Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Mobile Dwellings
There is no more iconic American trailer than the Airstream. Today, I'm taking a look at a remodeled Airstream that doubles as a tiny home on wheels for a family of five.
The look of an Airstream trailer is instantly recognizable by its sleek aluminum exterior. The company still makes trailers today, but these high-quality rigs come at appropriately high prices. If your pockets aren’t that deep, another affordable option is to buy an older model and renovate it to modern standards.
Here's what Delmara and Tom did with this 25-foot (7.6-meter) Airstream Trade Wind. They sold everything they owned, renovated this trailer, and moved in, traveling in it for the last two and a half years. A renovation like that is not “for the weak” – you have to know what you are doing and it will take a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get the project done.
In this family's case, they spent thousands of hours working on the trailer just to ensure top-notch construction and proper insulation and sealing. Only then could they begin building the interior and everything we see on the surface.
That’s an insane amount of dedication. They didn’t just make the remodel last a few years. They said they want their grandchildren to be able to ride in this trailer. Clearly, the couple are huge Airstream fans, or they definitely wouldn’t have embarked on this very challenging remodeling journey.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Mobile Dwellings
Delmara and Tom got the trailer in decent condition, but they did a little extra work to make it look great. Some of the things they did was restore the frame, build a new underfloor, and install steel wheel wells. They also added sheep wool insulation, which they said worked great.
As usual, I’ll start the tour with the outside of the trailer. At first glance, most people would think this is just another Airstream. The only things that might give away that this trailer has been remodeled are on the roof. You’ll notice two solar panels, an awning, two Maxxair fans, and a sizable A/C.
Besides adding them, Delmara and Tom kept the rig's original look. That's what most people do, because these bullet-shaped Airstreams are absolutely gorgeous.
The couple wanted the living space to be as functional as possible, especially since it sleeps five. They also wanted the interior to have a 70s vibe, keeping things simple but aesthetically pleasing.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Mobile Dwellings
The living/bedroom area occupies the front of this Airstream's interior. It features a U-shaped sofa and a huge rustic maple table. To convert the sofa into an almost full-size bed, simply lower the table and rearrange the cushions.
Other notable details in this area are the windows on all three surrounding sides and various storage spaces, including drawers and cabinets, on the sides and above. Additionally, the bench at the back houses the rig's power system. Its highlights are the lithium batteries (we don't know their capacity), an inverter and a solar charge controller.
You'll find the kitchen right outside the entrance. A well-equipped kitchen is essential if you're traveling with a family. It features a huge, deep sink with a cutting board cover, a Berkey water filter that provides plenty of clean water, a countertop that offers more than enough space to prepare meals, and a three-burner stove/oven combo.
The kitchen counter offers plenty of storage space in the form of cabinets and drawers. There is also a long shelf at the top that holds books, decorations, and other items. Additionally, the compartments at the bottom of the counter house the water heater and a propane tank.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Mobile Dwellings
On the opposite side, the couple designed a spacious counter that integrates a Novacool refrigerator/freezer. It's not that big, but it gets the job done. Next to it, you'll discover a huge floor-to-ceiling pantry.
Further into the trailer, you will find the children's room. It features two bunk beds: the daughter sleeps in the top bunk, while the two boys sleep in the one below, which can be extended via a pull-out wooden frame. Each bunk bed offers two long cabinets for storage.
However, you can fit a lot more clothes in the huge closet opposite the bedroom with the bunk beds. The back of the interior is occupied by a nice bathroom, separated from the rest of the living space by a sliding door. It boasts a striking copper sink on a vanity, a composting toilet, a storage area with a trash can and several shelves, and a shower with penny-tile walls and a small seat.
All in all, this Airstream has been beautifully remodeled with a simple yet very practical interior that can comfortably accommodate a family of five. Kudos to the family for their brave decision to sell everything they had and their dedication to completing this wonderful project.
