There’s no question that Airstream’s towable RVs are among the most well-known and recognizable in the industry. So much so that even the general public knows exactly what they look like when the brand’s name is mentioned. But if you’ve ever wondered exactly how those distinctive silver aluminum campers are made, we have just the video for you. The clip above takes us to Jackson Center, Ohio, where we go inside the Airstream travel trailer factory to see how these modern marvels of engineering come together.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The factory in question opened in 2020 and encompasses more than 725,000 square-feet of real estate. There, the company assembles its iconic riveted travel trailers by hand, installing all of the key components, including electrical systems, plumbing, insulation, appliances, and more. Each day, more than a thousand dedicated and skilled workers gather under that one roof with the sole goal of creating some of the best RVs the industry has to offer.
Your video tour of the Airstream travel trailer factory takes you through every phase of the assembly process, starting with building the riveted aluminum shell all the way through kitting out the interior space. Of particular interest is how the trailer’s end caps come together, a procedure that requires stretching aluminum panels over curved dies using machines that apply 250 tons of pressure per square inch. It is all incredibly fascinating to watch, particularly for those who haven’t seen how these rigs are built before.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The entire video runs nearly 16 minutes in length, but it feels much shorter as you watch. The clip provides excellent insights into the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into building these RVs, with some perspective on why Airstream travel trailers are usually more durable than those offered from the competition. Even if you’re not in the market for one of these rigs, chances are you’ll still find the video enjoyable. After all, how often do you get to go behind the scenes of an American icon to see exactly how they work?
And should you happen to find yourself in Ohio and want to go on an Airstream travel trailer factory tour of your own, the company can definitely accommodate. Visit the Airstream website for more details.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
