Here’s a rare sighting. A vintage Airstream Argosy trailer painted red. It makes for a bold statement on the road and quite the contrast in this photo of the week.

Nasa is giving away artifacts from its collection, including the Airstream “Astrovan” which transports the crew to and from the shuttle’s launchpad. The “modified 1983 Airstream Excella motorhome, and has been in use since 1984.” You have to be an eligible
educational institution, museum and other organization to prescreen the artifacts. The items are free except you have to pay for shipping. You can register to prescreen at the General Services Administration website.

Photographer Lara Hartley snapped this photo of Victorville, CA resident Doug Hall with his 1955 Chrysler station wagon and vintage Airstream trailers. Hall collects vintage trailers for back props in movies and commercials. “The approximate 25 lawn chairs and hundreds of other items are props for Hall’s 35 vintage rental trailers. They are coordinated by year for each vehicle.”

According to the book Wanderlust: Airstream at 75, Airstream didn’t want any involvement from architect/designer Christopher C. Deam when he first approached them about designing a new interior for their trailer. Airstream took notice only after Deam took it upon himself to acquire a vintage Airstream trailer, ripped out the old interior and installed a fresh new look. It’s a good thing too. The International CCD series became Airstream’s best selling model.

TinBike Productions produced a “pocket documentary” showcasing Deam’s vision and design of the all-new modern Airstream trailer. You can also view a video of Deam presenting his story at TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design conference).

Howstuffworks has a informative video of how factory workers hand assemble an Airstream trailer. It takes approximately 240 – 340 man hours to assemble one trailer. This is one of the reasons why you bought an Airstream trailer and not a generic box trailer. The Discovery Channel’s How It’s Made tv show also has a segment on how the trailer is assembled. You can purchase the episode on iTunes or watch it for free if you’re in Canada.

When I first started browsing the ‘net for anything Airstream I found a wow item at Airstream’s online store. They actually make a desk that resembles the rear of a trailer. The Airstream Office Desk features authentic LED brake lights, side marker lights, choice of two different laminate tops and several different storage arrangements. At $1600 it’s not cheap, but you’ll have a very unique desk and what a conversation piece. I wonder who actually owns one?

As an Airstreamer, you are obligated to keep history alive. If you’re not already a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, you need to become one. Why? You bought an Airstream because of its quality, innovation, design and most of all its heritage and in order to keep that heritage alive and kicking you need to support the oldest RV association on the planet. I know I’ll be getting my WBCCI number as soon as I get my trailer. I’m sure after you have experienced a caravan or rally you’ll be happy you became a member. Happy camping!

What happens when you sell all your posessions and embark on an adventure to discover your next permanent home? If your Kyle Bolstad you buy an Airstream International CCD 23′ and head into the Northwest. Kyle’s a web developer who sold all his stuff, bought an Airstream and left his home in Chicago to discover where he might be calling home next. Kyle even customized his trailer by replacing the couch with a desk and upgraded the dinette table. He tows his trailer with a VW Touareg and is currently camping at Elwha Dam RV Park near Port Angeles, WA. You can follow his adventures at WhereisKylenow.com.

If you ever want to read about Airstream history the old school method, try Wanderlust: Airstream at 75 by Russ Banham. It’s a great looking coffee table book with lots of great stories and photos. Amazon $26

This is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

My wife and I have agreed to purchase an Airstream International SS 25′. I remember the first time we looked at Airstreams at Travelland in Irvine. My parents’ were buying a fifth wheel and I wondered onto the Airstream dealers lot next door. I’d always seen these sleek silver trailers in magazines and on TV. As a modernist I’ve always thought they were the ultimate in road trip luxury. I grew up trailer travelin’ with my parents, but the Airstream was something very different than the generic trailers on the road. Now it’s time I had one and I will. Sometime in the next five months we plan on purchasing an Airstream International.

Stay tune for the adventures to begin.