Airstream Unveils Sterling Concept Trailer

[radams]

Remember when you were young and went to Grandma and Grandpas' house? Even the few new things they had looked old. The place even smelled old.

Most current RV design is kinda like that. If the designers need inspiration they should look to the yacht business or the Europeans. Both are masters of elegant design and efficiency.

[wildtoad]

Looks like something the Jetson's would adore. I am surprised there is a stove and oven instead of a microwave in a concept unit. Yet another designer sink instead of a usefull one.

[Laker17]

I enjoy seeing the Airstreams on the road and I love the really old ones. The Sterling concept is sleek but I just can't get past the lack of interior space. I mean if I'm going to spend big bucks on an RV and hit the road for more than a long weekend, I want something with some elbow room. Obviously I'm not an Airstream purist so I would love to see Thor come up with a unit with slides.

[edj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laker17 I enjoy seeing the Airstreams on the road and I love the really old ones. The Sterling concept is sleek but I just can't get past the lack of interior space. I mean if I'm going to spend big bucks on an RV and hit the road for more than a long weekend, I want something with some elbow room. Obviously I'm not an Airstream purist so I would love to see Thor come up with a unit with slides.

The Airstreams did attempt to sell trailers with slides. It turned out to be a bust. They only came out a foot or so and they were well over $100K. I don't know why they could not come up with a slide unit that came out further. Maybe there was no space with the 'rounded' roof.

[TXiceman]

Back in the 1980's, Silver Streak had a line called the Sterling which was a much better looking trailer than this cold metal concept.

Ken

[RedneckExpress]

Man, I've seen some stuff made in the 70s that looked better than that thing color-wise...

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuugly doesn't even begin to speak volumes on that critter!

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedneckExpress Man, I've seen some stuff made in the 70s that looked better than that thing color-wise...

In my opinion it does look rather monochromatic however that said this type of antiseptic appearing interior needs to be offset by some type of color so it would appear that the floor is the only option.

I bet that the picture doesn't really do it justice and that if it were seen in person it would look totally different.

Two years ago Airstream released a limited edition Swiss Army Edition. Now that interior was interesting since it had a lot of red accents and Swiss Army logos and accessories inside the unit.

These interiors are absolutely adored by the members of our sister website over on airforums.com.

[Rednax]

Was following TXIcemans threads around tonight to see what I might have missed of shared interest (thanks for A/C tip on seam sealing, KW).

Interiors like these are best experienced in person. There is no real comparison in quality between this and a conventional trailer. Pontiac was flashy, Packard was staid . . but the difference in quality was palpable just to sit in one. Fit, finish standards are very high in this concept trailer. Streamline used all-metal cabinetry, something I'd very much liked for Silver Streak to have done (and A/S has no excuse). Lowered weight, lowered COG and added structural rigidity. Increased storage for a given shape/size.

What I don't like with this trailer concept is that storage seems to be at a minimum. While a personal preference -- and granted that an airy sitting area is nice -- maximum storage is important, IMO. Better a smaller TV, in other words, rather than an eye-dazzle "open" trailer.

The lounge car is great, now where's the sleeper?

Anodized was always a superior choice. Hope to see this or it's ideas in production. Wood cabinetry is flat dumb in any trailer (sorry Avion, et al) as it weighs too much and can be prone to moisture damage. But in a high end aluminum-framed and aluminum skinned trailer, tastefully done "metal furniture" is the way to go.

I'm a fan of metal as you can see . . . but I'd hit the interior with Zolatone as was done on the earliest aluminum trailers (also used in hospitals and prisons, that stuff is tough).

Keeping interior metal shiny is just too much work.

.

[RanCarr]

I think it's ugly. Too clinical looking. To cold looking. It's not for me.

[bluepill]

I think the use of some color accents other than aluminum/stainless would be a great improvement.
A little too Lunar Module for me as it is.

That said, I prefer it to the "House of ill repute" look on the million dollar plus DP interiors.
What's built in Vagas should stay in Vagas.

JMO, of course.

[TXiceman]

I happen to like the look and feel of real wood in our old Avion. I would not want the starkness of a surgical suite.

Ken

[FrankandMike]

I guess it must be an Airstream thing ... I actually like the look very much. But as an Airstream owner ... guess it explains why I like it and probably also further explains why we own an Airstream. Our 2007 International CCD Ocean Breeze also has the aluminum interior and a contemporary decor ... a clean and uncluttered look. I'm sure it would be described by many as too much aluminum and too much white interior. But I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankandMike I guess it must be an Airstream thing ... I actually like the look very much..

One might also assume that aviation enthusiasts would also love the interior of the Airstream and also its riveted exterior assembly features.

Ever since the Mercury 7 astronauts began their journeys to their launch vehicles up until the final STS launch at the Kennedy Space Center, US astronauts traveled in an Airstream manufactured vehicle to their indelible moment in history!



This is not a feat that is going to be easily repeated by any vehicle manufacturer in the near of upcoming future that I can imagine.

I'm just sayin' .....

[Rednax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman I happen to like the look and feel of real wood in our old Avion. I would not want the starkness of a surgical suite. Ken

The look and the feel of wood is great, I think we all agree . . it's the weight and potential moisture retention problem that makes it less suitable. Kinda like a vinyl roof on a car. I know I'm used to it, but to stand back and look again, metal makes real sense.

Here's the original design concept for that mobile cylinder above: