AIRSTREAMS AT WORK • TECHNOMADS • BOWLUS-BYAM CONNECTION • VICTORINOX
Online Edition
Winter 2010
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Editor’s Page
Airstreams Mixing Work and Play We spent the Fall months traveling down the east coast from Vermont to Florida while I worked on the Winter and Spring issues of the magazine. From that experience I can tell you two things with assurance: First, anyone who thinks people are RV’ing less should try to get a state park campground site on a weekend. Everywhere we went, the campgrounds were jammed on Friday and Saturday night, and in some cases they were booked months in advance. That’s very different from the experience we had while full-timing for three years. Weekends have always been busy, but since the economic downturn, the state and national parks have gotten to be so popular that driving up impromptu and hoping for a “walk-in” site has become a risky proposition. While people may not yet be buying as many RVs as in prior years, they are certainly still using the ones they have! I hope you are continuing to enjoy your Airstream as well. The second thing I can tell you is that the print version of Airstream Life and the next one to come are both loaded with great articles that you won’t want to miss. As you’ll see, we’re adding more practical and how-to content to Airstream Life, in response to reader requests. The big hit lately has been Andy Thomson’s series on towing and hitching. This series started with our Spring 2010 issue and already people are calling it their favorite part of Airstream Life. Our printed Winter 2010 issue has the fourth installment, explaining why “The Weakest Link,” of your towing setup may be the factory-installed receiver hitch. This informative series is another good reason to collect all the back issues! We’re also looking more closely at late-model Airstream floorplans, starting with a discussion of the rare Safari 30 “bunkhouse” trailer. Part buyer’s guide, part analysis, this department of the magazine is designed to help you understand why a particular floorplan might work for you, and what recently-made Airstreams offer the features you want. Want more practical advice? Check out Renee and Fred Ettline’s article about tires. We all have ‘em, we all depend on them, but how much do you really know about your tires? The Ettlines have put together the answers for you. “eBay Watch” has gone on hiatus, while Roger Johnson takes a welldeserved break after five years of great work. But don’t be alarmed: Roger is planning his return in a future issue. In the meantime, we’re running more articles with ideas and suggestions to make your Airstreaming more fun, plus inspirational stories like that of Marty Shenkman and Patti Klein. Marty and Patti are using their Airstream in a great way, educating people about chronic illnesses. Airstream Life magazine is proud to be an official sponsor of their Airstream tour, called “RV4theCause.” Rhonda Coleman chimes in this issue with a very interesting look at the technologically savvy folks who are traveling in Airstreams and working from just about anywhere. They’re called “Technomads,” and you may know some of them already – in fact, you may be one someday soon! Airstreams like to mix work and play. As evidence, “Airstreams At Work” introduces you to six unique Airstreams, from a mobile eatery in Connecticut that hits the summertime festivals, to a solar-powered Base Camp, and a custom 34-footer that chases the snow. In the print edition, we’ve also got a separate "Mabel On The Move" dishes up healthy eating
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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
The official Airstream lifestyle magazine Editor and Publisher: Rich Luhr rich@airstreamlife.com Layout and Design: Ellicott Design lisa@airstreamlife.com Advertising Sales: Brett Greiveldinger brett@airstreamlife.com (802) 877-2900 Ext. 2 Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius Chief Financial Officer: Eleanor O’Dea Customer Service: Lisa T. Miller Associate Contributors: Tom Bentley Becky Blanton Jody Brotherston J. Rick Cipot Fred Coldwell Renee Ettline Bert Gildart John Irwin Roger Johnson 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 2010 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM ® is the property of Airstream, Inc. Licensed by Global Icons LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in CANADA.
PHOTO: RICK GILLIS
Rick Gillis and family take their Safari 30 over a remote "road" near Big Bend National Park in Texas.
interior design review of the original Victorinox Airstream. As always, I’m always impressed with the creativity that people put into commercial Airstream makeovers. It just shows how much the world loves that famous aluminum shape. Vintage Airstream lovers, don’t despair: we haven’t forgotten you. Fred Coldwell returns to his ongoing series about historic Airstream models, this time with “The Wonder Bread Years,” about the 1951-1953 models. And for lovers of all types, check out the latest romantic twists from Mr. and Mrs. Tin Hut (yes, they’re at it again!) You will also see our promotion for Alumapalooza 2011. Once again Airstream Life is presenting this unique annual event at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio, next June. This time we’ll have The Trailer Park Troubadours performing, along with a lot of new surprises. I suggest you sign up early, because at this writing, one quarter of the available space is already reserved! See you on the road,
About our cover... This issue’s cover is entitled, “The Day After Christmas,” and features artwork by Steve Gray and Tom Knight. Santa and crew are chilling out at an undisclosed location in the Florida Keys after a successful season’s work. Steve is a children’s picture book illustrator, and Tom is a computer 3D modeler. Steve designs the characters and Tom builds a 3D model using 3D Studio Max. The final image is retouched in Adobe Photoshop. Steve and Tom have been collaborating on various projects for over a decade. This project began when Steve asked Tom to build an exact replica of the Airstream in which Steve and his wife Cindy will be touring the country promoting his books.
Colin Hyde Trailer Restorations
Rich Luhr, Publisher and Editor
Airstream & Vintage Airstream Refurbishment & Restoration “Body
off” reconstruction Sub floor replacement & repair Plumbing & electrical Cabinetry Chassis upgrades In-house axle replacement or “drop ship” anywhere
Sheet
metal repairs & custom work Interior Design services by Susanne Brown (award winning Interior Designer) Vintage Airstream restoration consulting service: via phone, email or on-site The only northeast Airstream restorer to offer “rotisserie” body off and chassis reconstruction services! Colin Hyde WBCCI 1936, VAC Technical Advisor, “Tin Can Tourists” member, Vintage Airstream Podcast “Panel Pro” www.thevap.com, Sponsor & speaker at the Vintage Trailer Jam 08 & 09
Tel: (518) 578-7772 • Plattsburgh, NY • colin@colinhydetrailerrestorations.com • www.colinhydetrailerrestorations.com WINTER 2010
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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Youngest Reader Gets Her Airstream Hi Airstream Life! My name is Madeline Martin. I am probably one of your youngest readers. I am 12 years old. We recently bought a 1969 Safari Airstream. It was at an auction at our local RV dealer. It is in great shape! I was surprised that we got it as cheap as we did! When we were going to find out if we got it or not I was at camp. So every morning at mail call my name would be called but the letter was never “THE” letter. But when I finally did get the letter I jumped up in my seat and screamed! I was so excited. Every time I see a 1969 Airstream in eBay Watch (my favorite column) it isn’t in as good condition as ours is! My parents say that about 99% of the things in our Airstream is original! I hope you write back! LOVE, MADELINE MARTIN WILLOW CAMP, PA
Too Much Time On His Hands? Airstream Life: After reading the summer edition of Airstream Life & die casts, I thought you would like to see a diorama I made in my driveway. People say I have too much time on my hands. Look, I’m crazy about Airstreams! We are the proud owners of a 2007-19’ Bambi. ENJOY, ED. & LORRAINE BEAUCHAINE Ed, you might have time on your hands, but we like the way you’re spending it! Thanks for the photo.
Madeline, I’m sure you’ll have many great adventures with your family. We’ll look for you on the road! Tail Of The Dragon Hi Rich, The Tail of the Dragon is a thrilling ride for those seeking adventure. We happened on it by accident and had no idea there were over 300 hairpin curves on the 11 mile stretch with no place to turn around! We wondered why there were professional photographers perched on some of the curves. It turned out this is a popular motorcycle road and people can pay for their pictures online. Our action packed photo was one of them. The Dragon is located outside the southwest area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Highway 129. We started at Tabcat Bridge in Tennessee and spilled out 11 miles later at the North Carolina, Tennessee state line. We would highly recommend this road to those seeking excitement on a motorcycle or sports car, not so much hauling a camper. In fact I would avoid it. Our 28-foot Safari trailed very well though with no problems. Luckily we did not meet any tractor-trailers going the other way. If you do venture down this road with your camper have a good massage therapist waiting for you at the end! REGARDS, MICHAEL LIBBEY Thanks for Killboy.com for use of this photo of Mike Libbey’s trailer.
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“Flygirl” Painted Trailer Dear Rich: Thought you might like to see some pictures of our uniquely painted 65 Globe Trotter that we call the Flygirl. It was painted by artist Chris Sarro and was the idea of my wife Val, who wanted a unique way to jazz up older neglected Airstreams I have purchased, as well as appeal to the hobbies and interests of today’s RV’ers. The projects have proven to be lots of fun. We’re presently working on a hunting theme with our “girl” in the woods tangling with a very large bear and has been requested to do a cowboy motif with hand painted simulated logs, chuck wagon and horses. Thank you for your fabulous publication! We have been loyal for many years. DAVE HOFFMAN
Which River Was That? Being new owners of an Airstream, we are enjoying your publication greatly. The letter from Dave Paperd of Spokane WA has a minor error. Camping by the water at Boundary Dam just North of Metaline Falls is not on the Coeur d’Alene river, it is on the Pend Oreille river. I grew up in the area and agree with Dave, it is a beautiful area, more so before Boundry Dam was built where Z canyon (Boundary submerged it) turned the river on its side. DICK CULP BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA Not So Horrid ... I have been enjoying my Fall 2010 edition of Airstream Life, and was shocked to read Mr.Tread dissatisfaction of your magazine in the letters to the editor. I am not sure if he over looked the outstanding articles on safe hitching by Andy Thomson or did not take the time to read them. I am new to the Airstream life. My wife and I are proud owners of a new 2008 25 ft Safari FB. The past two years have been a time of fun and learning! Andy’s articles have been a great education for me, as I have had to this point no towing experience. I have shared these articles with many co-workers that have campers and “thought” they were setting up things properly. Thanks to all on your team for what I believe is a GREAT publication. (I just wish it was a monthly pub.) LARRY MADDEN … But Could Be Better Dear Rich Luhr Airstream Life is not a horrid magazine (reference Treadaway’s comments in “A ‘Horrid’ Magazine?” Fall 2010, Inbox). I think you put out a good magazine; there’s nothing horrid about it. And, I’m sure it’s a labor of love as you meet deadlines, advertising, budget, work with contributors, edit, and then edit some more. However (uh oh, here’s comes the big “However”), I’ve been a subscriber for two to three years and have some of the same views as Treadaway on content, but not to the point of canceling because I keep hoping... While I certainly like the magazine, I am disappointed in the lack of coverage of other than emphasis on “travel and history.” (Please
Budding Airstream Artist Dear Mr. Luhr, I am new to Airstreams, and new to your magazine. I recently subscribed and picked up many back copies. We are new parents of a 2008 Safari Sport which we picked up in Utah in March and brought back to California. We recently enjoyed our first overnight camping trip to Doran Beach in Bodega Bay with our two young daughters. We hope to spend many weekends in the future exploring California parks and campgrounds. The Airstream has been quite a hit with the children. We even yell out ‘Airstream’ whenever someone spots one
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when we ride in the car as a family. We are all quite happy being Airstreamers. The reason why I am contacting you today is to share some artwork created by my 8-year-old daughter, Katie. This concept was entirely her own idea, and I used this picture to create a Father’s Day card for her Dad. She plans on creating more Airstream pictures and is thinking about working on a calendar, with one picture each month. WITH WARM REGARDS, TINA RASMUSEN P.S. Our other daughter, Sarah (9-years-old) has already told us that she want to inherit the Airstream when she grows up.
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Happy Father’s Day To Nick Hi Rich, The shirts arrived yesterday, from Alumapalooza. Thanks for sending them out, my daughters love em. I am attaching a photo of my homemade fathers day card. The girls are excited about my retirement and my Airstream adventure. HAVE SOME FUN ON YOUR TRIP, NICK MARTINES
Those Easy-Towing Bowlus Trailers I just finished reading the article by John Long, “The Origin of the Aluminum Travel Trailer Species.” What a well written and outstanding article that John has written. John has put together a well written history of these Bowlus trailers almost lost to history. I have owned a Bowlus Roadchief for 17 years and early on John and I have had conversations about the Bowlus. Although I have done some research on the Bowlus I have never put it together, or done the research like John has to make the story complete from beginning to end. I have included a photo of my Bowlus being pulled by my 1936 Buick Roadmaster with its 320 OHV cubic inch straight eight. My Buick comfortably pulls this car at 60 mph, and just as the article says it is so easy to pull. However, my Buick loves gasoline at any speed! DON MAYTON ZEELAND, MI
note, I really like the technical articles, for example the recent series on hitches.) Airstream Life would only be improved and probably satisfy a wider audience if you considered some of Treadaway’s comments. For example, non-Airstream magazines also include coverage of older models, customizing/individualizing, technical aspects, history of products, etc. The wide range of content makes these magazines quite interesting, and probably end up satisfying a wider audience in addition to just me. No, I will not cancel my subscription like Treadaway. But I keep hoping the magazine content will broaden. GARY TURLINGTON PS - How about a detailed article on your 2005 Airstream Safari 30? At least I think it’s yours based on the paragraph under Customer Service in my current issue. Written from your dinette table, an honest, bare knuckle review of everything from the floor plan to the vents to the toilet to the upkeep to leaks to why you selected it over other sizes/floor plans would be a great article. Gary, you’ve raised some good points. Based on your comments, those of other readers, and even Mr. Treadaway’s comments, we are going to increase the amount of content we publish on non-travel and history topics. Andy Thomson’s series on towing is a key example of that. You’re even getting your specific request – this issue includes a review of the late, lamented Safari 30 “bunkhouse” trailer. If readers like this sort of feature, you’ll see more in future magazines. Let us know!
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Airstreams at Work By Tom Bentley, Becky Blanton, Jeff Romack, and Rich Luhr
“Mabel On The Move” combines comfort food with vintage colors and style. Owner Andrea DiMauro is ready to take food orders inside Mabel’s easy-to-access order window. She’s often the only healthy, organic sandwich, soup and snack vendor at many east coast events.
A
irstreams are perennially the top choice of businesses that want to travel and have a distinctive look. Over the past six years, we’ve documented dozens of Airstreams working as shops, restaurants, meeting spaces, showcases, demo centers, medical facilities, hotel rooms, and video production facilities. A shiny new Airstream shell can now be purchased through an authorized customizer (such as Timeless Travel Trailers) and built to a buyer’s specifications. This undoubtedly has encouraged major brands such as Nintendo, Hello Kitty, Victorinox, Eddie Bauer, Autoweek, Mutual of Omaha, and Red Bull to choose Airstreams as their tour vehicles of choice. But because Airstreams are so durable, there are plenty of vintage trailers to re-purpose for commercial use as well. This makes it possible for “the little guy” (small business) to benefit from the cool exterior of an Airstream as well, inside a tight budget. We’ve seen them wrapped in vinyl; festooned with giant fiberglass hotdogs, doughnuts, and toast; cut away as open-air bars; polished to a shine, to serve chili and coffee; and working as post offices. We last documented Airstreams At Work in the Summer 2008 issue. But there seems to be no limit to the creative uses (and re-uses) of an Airstream for business purposes. Read on, for a look at just a
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few of the recent adaptations of Airstreams that you might spot as you travel through the country. Healthy Eating, By Mabel On The Move Her Connecticut friends tell her she’s going through a “tacky” phase with her red and white polka-dot Airstream-turned-organic soup, salad and hot-dog vendor wagon, but Andrea DiMauro doesn’t care. She’s having more fun than she’s had in years and doing it all in an Airstream. When culinary school beckoned more than a decade ago, she answered the call, then hung up right before she graduated to pluck the plum of all culinary jobs – head chef at a private estate. “It’s what every chef aspires to,” she said. But seven years there, and three years at another, more challenging position at a different private estate convinced her it was time to switch jobs, although not her career. Then she met and married her husband. Together they bought and restored a 1779 gentleman’s farm, planning to start a bed and breakfast.
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Just before they were able to launch that dream, Andrea discovered she had Lyme disease. They sold the B&B and Andrea spent the next three years recovering from the late-diagnosed disease. When she was ready to work again she realized she didn’t want to go back to being a private chef just yet. Catering and restaurant work didn’t catch her eye, passion or attention either; but a neglected little Airstream begging for a polish and total renovation did. “Mobile eateries are really big on the west coast,” she said. “So I thought it would be fun to bring one to New York.” She bought the Airstream, a 1962 Globetrotter, and got to work. “While all my friends were off pursuing fabulous jobs I was wearing an apron and was attending, as they said, ‘cooking school’ which they thought was kind of matronly. A friend nicknamed me Mabel. I thought I could get rid of the name by passing it on to the Airstream.” She did and turned a once-lemon of a name into lemonade, and the Airstream into a one-of a kind, healthy food and drink dispenser. She camps in a 2004, 22’ Safari as well as towing Mabel. So she’s all Airstream, all the time. And more and more people are recognizing the pint-sized Globetrotter. “Mabel on the Move” is fast becoming a hit among those who prefer grass-fed beef hot dogs, organic salads and fresh vegetables, over the high-fat, high fructose food often found at fairs and festivals where Andrea and Mabel set up shop. “We banned all corn syrup and only use organic foods in all we serve,” Andrea said. “People like it. They don’t like eating high fat, greasy food and feeling sick.” From the drinks to the food fare – everything is in keeping with the “farm to table” philosophy Andrea embraces. “I think we may sell Mabel one day to someone who wants to take it to vintage car festivals – since she’s vintage and people love her. And I think I’ll get another Airstream and make it into a boutique or who knows what. I just know I love my Airstreams. I love the possibilities of them.”
automotive seatbelts. Thus, Malia was fully aware that Airstream trailers are not only a practical way for travelers to hit the road in comfort, but that the trailers can also make for eye-catching mobile promotions. The Harveys trailer catches many an eye on its branded jaunts through California and other Western states, where its gleaming appeal wows potential customers. “We mainly use it as a large billboard, a backdrop for our booth at events or to generate excitement in front of our retail stores. While on location, it doubles as a cash-wrap [safe] and back bar for our back stock,” says Malia. The trailer is a 2007 23’ International, which the company has owned for almost four years. They know all about Airstream’s cachet: prior to buying the newer model, they had a 1966 International that they used for shows for five years. Vintage objects figure into the company history—in 1997, founder Dana Harvey was installing seatbelts into his 1950 Buick, and decided to sew a handbag for his wife Melanie. According to Malia, “Everyone loved it so they made more, and more, and more. Now we have a large factory in Santa Ana, California, where each ‘Seatbeltbag’ is built and guaranteed tough, for life.” The company often sets up the Airstream at automotive-based venues, such as recent shows at the American Le Man races at Laguna Seca CA, NASCAR races in Sonoma AZ, then back to Laguna Seca later this year, and after that, Utah and
Arizona. Though no one uses the trailer to sleep in during business tours, the Harveys and their kids camp up and down the California coast in their leisure hours. To this point, the company has not modified their trailer interior for the business, but after recently seeing the Swiss Army Victorinox Airstream (see Interiors, this issue), they are considering altering the interior to mimic a showroom. Harveys obtains the seatbelts from automotive seatbelt manufacturers; some of the materials are available because they don’t meet seatbelt safety standards, but they make for a pretty sturdy purse. Melanie and Dana Harvey are co-designers of the bags, which come in a surprising variety of designs and sizes. They’ve also collaborated with a number of well-known artists and designers. The company has recently finished a video of the International being covered with the advertising decals, editing the film for style and panache. It will soon be available on their website. Malia explains that the Airstream is a source of interest on its own, though there may be a gender gap: “The women go crazy for our handbags while the men drool over the Airstream. It’s a nice combination. And we are always more than happy to accommodate an impromptu tour,” she says. It’s all part of that dual-purpose thing. As Malia says, “We love that it’s classic yet modern at the same time. Which is exactly the same thing we offer in our handbags.”
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Buckle Up Your Bags Malia O’Brien knows the value of multiple-use technologies. After all, she is the marketing director of Harveys, which designs and sells fashionable handbags made out of
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This Airstream is seatbelt-equipped (even if they are handbags). “The women go crazy for our handbags while the men drool over the Airstream,” says Malia O’Brien.
The Golden State Reflects Well Off An Airstream With the economy still sporting big bandages, the concept of the “staycation” has a lot more appeal to wallet-weary travelers. And some states have such stunning scenery— such as California—that taking a trip or two not-so-far from home isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a pleasure. For the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, their mission to promote California tourism to Californians isn’t a hard sell—they’ve just made it easier to get a rich sampling of those statewide venues by hitting the road with a custom Airstream decorated inside and out with colorful images of many California goodies, and all the background info on how to get there and what you’ll see to boot! The Association’s initial 2009 idea was taking the Airstream on a long interstate tour, showcasing the Airstream and its California imagery at a half-dozen of California’s largest outdoor events. The success of that venture prompted an expanded tour for 2010—and they are making the rounds. Highlights have included the California Asparagus Festival in Stockton, Sunset Magazine’s Celebration Weekend in Menlo Park, NASCAR races in Sonoma County, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the California Avocado Festival near Santa
Barbara, and the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. Asparagus, garlic, avocados and pumpkins… California is a fertile place; travelers can eat their way across the state. There will be around 1.6 million attendees at the 31 event days on the schedule, so the Airstream will pull a lot of miles and host a lot of visitors. The trailer is a 2009 27’ Flying Cloud, towed by a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Crew Cab. Besides the complete vinyl wrap of California scenes on its exterior, there are a number of California maps and themes rendered in the interior as well. Karen Whitaker, a spokesperson for Shasta Cascade says that many viewers have responded specifically to the Airstream, “People mention that they have always wanted to see what an Airstream looks like inside. Most people are amazed how big they actually are inside and how great the quality is. We’ve seen a huge following of Airstream lovers, both owners and wannabes. It was the perfect choice for what we are doing. Its quality and history fits well with the California brand,” she says. One thing that Whitaker noted on the tour is that it was common for people to come in to the trailer and reminisce about camping in an Airstream with their grandparents, and how wonderful the experience was. One
effect of the Association tour will be to expose many Californians once again to the appeal and possibilities of hitting the road with an Airstream right behind. No one on the Association team has used the Airstream to sleep in on the tour, though it has made for some cozy napping by the crew between destinations. Whitaker says that the success of this year’s tour means that there’s a likely third tour in the offing, and the Flying Cloud will be in the center of the action once again. Whitaker recognizes that the trailer is a good match for the Association’s mission: “Airstream’s a travel icon, it’s very recognizable and it was invented in California—a perfect match!” Solar-Powered Exhibition In An Airstream BaseCamp Imagine hitting the open road with an Airstream BaseCamp that has its electrical components completely powered by solar energy. Then think of the eco-friendly impact such a concept would have on the environment. When GM’s Saturn division was looking for ecologically conscious ideas for its 2009 mobile marketing tour, it turned to Performance Marketing Group for green solutions. In response, the Indianapolis-based marketing company designed, constructed and activated three Airstream Basecamps that utilized solar-panel-generated electricity to power various elements of the display. The
The Shasta Cascade Airstream (a 27-foot Flying Cloud) displays what’s best about California, inside and out. This trailer tours California each year, visiting half a dozen major events.
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An Airstream BaseCamp was the first mobile marketing display to use solar power.
modified retro look of the Basecamp trailers combined with state-ofthe-art energy producing technology was a tremendous hit at professional sporting events (including the Boston Marathon), state fairs, music festivals and air shows. “The modified Basecamp trailers with the sunflower graphics and solar panels were definitely the hooks that drew people in,” said Bill Bissmeyer, vice president of business development, Performance Marketing Group. “Saturn was looking for something completely different but they wanted to attract large crowds while being environmentally friendly.”
The three BaseCamp trailers activated for the tour were affectionately referred to as Sunflower One, Two and Three, and each were pulled by the Saturn Outlook. Wireless networking and four 130-watt Kyocera solar panels were installed atop each BaseCamp. Two additional solar panels were designed to resemble potted plants and absorb solar energy on the ground. Energy efficient Apple iMac computers were selected for their lowenvironmental impact characteristics, and low energy consumption. Flatscreen LED monitors were used to help extend the life of the battery cells. Based on six hours of peak sunshine, an average of 4,600-watt hours could be banked per day for use on cloudy or rainy days, eliminating reliance on less eco-friendly gas or diesel generators typically used to provide power for electronics elements of the display. The eco-friendly “Meet Saturn Tour” is believed to be the first mobile-marketing display in the country to utilize solar energy, and it was met with rave reviews from the thousands of visitors who experienced it during its 72-city North American tour. It was awarded a Silver Medal in the Best Green Event/Trade Show Campaign category at the 2010 EXAwards in Chicago.
2008/09
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50/50 Cotton/Polyester Blend
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LEFT: Reggie and Zach Crist, snowskiing icons and champions, slow down from their usual blur of motion on the slopes and relax outside their custom designed Airstream. Their Airstream is home, lab and workshop to the brothers who now design and test ski-wear for Eddie Bauer. BELOW: The “garage” of their 34-foot PanAmerican trailer carries all the gear.
“As we walked around the block the first thing we noticed was the sun shining off this silver trailer that looked like the old [trailers] from the ‘50s and ‘60s, only with a futuristic look to it,” said a visitor in Memphis. “The BaseCamp had a laptop with a big-screen monitor and we actually sat down and designed our own car. When we found out that all the electrical needs of the display were provided by solar panels, I was totally blown away.” Airstreams On Ice Are Just As Nice When Reggie and Zach Crist—icons in the world of downhill skiing—put together the ultimate road and ski trip, their goal was simple. “Ski as much powder as humanly possible,” Reggie said. To do so they teamed up what Zach called “two of the greatest American icons of adventure”: Airstream and Eddie Bauer. Then they added a third icon—a Ford F-450 diesel truck to pull it. What the brothers say appealed to them about both Airstream and Eddie Bauer is that both companies represent products that are about “participation.” Airstream and Eddie Bauer encourage the people who use their products to “get out and participate in the adventure,” rather than simply owning the gear. The “cool factor” of the products doesn’t hurt, and neither does the quality. The Crist’s Airstream has been home for the brothers for the past year as well as to snowmobiles, kayaks, camping gear, skis and more. Credit the luxurious “garage” inside the 34-foot PanAmerican triple-axle trailer for providing space to carry all that gear. The custom bunks and other kitchen features make the trailer efficient. Because the team was doing more boondocking at ski events than camping in public campgrounds,
Timeless Travel Trailers installed four solar panels, additional batteries and a 6Kw generator. But the boys relied on logs, campfires and propane too. Reggie says the brothers worked with Airstream and Timeless Travel Trailers to design and build the trailer to make it ideal for chasing perfect powder and ski camping, as well as kayaking and summer sports around the western US—particularly in Utah and Colorado. A fold-down table in the garage lets them tune their skis, and gear lockers let them store all the stuff that goes with being so active. Reggie, a US Ski Team member for 10 years, is one of the most accomplished skiers and X-Games athletes of all time. A retired World Cup downhiller, he is the only man to win the X-Games Ski competition twice. Zach was a member of the US Ski Team for seven years before turning to extreme skiing and the X-Games. Reggie and Zach are the first siblings to win X-Games titles the same year, snagging gold and silver respectively in 2005. It’s not all about chasing powder for personal pleasure though. The brothers do
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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
have a job to do. They’re both big mountain skiers with film-production companies. They’ve been featured in several adventure films—claiming first descents on the polar ice cap of Greenland, the Himalayas of Nepal, the Alps of New Zealand, and the coastal giants of Alaska. When they’re not skiing, they’re surfing, kayaking and mountain climbing, and working with Eddie Bauer to design new gear. First Ascent’s “guide-built philosophy” means that all their products must be tested in the most extreme outdoor conditions. More than just an adventure on wheels, the Airstream is really a “mobile lab,” providing a base camp for testing and developing ski, snowboarding and winter mountain clothing and gear. But it’s also used for kicking back and relaxing, planning their next venture and just as what it was designed for—a home. Although the Airstream was designed for work, the brothers got all the toys they wanted. “We had our dream list,” Reggie said. Among those things was a 10-channel mixing board on their sound system. Sound and audio were important, so a custom rack
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was created to store an HDTV, which they can operate on a mount on the curb side of the trailer. The specially designed case for the TV allows it to operate in any weather conditions and at a temperature range of -40F to +150F. Not that the Crists encountered that—but if they did, they were ready. It’s not just the television screen that stayed warm. 120-volt AC/12 volt DC tank heating pads were installed on all three holding tanks. The Aha Moments Airstream captures From pulling the full-size revelations from real life in a 34-foot bed out to create an area for PanAmerican trailer. Interviewees are screened outside, then come inside to four bunk beds for the Crists tell their stories. and their other two occasional team members, to adding extra insulation, the crews were able to pack in the whole team and still have plenty of room for skis, camping gear and food. While Reggie and Zach did return to the X-Games in 2010, for Zach it was as a commentator for ESPN, not as a competitor. But whether they’re skiing, kayaking, climbing or working, the Airstream fulfills its promise: proving adventure is out there. You just have to go participate in it. A Road Trip to Record “Aha Moments” For some lucky souls, there’s a moment in their lives when it all comes together: a realization, reflection or insight that seems to crystallize a universal truth, or point the way to their life’s fulfillment. Some luckier souls get to recount that moment on video, for a chance at television commercial stardom. And a fabulously equipped Airstream is the rolling center of this memory collection. Mutual of Omaha is the sponsor behind the 25-city “Aha Moments” tour, which boasts a full video studio in a 34-foot Airstream Pan American. This is the second version of the tour (and the second round for the Pan American), going to new cities. The inaugural tour videos were used as the basis for television ads that debuted at the 2010 Olympics. The declarations of clarifying moments truly run the gamut: according to Kaitlin Ebinger, one of the tour employees, “Talking with so many people every day, we certainly hear some funny and Where to Find Them See the Harveys handbag selection and read their blog at http://www.seatbeltbags.com/ Get a tour of the First Ascent Airstream at http://blog.firstascent.com/2010/03/19/behind-the-scenes-designing-the-firstascent-airstream-for-the-ultimate-road-trip/ See peoples’ “Aha Moments” at http://ahamoment.com
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unusual stories. For instance, we had a man who came in today whose artistic medium is the paper napkin. He does some really cool little pieces, and he found that it was a great way to connect with his daughters.” The Pan American is designed with a rear hatch for gear, but was customized by Airstream and a company called DTC Grip and Electric. The trailer is towed by a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. All of the Airstream’s standard living quarters and plumbing were removed to install a broad range of electronic equipment and resources, such as LED studio lights, backdrop and multiple video cameras. The rear section holds the monitors and computers. “The Airstream works GREAT as a studio. It looks small from the outside, but it packs a lot of punch. We were able to accommodate a full lighting system for our needs as well as a camera mount and microphone tracks. We are a very small crew and conduct each interview one-on-one, so the Airstream allows for a more comfortable, intimate experience,” says Ebinger. The 2010 tour ran from early May through mid-August, hitting diverse, mid-sized cities from coast to coast. Contestants signed up in advance on the Aha site to set up the 30-second recording. Ebinger and the other crew members blogged about the tour and the recorded moments on the site. The tour team was forced to stay in hotels, since the Pan American is bereft of beds. Ebinger says that the custom trailer received a lot of positive response, including that of Airstream aficionados who want to tour the inside. Apparently, the custom confines of a gleaming, technically outfitted trailer aren’t intimidating to the tour participants: “Getting people’s Aha Moments brings a lot of feelings to mind. Some are funny, some are sad, but it’s always inspiring to see people come out and really divulge some of their private moments. It has re-instilled my faith in people and community—it’s been wonderful,” says Ebinger. •••
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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• • • • • •
Technomads
Mobile Technology
By RG Coleman
PHOTO: ERIC PETTEE
THE
igital nomads, location independent professionals, technomads … the Internet is abuzz with jargon to describe a new breed of Airstreamer—full time, solar powered young people who juggle technologies that allow them to live, work and play 24/7 on the road. What, exactly is a technomad? Many “still working” full-time RV’ers are fulfilling their dreams of switching to a life of travel and forgoing the 9-to-5 office cube. Technomads are power users of leading edge tools that enable them to operate an über-connected lifestyle without a fixed address. “Many technomads use technology to create careers, generally with a strong remote work component, that fund their life of travel instead of picking up temporary work by walking into local businesses when funding is needed. They may utilize technology for logistical things like navigation, instead of relying on paper maps or travel agents,” explained Cherie Ve Ard. She lives the technomadic life with her partner Chris Dunphy in Orion, their “geeked-out” 17-foot Oliver Legacy Elite trailer. The trailer is outfitted with computers, solar panels, a cell phone amplifier system, and onboard media server. For a change of pace they sometimes visit Internet cafes to spread out and relax while they work online and connect with far-flung friends and family. “Keeping in touch via Skype, cell phones, satellite uplink, blogs, and social networking tools bridges the social void that full time travel might cause,” explained Ve Ard. “Neither of us has a physical ‘home base’ anywhere else, and we truly are out there living a mobile digital lifestyle full-time,” continued Ve Ard. “We run a small consulting business as we go, and when we take on projects we have found that physical location is growing less relevant in an age of increasingly ubiquitous connectivity. “Often we work remotely, and other times we take advantage of our nomadic flexibility to be on-site for a client for an extended period of time. Being nomadic allows us to be ‘home’ wherever we are.” Ve Ard has been a full time technomad since May 2007 and has a professional background in technology and strategy consulting. Now
PHOTO: JEN WELLS MAGEAU
PHOTO: RG COLEMAN
PHOTO: LAURA DOMELA
D
TOP TO BOTTOM: Kyle Bolstad in front of his 23-foot International CCD; Kevin Morris works at the sofa of a 27FB International CCD; Cherie Ve Ard and Chris Dunphy with their satellite dish; Richard Mageau takes the air outside his 27-foot Safari. WINTER 2010
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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businesses like Starbucks, or trendy, local coffee shops.” Bolstad installed a custom desk in his Airstream, but finds he rarely uses it when it’s time to punch in. “I like to mix it up by getting out of the Airstream to work in a local favorite spot.” The company he works for uses a variety of systems to allow employees both desk-bound and away to communicate, and Bolstad Support gear for the Mageaus' full time independent-location occupations in IT and Design. RIGHT: Solar power is a key stays in touch with friends and element for tech independence. family through the usual Internet “living at the intersection of epic and awesome,” Ve Ard builds web and channels: Twitter, Facebook, and his blog. He shares his location on mobile applications for her clients and volunteers as a social activist. a online map every night and also uses text messaging and the new Career choices vary among other technomads, but most don’t iPhone app “FaceTime” for video calls. “With technology, it is pretty hold face-to-face jobs that force them to work in a static location, easy to stay in touch with everyone.” choosing instead to freelance, workshift and telecommute. “We All Bolstad’s tech is powered by an 80 watt solar panel, don’t have to be relegated to a white-collar job or a blue-collar job,” connected to a charge controller that fills two deep cycle 12-volt says digital nomad James Schipper at his website on the topic. “We Lifeline AGM batteries. “With a 1,750 watt inverter, I can charge my can truly live collar-free.” MacBook Pro, iPhone, and iPad, watch TV, even make a smoothie— Kyle Bolstad navigates this brave new world in a 23-foot CCD all while parked along the beach just running off solar!” he said. International. With a MacBook Pro and an Internet connection, Bolstad says he is the “perfect fit” for technomadia. “I gave up Bolstad works out of his Airstream—anywhere. on traditional paper based newspapers, magazines, and postal mail. “I definitely think of myself as a technomad,” said Bolstad. I consume almost all of my media electronically.” Bolstad conquers “There is absolutely no way I could live this Airstream lifestyle with- the speed bumps encountered from having no physical address by out the abundance of technology.” His initial motivation was to “sim- using a service that assigns one; mail is scanned into PDF form and ply get out of the monotony of life—waking up, going to work, com- forwarded electronically to the addressee. “America’s Mailbox” is a ing home, waking up, going to work, coming home. I realized long ago popular choice of many technomads, who adopt official residency in my particular job as a web developer need not be constrained to an the state of South Dakota and receive a driver’s license, voter office desk.” registration card, and South Dakota vehicle plates. The realization dawned while listening to music at his desk job. Bolstad lived in a rental apartment in Chicago before selling “It was easier to instant message a co-worker sitting next to me almost all of his possessions and moving to the Airstream. “I went than it was to stop my music, take off the headphones, and have a from around 1,000 to 160 square feet of living space, so nothing but conversation. If I used the Internet to communicate over a few feet, the essentials stayed. It was awesome!” he said. “I kept things that I knew it could be done anywhere I had Internet connectivity. Once I seemed to go with the Airstream—like a stainless steel model got used to the idea of working remotely, I began to take advantage airplane, silverware, lucky bamboo plant—and then went out and of the freedom.” Soon he was working on the road from locations on bought collapsable crates, Velcro, adhesive hooks … anything to his must-see wish list. keep what I had left from moving around as I travelled down the Bolstad’s most treasured device is his iPhone, mounted on the road. Every single thing I now own has an absolute purpose and dash of his tow vehicle and connected to his in-car stereo. Audio place in the Airstream; otherwise I don’t own it.” from the phone (including music and voice instructions) is delivered Laura Domela and Kevin Morris didn’t plan to full-time in their through the car speakers. 2010 27’ FB International, but since trading in their 22’ Airstream for Continual Internet connectivity is the key to technomadic survival. the longer model, they haven’t slept at home once. They now live Bolstad uses AT&T (the iPhone service provider) tethered from the as location-independent professionals with a publishing and phone to his computer, and a Sprint Mobile Broadband card plugged photography business. into a Cradlepoint Wi-Fi router. “This router is always plugged in to “As long as we get some kind of decent Internet connection the 12V power supply,” he said. “So as I go down the road, or even we’re good to go,” said Morris, whose company is entirely virtual when I am in a campground, I can switch my iPhone over to Wi-Fi, with “employees scattered all over the world.” The new generation and it picks up the Wi-Fi signal from the Airstream.” of cloud-based business applications allows Morris and his employees Bolstad echoes the lament of technomads across the country: to access all the company systems—accounting, communication, campgrounds may boast free Wi-Fi, but the signal is often weak and even word processing—on a server in cyberspace. slow. “I end up using my iPhone or Sprint card instead,” he said. “Most of the work doesn’t require a super fast or super reliable “When I do find the occasional campground with faster speeds, I connection,” he explained. Employees can log in and work on the make sure to catch up on any downloads I need. I also depend upon same documents and projects. “That way, the company isn’t housed
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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010
on Kevin’s laptop,” said partner Domela. Morris agrees that it’s best to keep the critical data elsewhere: “I could drop my laptop in water.” Former backpackers, the couple once published from their campsites with laptops tethThe author's tiny tech, right-sized for a 16' trailer. ered to their Palm Treos. During a visit to San Francisco in 2004, they were wowed by the Bambi on display at the Museum of Modern Art. “Whoa, this is cool,” thought Domela. “We could really connect from there!” Morris adds, “I never knew we’d be RV shopping in an art gallery.” Lovers of boondocking, they created their own solar-generated power supply for electronics while they otherwise “rough it” at rustic and undeveloped camping spots. “Cover every space that you can fit a solar panel,” Morris told the company that installed the system. Their Airstream supports five units on the roof (three 100 watt, and two 50 watt), six golf cart batteries under the bed, a solar charge controller, and an inverter/converter. Camped in direct sunlight, the system powers their entire rolling home office, “including the microwave and expresso maker,” laughed Domela. Wanting to reduce the amount of electricity they consume, the couple replaced all 31 ten-watt halogen bulbs with LEDs, cutting electricity usage by 88%. They also swapped the factory-issue television with two 12-volt flat screen TVs that double as computer monitors hooked to a Mac Mini, “a powerful computer we rigged to run on only 12 watts,” explained Morris. “A regular computer can use as much as 200 watts, and a laptop 40 to 60.” Their wireless keyboard operates the unit which serves as a complete media center; music and movies are pulled online from iTunes and audio is delivered through a rockin’ custom sound system. They chose the popular iPad for “a few important reasons,” said Morris: It uses almost no electricity, it turns on instantly—no more impatient foot-tapping during the booting process when they have an idea or bit of work to quickly address—and it has a built in Internet connection. Two data cards—one from ATT and a second from Sprint— provide backup when one network is weaker. The couple once used a satellite dish, which was “just a nightmare,” Morris said. “It was ten times harder to position than a TV satellite receiver” and he would spend up to two hours at the campsite trying to align the signal. “Catching TV in a dish is like trying to catch rain in a dishpan. If you get the top pointed in the general direction of ‘up,’ you’ll probably catch some rain. Getting satellite Internet working is more like trying to hit a high-flying bird with a rock. At night. In a thunderstorm.” “We caught the RV’ing bug somewhat early in life,” report Texans Deke and Tiffani Waters, passionate owners of “The Weasel,” their 2003 22’ International CCD. “Our dream life is a little different than most folks’ our age. The material things we’ve been working for up to now are all things we just don’t need or even want. In fact, they’ve become burdensome.” As a result, the Waters’ have decided to dip their toes in the daunting ocean of technomadia. “A few years after getting married, we went on our first real
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vacation together and on that remote island we realized that we didn’t need much to be truly happy,” said Tiffani. “We didn’t need the condo downtown or two cars or the right wine glasses—just food, water and shelter and hopefully a way to enjoy those things while seeing the country.” The Waters’, who both enjoy careers that aren’t yet portable, are enacting a plan in stages for their soon to be location-free life. Step one: Live full time in their Airstream, docked. Tiffani now works from the built in desk inside the CCD while Deke continues to report to his desk job…for now. After a year spent researching and outfitting the trailer, they’ll be ready to retract the stabilizers and hit the road this winter. Tiffani uses the same business tools in the Airstream that she did while working onsite. “I’m constantly dealing with people around the country, so email, LinkedIn, and video conferencing are all things I’ve been doing for years anyway. Now I just do it in my pajamas.” Like Morris and Domela, the Waters’ maintain a cloud-based work environment and are striving to be personally paper-free. “I’m on a mission to reduce, and hopefully remove, as much real mail as I can from our life,” said Deke. For critical physical correspondence they use one of the many mail forwarding services. “Almost all of our external communication, work and personal, happens through the internet, so the transition to a mobile life won’t be too much of an adjustment for us. As long as we can maintain periods of Internet connectivity.” “So much of our communication with friends and family currently happens over email, text messaging, IM, Skype and Gchat that we rarely use our iPhones for talking,” Deke confessed. “In fact, we’ve minimized our cell phone minutes to the smallest allowed by AT&T and still have massive amounts of rollover minutes each month.” They both own MacBooks for storing music and pictures, but are looking for ways to “push these up into the cloud soon as well,” mentioning Flickr as a viable source for sharing and storing digital photos. Deke is excited by the challenge of making the de rigueur tech modifications to the CCD. “Since I can remember, I’ve spent my free time using and learning new technology,” he said. “One of the most exciting things for me when we bought our Airstream was learning all of the systems and technology inside it.” A battery overhaul is on the drawing board, including an upgraded converter “to keep the batteries properly charged and conditioned without overcharging. “We would like to outfit the Weasel with two golf cart batteries, but that is still a distant goal for us,” Deke continued. “Also, as nice as solar would be, we’ve moved away from the idea of a purely solar battery recharging solution and moved toward a generator power source, mainly because we don’t have much roof space and small cells don’t do so well in anything other than direct sunlight. I’m still playing with the idea of fabricating a way to mount solar panels on top of the car for more space and mobility, but that’s pretty far off. We’ll likely start with one or two Honda EU2000i generators with propane kits to allow us to use our existing propane bottles. We’ll likely upgrade from 20-lb to 30-lb propane tanks,” mused Deke. “I really like the look of the mirror polished ones.” Whatever the future holds for the Waters’, the process of planning for the technomadic life has strengthened the couple. “I’m proud of how we’ve handled the concerns that have come up in our march to full-timing,” said Deke. “Tiffani and I have made some important decisions and had some very frank discussions about exactly what we want out of life. Our method has been to openly
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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discuss the things that most concern us, talk about the worst possible outcome if these concerns became a reality, and create at least two plans for dealing with each of these outcomes. As a result of these discussions and plans, we’ve created a comfortable outline that frees us from our current mortgages and our location based jobs.” Countdown to the tiny life includes a time consuming and often difficult ritual: letting go of possessions. “Our plan is to remove as many as we can as soon as we can,” said Deke. “As we speak, the house is getting cleared out,” agreed Tiffani. “Our friends are getting a lot of really good stuff. The hardest thing for me is getting rid of books, artwork and clothes. So far the solution has been to get eBook versions of the ones I want to reread, and give artwork and clothes to friends.” Four states away, Georgia residents Richard Mageau and wife Jen are preparing to go nomad with Wally, their 2008 27’ Safari. Unlike the Water’s, the Mageaus already hold portable positions; the company Richard works for is entirely virtual with all offsite employees, and Jen’s home business — designing paper goods with a vintage flair — can be operated anywhere. Unlike other technomads who are able to set their own hours, Richard’s job as tech support and instructor of hospital finance software requires that he maintain a traditional work week schedule. Though his employer was responsive and receptive when approached with the idea of full-time telecommuting,“they did ask tough questions,” Richard said. “They were concerned that we were going on permanent vacation and asked exactly how I would pull off working 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday, and how we would deal with loss of signal. And how I would deal with working in close quarters with Jen.” Richard had answers at the ready to reassure them. “They were impressed with the research we did,” agreed Jen. The couple tested their technology for three weeks before approaching the employer with the idea. They tap the Internet through campground Wi-Fi when they can, but usually fire up their Verizon AirCards and Cradlepoint router. “It’s dangerous to rely on Wi-Fi campgrounds,” stated Jen, joining the refrain of other camping technomads. “They may have Wi-Fi but the signal might not be strong enough or cover all of the campground or have a constant signal.” Richard’s work requires a serious eight hour connection period, and his training calls take up to four hours. (The issue of working together in close quarters is a easy fix; Jen’s more flexible schedule allows them to simply stagger phone calls.) Like most others, their survival basics are cell phone and Internet connection, but the Mageaus enjoy some techie conveniences — like a wireless scanner/printer — that make life easier. Richard is excited by the challenge and adventure of integrating job with travel, and enjoys tweaking the tech to make it all work. A booster antenna magnetically mounted to the battery box gooses their AirCard reception “from two bars to four bars.” Jen assists with the prior planning that she considers crucial — they call ahead to inquire about the strength of the cell phone signal at their destinations — but she remains Zen about the unexpected that lies around each corner. “People who think they have everything planned out and a set itinerary are setting themselves up for failure,” she said. Her advice? “Be flexible, have a sense of humor, relax, and keep the big picture in mind. And leave plenty of time to get to the next destination.” The couple will roll at night to be stationary for the
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work day, or will reserve Sunday as a travel day. Richard plans to allocate vacation days to coincide with their visits to areas he knows there will be limited connectivity. Both are collecting smartphone apps to ease and enhance their mobile existence, including “Roadtrip” from Roadside America (“for fun”) and Foursquare for posting personal recommendations as they move about the country. “Foursquare is cool,” said Jen. “Not for blogging where you are, but for the posts from people have done the things you’re getting ready to do. Other users write tips of things not to be missed.” When she met Richard a few years ago Jen didn’t know he was “RV crazy.” “What I knew about the lifestyle was confined to retirees and snowbirds,” she said. As a designer, she confessed she “couldn’t be in a box with a squawking eagle painted on the side,” and delivered an ultimatum to Richard: “!f we’re going to do this, it’s gotta be an Airstream or nothing.” The more they used Wally, the more they fell in love with “traveling on our own terms, and taking our little home with us wherever we go,” said Jen. Making the decision to go full-time came down to logistics. “We found out we can do it, so why not? We don’t know of another time in our lives we can. If we don’t do it now, we’ll regret it.” Sound good? The freedom and fun of technomadia comes at a price. Proceed with caution, warns Ve Ard. “Breaking free from the templates of conventional living usually involves tradeoffs. While living without a fixed address has many advantages, perpetually living on the road can be draining. For a taste of location independent freedom, you end up trading away the security of a fixed home, a known place to work, and more.” Domela and Morris miss face to face interaction with hometown friends, though they are “totally in touch with them all” via email, Facebook, and online chat, said Domela. “But that’s not the same as hanging out, barbecuing.” Cramped workspace is a downside as well. “It’s a bit of a production to create a photo editing environment, even using the 24” monitor,” she said. Tiffani Waters’ main concern is cash flow. “We’ve made numerous spreadsheets over the last year analyzing exactly how much we need to live on per year. While we have a really reasonable amount in mind, I’ll still worry about hitting that mark.” The greatest hardship she’ll face on the road? “No bathtub.” For technomads across America and abroad, the lure of the lifestyle far outweighs the risks and drawbacks. “I love the freedom, the flexibility, the spontaneity of life on the road,” said Bolstad. “Life in an Airstream is really a dream come true. I have managed to get everything organized and optimized for living the mobile life. I didn’t know what to expect when I started over a year ago. It blows away all of my expectations. And I have so much more to do and see!” “I’m looking forward to the variety of life and the chance to purely live each day exactly as Tiffani and I want to live,” said Deke. “I can’t understand how living on a permanent slab is the norm and full-time mobile living isn’t.” •••
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010
Drop in on the official Airstream factory event! May 31- June 5, 2011 at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio
LIVE MUSIC by Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours!
Same deal as last year – BUT BETTER! More entertainment, more seminars, more vendors, and more fun! • Over 20 informative seminars • Factory tours twice daily • Daily door prizes • Evening cookouts • Geocaching and bicycling • Swap meet and vendors • Community festival in town • 3-5 night options • 3 amp electric, water, and dump • Catered dinner on Saturday • Generator section and vegetarian meal available • Kids under age 15 free w/paid adult! • $185 for 1 trailer, 1 adult (3 nights), $60 per additional adult, $30 per additional night
Much more information and online booking at alumapalooza.com or call 802-877-2900 ext. 4 Space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Be a friend of ASL ALUMAPALOOZA on Facebook for regular updates Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/alumapalooza
From the Archives
PHOTO: COURTESY OF JACK BOWLUS
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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010
BOWLUS-BYAM CONNECTION CAPTURED ON FILM? For years various rumors have circulated about the connection between Wally Byam and Bowlus Trailers. Some suggest that Wally was a salesman for Bowlus, or sold their trailers on his own trailer sales lot. Others state he purchased Bowlus’ assets at a liquidation sale late in 1935 and used those assets to build his first aluminum Airstream Clippers in January 1936. John Long’s recent articles about Bowlus (in the Spring and Summer 2010 issues of Airstream Life) address these and other rumored and factual connections. This photo has recently surfaced, and some people think the man on the right might be Wally himself. Is he or isn't he? Who is the salesman and who is the buyer? What is the product being purchased? What company likely had this photo taken? We have our hunches but would like to hear from you, the reader. Tell us how you interpret this photograph. Visit airstreamlife.com/extra/bowlus-byam and answer the five questions we've posted there. We also have a box for your comments so you can share additional observations with us. We’ll print the results of readers’ views about this photo in the next issue, along with our thoughts. Have fun, history buffs! ••• Fred Coldwell
WINTER 2010
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• • • • • •
Interiors
The bedroom of the production version Airstream Victorinox model aligns visually with the interior of the original 34-foot commercial trailer (RIGHT, TOP AND BOTTOM) commissioned by Victorinox in 2008.
TWO DESIGN ICONS JOIN FORCES
BY JODY BROTHERSTON, ASID he first Swiss Army Knife was introduced over a century ago, and the ingenuity, precision, and devotion to design and quality of that product have remained consistent since. Likewise, for almost eighty years Airstream has represented “adventure” with the same devotion to design and quality. So perhaps it’s only natural that a partnership should spring up between Airstream and Victorinox Swiss Army (VSA), first to design a unique 34-foot VSA Airstream for promotional purposes, and then a limited edition series of 19-footers. Like the legendary Swiss Army knife, the details of an Airstream are precise, clean and of a quality that will last a lifetime. The two icons also have another facet in common: recognition by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The seeds of the partnership began when VSA met Airstream at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City in 2008. The following winter, Scott Swaebe, Director of Visual Merchandising for VSA, worked closely with Airstream’s design and engineering department to develop a custom trailer based on the 34-foot PanAmerica. “This specific Airstream floor plan provided us the opportunity to incorporate all the custom elements needed, while maintaining the classic design of an Airstream. The inspiration for me was based on great iconic design, functionality, and quality inherent in both brands,” said Swaebe. Swaebe’s vision was shared with the talented engineers and production personnel at Airstream, who worked together in collaboration from ideation to execution, interpreting the vision while meeting the cost and functional considerations necessary to achieve a successful interior.
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Swaebe’s design criteria was multi-purpose, and the material finishes are exactly that. White Corian was used for the counter tops, providing a durable hard surface, easy to clean, in a light value which reflects light and adds an element of elegance. The glass display cabinets for knives and watches were custom designed for each item, and made in Europe to specifications. A dark laminate was used in the main cabinetry, providing a vertical and horizontal dark black value, which is an excellent surface for cleanability and contrast. The lavy door is a strong contrast in a custom shade of primary red, repeating the red color trim in the large clock on the wall. Red is also repeated in the awning which sets up the design element of repetition, and pulls the entire design together. All seating surfaces are covered in a dark value of Melton Wool, selected for its versatility of use in all climates. The stainless hardware and pulls were designed and manufactured in Europe. Glass display cases at the front of the Airstream hold an array of sparkling Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, and large wall clocks are attached above the display and over the stainless basin. The Beauflor flooring has an engineered composite surface protection that is a specially developed blend of Ultragrip polymeric, ceramic, and mineral particles encapsulated in Multi Protect, a UV-curable polyurethane. This combination provides an extremely durable stain resisting surface with enhanced slip retardant properties. The light grey value in flooring expands the visual space of the interior, and is tougher, safer and easier to clean. The lighting is all custom halogens, placed to illuminate and
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010
AIRSTREAM AND VICTORINOX
highlight all of the displays, while also providing ambient fill light. Interior areas of interest also include colorful men’s fashion sports wear, and travel gear displays. The custom red awning was made by Sunbrella, a great choice for various weather conditions. Sunbrella is a leader in the textile industry for high quality fabrics, and warranties many of their products for ten years in all climates, while many other awning materials on the market can fade quickly. (The Zip-Dee awnings on all new Airstreams use the same fabric.) Following completion, the Airstream Victorinox toured the United States for two years. This year the trailer traveled to commemorate VSA’s 125th Anniversary, reaching Vancouver, BC for the Winter Olympics. The Victorinox Airstream also traveled to the Teva Mountain Games in Vail CO, where VSA was the official timekeeper at the country’s largest celebration of mountain sports. The traveling Victorinox Swiss Army Tour was a huge success in terms of design and adaptability throughout the schedule of stops at designated events. It served the purpose of traveling throughout North America as an ambassador of fine design. Although the Victorinox Swiss Army items were not for sale within the museumlike space, specific retailers at each stop were selected for sales to the general public. The popularity of the traveling Victorinox Airstream, and the 125th anniversary of the first Swiss Army Knife came together again as Airstream created the 125th Anniversary Victorinox Special Edition in 2009. This limited production 19-foot travel trailer features Victorinox-inspired design elements integrated with Airstream’s famous aluminum construction. The team effort came again to the table under the direction of Bruce Bannister, Airstream VP for Product Development, to find a way to interpret Scott’s original vision. Airstream’s engineering and production personnel worked to meet the cost and functional considerations necessary to achieve a successful build and marketplace acceptance. The result is a stunning and unique travel trailer that represents the very best of both design and functionality. Each Victorinox Special Edition is numbered 1 through 125, and marked with a commemorative plaque, much like a signed and numbered lithograph print from a great artist. The interior details of the trailer are precise, clean and designed to last a lifetime. The solid surface counter tops, and cutting-edge cabinets and hardware are integrated to compliment each other. The walls add a reflective element in aluminum, and are enhanced by the halogen lighting designed to supply both task and ambient light. The luxurious bedding ensemble with embroidered wool blanket is first class, and a European inspiration. The blanket and seating surfaces are Melton Wool made by a company that has a long history of making uniforms for military and sporting purposes. The duvet is down, with a 600-count cotton cover, and similar sheet set. A collection of Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, kitchen cutlery, Swiss
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Army Knives and accessories are included for a lifetime of quality design. The custom galley comes equipped with a professional grade eight-piece rosewood block set. The actual floor plan for the Victorinox was unchanged from the 19’ International floor plan. However, the special color scheme of grey/dark black, white with red emphasis as focal points creates an inviting interior and a dramatic design. Design is about choices, and without a doubt, all the right choices were made through a unique collaboration that created an icon of great design, the Victorinox 125th Anniversary Special Edition, for those fortunate few who choose this iconic Airstream. •••
The Victorinox Swiss Army Story The pioneering spirit of the VSA company founder, Karl Elsener, and his love of his native Switzerland have been the driving force and inspiration of Victorinox over the past 126 years. Currently, that inspiration takes form in a full selection of Swiss Army Knives, professionalgrade kitchen cutlery, beautiful Swiss-made timepieces, fashionable and functional apparel, rugged travel gear and unique fragrances. Mr. Elsener originally wanted to create work in the small industrialized central Switzerland town of Schwyz to stop the emigration created by unemployment in the 1890’s. His most famous Swiss Army Knife was officially registered in 1897. Every Swiss recruit received one upon entering the Army, and they still do today. Elsener went on to develop an elegant light weight pocket knife, with six practical tools that he called “The Officers and Sports Knife.” Now, over 34,000 pocket tools with the distinctive Swiss cross leave the factory daily, exported to 100 different countries, serving as ambassadors for Switzerland. The Swiss Army Knife also orbits the earth as part of the standard equipment of the Space Shuttle crew. The New York Museum of Modern Art and the State Museum for Applied Art in Munich have selected it for their collections of excellence in design. Today, the “Officers Knife” is available in over 100 different models, including Pink Classic and Susan G. Koman (supporting breast cancer research).
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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• • • • • •
Parks Showcase
North Texas Airstream Community Washington Land Yacht Harbor
Hillsboro, Texas
A 100% Airstream Community, "Full Timer" & "Winter Texan" base. New Terraport with pull thru sites & 50 amp full hookups. 153 membership lots, many with permanent villas & houses. Free Wi-Fi, new laundry in Clubhouse. Located in the heart of the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Waco triangle at Exit 368A, I-35. Pets are welcome. Winter Texan “WBCCI” Rates: Daily Parking rate $15, weekly $90 1 month $350, 4 months $700*, 12 months $1,200*
2 months $400*, 5 months $800*.
3 months $600* 6 months $900* *(plus utilities)
Reservations: 254-582-5566 E-mail: ntacmgr@aircanopy.net
www.ntaci.org
Always open for Airstreams to visit year-round! • 163 spaces with 3-point hookups • Harmony Hall & Gatehouse available for rental • Homes for sale on leased lots • Close to shopping – Wal-Mart, Costco, Cabela’s • 2 miles off Interstate 5 • Free WiFi • 60 miles from Seattle & 60 miles from the ocean! • Close to Mt. Rainier, Mt. St.Helens & Olympic NP
PETS WELCOME www.washingtonlandyachtharbor.com (360) 491-3750 9101 Steilacoom Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513 Charter Member of Airstream Parks Association
Mention this ad for a 10% discount on one night parking
Minnesota Airstream Park A member-owned RV resort in the lakes area of mid-Minnesota.
• 125 sites with full hook-ups on eighty acres of natural oak savannah. • Transient accommodations with daily, weekly, and monthly rates. • Tennis courts, a nine-hole executive golf course, heated swimming pool and sauna, horseshoe pits, and a shuffleboard court. • Good fishing and boating lakes nearby. Four miles from public access to the Mississippi River. • Free wireless Internet access • Clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting space. • Activities scheduled all summer long. • Ownership opportunities available.
PETS WELCOME www.airstreampark.com • (320) 743-2771 8795 82nd St, Clear Lake, MN 55319
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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010
Jersey Shore Haven Land Yacht Harbor of Melbourne FL It's all here! • Over 300 days of sunshine with an average temperature of 72 degrees • Long term rentals, and transient sites available as well • Close to Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, golf courses and beaches • 304 sites, large air-conditioned recreation hall with a library and billiard tables • Free WiFi throughout the park Please explore our website and look at the activities and attractions we offer. Stay a day, a week, a month or a lifetime.
www.landyachtharbormelbourne.com Between exits 180 and 183 off I-95 201 N. John Rodes Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32934 (321) 254-6398
a Landyacht Harbor in an Airstream Park • A park especially for Airstream WBCCI members and friends • Ecologically sensitive, located in the Pinelands National Wildlife Preserve • Spacious, wooded, natural sites with five-point hook-ups (wifi and cable) • Heated pool on-site, minutes away from sandy Southern NJ beaches • WBCCI Unit Rallies always welcome with event planning, pavilion, and modern kitchen facilities available • Accessible to the glitz and glamour of Atlantic City night-life and local Cape May charm • Receive a discount packet for area attractions by mentioning Airstream Life
www.jerseyshorehaven.org • 609.861.2293 728 Dennisville Road, South Seaville (GPS: Cape May Courthouse), NJ 08246
Come visit us! Top of Georgia Airstream Park
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU T E N N E S S E E
CAMPGROUND
Crossville, TN • www.tcpconline.com
WINTER 2010
• Located in the beautiful north Georgia mountains at an elevation of 1800 feet • Full hook-ups, cable TV, limited free Wi-Fi available • Open year round—no reservations—limited sites available during the winter months • $7/night; $180/month—during rally weeks rally fees will be an additional charge • WBCCI members only • Close to trout streams, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, Alpine Village of Helen and so much more. 14255 Highway 75N • Helen, GA 30545
home.windstream.net/topofga/
706.878.3590
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
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Here’s what’s in the Fall 2010 print edition of Airstream Life! Subscribe today to get this issue! 1
Winter 2010 6
Inbox
10 Six Ways to Kill Your Tires
The official Airstream lifestyle magazine
15 Airstreams at Work 21 Geocaching: Chasing Bugs on The Road 24 Interiors: Airstream and Victorinox Join Forces 26 Floorplans: Airstream Safari 30 29 From the Archives: Bowlus-Byam Connection 31 Airstreaming: RV4theCause 33 Mobile Technology: Technomads 39 Old Aluminum: 1951 to 1953 Airstreams 44 Nova Scotia, Accentuating a Grandeur of the Ages 50 Towing: The Weakest Link
Airstreams at Work, page 15
55 Fun Page 56 Great Ideas: Ideas Keep Bobbin’ Up
Nova Scotia, page 44
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AIRSTREAM
PHOTO: BERT GILDART
64 Last Mile: Lessons of Love
Interiors, page 24
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