Slip cleanly through the wind but be noticed
Thomas Cook
You’ve probably always wanted to drive a Ferrari. But, what about living in one? Great Australian Outdoors magazine heard that the Ferrari of caravans, the Airstream International, had hit our fair shores and that they need to be seen to be believed. So we did just that.
Airstream Australia’s sleek 18ft caravan boldly stands out from the crowd. “The retro design is iconic, I love it,” said Matt Slee, of Jayco Adelaide. “It’s for the person who wants to be different.” With Jayco Australia’s Chris Hooper adding: “It’s the perfect product to complement the Jayco range – from basic to luxury to niche.”
Airstream founder, American Wally Byam famously said: “Let’s not make changes, let’s make only improvements” and looking over Airstream’s renowned ‘silver bullet’ caravans you’ll see where these improvements begin.
US-based Airstream has partnered with Jayco Australia and formed Airstream Australia to bring their revered caravans to the ever-growing Australian market. With Airstream’s 85-plus years of experience and Jayco’s 40-plus years, you know you’re in good hands – literally. “They’re handmade in Ohio to Australian standards, with appliances sent from Australia and fitted in America,” said Matt. It takes about 350 hours to make an Airstream caravan – they are built to last. “The workmanship makes you go wow, it’s all handcrafted and handmade – the door alone takes eight hours to make by hand,” said Chris. A staggering 70 per cent of Airstreams created since the 1930s are still on the road today.
Airstream trailers are handbuilt from aluminium, making them extremely light but tough. Similar to that used in aircrafts, the Airstream International employs semi-monocoque construction, using a riveted inner and outer layer of aluminium stretched over the frame. This design means that the skin itself is a working part of the integral structure. Their rounded, low-profile shape makes towing easier and more stable. The holding tanks are also uniquely built into the frame for a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution. The impressive silver finish is what really makes them stand out from the crowd.
It all starts with the frame then crafting of the aluminium shell, which are then riveted together before being attached to the chassis. The insulation is then added and ‘hurricane testing’ conducted for strength and leaks before the interior is fitted and finally quality tested.
The International’s style continues inside, with the interior’s sophisticated design boasting Corian worksurfaces, premium fabrics, rich colours and plush leather seating. The concealed storage adds an element of practicality and functionality to the premium design. “It’s stylish and functional,” said Matt. All features are standard and meet Australian requirements.
Jayco Australia holds about 50 per cent of the Australian recreational vehicle (RV) industry market share, so clearly understands the Australian scene. “In many ways, Jayco Australia is the Australian RV market,” said Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream. Backed by Jayco’s service network, which includes more than 100 service agents and roadside assistance, keen travellers have a premium network backing them up too.
Airstream trailers literally ooze with style. Keep an eye out for the distinctive ‘silver bullets’ and realise Wally’s dream with a lightweight caravan that slips cleanly through the wind.
Visit https://www.airstreamaustralia.com.au/ for more info on the International, which retails at $137,000 and is available from these Jayco dealerships:
South Australia
Jayco Adelaide
804-820 South Road, Edwardstown, SA 5039
(08) 8297 6664
[email protected]
Western Australia
Jayco Caravanland
1528 Albany Hwy, Beckenham WA 6107
(08) 9311 7333
in[email protected]
New South Wales
Jayco Newcastle
1 Camfield Drive, Heatherbrae, NSW 2324
(02) 4028 0111
[email protected]
Victoria
Page Bros RV
46-49 Wells Road, Seaford, VIC 3198
(03) 9786 1000
[email protected]
