The Trailer That Inspired the Airstream Is Back, Better Than Ever

The new Bowlus Road Chief is ready to go off-the-grid

August 15, 2016 9:00 am

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first ever non-stop flight across the Atlantic in a little-airplane-that-could named the Spirit of St. Louis.

A man named William Hawley Bowlus designed that aircraft. In 1934, he also designed an aerodynamic aluminum trailer that would later inspire the Airstream. He called it, naturally, the Bowlus. Only a few were made until the company shuttered during the depression.

A few years ago, the rights and plans to the trailer were bought by some business folks, and they’ve been outfitting its original design with modern touches like comfy beds, solar heated water and Italian galleys.

They’re calling it the Bowlus Road Chief, and it is nothing short of glorious.

You can see why in the just-relased Road Chief Limited Edition Lithium, the Bowlus company’s spiffy new mirror-bodied trailer that uses a lithium battery to store up to one week’s worth of power. Also included: an 8,000 BTU air conditioner (the apocalypse will be hot).

They also have skylights for evening stargazing and an awning for al fresco dining in the shade.

The trailer weighs only 2,000 pounds, making it towable by any whip. However, it’ll set you back $219,000. But damn will it make you look good while doing so.

For more info, head on over to the Bowlus Road Chief website

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