One of Airstream’s Only Fiberglass Travel Trailers
Did you know there is a fiberglass Airstream model? Although Airstream is known for their classic aluminum travel trailers, that doesn’t mean some experimentation with material isn’t a part of the company’s rich history! Founder Wally Byam contained a passion for innovation as a design pioneer of the RV industry.
Back in the 1950’s Byam began to work with fiberglass as he searched for an avenue to more affordable, lightweight options to his typical aluminum trailers. Thus, the “Wally Bee” was born, a fiberglass prototype that never quite gained enough attention to be offically introduced to the market. In the end, only two were known to be created, but perhaps inspired the use of fiberglass for other manufacturers down the road.
Today the Wally Bee is displayed at the Airstream Heritage Center in Jackson City, Ohio. Luke Bernander, Airstream Maintenance expert, carefully restored this incredibly rare travel trailer after it sat delapidated for decades. “My uncle had gone to look at it,” Luke joked. “He said that if I paid five dollars for it, I paid too much.” Truly a labor of love, the Wally Bee now sits with over a dozen vintage models, making this a unique step into the company’s history for all who can stop by!
