Airstream Travel Trailers, the Original RV

Luxury in Aluminum

How many RV manufacturers can say they supplied vehicles for the NASA space program? Only one, that being Airstream. Founder Wally Byam started his career in the RV industry by producing and selling "How to kits" for people to build their own travel trailer. When the opportunity came for him to take over the Bowlus Company he jumped in with both feet. Making minor changes to the 1935 Bowlus trailer, the Airstream Clipper first came on the market in 1936.

The familiar shape of the "Silver Bullet" was originally designed by Hawley Bowlus, who happened to be the Chief Designer of Charles Lindberg's Spirit of St. Louis. With an eye for aerodynamics and aircraft design, the Bowlus trailer, and it's successor the Airstream, became well known for their easy towing and good handling characteristics on the road.

With competition from 400 other trailer manufacturer's in 1936, the Great Depression took it's toll. By the end of hard times, Airstream was the sole survivor. With the end of World War II, the boom in the economy made leisure travel accessible to more people. With the increased demand a second plant was brought on line in 1952 in Jackson Center, Ohio. By 1979 the California operation was shut down, and Jackson Center has continued to be home to Airstream ever since.

In the 1950's Wally Byam started taking groups of Airstream owners on excursions all over the world to promote his product. This led to The Wally Byam Caravan Club International being officially organized in 1955 at a rally in Nova Scotia, Canada. They, to this day, hold an annual rally each summer over a period that always includes July 1st through July 4th. Many smaller regional rallies are also held, but the main event is known as the International Rally.

Wally Byam stayed true to his roots, born July 4th, 1896 in Baker Oregon, he was on the road long before most roads existed. He rode mule trains with his Grandfather, and as a young man lived in a two wheel donkey cart as he tended sheep. Outfitted with a kerosene stove for cooking, sleeping bag, and a wash bucket, this was his first experience in Boondocking (Rving without hookups).