The Airstream Sterling travel trailer is the newest iteration of trailer designed by Christopher C. Deam. The design features an all new interior comprised of aluminum casework, vibrantly colored flooring, and minimalist upholstered furniture, all in innovative floor plans previously developed in his more than 12 year collaboration with Airstream. The iconic form of Airstream’s aluminum shell was maintained while introducing new window patterns and simplifying the exterior detailing to use only aluminum.

The International CCD line of trailers designed by Mr. Deam over 12 years ago set a new standard of design excellence in the RV industry. Over that period of time Airstream’s competition has started to emulate its signature design elements, while its customer base has begun to expect even higher standards of quality and design. The challenge was to move the bar to new heights to create a design that can only be executed by Airstream while maintaining its brand integrity… to quote Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream, “don’t make changes, only improvements”.

The intent of the design is to bring the promise of the exterior (modernity, technology, aerodynamics, craftsmanship) to the interior. The trailer was viewed as a “tool for travel” and as such embraced a pared down interior in service of utility. The timeless ideals of “independence and mobility” guided all aspects of the design process. The result is an interior that is simultaneously fresh and timeless.

The process began by determining precisely what processes, technologies, and engineering capabilities are unique to Airstream. A survey of common/typical interiors of other RV’s and Airstreams was also conducted. It was determined that Airstream’s heritage and brand is largely built upon the perceived value of aluminum and the associated craftsmanship of the hand built shell. It was decided that that material should be migrated to the interior and used as the primary surface for all of the casework. This would simultaneously be a difficult process for other manufacturers to copy as well as providing a signature look and feel that is uniquely “Airstream”. Other design decisions like the vibrantly colored floor covering and simple upholstery were made in service of, and to be complimentary to the aluminum interior.

The new Airstream Sterling travel trailer is the pinnacle of Airstream’s manufacturing capabilities. It is a trailer that is both physically and aesthetically durable. By nature of the craftsmanship and materials used 75% of all Airstreams ever manufactured in the last 80 years are still on the road today. With this new design we have increased the sustainability further by reducing the amount of adhesives and vinyl used as well as improved the indoor air quality of the trailer. Additionally, this design will appeal to the increasingly design savvy trailer enthusiast and novice alike. It will ultimately connect the user to the adventure of travel rather than insulate them from it.