Airstream Index

Airstream Travel Trailers

When it comes to RVing, there are few names that evoke a sense of nostalgia as well as Airstream. The company has been in business for more than 80 years, and in that time period, no RV manufacturer has nailed down a look quite as well as Airstream has. To put things into perspective, the company’s founder, Wally Byam, was born in the late 1800s and created his first Model T-based Airstream in 1929, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that much of the technology that he implemented into his first-generation Airstream RV was relatively pioneering!

Since those early days, the company has stayed true to the travel trailer-based design tradition established by Wally, though there are some coach options available as well. Now, the brand has several models that have various features that modern RVers tend to love. This is probably due to the high level of quality that goes into all Airstream RV travel trailers. These vehicles typically have a slower manufacturing process that allows for precise styling. Perhaps this is why Airstreams tend to have a more premium design and pricing. 

Are Airstream RVs good for long-haul journeys? Well, with their high level of quality and workmanship, you’ll be amazed at how roadworthy these travel trailers and coaches are. These days, Airstream is owned by Thor Industries, which has a large family of RV models from which to choose.

The Airstream Travel Trailer Models

There are multiple Airstream RV models of travel trailer on the market, but the most famous lines include the Classic, the Flying Cloud, the Bambi, and the Nest. On average, each of these models takes about 350 hours to manufacture, and most, with the exception of the Nest, are made with the same aluminum shell design that has become the aesthetic trademark of the company. Here are a few features of each:

The Airstream Classic

Starting at $153,400, the Airstream Classic is named this way because of the fact that it’s based on the company's first design. This travel trailer is designed for those owners who want to spend a lot of time in the vehicle but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. As a result, this is a great travel trailer for those who might want to spend months on the road exploring the country. Over the years, the amenities granted in the Classic have steadily increased, and these days, the RV is outfitted with a smart home-like functionality that allows you to control several aspects of the trailer from your smartphone or tablet. 

There are four floor plans, and the sizing for the Classic ranges from 30 to 33 feet. You get a lot of options with each plan. This model is also known for offering the most storage out of the entire line of Airstream products. This one is definitely popular among Airstream RV reviews. The Classic has a two-axle design, and you’ll need a vehicle with at least 10,000 pounds of towing capacity to tow it.

The Airstream Flying Cloud

The Flying Cloud is considered to be the most family-friendly and accessible variety of travel trailer in Airstream’s line of RVs. Starting at only $76,900, the Flying Cloud from the Airstream RV company is also kitted out with several premium features like Moen faucets, all-LED indoor lighting, a ducted Quietstream climate-control system, and a spacious kitchen area. This is also a great RV for those who need a versatile travel trailer that can be customized; Airstream offers 16 floor plan options with this model.

The Flying Cloud also has extensive variations in sizing. With its smallest floor plan, the Flying Cloud is only about 23 feet and will comfortably sleep six people, but with the largest variation, which is 30 feet, up to eight people can sleep thanks to bunks and convertible lounges. One of the other standout features of the Airstream Flying Cloud is the rear hatch. With this hatch, you and your family with have an extra route of egress, or you can use it so that you can have a beautiful view while you eat your dinner in the rear of the travel trailer.

While the Classic is known for its storage, the Flying Cloud is no slouch in this department, either; there’s plenty of room to store items like pots and pans, clothes, and your various camping items. Additionally, the multiple drawers and cabinets blend in with the décor of the RV so that they are barely noticeable.

The Airstream Bambi

The Airstream Bambi is one of the company’s most versatile options, and it comes in smaller sizing of 16 to 22 feet that will vary based on the floor plan. Like most other models of Airstream, the Bambi features the aluminum exterior that has become the go-to design choice for the line. If you enjoy camping outside of campgrounds and RV parks, this is the right choice because it’s self-contained. This model has a bathroom with adjoining shower, a spacious dinette, room to sleep up to four adults, and a retractable awning.

Like most modern Airstreams, the Bambi has a great temperature-control system that allows you to fine-tune the interior condition of the cabin. This means that you can not only cool the cabin in the summer but also heat it to a toasty internal temperature even when it’s freezing outside. Additionally, the kitchen has stainless-steel appliances that cover just about all your travel needs. 

Airstream is known for its quality storage options, and the Bambi is no exception; it has roll-top lockers that lock closed. The interior of the cabin is also designed for acoustics, and the speaker system utilizes JVC components that are Bluetooth-compatible. As mentioned, this is a great Airstream for those who want to go off the grid on camping and fishing trips; Airstream provides a solar pre-wire kit that will allow you to go without a full hookup. Finally, it’s also advisable to attach the Bambi to an SUV or a truck, so it’s effortless to get underway when you’re ready to.

The Airstream Nest

The Nest is a model of Airstream that breaks away from some of the Airstream RV manufacture conventions. Gone is the aluminum exterior, which has been replaced by a durable matte fiberglass exterior that looks futuristic. Curves are also the name of the game with this model of Airstream. It even has a panoramic window setup that provides you with a view of almost everything surrounding the travel trailer. These windows also utilize blackout curtains that can be drawn when you want privacy.

Despite its capacity being limited to two adults, this is a reasonably spacious RV that provides more room than a teardrop trailer might provide for the same number of people. For example, its dinette area is very large for the 16-foot sizing of this RV, and it even packs in a toilet/shower combination. When it comes to design, no space is wasted in the Nest, but it never feels too crowded. 

The inner cabin is lit via Bluetooth LED lights, which can be controlled with a smart device, and the Nest is also packed with multiple USB and 110-volt charging outlets for those same devices. Airstream has provided four floor plan options for this line of travel trailer, and each has a single-axle design and a towing system that is easy to both attach and detach.

If you are looking to buy an Airstream but don’t know which one to choose, RVshare can help. You can find a number of different models, all available to rent. Renting before you buy is a great way to see what type of Airstream is best for you.