Airstream and Studio F.A. Porsche has shown a possible vacation trailer they built together. The idea behind the collaboration was to make a stylish camping trailer that can be pulled by a small SUV or an electric car and stored in a garage when unused. The design has some things that make Airstream famous and intelligent features like a pop-top canopy that makes the space inside taller. Across the Atlantic, Airstream and Porsche worked together to make a modern concept travel trailer that debuted today at SXSW in Austin, Texas. The trailer is meant to be a model of what a camper that looks like it came from the city might look like. It is made so that a small SUV or an electric car can pull it. Bob Wheeler, the CEO of Airstream, says that our audience is “almost twice as likely to own an electric vehicle” than the general public. “Towing a camper has geographical limitations. Weight and aerodynamics are both important.” Airstream has tried the idea of electricity before, and the eStream prototype came out last year. When the trailer was detached from the tow vehicle, it had its electric powertrain that could help an electric-powered tow vehicle move forward or slowly change the position of the trailer. Also, Airstream is one of many companies considering what over-the-road transportation might look like. Bowlus and Winnebago, two RV companies that compete with each other, are also making powered options for travelers who care about the environment. “We know that the time is right. It’s already here and getting bigger quickly.” Wheeler talked about how there are more and more EVs on the road. We know our owners only stay at campgrounds during the summer or other times of the year. Instead, they go on trips. The Porsche concept shown above doesn’t have a powertrain like that, but the design team paid much attention to how the trailer moves through the air. Existing Airstreams have rounder back ends, but the concept has a short, flat back. This is better for aerodynamics and makes it possible to install a hatchback design that can open the trailer’s interior to the outside. The trailer’s aerodynamics are also improved by making the bottom completely flat. To make the ideal lighter, composite materials like carbon fiber are used. The outside is made of aluminum panels like those on modern Airstreams, but the rivets have been removed to reduce drag. Even though purists might say it’s not a real Airstream because it doesn’t have rivets, it looks like enough of the brand’s design elements have been used to give it a place in its history. Wheeler said, “We knew going into this collaboration that if we tied Porsche’s hands, we’d get what we have now.” The finished product looks good, works well, and represents the brand well. The idea is shorter and more compact than a 16-foot Caravelle camper trailer because it’s meant to fit in a regular garage when it’s not being used. When the trailer is parked at a campsite, the insulated pop-top roof gives the trailer more headroom, and it can be lowered on its suspension to fit through a garage door. The inside of the trailer is neat and up-to-date and has some cleverly designed features. The bathroom door can be turned to make the most of the space, and the whole room is finished with beautiful bentwood trim. The kitchenette has a two-burner stove and an integrated sink. The flip-up countertop extender can be used for cooking or when you need more counter space. Steffen Ganz, the head of design at Porsche Design of America, says that curves and softness are essential. In the back of the camper’s cabin is the dinette, which can also be used as a bed. Lightweight webbing is used instead of cabinet doors in overhead storage bins. Overall, the interior design is in line with Porsche’s Design. It has smooth edges, clean lines, and a wide range of colors influenced by chrome and carbon. Both companies wouldn’t say whether or not the idea would ever be made, but Airstream’s Wheeler noted that the company is thinking about it. Wheeler said, “We developed a deep appreciation for this component during the process and are now working to determine its production details.” We’re pushing ourselves to figure out how to build this well to give a future client something similar. We expect the trailer to be expensive if it passes the idea stage. The RVs that Airstream already makes compete at the top end of the market. The brand has built a reputation for being long-lasting, and its fans have come to expect quality, which they are willing to pay for. This is because it puts a lot of emphasis on using high-quality materials and making things by hand.
