The Evolution of the Camper Van ..
.. and Airstream's part in the journey.
The camper van has come a long way since its inception. What started out as a utilitarian mode of transportation for nomads and travelers has evolved into a luxurious and high-tech way to travel and experience the great outdoors.
The first camper vans were created in the early 1900s and were primarily used by traveling salesmen and their families. These early models were basic and utilitarian, with few amenities beyond a bed and storage space. The Morris Oxford Van conversion pictured here made its debut in the early 1920's.
By the 1950s and 60s, camper vans became more popular with the rise of the leisure travel industry. Manufacturers started to offer a wider range of models, including vans with pop-up roofs that allowed for more headroom and space inside. These models were still relatively basic, but they offered a bit more comfort and convenience than earlier versions.
In the 1970s and 80s, camper vans underwent a major transformation. The large auto manufacturers—including Ford and Dodge—began to offer van models with more amenities such as refrigerators, stoves, and even showers. Some models even came equipped with generators, allowing travelers to enjoy all the comforts of home on the road.
Airstream introduced a "B" Class Van product with the launch of the B190 Van in 1988. The B190 was based on the Ford 350 Econoline Chassis and was 19 ft in length. Production of the B190 was discontinued in 1999, by which time nearly 14,000 vans had been produced.
These B190's are great looking vans and have a cult-like following today, with some owners updating them with modern technology and amenities while keeping the "vintage van" exterior.
Dealers are just now (January 2023) seeing the RANGELINE start to arrive, but predictions are these vans will be a HUGE hit with Airstream lovers, and will bring a new wave of Van-Lifers into the Airstream Brand.
I have had the pleasure of touring in the Airstream Interstate and can attest to the amazing driving experience it offers. The comfort, views, and surprising economy are astounding—and it is easy to see why this is the fastest growing part of the Airstream market.
The New Kid on the Block in the Airstream Van lineup is the 2023 Airstream RANGELINE. Introduced in 2022 as the first Airstream 2023 model, the Rangeline is based on the Dodge RAM Promaster 3500 Chassis and is 21 ft in length, sliding in between the Interstate 19 and 24-foot models.
A "van size" product was absent from the Airstream lineup from 2000 until 2004—which saw the debut of the Airstream Interstate brand. The first Interstate was based on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van Chassis and was a longer, more comfortable 22 ft in length. These vans are quite rare, so keep your eyes peeled and snap one up if you find it in the wild.
Alongside the Interstate in 2004 came the rarest of the Airstream van lineup—the Dodge Sprinter Westfalia by Airstream. Now, I'm honestly not even sure what this thing was, but with FOUR brand names, it certainly stood out.
Airstream introduced a "B" Class Van product with the launch of the B190 Van in 1988. The B190 was based on the Ford 350 Econoline Chassis and was 19 ft in length. Production of the B190 was discontinued in 1999, by which time nearly 14,000 vans had been produced.
These B190's are great looking vans and have a cult-like following today, with some owners updating them with modern technology and amenities while keeping the "vintage van" exterior.
Dealers are just now (January 2023) seeing the RANGELINE start to arrive, but predictions are these vans will be a HUGE hit with Airstream lovers, and will bring a new wave of Van-Lifers into the Airstream Brand.
I have had the pleasure of touring in the Airstream Interstate and can attest to the amazing driving experience it offers. The comfort, views, and surprising economy are astounding—and it is easy to see why this is the fastest growing part of the Airstream market.
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Happy Airstreamin' and Happy Van Life
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