If you want a small trailer, but also want to enjoy the outdoors in style, you might want to look into getting the new Eddie Bauer Airstream which combines two respected names into one small package. This stylish trailer can hold you, all your toys and even a dog or two.
The Eddie Bauer Airstream is a 25-foot trailer with the classic Airstream styling and costs $74,000. It has a queen-size bed with an Eddie Bauer Goose Down duvet, pillows, and throw, maple and soapstone laminates, quilted fabrics, and stain-resistant Sunbrella upholstery on the interior, an oversized hatch for loading and unloading gear like bikes and kayaks, and a generous side awning. The panoramic windows and the hatch let in the outdoors and fresh air. Other features include:
- A non-slip Aquatrac” bumper perch to assist with loading/unloading
- Fold-away modular dinette/lounge furnishings to increase storage capacity (71 sq. ft. total)
- Perimeter interior-tie downs to secure stored items
- Premium Michelin” tires and 16″ wheels to provide greater ground clearance
- Rugged wheel-well cladding for protection against off-road debris
- A retractable clothesline in the bath and additional racks in the bedroom for hanging wet clothing
- A handheld outdoor shower for showering, hosing down equipment, or even washing the dog
- Heavy-duty exterior hooks for locking-up equipment or tying up the dog
Photos courtesy of Airsteam
By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]
An Airstream with enough room for my kayaks inside and big door to get them in and out? I want my Eddie Bauer edition Airstream! Bravo guys! Terrific idea!
BTW, I really like where Airstream is going with the “Super Chief” style interiors. Very smart design and very nice layout.
I love Airstreams. Problems is, they’re practically worth their weight in gold. Can’t afford it.
As someone who has owned an Airstream (a 28′ International CCD) and lived in it for almost three years, some comments:
1) The product itself is awfully expensive for what it is (even considering the discounted price based you’ll pay depending on your haggling ability)
2) The quality is just okay, maybe a little more, but don’t expect the fit and finish of a BMW (or for that matter, a Toyota Corolla).
3) The functional parts of an Airstream (stove, fridge, pumps, HVAC stuff, etc.) are all off the shelf components and nothing particularly special. They are designed for RV use, which is seen as short term (<30 days a year for most owners)
4) These things weigh a ton (uh actually, a few tons). You'll need a large tow vehicle for sure.
5) I was attracted largely by the style/design, which I must admit is head and shoulders above most travel trailers. However, there are some up and comers out there at less than half the price. Earthbound, Gallileo, and Evergreen come to mind.
6) When I did this, the Airstream basically functioned as my tiny home. I never towed it – ever – (in fact it wasn't even registered). Now (2011) there are some great tiny home possibilities out there, so I would do something else instead. Guaranteed it would be a lot cheaper, and more suitable to year- round living (better insulation, etc.)
7) If you really are going to use this as intended (i.e., travel around with it), really think things through. How many days a year will you use it; where will you go with it; where will you store it, and the like. My guess is, for most folks there may be a cheaper and just as satisfactory/snazzy (if not more satisfactory/snazzy) way of doing what they want.
All this said, still, they are awfully cute….
Thanks for the scoop, Alfred! It’s a real shame that the production isn’t as stellar as the design, especially given the steep price tag.
Thanks for the info on both the Airstream and other RVs. I plan to spend at least a year traveling and living in one. I’m already looking at the others instead.
Super cute, but holy bejeezus, $74,000?
Oh yeah a 74,000$ camper, that’s a fine example of living simple at low cost and impact
Or, another option for those people who have the inclination and cash to purchase. I, for one, like to see what’s out there for all types of budgets. There are people who will buy a vehicle like this and ultimately live in it.
I think it’s lovely and had I the money, I’d love to purchase and take my kids camping in it year after year. However, I’m on a beer budget and bought myself a $250 1973 Shasta Daisy, which I am trying to mend myself, and have been afraid to look in the toilet.
To each his own. 🙂
I love small RV’s and own a 13′ Road Runner. I adore the Airstream. They are super cool, euro-styled, amazing little trailers. BUT, they just cost too much.
I’ve often thought that if/when I build a small house, I’m just going to steal the floor plan from a travel trailer. They are compact, efficient, little space miracles. My 13′ trailer has a wall of closet space, a wet bath, a kitchen with fridge/freezer and two gas burners(no oven), and a dinette/bed. The only thing I would change is to make a separate and permanent bed. What more could you ask for? See the excellent floorplan here:
http://www.cruiserrv.com/fun-finder-x/x_139/specifications.html
oh, any my trailer cost $10k. It’s not nearly as well built as an Airstream.
I have always wanted one but yes price is too steep. I heard they were more insulated than others which I need. Great styling and agreed travel trailers are great for living a simple lifestyle. The problem is in some areas like mine that don’t accept them. Code enforcement can be a huge problem. I know from experience.
I’ll first ask myself, what could one build and what direction would one take with a spare $74K? Personally, I spent $12K about 6 years ago on an Isuzu NPR, turbo diesel and a 14′ bed with insanely low mileage (74K). It has worked out well as a commercial platform for my company work truck but now in retirement it is in the beginning of a conversion to a motor home. Unlike most who use wood framing, I’m building a welded aluminum frame system sheathed in a composite skin for weight, strength and longevity. When you de-construct almost every commercially made RV and trailer, construction leaves a lot to be desired no matter who or how you label this.
If trailers and coaches were build to aircraft standards, not one would be on the road today. I happened to follow behind a tiny wooden home on wheels yesterday on the freeway. It didn’t track well at 45 mph and the front end of the truck pulling it was straining to remain earth bound as I finally passed it on a up hill grade when it slowed to below 40 mph.
Bare in mind if you can afford an Airstream, especially one over 25′ you are going to have to purchase a vehicle capable of towing this. At $30+ for a tow vehicle you now have an investment of over $100,000 for truck and trailer. Kind of defeats the purpose of a simple and downsized life, eh? Commercially built trailers are not designed for long term use and have all the charm of a dentists waiting room and this is part of the reason so many are looking to build their own 120 sq feet of heaven.
I had another brand of travel trailer, 2001 model that purchased new at the time was $10,200.00. Sure, the outer skin of an Airstream will last forever (other than crashed)but that is only worthwhile if the buyer or some future owner intends to remodel the entire interior at some point. If the interior components are truly “off the shelf” then why spend the (at least) 50K more for the Airstream than another brand?
All travel trailers do contain a lot of good ideas for use of space and contain downsized appliances etc., that are great for planning purposes.
Given the probable demographic of the Tiny House audience, this “article” feels like an ad or product placement. $74K?
Fido loves it.
Funny how money can change our aesthetic taste. Airstreams once made me drool. Now this just looks too factory-made… I prefer the scuffs, the mismatches, the creative homebuilt character of upcycled tiny homes these days.
I can’t see spending that much for this (and the vehicle needed to tow it) for the limited use I’d get out of it I’ll stick to a tiny house. I do have to admit – I like the design aesthetic of airstream.
Fortunately Airstreams were built to last, so with some luck one might be able to find one used that is affordable and built with old fashioned quality.
I had a ’66’ Airstream that really appealed to me.
If I was in charge of my life, I’d be living in it right now. Towing it behind a pickup made from a 1958 Cadillac. Using a bicycle to get from here to there once I got to where I needed to be at the moment. The Cadillac was sacrificed to power an elderly jeep. The Airstream was traded for a 4×4 Dodge pickup, which eventually became a 67 Lincoln. I now have a 3/4 ton dodge long bed which can hold a small camper/cabin. Or tow one on a trailer. My first project is Joe Chipman’s Bunkhouse! Modified for some extra length 8×16. I’ll clean out my Dad’s garage, build the floor, walls, and roof. Assemble on the trailer just outside. Plumb and wire, I know the drill, I just have to get going before my body betrays me! I have a woman who thinks she’d relish the gypsy nomad life I contemplate.
I was wondering . . . how have things worked out with that young woman graphic designer who was fighting with Airstream over leaks and ruined floors in her new trailer? I don’t at the moment recall her name, but she was in active contact with the factory and top execs, and wrote about it here . . . thanks!
Interesting Blog! As a new trailer owner, I too was amazed at the cost of Airstream. I find it interesting how many on this thread, in a back-handed way, indicate that the Airstream is indeed the benchmark of travel trailers. They can be had at many different price points. New — yes, they are indeed pricey. But, not to those who can REALLY afford to buy the brand. Airstreams are not for those on tight budgets. However, on a long term basis, they are very economical. One has to plan on long term ownership. Also, buy used. Some people that buy new models quickly find they really were not ready, financially, for an Airstream. Keep you eyes on Ebay, etc., that’s where I located ours. We saved 18K buying a used 22′ 2008 Airstream Safari Sport versus a 2012 version. Additionally, these are trailers that one can truly pass through one’s family. You cannot achieve that kind of longevity with the majority of other trailer brands. There are new high-tech brands on the market: Earthbound, Gallileo, and Evergreen. They may give Airstream a real amount of competition in coming years. However, they will not be the Art Deco icon that is Airstream. Really, Streamer’s don’t want to see too many “silver bullets” on the roads. We just love the longing stares we get as we cruise the Interstates. And the resale value if you really are going to be a long time user. Airstreams — like a Lexus — are not for most people. One aspires to Airstream, just as one aspires to Prevost motor homes.
Last month I bought a used 25′ Airstream. I considered Galileo for some time. They are also very nice. Used Airstreams are a good option. You are correct in factoring in storage and use. I bought mine to be a 2-3 month home each year. I considered a home but it is stationary. I have friends that have summer homes in FL that have had to rush home because their home was broken into or, in one case, the roof caved in from snow. Consider too that you can only be in one location at a time so the other place has to be watched/maintained. The Airstream is mobile and provides a sense of freedom. They are pricey but so is a condo somewhere. Consider that they sell for about 15% less than MSRP and used save even more.
different strokes for different folks ! Wahooooo !!. Myself, I am buying a 2012 eddie bauer, 53 years old and its not going to sit in my yard,. No slide out, 3 times the money but its what I want, My 6 year old grandson will enjoy it with me and I believe he will someday pull it behind who knows what by then!!! I have worked on motor homes ,rv trailers and aircraft in my autobody repair biz….. for long term you can bet on a good resale value and will always be in style. I am what air stream is looking for, I can afford it, I appreciate the quality and know my kids and grand kids will keep it in the family and enjoy it for years and years.
I want to buy the eddi bauer Trailer, because of the possibilities of loading things as easy!!
Is it allowed in Germany by seize (we are limited by 2,5 meters on the street! Does it run alternative electrically with 230 Voltage?
Best wishes
Dr. Matthias Schmelz
Berlin
0049-30-61287074
or
mobil 0049171-1478899