Category: Airstream

Airstream Reveals Towable and Class B RV Upgrades for 2026
The 2026 RV model year is upon us, with top manufacturers announcing new features and upgrades ahead of the big Hershey RV Show in September. Last week, Thor Motors kicked things off by announcing updates across its Class A, B, C, and diesel lineups. Not long after, Leisure Travel Vans shared its 2026 updates via video. Now, Airstream has revealed the RV upgrades we can expect in its towables and camper vans in the coming year.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Airstream 2026 Travel Trailer Upgrades
Nearly every travel trailer in the Airstream catalog is getting some kind of update for 2026, as the brand adds new A/C vents to all ducted units. The new vents provide much improved airflow that can be directionally adjusted—or closed altogether—on an individual basis. All 2025 Airstream towables are eligible for an upgrade to this package, so recent buyers won’t feel left out. Also, any rig that comes with two A/C units will now ship with an 80A converter, as opposed to the 60A version on previous models.
That includes improved back-up cameras on the Bambi, Caravel, Classic, Flying Cloud, Globetrotter, International, and Trade Wind models. The new camera not only offers a higher resolution image but is also strategically placed to provide a cleaner aesthetic and offer protection from scraping against low-hanging branches and brush.
The Airstream Basecamp gets a significant upgrade in the form of the once-optional X-Package now becoming standard equipment. This gives the towable improved ground clearance, off-road tires, rock and solar guards, and other rugged features. For new Basecamp buyers, this update delivers a lot of value, especially for those who intend on camping in remote locations.
Photo Credit: Airstream
For 2026, the Globetrotter and Classic models now come equipped with a security camera from ASA Electronics. The camera is built into the main door light and activates to show images of who is coming and going from the RV.
Additionally, the 28RB and 30RB Classic floor plans now include a more comfortable and versatile sofa. The new couch includes bed configuration that lays completely flat. Dual motors make reclining and adjusting faster and smoother, while the sofa warms now come with buttons that grant access to built-in power awning.
The 25FB and 27FB floor plans for the Globetrotter, International, Flying Cloud, and Trade Wind trailers now come with a window that includes a blind closure in the bathroom. The Trade Wind’s GVWR also increases from 6,300 lbs to 6,500 lbs.
Finally, Airstream says goodbye to a few of its travel trailers. In 2026, the brand will retire the Flying Cloud 30 Office, the REI Co-Op Basecamp 16 and 20 Special Editions, and the Pottery Barn Special Edition.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Airstream Class B 2026 Upgrades
Airstream hasn’t officially announced any changes to its motorized line-up just yet, but a recent interview with Product and Market Insight Manager Aaron Bump at RV Pro offers some insights. The company offers several Class B models under its Rangeline, Atlas, and Interstate brands, the latter of which is available in four different models. Apparently, we can expect new badging on the hood of all camper vans to underscore that they are indeed built by Airstream. Additionally, the Sprinter-based Atlas and Interstate will get a custom-designed grille with vertical slats.
Also new for 2026 is the inclusion of Airstream’s Advanced Power System, a platform designed to keep everything running while camping off-grid. The APS uses a single fuel source—diesel or gas depending on the model—eliminating LP altogether. It includes three 12V 3.5Wh Battle Born Batteries for a total of 10.3kWh. A 3,000W Xantrex Freedom Pro inverter is also part of the package, as is an ARCO A275L marine-grade alternator, a 40A dual-input multistage in-vehicle battery charger, a Victron BlueSolar MPPT charge controller, a Victron SmartShunt solar monitor, and a 1,000W single-burner electric induction cooktop. An optional upgrade to five house batteries, for a total of 17.2kWh, is available.
Other upgrades include Starlink satellite internet as a standard feature on the Atlas models, with new connectivity features coming to the Interstate and Rangeline camper vans, too. The Airstream warranty also gets an upgrade to a two-year plan that covers all appliances and components, eliminating the need to work with individual part manufacturers.
For further insights on changes coming to the Airstream Class B line, read the full RV Pro interview. Then, head over to airstream.com for more details on the brand’s towable and motorized vehicles.
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2025-08-13
A Riveting Pair: The Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer is Airstream x Frank Lloyd Wright
There is no evidence that architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Wally Byam, legendary founder of Airstream, ever met. Both would no doubt approve of the latest addition to the famed RV brand’s lineup. The new Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer manages to channel the design philosophies of both men, creating a towable that elegantly and seamlessly connects to the natural world just outside its aluminum shell.
A collaborative effort between Airstream and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the travel trailer, unveiled in June, took nearly three years to complete. Both organizations saw a connection between their brands, working to fuse Wright’s architectural heritage neatly with Byam’s innovative engineering tenets. Both of these 20th Century greats found inspiration in nature, and worked to help others find that inspiration, too.
Photo Credit: Airstream/ Andrew Pielage
Wright emphasized the importance of a building integrating into its surroundings. His projects were meant to exist harmoniously with the natural world, resulting in spaces both beautiful and functional. He played brilliantly with light and shadows, using distinctive materials like rock, wood, glass and fabric to blend his interiors with the exterior environment.
Nowhere is this more evident than at Taliesin West, the architect’s compound in Scottsdale, AZ. It was there that Wright perfected his ideas on holistic design and organic architecture. His approach came to be known as “Usonian” design, a term Wright used to describe his distinctly American architectural aesthetic and his drive to create buildings that served their occupants above all.
Photo Credit: Airstream/ Andrew Pielage
Airstream, working closely with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, took plenty of inspiration from Taliesin West when designing this special-edition 28-footer. Obvious examples include awnings made from the same fabric that Wright used as ceiling panels throughout the compound; interior light sconces resemble those found there, too. And in a nod to Wright’s propensity for bringing outdoor environments inside, the RV has the most windows ever incorporated into an Airstream vehicle. The result is a cabin that feels bright and airy, creating a sense that the space is larger than it actually is.
Both Wright and Byam believed that form and function should go hand in hand. That design principle is felt throughout the travel trailer. For instance, the rig includes a rear hatch to ease loading and unloading gear, also creating an alternative for entry and exit. But it’s also no accident that the hatch further opens up the interior space, adhering nicely to Wright’s approach of bringing users of his buildings closer to nature.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Other multifunctional features include twin beds that serve as couches in the sleeping space, but automatically convert to a king-size bed at the touch of a button. The kitchen/living area features a wooden dinette and a desk, both of which create extra space by folding out of the way when not in use. The table and desk are flanked by a set of wooden chairs and a footstool, which collapse for easy transport and storage. At the campsite, those same chairs—which strikingly resemble those found at Taliesin West—can be taken outdoors, with the stool doubling as a small table.
The travel trailer further distinguishes itself with the use of a whimsical graphic known as the Gordon Leaf Pattern throughout. Designed by one of Wright’s most prominent apprentices, this design element was named for Elizabeth Gordon, the longtime editor of House Beautiful magazine, one of the most influential design minds of the post-War period and major Wright ally. The pattern is most notably found on the door of the RV and in the kitchen, but is subtly incorporated throughout the trailer. It reinforces the idea of immersing yourself in nature at the campsite, while adding yet another link between Airstream and Wright’s work.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Of course, this being an Airstream, the trailer comes with plenty of traditional RV features, too. Those include things like an energy-efficient 12V fridge, lithium house batteries, and 300 watts of solar panels on the roof. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner gas stove, a microwave, and a single-basin stainless steel sink, while the dry-bath comes with a porcelain toilet and glass-doored shower.
But the Wright-inspired design elements are what separate this RV from anything Airstream—or anyone else for that matter—has built before. Perfectly melding the architect’s design philosophy with Wally Byam’s ingenuity and vision, this is a rig that goes beyond what either man could have envisioned on his own. The result is something both new and fresh, and comfortingly familiar at the same time.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-07-21
Video: Design Elements of the Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer
Last week we shared a first look at the new Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer, which combines the design philosophies of both brands to create a truly beautiful RV. At the time, we shared a few images of the towable in question, but even those amazing images couldn’t fully convey everything that this travel trailer brings to the table. But with the video above, you can go inside the vehicle yourself, while learning about this amazing collaboration.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Based on Wright’s “Usonian” architectural principles, the Airstream travel trailer takes direct inspiration from the famous architect’s work. The idea behind Usonian buildings is that they seamlessly blend into the natural environment, offer both beautiful form and outstanding functionality, and enrich the lives of their owners. You could argue that’s something that Airstream has been doing for decades as well, helping RVers enjoy countless adventures and helping them to connect with nature.
As you’ll see in the video above, this collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was something that Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler has been thinking about for the better part of two decades. But even when the RV manufacturer reached out to the Foundation, it still took several years to bring this project to fruition. Both camps took plenty of time to carefully consider how to incorporate Wright’s legacy into the design of the trailer without making it feel like a quick cash-in. One glance at the interior of this amazing RV will tell you that definitely isn’t the case here.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Having seen the Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer firsthand, we can tell you that it is one of the most unique and beautiful towables we’ve ever seen. The large number of windows—the most ever in an Airstream—makes the interior feel bright and airy, while offering great views of the surrounding landscapes. The rear hatch is also a revelation, offering both aesthetic and functional value. The natural wood used throughout the cabin gives it a rich, premium feel, while a lot of little design choices add greatly to the experience. It is safe to say that there isn’t anything else like this on the road or at the campsite.
But don’t just take our word for it. Watch the excellent video above to learn more about how this trailer was designed and built. Then head over to the Airstream website to dive deeper into its specs and features. And if you want an Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer of your own, you’ll want to order it quickly. Only 200 of these rigs will be made, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
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2025-06-17
Airstream + Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: Two Icons Collaborate on Unique New Towable
What do you get when you take Airstream’s iconic RV design and add a healthy dose of inspiration from one of the most famous and influential architects that has ever lived? Why, a stunning and thoughtful new RV of course! The Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer combines some of the best ideas from both of those influences, creating an elegant and timeless towable that is every bit as beautiful and functional as you would expect.
Airstream is no stranger to collaborating with other brands, having produced several special edition models in the past with Pottery Barn, REI, Tommy Bahama, and others. You can now add the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to that list, as the organization that oversees the architect’s substantial legacy played an important role in this new RV.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Airstream x Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The collaboration began way back in the fall of 2022, when Airstream first reached out to the Foundation to pitch the idea of working together. The RV manufacturer found an eager partner who saw great similarities in their brands and brought plenty of ideas to the table. Still, it took nearly three years to complete the project, with both sides going to great lengths to respect Wright’s design philosophies, while integrating them into a 28-foot travel trailer.
Wright’s approach to architecture and design continually evolved and changed throughout his career, but there were a number of distinct themes that remained across most of his work. For instance, he thought that a building could be both beautiful and functional, while greatly improving the owner’s life in the process. He also wanted his projects to blend in naturally with the environment, giving them an aesthetic that felt like it always belonged there. The architect even used materials like canvas, wood, and glass to help bring nature inside, creating spaces that were calm and peaceful. Wright dubbed this unified design philosophy as “Usonian” which branded it as uniquely American.
The Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer channels those sensibilities in some unique and exciting ways. For instance, the trailer’s storage cabinets were relocated in order to add more windows. In fact, this rig has the most windows ever found in an Airstream model. This not only allows more natural light to reach the interior, but provides excellent views at the campsite, while adhering nicely to Wright’s ideas for bringing nature inside.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Form and Function
Functionality is always an important piece of RV design as manufacturers look to make the most of the available space. But Airstream thought outside of the box with this towable, adding features like twin beds that double as couches during the day, but automatically convert to a king-size mattress at the touch of a button. The trailer also comes with a rear hatch that serves as a second entrance/exit, and makes loading gear a breeze. When opened, that same hatch offers an expansive view and allows fresh air to reach the interior. This is a feature we’ve seen on other Airstream models in the past, but seems especially appropriate here.
Wright’s influence is felt throughout the rest of the towable in some very interesting ways. For example, the trailer’s wooden dining table and built-in desk fold out of the way when not in use, creating more room for hosting guests or just spreading out. The trailer also comes with a set of wooden chairs that take obvious design cues from those found at Taliesin West, the architect’s creative and spiritual retreat in Flagstaff, AZ. The trailer’s awning is even made from the same fabrics that Wright used in ceiling panels found at that same location.
At the suggestion of Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation staff, Airstream integrated another simple design element throughout the trailer, giving it a splash of color and whimsy in the process. The Gordon Leaf is a stylized design of something found in nature that was created by one of Wright’s most trusted apprentices. He named it in honor of Elizabeth Gordon, who was the editor of House Beautiful magazine and a long-time friend of the architect. The pattern is found on the door of the new travel trailer, on lighting sconces in the cabin, on the galley walls, and in other places.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
RV Specs and Features
For RV fans looking for specs, there is plenty to share, too. The trailer measures 28’ 2” end-to-end, and has a GVWR of 7,600 lbs. and a hitch weight of 800 lbs. The rig comes with 300W of roof-mounted solar panels and a 2.5kWh house battery, making it well equipped for remote camping. The kitchen includes a three-burner stove and oven, a convection microwave, and an energy-efficient 12V fridge. And as you would expect from an Airstream, the bathroom features a porcelain Mercator toilet, a mirrored medicine cabinet, and a shower with an acrylic entry door.
The Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer will be available to purchase through the RV manufacturer’s dealer network nationwide. Just 200 units will be produced, each coming with custom numbered badging in Wright’s favorite Taliesin Red hue. To find out more about this amazing new Airstream vehicle, and check out an entire line of new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home goods, apparel, and gifts, visit airstream.com.
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2025-06-09
Road Icon: Join the Airstream Argosy Club
In March 1972, when the first Airstream Argosy rolled out of the company’s newly opened manufacturing plant in Versailles, Ohio, it marked a pivot for the venerable brand—one not entirely welcomed by Airstream enthusiasts. Until that point, the iconic company had almost exclusively produced high-end, shiny aluminum trailers that turned heads on the highway. That shine—that distinction, that head-turning quality—was something of a status symbol.
But while the Argosy was designed much like the standard Airstream, it didn’t have the shine. It was painted white. The sidewalls were still aluminum, but they were occasionally made from damaged panels, and the trailer’s end-caps were made from plastic and steel. By painting the trailer, the company concealed blemishes and cheaper material.
Photo Credit: Airstream
“It was a recycling method,” explains Dan Maul, the visitor experience coordinator at the Airstream Heritage Center in Jackson Center, Ohio. “We wanted to take the aerodynamic design and other cues from the Airstream and create a less-expensive travel trailer.”
The Argosy was also a way for Airstream to experiment and reach new customers amidst the 1970s economic malaise. Depending on the model, Argosy trailers could be had for a few thousand dollars less than their pure-bred counterparts; they featured concepts like wraparound windows, narrower widths on some trailers, a rear bedroom and composite aluminum flooring.
In certain eyes, it was a great success. Maul estimates a few thousand Argosy trailers sold during an initial eight-year run, and the ability to test new features helped Airstream launch into the motorhome space, too. But some Airstream owners refused to accept Argosy owners as their brethren. For decades, the Airstream Club International (which is independently run by enthusiasts) refused to let Argosy owners join up or attend events.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Due to the same economic conditions that spawned the Argosy in the first place, the Versailles plant was closed in the late ’70s. Airstream was acquired by THOR Industries and the Argosy line went out of production (though the name reemerged briefly as a fifth wheel concept). In 1991, club members finally relented, and Argosy trailers—steadily becoming classics—were welcomed at rallies.
“There are still a few members out there who remember the days when the Argosy was not permitted,” lifetime club member Kevin Allen wrote in an Airstream forum. “Fortunately, this group is a small minority.”
Today, Maul says, the Airstream Argosy is growing in popularity—not only because it’s a vintage unit, but because white panels allow owners to customize the exterior. “A lot of the hype came after the fact,” he says. “These days we celebrate all the models. It is part of our family now.”
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-04-15
Video: Inside the 2025 Airstream Basecamp Xe Travel Trailer
A few weeks back, we shared the news that Airstream had launched a new version of its Basecamp travel trailer designed specifically for camping off-grid. The new model—dubbed the Airstream Basecamp Xe—comes standard with 600W of solar and a massive 10.3kWh Battle Born house battery. Pair that with a suite of electric appliances, including an induction cooktop, mini-fridge, water heater, and an optional A/C unit, and you have a fantastic boondocking rig that comes ready to go straight from the factory.
Photo Credit: Airstream
All of those tech features are nice, of course, but what about the rest of the RV? Well, as you’ll see in the video above, just as much thought has been put into the interior layout and functionality, making this a versatile, convenient, and fun travel trailer. Highlights include a U-shaped dinette that converts to a bed in the front and a second convertible bed in the back. An onboard wet bath includes a toilet and shower, while both sleep areas include removable tables, allowing them to double as gathering points.
The Basecamp Xe is built on the Basecamp 20 platform but includes a few key upgrades that enhance its capabilities. For instance, it comes with off-road tires and a 3″ lift kit, giving it better performance and stability on rough terrain. Under-floor storage and an integrated L-track system make it easy to bring your favorite gear along, too. The rig even has an outdoor shower for a quick rinse off after a long day on the trail.
Photo Credit: Airstream
For a longer, more detailed look, check out the video above. It comes directly from Airstream and provides some interesting insights into everything this trailer is capable of. It also provides a great sense of the Basecamp Xe’s floor plan, which is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and single families. The clip does an excellent job of showing off all of the features and demonstrating the flexibility of the interior space.
The Basecamp Xe is available now with a starting price of $76,900. To learn more, visit Airstream.com.
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2025-03-12
The New Airstream Basecamp 20Xe is an Off-Grid Power House
Over the past year, Airstream has focused on upgrading its off-grid performance by adding additional solar panels and larger house batteries to its line of travel trailers. But with its new Basecamp 20Xe model, the iconic brand is taking things to an entirely new level. Just announced this past weekend, the Xe promises to be a game-changer for boondockers, making it easier than ever to camp at a remote campsite without compromising comfort.
Photo Credit: Airstream
At first glance, the Airstream Basecamp Xe looks a lot like the other Basecamp models already in the Airstream catalog. That’s because it is built on the standard Basecamp 20 chassis, which has already proven to be durable and dependable, with some solid off-road chops. But the new edition to the line-up brings some extra features that extend its capabilities even further, giving owners more freedom to camp wherever they want.
The Xe comes with 600W of rooftop solar panels as standard equipment, with the option to add an additional 300W via a pre-wired port. Those panels feed power to a 10.3kWh Battle Born house battery connected to a 3,000W inverter. That’s an enormous amount of capacity for any RV, but especially so for a travel trailer the size of the Basecamp. This single-axle model is just 20’ in length, can be towed by most mid-size SUVs, and comfortably sleeps four.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Airstream has equipped the Basecamp Xe with all-electric appliances, including a 1,500W single-burner induction cooktop, a 12V refrigerator/freezer, a water heater, and furnace. An air conditioner and microwave are optional add-ons. Fully inverted power is also supplied to all of the trailer’s AC and USB outlets, making it easy to keep your personal devices and other gadgets charged and operational.
For now, the Basecamp Xe is available in a single floor plan, which includes a U-shaped dinette that converts to a bed in the front. The second sleep area is located in the rear, where bench seating and a removable table transform into a second bed. The galley kitchen is found amidship, as is the wet bath complete with shower, toilet, and sink. The rig also comes with underfloor storage for gear and has a 20 lbs. propane hookup as a back-up for the solar electrical system. Off-road tires come standard.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The standard Basecamp 20 has a starting price of $56,900, while the Xe model runs $20,000 more before any optional upgrades. Still, for that price, you’re getting a very impressive off-grid travel trailer that features Airstream’s legendary build quality. Add in the ability to wander off-pavement and camp just about anywhere, and you begin to see why this new travel trailer is so exciting.
To learn more about the all-new Basecamp 20Xe, visit the Airstream website.
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2025-03-04
Video: Check Out the New Airstream Flying Cloud Midnight Flamingo Edition
The Florida RV SuperShow is a place where many manufacturers show off their latest and greatest motorhomes and travel trailers, and of course, Airstream was no exception. At the show, the company revealed the all-new Midnight Flamingo edition, an upgrade package available on the 2025 Flying Cloud model. This beautiful new addition to the Airstream line-up adds striking black exterior accents, enhanced interior décor, and a high-quality sound system from Klipsch. That’s all on top of the amazing features and amenities already found on this towable.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The video above comes our way courtesy of Myles RVs and takes us on an extensive tour of this exciting new addition to the Airstream catalog. The Flying Cloud featured in the clip is the 27FB floor plan, which is a front bedroom model. In this case, the travel trailer features two twin beds, although a queen-size mattress is available. The towable is also equipped with a split bathroom layout, with the toilet, vanity, and sink on one side of the rig and the spacious shower on the other. The open kitchen includes a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and sink, while the nearby dinette has room for four. A lounge area with a TV also adds additional comfort and space.
Of course, the Midnight Flamingo package is the star of the show here, with exterior blackout elements and a dash of style to the Flying Cloud’s already good looks. Those accents aren’t just eye-catching, however, as they also add functionality, adding an extra measure of protection along the front stone guards, removable LP covers, and bumper storage. Airstream has also removed its signature chrome trim on its wheels and replaced it with black rims, along with additional midnight trim—including special badging— that add symmetry to the entire package.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Inside, the Midnight Flamingo package adds additional blackout features, along with new textures and a flat color palette. Charcoal-colored fabrics are featured throughout, with easy-to-clean, durable materials taking center stage. Black light fixtures, a black faucet, and black handles on the cabinets and drawers also look strikingly beautiful and elegant.
One of the more standout features for the Midnight Flamingo package is the integrated Klipsch audio system. This feature provides premium sound throughout the trailer for listening to music, podcasts, audio books, and watching movies. Owners can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to stream from their favorite mobile devices, with four Klipsch brass cone speakers replacing the standard speakers that Airstream typically uses. The result is a beautiful sound experience unlike any other.
Photo Credit: Airstream
Currently, the Midnight Flamingo package is available on the Flying Cloud 25FB and 27FB floor plans. For more information, check out the video above and visit the Airstream website.
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2025-01-30
Shop Talk: Nomaicana Brings A Touch of Silver
Nate Kantor keeps his first Airstream parked outside the Nomadicana warehouse on the western outskirts of Salt Lake City. When days of installing air foam, polishing aluminum and carving cabinetry in the workshop grow long, Kantor sneaks off to this 1974-built beauty, which served as his full-time home when he was a photographer roaming the West. There, he finds inspiration.In particular, a seafoam green guest book, a keepsake from when he rented out his trailer at a different moment in life, reminds him that, even while his designs for one-of-a-kind travel trailers grow more varied and bold over time, his motivation for running his shop remains the same.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
“So many people were able to enjoy this space and have life-changing experiences,” he says, “because it’s a real person’s space, with character and stories behind it.”That marriage of modern mobile living and nostalgia led Kantor to open Nomadicana in 2023. He now salvages and retrofits Airstream trailers with a small team united by the conviction that these silver, spaceship-esque spaces are a traveler’s most sustainable shot at a secure home on wheels. They can withstand alpine conditions, desert heat and the test of time. Best of all, in Kantor’s view, they have stories pre-baked into their shells, with room for plenty more.Q: What inspired your first build?A: I got into all this in 2018 with my partner at the time. Work had us moving back and forth. I think I’ve always romanticized van life for the self-reliance aspect behind it—the idea of being able to park anywhere and get electricity from the sun. But I more or less fell in love with the process because of my Dad. He was always fixing stuff and making it better than it was before. Anytime he’d see a vacuum by a dumpster in our neighborhood, he’d take it. It’d usually be a simple fix, and then he’d give it to someone else. He’s definitely an inspiration. He helped with our first build. We just like to understand something in order to appreciate it. I often take something apart to see how it works. I don’t think he intended to pass that skill down or teach it, it just happened.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Q: Why salvage vintage Airstreams instead of working with newer trailers?A: They’re made to last—kind of a rare thing in a disposable world. You can find vintage campers of different types, but a lot of them are built with wood and materials that are more likely to have rotted out or deteriorated over time. Airstreams are essentially built like something that could take people across the sky. They’re one of the few structures that holds up over time. The name brand and nostalgic factor also make them desirable. I really like the vintage look. The way things used to be made, it has a different softness to it. I just love learning about materials, trying to improve something that’s already really good and solving any design problems.Q: What’s your build philosophy? A: There’s a common architectural saying that form follows function. I think form is a function. These Airstreams are utilitarian spaces. I think the goal is to be able to live comfortably in nature in spite of any external conditions. I call it designing with decay in mind. We try to avoid things that are glued on, like edge banding on cabinets, because it takes one road trip through Nevada in the summer to delaminate all that. Even the patina of the aluminum has its own beauty to it. It’s a sign of age, but it doesn’t look bad, whereas most materials that builders use now have a lot of plastics that tend to yellow—they don’t age gracefully. My goal is for our work to last another 50 years or longer, and hopefully be enjoyed by a lot of people and passed down. I don’t want it to be just another disposable item.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Q: What are some standout projects so far? A: It’s been really fun to teach other people how I approach things and get their feedback. In a lot of ways, I see this as a design collective where we get to build really cool stuff. Our first client build took like six months, because everything was so intricate and custom and specific—we really went all out. That’s what got me to realize we needed to figure out ways to do this a little faster, but without sacrificing quality. We were able to do the next one in less than half that time. Now, we’re actually doing a project for a hotel in Colorado where they want eight trailers. Those won’t necessarily be traveling on the road, but will still get a lot of foot traffic. I get excited about that—about creating inspiring spaces for a lot of people to stay in.Learn more about this vintage travel trailer renovation company at nomadicana.co
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Nomadic Notions
1. For a project dubbed “Anza,” the Nomadicana team channeled a Cali desert vibe via white oak, unlacquered brass, Marmoleum flooring, terracotta tile and a light, airy color palette. The 26-foot trailer is also wired for solar, with an expandable 1200wh Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle battery.2. When Nate Kantor talks of Airstreams being built “like something that could take people across the sky,” he’s referring to the brand’s vaunted “semi-monocoque” construction style. Semi what now? “Monocoque” construction is used in airplane design: frame and body are one, with aluminum skin riveted directly to structural ribs. Airstream’s technique is called “semi-monocoque” because those ribs are fastened to the flat trailer frame, rather than the full-circle ribs of jet construction.
Metal Band
Nomadicana strikes up a communal vibe, offering to help would-be owners find the right rig if needed. Rebuild estimates range from $50,000 to $175,000.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-01-08