1949 Airstream Trailwind Travel Trailer

01

Artifact Overview

This familiar riveted, aluminum-skinned trailer was introduced in 1936 by trailer manufacturer Wally Byam. As tourism flourished after World War II, the Airstream gained a reputation as the quality leader in the travel trailer industry. Its popularity spawned well-organized caravans to famous travel destinations across the country.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Travel trailer

Date Made

1949

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

87.178.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Plastic
Rubber (Material)

Color

Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8 ft
Width: 7.4 ft
Length: 18 ft

Inscriptions

Plate at left of door: 5059 / AIRSTREAM / 1755 NO. MAIN ST. / LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA Under rear window: AIRSTREAM

Specifications

Make & Model: 1949 Airstream Trailwind travel trailer
Maker: Airstream, Inc., Los Angeles, California
Features: icebox, sink, propane stove, Byam-designed space heater, double bed, vinyl couch, electric or propane lighting
Height: 8 feet
Width: 7 feet 4 inches
Length (of body): 16 feet
Overall length: 18 feet
Weight: 1650 pounds
Price: $1,995
Average 1949 wage: $3,000 per year
Time you'd work to buy this trailer: about 8-1/2 months