1956 Airstream Caravanner 22′ Travel Trailer

This 1956 Airstream Caravanner is a 22′ polished aluminum travel trailer that underwent a refurbishment begun under previous ownership and was completed after the current owner’s acquisition in 2010. The single-axle trailer is equipped with electric brakes, a sway bar tow hitch, custom aluminum propane tanks, a right-side detachable awning, a heater, an Air Head composting toilet, a 20-gallon fresh water tank, a 12-volt pressure pump, an exterior hose/shower hookup, and a grey water tank. Also featured is a 135-watt solar panel with a 30-foot extension cable, a 1000-watt Samlex pure sine wave inverter, a 30-amp AC/DC charging center, and a transfer switch for automatic shore power switching. Additional equipment includes a custom curved mattress with adjustable firmness as well as a Norcold three-way refrigerator and a 21″ Samsung TV. This Airstream is now offered with a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The Caravanner model was manufactured by Airstream from 1956 to 1960. The aluminum-clad exterior on this example is said to have been re-polished in August 2022 and features a quartet of left-side windows, a single entry door with a separate screen panel, dual polished propane tanks mounted up front, an exterior hose/shower hookup, and a removable right-side fabric awning that can be seen in the gallery below. The single axle uses 15″ wheels wearing chrome hubcaps and 225/75 Goodyear radial tires with stick-on whitewall covers. Stopping power is provided by electric brakes. The trailer has a gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds.

The cabin retains factory-style Zolatone textured panels on the curved walls and ceiling panels. The subflooring was reportedly replaced with 3/4″ marine-grade plywood during the refurbishment and is covered with green linoleum. The inset couch was rebuilt with new foam and Tommy Bahama-sourced upholstery under the seller’s ownership and converts into a full-size bed. It is flanked by 12-volt power outlets and features a trio of built-in drawers. A 21″ Samsung TV on a swing-out bracket is also fitted. 

The kitchenette features a Princess oven and stovetop as well as a sink, a Norcold three-way refrigerator, wood cabinetry, and overhead storage cabinets with sliding doors.

The bedroom area is separated from the kitchenette by a partitioning curtain and features a built-in dresser. The full-size wood bed frame features inset drawers and is topped with a custom curved Bear mattress with air-controlled adjustable firmness. An Air Head composting toilet is fitted behind a wall panel and curtain. The trailer is not equipped with air conditioning, an interior shower, or a black water holding tank. The bathroom sink is not connected due to a break in the copper piping.

The electrical system was overhauled under the seller’s ownership and features a 135-watt solar panel with a 30-foot extension cable to permit charging while the camper is parked in the shade. Additional equipment includes a 1000-watt Samlex pure sine wave inverter, a 30-amp AC/DC charging center, and a transfer switch for automatic shore power switching. The cabin is fitted with 120-volt outlets, and there is a 12-volt outlet by the rear bed.