Airstream Reading

Below are the currently available books related to Airstreams and Airstreaming

(For out of print vintage books, click here)

"Trailer Travel: A Visual History of Mobile America" (2002) By Bryan Burkhart, Phil Noyes & Allison Arieff

Trailer Travel: A Visual History of Mobile America The newest book by the team of Bryan Burkhart (Editor of the VAC's Vintage Advantage magazine), Phil Noyes and Allison Arieff, is a beautiful pictorial book with the imagery and feel of early travel book, with period color and black-and-white images culled from public archives and the private collections of passionate trailerites that documents the evolution of the travel trailer. This unique book offers a look at motor-camping trips in the early 1900's, the unparalleled innovations in trailer design during the thirties, rare and unique trailer models and interiors, and an extensive array of bold and graphic promotional material, literature, and postcards that illustrate the travel trailer. Trailer Travel is the perfect book for the fan of the open road and vintage trailers. This book is a must have for all enthusiastic Vintage Trailer dreamers and collectors.

"Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht" (2000) By Bryan Burkhart and David Hunt.

Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht This new paperback book by the team of Bryan Burkhart (Editor of the VAC's Vintage Advantage) and David Hunt is a quality, coffee table book measuring 9.5" tall by 10.75" wide containing 150 pages. This work is profusely illustrated with quality photographs. Experience the history of Airstreams in photographs and narrative. This is a book is a "must" read for all enthusiastic Vintage Airstreamers!

"California Camping" (March 2003) By Tom Stienstra

California Camping This the camping bible for those who live in or visit California. 1500 campsites and campgrouds covered, including those small out of the ways spots perfect for vintage camping.

"See More, Live More, Do More", a metal-bound Airstream Journal (August 2002) By Bryan Burkhart

See More, Live More, Do More Inspired by the shiny Airstream trailers and the "See More, Do More, Live More" philosophy of founder Wally Byam, this high-quality metal journal suits Airstream enthusiasts and avid travelers of any sort. Lined pages feature vintage Airstream spot art, interspersed with photos of Airstreams taken from around the world.

"Airstream Postcard Set" (2000) Chronicle Books.

Airstream Postcard Set The companion set of 40 Airstream postcards to the above book. Forty amazing images of Airstream trailers vividly demonstrate Airstream's lasting appeal as an enduring icon of sleek, aerodynamic living. Ideal for collectors of Americana and fans of the vintage Airstream travel trailer.

The Sporting Road : Travels Across America in an Airstream Trailer, With Fly Rod, Shotgun, and a Yellow Lab Named Sweetzer (1999) By Jim Fergus & Rick Bass.

The Sporting Road Recounting a trans America trek by Colorado writer, Jim Fergus, the book relates his tales of hunting, fishing and exploring the American outdoors from his traveling Airstream home on the road.

Managing 12 Volts: How to Upgrade, Build and Troubleshoot 12 volt Electrical Sytems (2000) By Harold Barre.

A must for those converting older Airstreams to a 12 volt system, and to maintain and modify newer systems.

RV Repair and Maintenance Manual (2002) By Bob Livingston.

The bible of general RV repairs and appliance/system maintenance. It may not be Airstream specific, but most of the methods and ideas apply to caring for and restoring your Airstream.

Your Home on Wheels, A Beginners Guide to Full or Part-time RV-ing (2000) By Carol Ray.

A must for those contemplating going full-time or living in your Airstream. Well written book covering all the aspects, considerations and decision making process.

Out of Print Books

Some of these titles are available from Pacific Rim Used Books . Other sources are going to include used book stores and auctions such as ebay.

Reviews courtesy of Paul Farley and Pat Ewing

Fifth Avenue on Wheels by Wally Byam-1949.

This book sold for $1.00 in 1949 tells how to travel by trailer comfortably, luxuriously-economically. In Wally's own words it is knowledge gained from twenty years of trailer travel. This book tells how to do everything from picking a tow car to beds and bedding. It has the best collection of oval window, pipe frame Airstream trailer pictures in one volume.

National Geographic June 1957 Issue by Norma Miller and Ardean R. Miller III.

This article titled Through Europe by Trailer Caravan has a map and 29 illustrations documenting an Airstream Caravan through Europe led by Wally Byam. Extensive pictures of Airstream travels in Europe.

Home Was Never Like This ( A Trailer's Eye View of Europe) by Etta Payne-1957.

The story of the first Wally Byam Caravan in Europe in 1956. Includes many original and interesting pictures.

Cape Town To Cairo by Lillie Douglas-1959.

A thick book about 41 families who journeyed the length of the African continent in an Airstream Caravan. Excellent pictures.

Trailer Travel Here and Abroad by Wally Byam-1960.

This book is an insight into the world of trailer travel according to Airstream President Wally Byam. This is an informative how to, as well as a biography of the history of Airstream caravans.

Land Yachting to Central America by Etta Payne-1960.

Etta Payne describes in detail the thrilling adventures of the 1958 caravan through Mexico and Central America. This book tells of the caravan led by Wally Byam and is a wonderful account of the journey from Nogales to Costa Rica 1962 Capetown to Cairo by Lillie B. Douglas. This volume recounts the adventures of forty-one American families who traveled the length of the African continent by Airstream trailer in 1959. All the major points of interest along the route were visited during the seven month tour.

Retire to Adventure by Harrison M. Karr-1962.

This is the story of how two people in there sunset years found, through trailering, more fun, more excitement and more down right enjoyable living than theyÕd ever experienced before in there lives! Filled with great old Airstream photos.

National Geographic Dec. 1965 "I See America First" by Lynda Bird Johnson.

Diary of the President's daughter while on an Airstream Caravan touring the country. Some nice pictures.

Thank You Marco Polo by McGregor Smith Jr.-1966.

This is an adventure book, the dramatic saga of 105 people, 47 trailers and more than a year of almost constant travel. This is the story of travel to 31 countries and over 30,000 miles by Airstream trailer.

Tow Each His Own by Charles Kiefer-1968.

In this book the author recalls several years of his trailer adventures, often exciting, frequently zany and always interesting. Keifer displays great insight in describing the towns and peoples he has known in his travels. Nice Airstream photos.

Life Magazine Aug. 14, 1970

5 pages of pictures about Wagon Wheel rallies featuring the 1970 International Rally in Hershey PA.

Rainbow Road by George & Jean Lokie-1976.

This book is the story of their 27,000 mile, yearlong trailer trip with their teenage children in an Airstream trailer. In delightful fashion it answers every question about "how-to-do-it" for trailer owners (and dreamers) who want to enjoy the freedom, the places, and the people of the American road.

Airstream by Robert Landau & James Phillippi-1984

This is a wonderful coffee table styled book with beautiful pictures and a history of the evolution of the Airstream trailer as it is known today. It starts with Wally Byam in the early 1930s and carries us through to the 80's.

My Life on Wheels by Art Rouse-1984.

The now-it-can-be-told real life adventures of the former publisher of Trailer Life and Motorhome magazines. This book has a whole chapter titled "Airstream Art".

Smithsonian Dec. 1985

Large article titled "To Airstreamer's, a Nomad's Life is the Good Life".

Trailer Life July 1991

Article about old (vintage) trailers.

Smithsonian June 1998

Nine page "House Trailers" article, including an oval window Airstream.

Mexican Caravan by John MacDonald-1999.

This book tells the story of an Airstream caravan through Mexico in 1972. A very informative how-to guide that reads as a travelogue. Nice pictures and excellent narrative are the highlights of this book.

Know of any more titles? Send the information including a summary to toby_folwick@yahoo.com

Non-Airstream Vintage Trailering

Titles of interest relating to early vintage travel trailers.

The Motor Camping Book by Elon Jessup-1921.

A very early book about traveling & camping with lots of illustrations and pictures. A real find if can locate one!

Trailer Ahoy! by Charles Edgar Nash-1937.

A comprehensive book on the automobile house trailer. Many traveling pictures of the country as well as of old trailers, including several of W.C. Fields in his own personal unit.

Touring with Tent and Trailer by Kimball & Decker-1937.

An in-depth book covering the early days of camping & trailering complete with lots of neat pictures.

Panamexico! by Carveth Wells-1937.

An interesting book loaded with pictures & history of the mid-30's traveling in Central America. Highly recommended for those interested in traveling to that area.

Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers by Griffith & Lillian Borgeson-1959.

An Arco how to book.) A very highly recommended book loaded with pictures of travel trailers & mobile homes of that era. Includes several Airstream photos.

Wheel Estate by Allan D. Wallis-1991.

"The rise & decline of mobile homes." An interesting book with many pictures including a 1947 Liberty two story telescoping house trailer and of Stout's folding house trailer built by the Palace Corp. A most interesting book.

Galloping Bungalows by David Thornburg-1991.

"The rise & demise of the American house trailer." Many interesting pictures and text about the history of trailers.