Category: Wildsam

  • The Ride: The Tiffin Phaeton is Outstanding in its Field

    When Bob Tiffin purchased a defunct RV manufacturer in 1972, he set out to build the best motor coaches ever to hit the road. And with a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, many would say he succeeded. Tiffin Motorhomes became a pillar of the RV industry, but even Bob probably couldn’t have predicted the vehicles his company produces today.

    Consider the 2025 Class A Tiffin Phaeton, which combines cutting-edge technology, high-end materials, and excellent build quality to create a luxurious driving and living experience. The Phaeton sits on a Freightliner PowerGlide XC chassis and is powered by a Cummins L9 450HP engine. Paired with a six-speed Allison transmission, the motorhome promises smooth acceleration and precision control on highway and backcountry roads alike. Plus, with 1,250 lb-ft of torque, it can tow a dinghy vehicle with ease.

    Tiffin Phaeton

    Photo Credit: Tiffin

    The Phaeton comes in four floor plans, ranging in length from 37 feet 9 inches to 45 feet. The coach can comfortably sleep two to eight people depending on the configuration, and all but the smallest model comes with a second bathroom. Every rig ships with ample seating, including a dinette and a couch that converts to a bed. Optional theater seating is available, too.

    “With its size and sleeping capacity, this is a great option for retired couples and larger families who will love the multiple baths and optional front drop-down bunk,” says Emily Chatterson, product manager for Tiffin’s Class A line. “Regardless of the model, the Phaeton has a ton of storage.”

    Tiffin Phaeton

    Photo Credit: Tiffin

    Other amenities include an integrated central vacuum system, panoramic galley windows, a 25-cubic-foot residential refrigerator, ceiling fans and porcelain bathroom sinks. A mounted smart TV descends into a hidden compartment when not in use. Optional upgrades run to a dishwasher, a stacked washer and dryer and heated tile floors, giving the Tiffin Phaeton even more touches of class.

    All told, Bob’s vision is on a roll.

    Dimensions

    GVWR: 39,660 – 45,660Overall Length: 37′ 9″ – 45′Exterior Height: 13′ 3″
    Tiffin Phaeton

    Image Courtesy of Dee Duncan

    1. Three 15,000-BTU air conditioners keep the interior comfortable in hot conditions.
    2. WIth 232 cubic feet of basement storage, there’s plenty of room for gear.
    3. A 450-HP Cummins diesel engine with 1,250 lb-ft of torque ensures smooth acceleration and towing power.
    4. An onboard 10-kilowatt Onan quiet diesel generator provides off-grid power.
    5. Keyless entry grants easy access to the interior of the coach.
    6. A powered patio awning with LED lighting offers shade while enjoying the outdoor TV.
    7. An integrated tire-pressure monitoring system alerts the driver when levels are too low.
    8. Tiffin offers Starlink satellite internet service as a factory-installed optional add-on.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post The Ride: The Tiffin Phaeton is Outstanding in its Field appeared first on RV.com.

  • Wildsam Road Ready April: Vehicles and Gear to Take You Way Out There

    A sampling of RV gear and accessories from some of Wildsam’s trusted partners.

    RV gear and accessories

    Photo Credit: PAKMULE

    PAKMULE

    When the road is calling, PAKMULE is ready to haul! Measuring (nearly) the size of a Tacoma truckbed, you’ll have a ton of space for the essentials, and then some. PAKMULE’s patented anti-wobble technology keeps everything secure, and their Designed in Texas / Made In Texas branding isn’t for show… It’s their lifestyle; PAKMULE was born out of necessity, birthed from the backroads and the highways where they roam and fabricated to help you Haul More and Go Further.

    And weighing just 37lbs, PAKMULE Hitch Racks make loading up for a last-minute ramble an easy lift. pakmule.com

     

    Wildsam Road Ready RV Gear and Accessories

    Photo Credit: GaragePros

    GaragePro Tire Savers

    Preventing flat spots during RV storage doesn’t have to be hard.

    Long-term RV storage is part of the deal, which can result in flat spots on your tires when they sit on flat surfaces where the rubber meets the ground without moving. According to Edmunds,, “…if conditions are right, a month of being stationary might be enough to cause problems.”

    Park Smart Tire Savers cradle your tires to help prevent   at spots during storage. Made of solid heavy-duty vinyl, these ramps won’t crush, crack or slip, unlike those made of hollow plastic. These Tire Savers have no weight limit, come in multiple sizes and have a lifetime warranty. Uniquely designed with the driver in mind, you can drive up and over the ramps, which is particularly  when you have multiple axles.

    Protect your investment and save 20% now with code Wild0425 at YourGaragePro.com or call 800-992-2018

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  • Tech Spotlight: Hitches

    You’d be forgiven if “hitch” wasn’t the first thing you thought about when choosing a towable. But, as you barrel down the road with your home-on-wheels, your hitch can, literally, make or break you. Most towables come with factory-installed hitches, but many RVers install aftermarket upgrades. To learn more, we reached out to J.D. from Big Truck Big RV, who runs a YouTube channel devoted to all things recreational and vehicular.

    RV hitches

    Photo Credit: B&W

    Fifth-Wheels

    “Ultimately, the hitch decision comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish,” says J.D. (The creator doesn’t use his last name for publication.) “Traditionally, fifth-wheel kingpin hitches are the most common. When you want something more convenient or flexible, the gooseball comes into play.”

    “Kingpin” hitches (sometimes called companion hitches) are similar to those on 18-wheelers. A heavy frame—the coupling device—bolts into the truck bed, while the trailer features a large steel pin that slides and locks into place. They leave little room for truck-bed storage. One of the best traditional kingpins is B&W’s Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500. The CURT Helux Pinbox, using a trademarked coil spring design, significantly reduces the force applied to a vehicle’s frame.

    Gooseneck hitches use a ball receiver installed directly into the truck bed, and bolt to the frame below. The trailer then uses an adapter to attach to that ball—creating a lower connection point for heavier towing. Gooseneck hitches can add strain to your trailer’s frame, so research first. The Reese Goose Box is one of the only versions approved by Lippert, the largest manufacturer of fifth-wheel chassis in the country.

    Blue Ox TrackPro

    Photo Credit: Blue Ox

    Travel Trailers

    Travel trailers attach to tow vehicles via more traditional bumper hitches. Because they can be heavy, specialized connection points are necessary to help drivers prevent sway. Among the most popular options is the SwayPro from Blue Ox, which comes in various models and evenly distributes weight over the axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. Weigh Safe also offers models with built-in scales to measure the tongue weight on the hitch.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road

    In the RV world, almost everyone is towing something. (About 4 out of 5 RVs sold in the nation are towables of one sort or another.) We’ve gathered some essential knowledge, answers to common questions and a few clutch products, so you can roll forth with confidence.

    RV towing

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Tow Ratings: What You Need to Know

    There’s no doubt about it: Towing thousands of pounds down the highway is a serious responsibility. There are potential dangers to you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information available as a built-in safeguard to the practice.

    Tow ratings are provided by manufacturers to ensure that their vehicles are used properly and safely. Trying to tow a trailer (or dinghy vehicle we’ll cover dinghy towing in more depth in a later issue) that is too heavy or large for the tow vehicle can lead to expensive breakdowns, even dangerous failures.

    Overloaded vehicles often have brake and automatic transmission failures, which can cost thousands of dollars and ruin trips. Plus, warranties may not cover damages caused by exceeding manufacturer limitations. If a vehicle and its load are not balanced and distributed correctly, uncontrollable swaying (fishtailing) and jackknifing can occur—potential liabilities to drivers.

    All of which is to say: Knowledge is power here. Before buying a tow vehicle, motorhome or trailer, take the time to thoroughly read the brochures and/or check the specifications online. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    Trailer tow ratings are typically higher for fifth-wheel trailers than for bumper-pull trailers. Do not confuse the two.

    Tow ratings vary considerably between various option packages, engines, axle ratios and models. Take the time to look up your vehicle’s combination of features exactly.

    Basically, what you’re trying to do is find the right, safe combination of tow vehicle and towed RV, fitting these various specs together into a viable package.

    Several key acronyms are essential for towing safety:

    • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable loaded weight of a given vehicle. That’s counting passengers,
      cargo and fuel.
    • Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum allowable weight for a particular axle to carry.
    • Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight for the combined vehicle and trailer.
    • Maximum tow rating is the most weight a tow vehicle may pull. A 2024 Toyota Tacoma, for example, is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds though it’s not a good idea to literally max-out towing capacity. Better to aim for something like 80 percent of the factory tow-limit rating.
    • Maximum tongue weight is the most weight that can be applied to a particular conventional ball-type trailer hitch. Maximum pin weight is the most weight that may be applied to a   fth-wheel hitch.
    Reese hitches

    Photo Credit: Reese

    Hitches

    For a towable RV, choosing the right trailer hitch is essential. Many conventional hitch-type trailers put enough tongue weight on the tow vehicle that a weight-distribution hitch is needed. (Brands to look for: B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite and Reese.) These help move some of the hitch weight forward to the front axle, helping to balance the load and prevent rear-end sag. Ensure that you match the weight rating of the hitch bars to the tongue weight of the trailer.

    Fifth-wheel hitches come in many types and ratings. Always use a hitch rated for more than your trailer weighs. Many pickup trucks today come with short beds, and some sort of sliding hitch is needed to allow the towing vehicle to make sharp turns without the front of the trailer corners hitting the back of the cab. The most convenient models can be adjusted remotely from the cab.

    Another important thing to know is that the weakest link determines the strength of the “chain.” For example, if your tow vehicle has a maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds, but has a hitch rated for only 5,000 pounds, your maximum towing capacity is limited to 5,000 pounds. Conversely, if your tow vehicle has a hitch rated for 10,000 pounds, but the vehicle tow rating is only 7,000 pounds, then you are limited to the lower number, in this case 7,000 pounds. Consult with your RV dealer or hitch installation shop for further information.

    RV dinghy towing

    Photo Credit: RVi Brake

    Brake Controls

    Most RV trailers come with electric brakes (hydraulic “surge” brakes are typically found on boat trailers and rental cargo trailers). If you have electric trailer brakes, you will need a brake control. Many newer tow vehicles come with them from the factory. If not, you will need to purchase one. (Names to know: Tekonsha, Hopkins, Redarc, Curt and Reese.) I strongly recommend choosing a “proportional” control, which matches trailer braking application to the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration, rather than a so-called time-based unit that ramps up trailer brake force over time.

    Towing Q&A: Answers to a Few Common Questions

    electric tow vehicles

    Photo Credit: Ford

    Single vs. Double Axle

    Q: I’ve towed double-axle travel trailers for many years with load levelers and a three-quarter-ton truck. No issues. I’ve seen a lot of the West. I’m downsizing to a new Chevy Colorado pickup and thinking that a single-axle travel trailer may give me a lot of porpoising bounce. Is that true? How would load levelers work in that case? I’m looking for the best ride in my travels and getting the most trailer for my new weight restriction.

    —Lee Smith, Twain Harte, CA

    A: Keep in mind that a Colorado pickup is actually similar in size and tow rating to older American full-size pickups, particularly so-called half tons. It’s not a mini-truck. The 2025 Colorado offers a range of towing ratings based on options. If you have lightweight towing needs, the WT and LT trims are rated up to 3,500 pounds. The TurboMax engine provides an impressive tow rating of 7,700 pounds—the highest for any midsize pickup truck. I would say there are more concerns with single-axle trailers swaying or fishtailing under certain driving conditions, compared to multi-axle trailers. I recommend using at least a friction-type sway control to ensure straight-line tracking.

    Porpoising is more a function of the types of suspension on the trailer and tow vehicle. For example, rubber torsion axles respond to bumps differently than leaf-sprung axles Spring rates and travel, tire types and capacity vs. load weight all affect ride quality. Longer leaf springs provide more wheel travel over bumps, and therefore can provide a more stable ride. Overly stiff tires or over-inflation also can cause a bouncy ride. Another big factor is that some trailers don’t come with shock absorbers (however, aftermarket retrofit kits are readily available to remedy this).

    You mention “load levelers.” There are many types, including air-bag type springs, added leaf type “helper” springs, etc. These can be used to level the ride height. But for ride quality and safe towing, make sure the trailer weight is balanced and not too heavy or light on the hitch weight. It should be around 10-12 percent of total trailer weight. Use a truck scale to measure axle and hitch weights. If your truck sags in back due to hitch weight, consider using a weight-distribution type hitch with spring bars matched to the tongue weight. This moves hitch weight forward so it is shared with the front axle, which helps stabilize the vehicle and improve ride. Load levelers don’t shift weight forward.

    rv tires

    Photo Credit: Jeff Johnston

    Tire Pressure Monitoring System

    Q: I owned a 2020 travel trailer with a factory-installed tire-pressure monitoring system. I would pressurize my 14-inch tires to 62 PSI. On one summer trip, with temps in the 90s, a one-year-old tire suffered a blowout. Before the mishap, the TPMS indicated 68 PSI—and 142 degrees (The other tires showed similar pressure, but were at least 10 degrees cooler.) After that, I kept the cold pressure to 60 PSI.

    In 2024, I traded that RV for a newer trailer, with a newer version of the TPMS installed. I keep cold pressure for my 15-inch Goodyears at 60 PSI. But as with my previous trailer, one tire runs 10 degrees hotter than the others, with higher tire pressure on hot days. This makes me nervous. The TPMS sensors are clamped to the inner wheel rim. Is it possible that the trailer brake adjustment for the hotter wheel is too tight?

    —Duane Humlicek, Burlington, KS

    A: Unfortunately, tire failures are all too common on RV trailers. Often, but certainly not always, the cause is low-quality imported tires that fail, seemingly, for no reason. There are other causes—overloading, under-inflation, curb or pothole impacts, misalignment, road debris and—of course—nails and other sharp hazards. Many times, blowouts are caused by continuing to drive when punctures have reduced inflation pressure, but the cause goes undetected. I recommend all RVers use tire pressure monitoring systems.

    Now, to your specific question: I would say the most common cause of one tire running hotter than others would be uneven weight distribution in the trailer. Often this is caused by a heavy slideout room mechanism, or the uneven placement of holding tanks, appliances, etc. A good way to determine this is by taking the rig to a truck scale, which gives individual wheel weights. If you find that one part of the trailer is heavier, try to move things around to reduce the difference.

    A dragging brake could certainly raise temperatures. A quick check: Jack up each trailer wheel one at a time and turn each one by hand. Listen and feel for a dragging brake. Another good check: Use an inexpensive non-contact infrared handheld temperature gauge (e.g., the Ames Instruments 12:1 Infrared Laser Thermometer). Hop out right after towing, and go around quickly to each wheel and tire, measuring them separately. If the center hub on one is significantly hotter than the others, there’s your culprit. If the hubs are a similar temperature, but the tire treads of one are significantly hotter, it’s more likely to be extra weight on that tire.

    Another possible cause: a misaligned axle. This usually happens from bumping curbs on right turns or from big potholes. Some alignment shops will check trailers.

    Ask Us Anything!

    Share your tech tales and send us your questions: knowhow@wildsam.com.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road appeared first on RV.com.

  • Why I Bought It: The Jayco North Point 377RLBH —Spacious & Road Ready

    Derek and Laura Czaplicki’s first camper was a 27-foot bumper-pull, but over the years, they became more and more interested in fifth-wheels. In November 2020, they decided to upgrade. “We went to a lot of RV shows, trying to get an idea of what’s out there, and made a list of must-haves,” Derek says. After a lot of research, they settled on a 43-foot Jayco North Point 377RLBH. According to the couple, it “checked off all the boxes.”

    Jayco North Point

    Photo Credit: Derek and Laura Czaplicki

    Right off the lot, the camper lived up to the Czaplicki’s expectations. The fifth-wheel was located at a dealer about four hours from their home in New York’s Hudson Valley, and on their first drive back, Derek felt a huge difference. “With a regular bumper hitch, you have to be really careful about your weight distribution,” he says. “But, to me, the fifth-wheel felt much more stable with the weight of the hitch directly over the axle.” And even though Derek uses a single-axle pickup—as opposed to a dual-axle—he says he’s never had any issues towing his Jayco in the four years they’ve owned it.

    Along with towing, the layout is one of Derek’s favorite things about the North Point. He feels the rear bed gives them the most space. Laura appreciates the versatile bonus room, which the family uses as a guest bedroom for Derek’s mother and their daughter when they come along on trips. “With the extra bedroom, we don’t have to worry about making up the bed every day,” Derek says, comparing their setup to a convertible dinette or pull-out couch in a one-bedroom camper.

    Jayco North Point

    Photo Credit: Jayco

    Before the Czaplickis bought the Jayco, they went on the Made in America Music Tour with Fantasy RV Tours in their old camper. “It started in Nashville and finished up in Branson, Missouri,” says Derek. “We met so many great people. It was probably our most memorable trip.” Now, the semi-retired couple is excited to make new memories in their fifth-wheel on another trip with Fantasy RV Tours and head west to see the Grand Canyon and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

    Ride-Alongs: Other Two-Bedroom Trailers of Note

    Forest River Cedar Creek 381MUD

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    Forest River Cedar Creek 381MUD

    This 43′ 5” model features a primary bedroom with a king-size bed in the rear and a versatile second bedroom in the front with a pull-out Murphy bed. Both spaces include private bathrooms and plenty of storage. MSRP: $108.995 forestriverinc.com

    Keystone Montana High Country 381TB

    Photo Credit: Keystone

    Keystone Montana High Country 381TB

    A posh primary bedroom suite—complete with a king-size bed, wardrobe and washer/dryer prep—is complemented with a rear bedroom that includes its own private entrance and bathroom. MSRP: $108,840 kestyonerv.com

    Grand Design Reflection 362TBS

    Photo Credit: Grand Design

    Grand Design Reflection 362TBS

    Grand Design’s luxury fifth-wheel model includes front and rear bedrooms with queen-size beds, private bathrooms and integrated storage. A lofted bunk and optional tri-fold sofa provides enough space to sleep up to eight people. MSRP: $89,998 granddesignrv.com

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Road Icon: The Famous RV Used by NASA

    A brief cameo in Fly Me to the Moon, the 2024 Channing Tatum/Scarlett Johansson rom-com, serves as a reminder that good looks never go out of style. The aging star in question is a 1967 Clark Cortez motorhome, used in the film (as it was in real life!) by NASA to shuttle Apollo astronauts to the launch pad for the first lunar landing mission.

    The boxy Cortez body, originally a compact 18.5 feet long with a still-spacious interior, was constructed entirely out of welded steel, making it tough as a tank. Debuted in 1963, the Cortez was also one of the first—if not the first—front-wheel-drive RVs to be manufactured in the United States. Early models were powered by a reliable (though not especially powerful) Chrysler slant-six engine. Mounting that motor up front gave the Cortez good handling and a low step-in, making it attractive to first-wave vanlifers. The Cortez was purpose-built by an unlikely outfit: the Clark Material Handling Company, a manufacturer of forklifts and trucks.

    “The Cortez engineers were actually very brilliant,” says Mike Blumentsein, the Seattle-based moderator for the Cascade Cortez Club on Facebook. Though a family illness prompted Blumenstein to trade in his RV dreams for a 1966 VW Fastback, he has owned three Cortezes, including a ’69. One of his rigs was built by the brand’s second manufacturer, Kent Industries, which bought Clark’s Cortez division in 1970.

    Clark Cortez motorhome

    Photo Credit: NASA

    Calling the Cortez “the Sprinter of its day,” Blumenstein notes a key selling point was the customizable interior. “There were no dealers, just a showroom,” says Blumenstein. “And they would build it to your specifications.” Most Cortezes have room to sleep four, but some ended up as mobile offices. More peculiar was an innovation that came with the 1972 model, which pushed the contents of the black tank through the catalytic converter to incinerate the waste.

    By the end of the 1970s, though, the last of approximately 3,200 Cortezes ever made rolled off the production line. That heavy steel, it seemed, was no match for the gas crisis—plus, Winnebago and other competitors had turned to aluminum to create a new generation of motorcoaches.

    Even so, despite concerns over rusting roofs and the bugaboo of upgrading drum brakes, fans of vintage vehicles cannot get enough of the Cortez. Among them are Laura Meredith and Andy Greaves—she goes by “L” pronounced “elle”—a husband-and-wife team in the midst of restoring a 1965 Cortez. The Virginia-based duo have documented their efforts and offer tips on their Soul of Seeker blog. “Everybody gets caught up in the visual part,” says Greaves. “They just want to talk to us about it because it’s such a unique-looking vehicle.”

    For those who skipped Fly Me to the Moon but still want a Hollywood ending, there is good news: NASA’s retired Clark Cortez is on display at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Shop Talk: Benchmark Vehicles are Setting the Mark

    The Central Eastside is Portland, Oregon’s burly quadrant, a century-plus-old industrial zone full of muscular brick warehouses, a working neighborhood to the core. Duck into one cavernous garage in particular and you’ll find outdoor rigs that match the mood. Imposing Mercedes Sprinter vans fill the space, their finishes matte and futuristic, their interiors on the way to becoming mobile modernist cabins. Benchmark Vehicles began applying a refined finish-carpentry aesthetic and serious gearhead smarts to travel vans in 2014, garnering a following for a style that mixes backwoods brawn with quiet luxury. The work has landed the company on the front page of The New York Times and in the garages of scores of avid outdoorsfolk.

    Founder Leland Gilmore sees himself in Benchmark’s audience. Twenty years back, he relocated to Portland from the Bay Area largely for the cycling scene, and today he pilots his own rig up Mount Hood for adventure in all seasons. At a table he built himself, Gilmore shared the story behind these endeavors—and the vehicles his team designs and builds to get folks out there.

    Shop: Benchmark VehiclesLocation: Portland, OregonFounded: 2014Specialty: Sprinter Vans
    Benchmark Vehicles Portland

    Benchmark founder Leland Gilmore; steps in the process that take vans from blank walls to road readiness. (Photo Credit: Will Matsuda)

    Q: Your background is in woodworking and cabinetry. Why vans?

    A: I was doing furniture contracts for Nike and other clients around town. And, kind of on the side, always working on my old cars. I’ve been a car guy my whole life. In around 2014, I was looking to get into the van world, which was pretty unknown at the time. I felt there was a huge need for really beautiful interior design there—everything was sort of the same.

    My philosophy was, people want to spend money on their toys. They want a vessel that gets them out into nature and a comfortable space that they can use as a base camp. And I combined my furniture and interior design skills with my automotive skills and decided, okay, I want to create a brand. And we did that basically first, before really having even a business plan.

    One van turned into five, turned into 20, turned into … We’ve done more than 100.

    Q: Obviously, plenty of folks love vans. Who are Benchmark’s people?

    A: Our clients are into mountain biking and cycling in general, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, triathlons. And those are all things I’ve been passionate about my entire life, so it was easy for me to connect with a group of people with similar interests—maybe they’re just in a different income bracket.

    Q: What do they say they want?

    A: Some folks come to us with 15 pages of notes—all the things they’ve seen from a hundred different builders. We’ll go through every single one of those. I’ll learn a lot from that person—their wishes and wants. And I try to guide and coach them in the direction of what functionally makes sense, financially makes sense, what works aesthetically and what’s pleasing to be in. Others might just say, I really liked that one.

    Benchmark Vehicles Portland

    Photo Credit: Will Matsuda

    Q: Likewise, a lot of companies build out road-trip vans these days. What sets yours apart?

    A: We have a look, from the outside to the interior. It’s a pretty simple assembly of goods and parts. Our exteriors are all very consistent and have a similar vibe. We don’t stray from certain parts and pieces. We stick with our core components. Our vans—they’re aggressive on the outside. There’s a lot of lighting. We prefer certain colors. The way we put together the exterior finishes and colors are just as important as the interior, and that creates a look that makes people think, “I want to rock that ride.” For interiors, it’s the finishes, the fit, how it all goes together. Lighting is huge—correct placement, the correct color temperature, all the things that set a mood inside the van.

    Q: You’ve created a team here. What skill sets are you drawing on?

    A: My team’s kind of all over the map from their backgrounds—builders, car enthusiasts, aftermarket junkies who want to put on all the coolest components. And our age range is from 20 to late 40s. We all learn different aspects of what we do from each other. It’s a small crew. We’re all here in the same building every day. We have our team meetings and talk about what we want to see in the next van or what worked in the previous van.

    Q: To take a step back from the specifics of your builds, what kind of emotional response are you hoping to foster?

    A: When you get in a really beautiful sports car, the second you touch the steering wheel or put your hand on the seat, you can feel the difference. That feeling is sensory—it shifts the chemical balance in your brain, like, okay, I don’t know why I like this, but I really like it. And a lot of times it’s hard to put into words. You get that feeling from being in one of our vans.

    Benchmark Vehicles Portland

    Photo Credit: Will Matsuda

    Rock and Roll

    1. Benchmark recently released a series of roofracks designed for the new (and much-coveted) INEOS Grenadier. In Gilmore’s eyes, the UK-designed, overlanding-oriented SUV is tapping a cultural niche similar to the Sprinter’s adventure-seeking audience. Several of the designs feature integrated light bars.

    2. The full description of a Benchmark build is a spec-lover’s dream, detailing the company’s exacting material choices from insulation wool (Havelock) to custom floor-mat sets (Chilewich). A recent project’s kitchen setup rolled out with Le Creuset and YETI gear. Full specs and extensive image galleries for many projects can be scanned at benchmarkvehicles.com.

    Benchmark Vehicles Portland

    Photo Credit: Will Matsuda

    A Van, A Plan …

    Benchmark doesn’t technically sell vans—clients purchase them and hand them over for build out. But the company provides dealer connections and advice.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post Shop Talk: Benchmark Vehicles are Setting the Mark appeared first on RV.com.

  • The Ride: This Travel Trailer is Cozy Like a Fox

    There once was an era when, for most RV owners, the onset of winter meant storing their rig until late spring. But manufacturers have made great strides in recent years, building trailers that can keep things toasty when the mercury takes a plunge. There’s perhaps no better example than the Arctic Fox Edge from Northwood.

    The double-axle towable comes with all the amenities you’d expect from a modern travel trailer: a palatial kitchen with residential-style appliances and solid-surface countertops, a bathroom with a spacious shower and porcelain toilet and a primary bedroom boasting a king-size bed, copious storage and a separate entrance. Still, it’s the rig’s cold-weather capability that sets it apart.

    Northwood AFox Edge

    Photo Credit: Northwood Manufacturing

    “Build-quality and four-season performance are our number-one priorities,” says Donald Cochran, Northwood’s chief sales of  cer. “But with the AFox Edge we wanted to take things a little further—and it shows in its specs.”

    Those specs include high-density block foam insulation, staving off chilly drafts and keeping heat inside. Reflective materials in the roof and on the slides, plus additional insulation in the ceiling, bolster those efforts. Add a 1,000-BTU auto-ignition furnace, frameless thermal pane windows and fully wrapped and heated holding tanks, and you have a travel trailer that—as its name suggests—is built for arctic conditions.

    Northwood AFox Edge

    Photo Credit: Northwood

    Northwood’s Iron Horse chassis serves as the platform. Custom built for each floor plan, the chassis enhances the trailer’s durability and off road chops. “We’re the only manufacturer that builds our own chassis,” Cochran says. “That allows us to have complete control over the quality and integrity of every aspect of the trailer.”

    Attention to detail shines through in the Arctic Fox Edge, an RV that performs equally well on- and off-grid all year long. Regardless of what’s going on beyond those well-insulated walls, you might just think you’re staying at the actual Four Seasons.

    Dimensions

    GVWR: 12,800 lbs.Hitch Weight: 1,065 lbs.Overall Length: 29′ 9″Exterior Height: 11′ 4″
    Northwood AFox Edge

    Illustration by Dee Duncan

    1. The AFox Edge comes with a fi ve-point leveling system for maximum stability.
    2. The Northwood SolX10 system provides 1,000 watts of solar charging.
    3. A 13,500 BTU air conditioner keeps the trailer cool in the summer.
    4. An 18’ powered awning with LED lighting provides shade and shelter.
    5. The trailer comes with a MORryde CRE-3000 suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing four-season and off – road performance.
    6. Bluetooth outdoor speakers keep the party going outside the RV.
    7. A rear ladder provides access to the fully walkable roof.
    8. Insulated passthrough storage compartments make stowing gear a cinch.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post The Ride: This Travel Trailer is Cozy Like a Fox appeared first on RV.com.

  • Wildsam Road Ready February/March: Vehicles & Gear to Take You Way Out There

    A sampling of gear and accessories from some of Wildsam’s trusted partners.

    RV gear and accessories

    Photo Credit: Midland

    Midland

    For adventurers, having a communications set up ensures peace of mind when traveling the open road. While cell phones are essential, they aren’t always reliable. Midland’s MXT275 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio brings powerful GMRS communication, making it the ideal base station to reach others instantly. Paired with the GXT67 Pro GMRS Walkie Talkie, connection in and out of the vehicle has never been easier. The ER50 Portable Emergency Radio brings real-time weather and emergency information to navigate changing conditions along the journey. Together, these communications tools bring safety while pushing the limits throughout outdoor adventure. midlandusa.com

    RV gear and accessories

    Photo Credit: Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres One reinforces every journey with pothole protection thanks to puncture-resistant Aramid fibers. Finnish innovation and American grit combine to form a rugged rubber compound that’s tough on potholes, smooth on the highway and keeps you safe in the moments that matter most. Designed in Finland, the Nokian Tyres One rolls out from Nokian Tyres’ award-winning Tennessee factory. This all-season tire is crafted for the demands of North American roads and ready for whatever lies on the road ahead. nokiantyres.com

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  • The Ride: For Winnebago, The Future is Now

    You’ve heard of the smart home. Say hello to the smart RV.The Winnebago View already boasted impressive features—abundant solar capability and massive holding tanks, for instance. But with the 2024 launch of the 24T floorplan, the industry giant also rolled out Winnebago Connect: smart-tech control for nearly every onboard feature, including climate, power systems, slideouts and more. The system even features a “Pet Minder” function, for supervising four-legged companions.
    Winnebago View review

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    “We know our pets are family,” says Chris Kuelbs, a senior manager for the brand’s digital product division. “This alerts you via our mobile app if you’re away and the temperature in the coach approaches or exceeds a set range.”So-called multiplexing set-ups to control RV systems aren’t new. But because Winnebago built Connect entirely in-house, it offers arguable advantages over the third-party technology common in other rigs. Winnebago’s customer service team can troubleshoot remotely, fixing bugs while owners recline at camp. Accessed on the vehicle’s 10-inch touchscreen or remotely via smartphone, Connect uses a built-in modem to enable over-the-air software updates. Owners can add full internet service for an additional fee.
    Winnebago View review

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    Other new features worth noting on the 24T include power-reclining theater seating, a Murphy bed that packs away when not in use and a spacious rear garage large enough for two full-size e-bikes, featuring multiple 120V AC outlets for recharging while in transit. And, thanks to its Mercedes Sprinter chassis, the View includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blindspot warnings and a digital rearview mirror.While the 2025 View 24T is Winnebago’s first vehicle to feature the Connect system, the company has bigger plans.“Stay tuned,” Kuelbs says. “Our intent is to release this to the entire Winnebago model lineup, including our towables.”
    Winnebago View review

    Photo Credit: Winnebago

    Dimensions

    GVWR: 11,030 lbs.Overall Length: 25′ 8″Exterior Height: 10′ 7″
    Winnebago View review

    Illustration by Dee Duncan

    1. The View comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an optional upgrade.
    2. A 5,000-pound trailer hitch makes it easy to tow a cargo trailer or boat.
    3. 240 watts of solar come standard from the factory.
    4. The large gear garage is heated, and features LED lighting and L-track cargo tie downs.
    5. The powered awning includes LED lights and can be deployed using Winnebago Connect or a smartphone.
    6. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner and 25,000 BTU furnace keep the View comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.
    7. The View comes with an amplified digital TV antenna and is satellite ready.
    8. The View’s built-in LP tank has a 50.76 lbs. capacity.
    9. Automatic hydraulic leveling jacks stabilize the vehicle at the campsite.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Best in Class: Our Favorite RVs for 2025

    The world of RVs can be sprawling, especially when you consider the field’s full spectrum, somehow embracing both landship Class As and nimble, tiny, camp-ready trailers. Looking forward into 2025, we tried to take it all in. We roamed big shows and scoured remote corners of the internet, searching and sifting to pick some all-stars from the crop of new vehicles hitting the road. We found a dynamic world of high design and sometimes whimsical ambition—an industry that’s exploring every cultural niche and lifestyle pursuit it can think of. We noticed a growing cohort of “destination” trailers, speaking to folks who see their rig as something more than a means from Point A to B. We saw many clever remixes of nostalgic looks and high-tech amenities. Some of the most interesting vehicles take age-old RV categories and blur their boundaries. Read on—you’ll see the rides that caught our eye. And maybe yours?
    Bowlus Rivet

    Photo Credit: Bowlus

    The Best High-Tech Tin Can

    Bowlus Rivet

    MSRP: $150,000GVWR: 3,500 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 4Length: 25’ 3”
    Lightweight and built to last, the Bowlus Rivet impresses with its retro styling and high-tech features. The travel trailer’s self-powered electric drive system makes it easy to tow behind just about any vehicle, including an EV. At the campsite, the Rivet’s 8kWh battery pack and 660-watt solar array allow owners to camp off-grid for up to two weeks at a time. It’s no less impressive inside, with yacht-inspired styling and amenities, including a gorgeous galley kitchen.
    Winnebago Access

    Photo Credit: Winnebago

    The Best Starter Kit RV

    The Winnebago Access delivers excellent build quality, plenty of amenities and great customer service in an affordable package, ideal for families and couples. MSRP: $23,000
    Forest River Rogue Armored

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    The Best for Campground Movie Night

    The Forest River Rogue Armored 26L140’s primary bedroom comes with a built-in 4K video projector and a window blind that converts to a screen. Popcorn seasoning is up to you. MSRP: $70,000
    best rvs for full-timing

    Photo Credit: Brinkley RV

    The Best Mobile Office Space

    The Brinkley Model Z 3515’s rear office includes an adjustable-height desk for road warriors looking to clock in from the great outdoors. MSRP: $120,916
    Keystone Cougar

    Photo Credit: Keystone

    Note From the Field: “My favorite couple’s travel trailer is the Keystone Cougar 22MLS. It’s only 27 feet, meaning many half-ton trucks can tow it. You don’t need a monster truck. It also has a redesigned basement for storage, more headroom and a bigger sleeping space.” —Josh Winters  (@JOSHTHERVNERD)

    Best Game-Changing Camper

    Lance 1172 Truck Camper

    MSRP: $84,266Dry Weight: 4,063 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 5-6Length: 20’ 4”
    This one redefines what we thought possible with a truck camper. Two slide-outs create a surprisingly spacious interior and modern amenities stack up: a large dinette, a dry bath, a well-appointed interior kitchen, a plush couch. With room for up to six adults, the 1172 makes the perfect basecamp for anglers, hunters, hikers and other outdoorsy wanderers. A residential queen-size bed will be a welcome luxury after a long day on the trail.
    best class a motorhomes

    Photo Credit: Coachmen

    The Best for Continental Flair

    Compact and nimble, the Coachmen Euro 25EU offers the space and comfort of a Class A motorcoach while driving like a camper van. The RV’s European styling helps it stand out on the road and at the campsite, too. MSRP: $218,878
    best class a motorhomes

    Photo Credit: Newmar

    The Best for Retired Major Leaguers

    The Newmar King Aire is the kingpin among luxury RVs, with high-end features like Italian leather furniture, quartz countertops and heated tile floors. All floorplans include a primary bedroom suite with a massive bathroom, a second half-bath and a kitchen with upscale residential appliances. MSRP: $1,637,440
    SylvanSport GOAT

    Photo Credit: SylvanSport

    The Best Off-Road Explorer

    The SylvanSport GOAT gets high marks for its versatility and rugged design. Built for off-road travel, this pop-up camper quickly transforms into a toy hauler or utility trailer, extending its use well beyond the campground. MSRP: $19,495
    Westfalia Pop-Top camper van

    Photo Credit: Westfalia

    Best for Nostalgia Surfers

    Westfalia Wave Pop-Top

    MSRP: $179,849GVWR: 9,350 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 6Length: 20’ 9”
    The storied Westfalia brand returns to North America in groovy form with the Wave Class B camper van. Available in two models—the Wave Skylight and Wave Pop-Top—this neo-throwback delivers a lot of features in a form factor that is somehow both modern and retro at the same time. The Pop-Top model comfortably sleeps six, practically unheard of in a vehicle of this size. That’s enough space for your whole crew to roll on down the road.
    Airstream Interstate 19X Outland Edition

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    The Best Very Limited Edition

    The Airstream Interstate 19X LE Outland Edition’s premium Sony sound system and colorful LED lights turn any campsite into a dance party. But with only 30 units produced, most of us will be lucky even to see one. Still, pretty cool stuff. Consider the standard Interstate 19X as a more accessible alternative. MSRP: $344,000
    Outside Van Parks

    Photo Credit: Outside Van

    The Best for #VANLIFE

    Built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the Outside Van Parks is made for exploration. This Class B model rides on an AWD Sprinter chassis, comfortably sleeps two and has the best dry bath we’ve seen in a camp van. MSRP: $236,000
    Keystone Montana High Country

    Photo Credit: Keystone

    The Best for Free-Range Families

    With two bathrooms, a spacious primary bedroom and a second bedroom with bunk beds, the Keystone Montana High Country 397FB is the perfect family fifth-wheel. It even comes with built-in desks for schooling on the road. MSRP: TBD at press time
    Alliance RV Benchmark

    Photo Credit: Alliance RV

    Note From the Field:  “If I’m picking a towable, I’d have to say the Alliance RV Benchmark 44LFT. You have big windows and tall ceilings. It feels like a tiny house rather than a large RV. They knocked it out of the park with this destination trailer.” —Matt Foxcroft (@MATTSRVREVIEWS)
    Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser

    Photo Credit: Gulf Stream

    Best for Retro Cute

    Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser

    MSRP: $38,684GVWR: 4,384-5,060 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 4-6Length: 23’ 1”- 26′ 1″
    Stepping inside a Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser is a bit like traveling back in time. These lightweight towables embrace the wood-grain paneling and color schemes of a bygone era to crank the nostalgia vibes. Modern appliances—like a 12V fridge and a microwave—do little to break the illusion that you’re somehow camping in the 1950s. Charming and fun.
    best destination campers

    Photo Credit: Crossroads RV

    The Best for Camp Cocktails

    Destination trailers have grown in popularity recently, but the Crossroads Hampton HP374BAR still manages to stand out amid the trend. Its dedicated wet bar just might make it the ultimate party RV. We’ll have ours shaken, not stirred, thank you. MSRP: $100,588
    Leisure Travel Vans 60th Anniversary Edition

    Photo Credit: Leisure Travel Vans

    Best for Small Scale Living

    Looking for an RV that drives like a camper van but offers plenty of luxury? The Leisure Travel Vans Unity has you covered. We especially like the Corner Bed model, which includes a spacious sleeping area, a comfy lounge space and a gorgeous galley kitchen. MSRP: $195,470

    The Best for Spoiling Yourself

    Luxury Super Cs don’t come any plusher than the Renegade RV XL X45BDM. This model features porcelain tiled floors, maple hardwood cabinets and 1.5 baths. An outdoor entertainment center can combine big-game watching with fresh-air lounging. MSRP: $762,559
    Jayco Pinnacle

    Photo Credit: Jayco

    Best Escape Pod

    Jayco Pinnacle 38SSWS

    MSRP: $120,243GVWR: 17,650 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 4Length: 40′
    What’s not to love about this action-packed travel trailer? Built for couples—plus occasional overnight guests—this roomy towable feels like home in all the right ways. You’ve got your theater seating, multiple smart TVs, a modern island kitchen—and not one fireplace, but two. We especially love the massive primary bedroom suite, complete with king-size bed, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and its own couch. Washer/dryer prep, ample storage, and large holding tanks make this model ready for full-time living.
    Living Vehicle HD30

    Photo Credit: Living Vehicle

    The Best for Off-Grid Glamping

    With its 100-gallon freshwater tank, 600W solar panel and 4,800Wh lithium house battery, the Living Vehicle HD30 is an invitation to get far, far gone. The travel trailer’s foldout side patio, spa-like bathroom and luxurious bedroom don’t hurt either. MSRP: $399,995
    Mammoth Overland ELE

    Photo Credit: Mammoth Overland

    The Best for “True” Extremes

    Outstanding build quality, off-road tires and a beefy suspension give the Mammoth Overland ELE (Extinction Level Event) legitimate off-road cred. But let’s be real: The standout attributes are the sealed interior cabin, air purification system and on-board bear spray defense system. What’s out there, anyway? MSRP: $67,000
    Ember RV Overland

    Photo Credit: Ember RV

    The Best for a Freestyle Lifestyle

    There is a lot to love with the Ember Overland Edition 221MSL, which comes equipped with 1,200W of solar, off-road tires and a burly suspension. Of note: the versatile EmberTrack space, which can be used for bunks, gear storage or an office. MSRP: $66,023
    best toy hauler RVs

    Photo Credit: Thor

    The Best for Serious Rough-Housing

    THOR Outlaw

    MSRP: $295,350GVWR: 26,000 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 6Length: 39′ 10″
    The THOR Outlaw stands out as one of the few Class A toy haulers on the market. The design combines these two distinct styles by adding a 10’ 2” garage to the rear of a luxurious motorcoach. The result is a distinctive blend of comfort and functionality, with room to haul a UTV or a golf cart. As you would expect, the rear cargo ramp converts into a patio, extending the living space to the outdoors.
    KZ SportsterX

    Photo Credit: KZ RV

    The Best Trail Buddy

    Available in both travel trailer and fifth-wheel models, the KZ Sportster X is a toy hauler ready to pack out everything from kayaks and e-bikes to large UTVs. Copious amounts of storage, elevated interior design, LED accent lighting and integrated JBL Bluetooth sound system help accentuate the fun. MSRP: TBD at press time
    Tiffin Phaeton

    Photo Credit: Tiffin

    The Best Classy Class A

    A king-size bed, 1.5 baths, a gigantic closet and a drop-down front bunk all elevate the Tiffin Phaeton 44 OH. Optional upgrades can run to a washer/dryer combo, a dishwasher and an outdoor gas grill. MSRP: $550,559
    Forest River Sabre

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    Note From the Field:  “We don’t often get a truly new thing, but electric fold-down decks are trending. The Forest River Sabre 33RLP is by far one of my favorites. The deck is only four feet wide, so it doesn’t take up all your campsite space, and it’s like a big window when it’s closed.” —Jason Epperson (@RVMILES)
    Storyteller Overland HILT

    Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland

    The Best Backcountry Beast

    Storyteller Overland GXV HILT

    MSRP: $446,322GVWR: 19,500 LBS.Sleeping Capacity: 4Length: 27′
    This animal’s heavy-duty off-road chassis allows it to roam just about anywhere. But it’s the 16.8kWh house batteries and 120-gallon freshwater tank that allow you to stay out in the hinterlands about as long as you want. Inside, this burly number is surprisingly refined and luxurious. We love the HILT’s massive U-shaped dinette with seating for five and its comfortable queen-size cab-over bed. An upscale wet bath and galley kitchen add a touch of class and convenience.
    Grand Design Lineage

    Photo Credit: Grand Design

    You Need It? They Have It:

    A Super-High-quality Class C: Grand Design Lineage Series M Trailer powerhouse Grand Design’s first motorized foray doesn’t disappoint.
    Pleasure Way Plateau XLTS

    Photo Credit: Pleasure Way

    A Go-Anywhere In-Style Class B: Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS Camp off -grid with 500W solar panel and 600Ah lithium batteries.
    Northwood AFox Edge

    Photo Credit: Northwood

    A Foolproof Year-Round Camping Solution: Northwood AFox Edge A well-equipped travel trailer built to take on the elements.
    Entegra Coach Cornerstone

    Photo Credit: Entegra Coach

    A Class A with a Buttery-Smooth Ride: Entegra Coach Cornerstone Comfortable and refined, both inside and out.
    [caption id="attachment_68194" align="alignnone" width="1200"]luxury RVs photo credit[/caption]

    Photo Credit: DRV Luxury Suites

    A Fifth-Wheel Nicer Than Most Airbnbs: DRV Mobile Suites The gold standard for luxury fifth-wheel trailers.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • 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.
    Nomadicana Airstream renovations

    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.
    Nomadicana Airstream renovations

    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.
    Nomadicana Airstream renovations

    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
    Nomadicana Airstream renovations

    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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