the letters arrived, asking Wally when his next “exciting” caravan was going to take place … and the rest, as we say, is history. For more information about Wally Byam’s First Caravan, please see our Winter 2005 issue. Fred Coldwell
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August 6-11, 2013 Come enjoy the Pacific Northwest this summer! Join fellow Airstreamers in beautiful Oregon for a fantastic five days of fun at a top-rated resort! • 5 nights full hookup plus cable, wi-fi, & indoor swimming pool • Numerous educational & fun seminars • Special events like wine-tasting & native American drumming! • New Airstream showcase by George M Sutton RV • Kids’ movie night • Catered dinner on Saturday • Live entertainment • Daily Aqua-Zumba fitness in the indoor heated pool • Open Grill nights & firepit gatherings • The infamous “Backup Derby” • Daily Happy Hour (with door prizes, of course) & other opportunities to meet fellow Airstreamers Our setting this year will be the Seven Feathers RV Resort, just off I-5 in central Oregon. This resort has every amenity including landscaped campsites and free wi-fi Internet, plus a full service hotel with three restaurants and a casino.
OREGON COAST 100 MILES
It’s a great starting point for more northwest adventures, just 200 miles from Portland, 100 miles from the coast, and 115 miles from Crater Lake. Space iS limited to 100 RVS, So don’t delay! $465 for two adults and five nights premium camping with full hookups, dinner, complimentary drinks for adults, seminars, door prizes, and shows. “Walk-in” tickets (no campsite) available for $130 per adult. $40 for kids includes free kids admission to nearby Wildlife Safari. Visit www.alumafandango.com for full details and online registration. Or call 802-877-2900 ext. 4 All activities are subject to change prior to event dates. Be a friend of RB Alumafandango on Facebook for regular updates Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/alumaevents
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Register now with your smart phone by scanning this code
CRATER LAKE 115 MILES
FLOORPLANS
Revival and Evolution Last December at the annual RV industry trade show, Airstream revealed two
new trailers that take the company in two entirely different design directions: revival, and evolution. The revival is of the only Airstream floorplan ever made with two permanent bedrooms. Made from 2004-2006, this trailer was known as the Safari “bunkhouse” and came in a 30-foot length. The trailer could sleep between seven and nine people depending on optional interior choices. Although it was anticipated to be a hot new offering for families, it didn’t sell well at retail, and only 84 were made before Airstream discontinued it. But times change, and in response to requests from dealers for a new bunkhouse, Airstream has brought back the 30-foot trailer in Flying Cloud trim, with similar floorplan and numerous updates. The new Flying Cloud bunkhouse has a roomy U-shaped dinette on the curbside, a lot more glass (including several Vista View windows), a wider master bedroom door, and an aluminum interior. The overall intention was to make the interior feel more spacious, and it certainly does that. Moreover, having the Flying Cloud interior means that windows are now fullyopening (unlike the Hehr windows of the original design that only opened at the lower quarter), and of course the trailer benefits from all current technology including LED lighting and Blu-Ray DVD player. Holding tanks have been improved as well, jumping to 54 gallons of fresh water, and 37 gallons of black water (compared to the 18-gallon black tank in the original Safari bunkhouse). The gray tank remains the same with a 39 gallon capacity. Airstream’s choice to switch to a macerator toilet has enabled placement of the black tank a little further forward, and below the floor.
By Rich Luhr
The new Flying Cloud Bunk model offers more light, a curved dinette, and a generally more “open” feel, with few compromises compared to the original Safari Bunkhouse.
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FLOORPLANS
Airstream’s evolutionary concept hints at how far into the stratosphere travel trailers may soon go.
A few problems with the original bunkhouse have been corrected with this update. The low-hanging drain plumbing, a sore spot for owners who frequented rough roads, has been modified so that it’s more out of the way. An optional dual air conditioning system (costing about $2200 and requiring 50-amp power) is available, which should help those who routinely camp in temperatures above 100 degrees. The rectangular front storage compartment tended to crack at the corners in the old model, but has been replaced with a new compartment with rounded corners that should correct that problem. The weight rating of the child’s upper bunk bed has been increased to 150 pounds, and a new cubby for shoe storage is conveniently near the entry door. Airstream clearly listened to owner feedback when they built in these changes. Pricing was not confirmed at the time of this writing, but indications are that the new Bunk will come in around $70k. With all the modifications, the “30FB Flying Cloud Bunk” (as it is officially called) now sleeps up to eight people, with permanent beds for five. We’ll miss a few features that appeared on the original design, such as the solid door on the master bedroom, the L-kitchen with double sinks, the option of three Fantastic Vents, the entryway storage that was convenient for cell phones, and the bathroom medicine cabinet, but overall this new bunkhouse looks like a bright and shiny update to a great floorplan.
The Collected Adventures of
Tin Hut VOLUME I
At last the complete story of Mr. and Mrs. Tin Hut can be told! If you love the Huts, or haven’t read all of their memorable adventures, here’s your opportunity to get 22 stories in a single volume. From nightmare trailer park to traumatizing family reunion to disastrous Now Available Mr. Ed Convention, Mr. Hut somehow manages to find the silver lining in every episode. His lifelong love, Mrs. Hut, tells her story too, while standing by her man as best she can in the wake of enraged farmers, insulted performers, horrified fellow campers, bewildered contest judges, and pierced in-laws.
in Print!
Long a favorite of Airstream Life magazine readers, this is the first collection of Tin Hut stories ever published. It might be the last, too, considering that in this collection he manages to get stuck in a horse costume, hung from a tree, nearly electrocuted in bed, diagnosed with Fainting Goat syndrome, and set on fire. Includes all the hilarious illustrations by Brad Cornelius!
Order your copy now from www.airstreamlife.com/store, just $14.95
Also available as an ebook for Kindle and iPad. 18
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Airstream “Land Yacht” Concept Airstream’s evolutionary concept hints at how far into the stratosphere travel trailers may soon go. In an attempt to capture a new high-end segment of the market, Airstream has partnered with Officina Italiana Design and other European firms to put more “yacht” into the Land Yacht. This 28-foot experiment heavily modifies the existing Front Bedroom floorplan with what Airstream calls “contemporary design language.” In other words, it’s sleek and clean inside, and loaded with luxury. The interior finishes speak for the rest of the trailer: interior walls and ceiling are covered in Ultraleather, and the floor is striped teak wood with a deep lacquer. After you see this, it’s no surprise that the Corian galley disappears beneath a folding cover, and the refrigerator is hidden in a closet. The latest evolution of Zip-Dee design is installed as well, three awnings that extend at the touch of a button. Even the bed lifts itself on power struts. The ceiling, an under-appreciated part of any trailer, is nearly a work of art. Instead of the usual arrangement of vents, lights, and air conditioner running overhead, the design team worked out a fully enclosed ceiling that hides most of the clutter. A continuous single LED fixture extends nearly the length of the trailer along the ceiling, illuminating the interior softly and evenly. The only other interruption is a series of small round vents for the ducted air conditioning system. For all the design opulence in the living space, the showiest part of this concept is the bathroom. The teak floor continues in here, setting the stage for a stunning glass shower and European-design fixtures, including a macerator toilet. Being a concept trailer, there are a few adjustments to be made before it goes into production. With an anticipated retail price in excess of $150,000, this trailer has to be more than beautiful in order to be accepted by the target market. We expect that at least one of the six huge soft-close galley drawers will be subdivided into smaller spaces for practical storage of things like silverware, and it would be no surprise if a wine cooler were offered as an option. After all, this is a trailer clearly designed for entertaining—and impressing– one’s guests.
Will Italian design, ducted A/C, and lots of power features bring in Airstream buyers at $150k or so? The Land Yacht Concept will test that theory. Our suggestion: drop a few of the kitchen drawers in favor of a wine cooler.
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music by
Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park Troubadours Also, music by Josh Rogan May 28-June 3, 2013 at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, OH
MC
CLA
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The best Airstream event of the year returns!
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• Over 20 educational and fun seminars and demos • Daily morning yoga • Kids’ program
EL
COME
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• Camp with 400 other Airstreamers at the Airstream factory
KIDS
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• Dozens of great door prizes • Factory tours twice daily • Backup Derby and Rivet Masters competitions • Aluminum Chef cooking demos • Early-bird parking option available
AN OG R
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• Happy Hour, Open House, Roving Happy Hour, and Open Grill — opportunities to meet fellow Airstreamers
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• Catered dinner on Saturday
All activities and events are subject to change before event dates.
$70 per adult, $185 per campsite (3 nights); $30 per additional night.
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ME
Alumapalooza always sells out, so book early to avoid disappointment! Full info & online booking at alumapalooza.com or call 802-877-2900 ext. 4 Be a friend of RB Alumapalooza on Facebook for regular updates Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/alumaevents
Register now with your smart phone by scanning this code 20
A I RS T R E A M L I F E O N L INE EDITIO N | AI R S T R EAML I FE.CO M
CLASSIFIEDS WANT TO BUY: 2007-2009 AIRSTREAM 25FB OR 27FB W/ PANORAMIC WINDOWS We are looking for a clean Airstream 2007 - 2009 25FB or 27FB with both panoramic windows. LS SE edition a plus but not a must. Classics are not an option. We are on the West Coast but would be willing to travel for the right trailer. Email: ron.mancuso@att.net
WANT TO BUY: 1936 AIRSTREAM CLIPPER $$$ Wanted to Buy! $$$ 1936 Airstream Clipper in any condition. Also anything related to 1930’s Airstream travel trailers like,photos,sales bro.,banners,travel trailers signs made of tin, porcelain, neon, cardboard etc., salesman sample trailers etc. Interested in buying other aluminum 1930’s travel trailers and related items too! Please call 530-305-6979 day or night. Email photos to bigyellowt@ yahoo.com
TIN RITZ Excellent 2005 22 foot International CCD. Loaded and in awesome condition, rarely used, a MUST SEE to appreciate. $28,500. Email: 2rharding@gmail.com Phone: 949-233-7385
CLASSIC BEAUTY, EXCELLENT CONDITION 2010 Classic Ltd 27FB. Traveled less than 75 miles. Bought in June 2010, weekend use on ranch campsite by single owner, stored since June 2011 in enclosed barn. In excellent condition inside and out. Praline interior color with hickory wood, all standard specs for model, plus tow bar and stabilizer, Zip-Dee three side awnings (white and blue striped). Retail $92,500. Asking $74,299. Contact Sanford, email: sheannsan@comcast.net. Phone: 713826-0945. 16’ BAMBI INTERNATIONAL CCD Awesome condition. This RV has very little use and is as good as it gets for a used trailer. These are rare finds, very few were made and super hard to get. Interior is super clean and exterior is as good as you would ever want. Does not have awning but has attachment rail on top on both sides. E-mail or call to see. Please no dealers, this is for private sale only. $24,800. Tim Dalton, email: t_dalton2@yahoo.com. Phone: 513-616-40485
AIRSTREAM TRADEWIND Awesome condition. This classic beauty original 1961 Tradewind has been in the family for over 50 years, grandpa’s trailer. Tows great, no dents, really nice condition for a 1961. Clean wood interior. $8,800. For more info and pictures, please contact C. Wright, phone: 352-4265156. Email: 69rpepper@gmail.com630-986-7667, cspiher@aol.com
List Your Airstream Here! Just $45 To submit an ad, visit our website at http://classified.airstreamlife.com and click the orange button that says “Post An Ad.” Ads on our website are always free for 90 days (limit 5 free ads per customer). Ads submitted on the website will appear after approval, usually within 24 hours, and will be automatically removed after 90 days. For $45, your ad will also appear here in Airstream Life magazine. Paid ads which are active as of the dates below will appear in print: January 1 appears in SPRING issue April 1 appears in SUMMER issue July 1 appears FALL issue October 1 appears in WINTER issue
PERFECT PAIR Airstream has new stove, fridge, water heater, A/C. Exceptionally clean. Cadillac has rebuilt engine, transmission, brakes. New paint, very good interior. Hitch, brakes, etc. for towing. Needs nothing. $15,000-25,000. Michael D. Green, email: tperdue@email.unc.edu. Phone: 919-960-0065
SEE MORE PHOTOS classified.airstreamlife.com
You can cancel your ad at any time by marking it as SOLD on our website. To prevent publication of a paid ad, just cancel before the deadlines above. There are no refunds for print ads cancelled prior to publication. Only 650 characters of your ad and one photo you upload will appear in print. Print ads over 650 characters will be edited by our staff. Print ads will appear in only one issue unless renewed. Airstream Life accepts classified ads for Airstreams, vintage travel trailers, tow vehicles, Airstream-related parts and accessories. We reserve the right to review, edit, and approve ads before publication. No goods or services advertised here are endorsed by Airstream Life or Airstream Inc.
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traveling well
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SUBSCRIBE TODAY to get the complete Summer 2012 print edition of Airstream Life! See what’s inside... TABLE OF CONTENTS
traveling well
Spring 2013
The official Airstream lifestyle magazine
4
EDITOR’S PAGE
6
INBOX
13
Learning the Language of Stones
19
Keeping Your Airstream Fresh
23
More Power!
28
Railstreaming
30
1985-1993 Excella Model 32M
34
A Sixties Mystery
40
Acoma Pueblo
46
New Design Elements
49
Airstreaming with Pets
RIVET BIT
DESTINATIONS
TECH TIPS
PHOTO: BERT GILDART
Airstream from the Sun
Acoma Pueblo, Page 40
TOWING
FROM THE ARCHIVES
BUYERS GUIDE
OLD ALUMINUM
DESTINATIONS
INTERIORS
PHOTO: ALISON TURNER
10
Airstreaming with Pets, Page 49
LIVING THE LIFE
55
Revival and Evolution
59
Three Gourmet Airstreams
FLOORPLANS
AIRSTREAM FOOD
CLASSIFIEDS
64
PHOTO COURTESY OF AIRSTREAM
PUZZLE PAGE
53
A high-end Land Yacht Concept, Page 55 2
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