I kicked off my quest for inner peace at the most logical place – craigslist. I found an Airstream in “fair condition” and a 4-digit deal was struck.
One dark and stormy night in Mira Loma, I rescued the abandoned rattletrap from behind a chain link fence. My prize was guarded by “a pit bull with an attitude.”
Crap! I recall saying to myself. I’ve just written a sizeable check for what is a glorified dog house. The trailer’s swaying back and forth along rain-soaked 101 like the pendulum of doubt pounding in my brain.
The body was solid, but inside the trailer was a mess. No doubt the last resident was the junkyard dog.
For those who are not familiar with the iconic Airstream and are asking yourselves, “What’s the big deal? It’s a trailer!” Let me share a bit of Americana history with you. There are many things that made America what it was, and still is, today. The VW Bug, muscle cars, Route 66, Elvis, hot dogs, apple pie, and yes the Airstream.
Whether it’s parked or ramblin’ down the road it still gets grins from folks who see this silver bullet. A generation of Golden Era old-timers crisscrossed the country from Mt. Rushmore to Plymouth Rock in their Bonneville station wagons and these “drag-a-longs.”
Maybe one of them was you. Maybe one of them was your parent, or grandparent.
Today, I may be a nostalgic 27-year old Santa Barbara-based modern-design-inclined architect, but this remodeled 1978 Airstream is my home, my office and “front-door-to-the-great-outdoors,” and I love it.
Yes, I have my iMac mounted on the wall and the hi-def printer in the drawer underneath.
So, why did I remodel a 150-square-foot trailer in my spare time while designing $12 million villas by day?
It challenged me, and at this early point in my career I need to be stretched – it’s how I do my best work. Besides, in the business of fresh ideas, this is one that is clearly hitting on all cylinders. It’s efficient, it’s high-tech, and it’s home sweet home.
1978 Airstream
Ø 25’ Tradewind
Ø 160 sq. ft. of livable space
Ø Hot water heater
Ø Forced air unit
Ø Two 10 lb polished propane tanks
Ø Two bed, sleeps four comfortably
Ø Ample storage areas
Ø Electric and sewer hookups
Kitchen
Ø Refrigerator (8 cubic feet)
Ø Stove (3-burner stove)
Ø Toaster oven
Ø Over-sized stainless steel sink
Ø Reverse-osmosis drinking water
Bathroom
Ø Vessel sink
Ø Recycled glass tiled shower
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I love the finished photos of your restored Airstream! Are you by any chance thinking of restoring Airstreams for others? I especially love that you used sustainable or recycled materials - the glass tile work is gorgeous!
Nicole - I’m always open to discussion about doing another renovation project - feel free to get in touch with us. Thanks for the feedback!
I live in a mobile home right now and have often thought of downsizing even farther to a tow along for all the reasons you have mentioned.
Not asking for “specifics” but where do you park this? Long term or month to month? Rates? How hard to really move it and where have you actually gone to with this towed behind? What do you tow with?
As I consider a further move this way, the irritation of having to put up with truck/towing becomes an issue. Years ago I drove thru Mexico with a cabover camper on my pickem up truck. I was struck by the mileage cost and slower speeds. In a car-I could save hours on the road and rent a motel for the same cost as camping in my overhead. Not true the shorter the legs of your trip are or if you stay more than 1-2 days. Ohhhh, my feet just got itchy.
Frankly, I don’t do much towing. I live in the trailer full time and I am currently renting a space on a vacant property. I’ve towed to a few resorts for weekend stays. There are many beautiful “trailer parks” and extended stay campgrounds in California. Check out Campland by the Bay in San Diego. Otherwise, it’s time to get creative with craigslist : )
Matt -
Approximately how long did it take you to renovate this? Were most of the things custom designed or were you able to find resources from other airstream sites? How big project is this time of renovation financially? ballpark
Would love to do one myself and trying to learn all I can
Austin
About 6 months - part time. Most custom designed - Airstream parts were used where required. The cost completely depends on the depth of the renovation.
Sweet! In the process of rehabbing a ’72 27′ Overlander my self, and even though I’m sticking original, (Love that Brady Bunch feel), you are an inspiration! Nice work. Perhaps we’ll meet in the Stream… Cheers