Wally Byam had a problem. He loved to go camping, but his wife was not a fan of sleeping outdoors. Using the chassis from a Model T Ford, he built a tank enclosure over the base of the chassis. The structure was made of plywood. He would pull the trailer along on camping trips, and this allowed his wife to sleep inside. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last.
When others saw his trailer, they asked Wally how they could get one. That gave Wally an idea. He developed plans for an upgraded trailer that he could produce. Aluminum rather than plywood became the material used in the trailer. What we now call the Airstream trailer was the result. (See the photo below)
The Airstream became a cult item. Airstream caravans became traveling conventions for enthusiasts. The Airstreams began to show up all around the world. During the Cold War, 34 Airstreams were parked in the middle of the Red Square in Moscow. Airstreams also made their way to Cuba at the height of tensions with the Castro government.
When Wally remarried, his second wife complained about his up-all-night habits. That led to another Airstream innovation: internal separation of spaces.
The Airstream has played a role in America’s space program. Astronauts who landed on the moon were quarantined in Airstreams to prevent potential moon-borne pathogens. When astronauts traveled to the launch pad, they were transported in an Airstream, called Astrovan.
Airstream parks have been created throughout the U.S. as places where Airstream campers can congregate and hang out with each other. While many other motor homes have been on the market for years, none have developed the cult appeal of the Airstream.
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“An Airstream is a lot like a first love: you are lured by her charm, seduced by her beauty, and once bitten you are forever chasing after her mystique.”–Bruce Littlefield