The original Airstream company was founded by Wally Byam nearly a century ago in the 1920s, and to this day it remains one of the most recognizable brand names of towable RVs in the world. The iconic silver bullet shape of the classic Airstream is also instantly recognizable the world over, owners of these rigs, both old and new, have formed a devoted, cult following over the years. The company itself has changed hands a number of times over the course of the last century, with a large food conglomerate even owning it at one time, but the Airstream reputation never flagged, and the company eventually became the cornerstone of one of the modern giants of the industry.
In 1980, Wade F.B. Thompson and Peter Busch Orthwein purchased Airstream. The two men formed a new entity, which they named Thor, using the first two letters of each of their last names, which would act as the parent company of their new acquisition. Although Airstream still had its good reputation and iconic look going for it, the company had struggled throughout the 1970s as it passed through the hands of a variety of owners, but in the 1980s the company underwent a renaissance as it formed the core of the new Thor Industries, which would go on to become one of the biggest manufacturers in the world.
Airstream is known for the iconic look of their towable RVs. Image courtesy of Airstream.
Airstream Today
Although Airstream has branched out into various other products, such as class A and class B motorhomes, their core business is still the same iconic silver bullet travel trailers that Wally Byam pioneered nearly 100 years ago. Although it is now part of Thor Industries, the company is still based in the same town in Ohio, Jackston Center, where Byam founded it.
Modern airstream trailers offer the same design touches and amenities you expect from other high end travel trailers. Image courtesy of Airstream.
Airstream Travel Trailers
Today, Airstream offers seven towable RV models, all of which feature the same iconic look and style. The current Airstream lineup includes:
| Model Name | Sleeping Capacity | Length | Width | Height | GVRW (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Yacht | 2 - 5 | 28' | 8' 5.5" | 9' 9" | 8,200 |
| Classic | 2 - 5 | 31' 3" | 8' 5.5" | 9' 9.5" | 10,000 |
| Eddie Bauer | 2 - 5 | 25' 11" – 28' | 8' 5.5" | 9' 9.5" | 7,300 - 7,800 |
| International Serenity | 2 - 6 | 19' 2" – 30' 11" | 8' – 8' 5.5" | 9' 5" – 9' 9" | 4,500 - 8,800 |
| International Signature | 2 - 6 | 19' 2" – 30' 11" | 8' – 8' 5.5" | 9' 5" – 9' 9" | 4,500 - 8,800 |
| Flying Cloud | 2 - 8 | 19' 2" – 30' 11" | 8' – 8' 5.5" | 9' 5" – 9' 9" | 4,500 - 8,880 |
| Sport | 2 - 4 | 16' 4" – 21' 8" | 7' 3.25" – 8' | 9' 3" | 3,500 - 4,500 |
Airstream Contact Information
419 West Pike Street
P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, OH 45334-0629
Phone: (877) 596-6111
Fax: (937) 596-7939