Identify Vintage Airstream

[JMatson1111]

Hello, I'm trying to identify this model. Think it might be a Clipper? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[azflycaster]

I do not believe it is an Airstream, possibly a Curtis Wright, not sure. I remember a lecture I attended by the previous historian for the VAC and he stated that Airstream windows do not cut across the rivet lines of the segment, but run parallel to the seams.

[Yankee Hobo]

It's the back end of a 1930s Bowlus Road Chief. Maybe a 1935?

The original models from 1934-1936 had some with rear windows that crossed the rivet lines. That one looks like it had the oval rear windows covered with aluminum sheet at some point. You can see a 1935 here with the rounded windows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gizTIbAnK4

Check out the third pic down on this page for a similar one and a bit more background. They started making them again in 2015. I have a 2020 model and it's amazing. https://bowlus.com/the-story-of-bowl...ravel-trailer/

[66Overlander]

It is hard to make any conclusions from that single photo, built it appears to be reasonably consistent with a 1934 to 1936 Bowlus (realistically 1935 or 1936 since Bowlus did not produce his first trailer until November 1934), or possibly a 1936-39 Airstream Clipper. Off hand I lean more toward the Bowlus because of the rear windows (which have been modified). Side or front photos will allow it to be identified more posirively.

It definitely is not a 1947-49 Curtis Wright Clipper.

I should also mention that at least a couple non-Bowlus, non-Aistream riveted aluminum "copy cat" trailers from the 1930s are known to exist, so that also remains a possibility.