This Retro Winged Trailer Is A Nostalgic Choice For RV Camping In 1950s Style

Travelers in search of travel trailers that blend modern conveniences with a stylish vintage aesthetic should definitely consider the reissued Shasta Airflyte travel trailers that were released in 2015. They're oozing with vintage charm inside and out, are lightweight enough to tow with SUVs, trucks, mini vans, and even classic cars, and can be purchased at an affordable price point.

If you're the type of traveler who enjoys taking epic road trips and spending time in nature, you're probably also someone who loves embarking on camping trips. Camping is a wonderful way to relax and unplug, but roughing it for more than a few days in a tent can be challenging. RVs and travel trailers are a popular alternative. They allow travelers the freedom to move around with all the comfort and coziness of a home on wheels, but many modern options are big, bulky, and kind of ugly. Stylish travelers often opt for vintage campers from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Renovating a vintage RV or travel trailer is a big undertaking, so if you're looking for vintage vibes without the DIY fuss, you'll love the reissued Shasta Airflyte.

Some modern RV and travel trailer manufacturers have realized that there's a thriving market for vintage campers, so they've created options with old-school charm that are actually brand new. The Shasta Airflyte reissues from 2015 are almost a perfect replica of the classic version from 1961. Affectionately nicknamed "canned hams," they come in three vibrant colorways and feature the iconic wings that vintage Shastas are known for.

The Shasta Trailer company was founded in 1941 and began by building mobile dwellings for members of the United States Armed Forces. In the 1950s, RV travel became increasingly popular as modern families sought out budget-friendly ways to travel. RVs and travel trailers became more spacious and luxurious, and were designed so that families and couples could enjoy their leisure time. It was during this time that Shasta began to thrive as a company.

The beloved "canned ham" shape was first released in 1954, and the classic Airflyte with its famous wings came out in 1961. From the late '50s through the '80s, Shasta was one of the most popular brands, and the vintage Shasta Airflytes are still coveted by RV enthusiasts, vintage lovers, and collectors.

In 2015, in honor of Shasta's 75th anniversary, the company's president, Mark Lucas, decided to recreate a classic. "Why aren't we in this game?" Lucas told Retro Renovation in reference to the booming market for vintage Shastas. "Why don't we just reissue the original?" The company decided to create 1,941 reissues of the Airflyte, as a nod to the year that the company was founded. The result of the project is a retro travel trailer that looks nearly identical to the original. According to Lucas, the goal was to make people "feel they're in the '61 – but with no concerns about usability, safety."

The Tiny House Channel on Youtube posted a video in which Shasta President Mark Lucas offered a complete tour of the 2015 Airflyte reissue. It looks spot-on like the original, but is decked out with every convenience that modern travelers could want in a travel trailer. The trailer comes in three vintage-inspired colorways: Matador Red, Buttercup Yellow, and Seafoam Green. The two-tone exterior features the same emblem from the 1961 model, along with the silver wings, and the stylish chrome stripe painted along the side. The shape, size, and look are all exactly like the 1961 version. The exterior is crafted entirely from metal, so it's built to last, just like its predecessor. There are two sizes to choose from: 16 feet and 19 feet.

Hidden behind the fridge vent, there are high-quality modern bluetooth speakers so you can enjoy listening to music outdoors around your campsite. Additional bluetooth speakers are hidden throughout the Shasta's interior. The 16-foot trailer weighs under 2,000 pounds, which, according to Lucas, means it can be towed by a small minivan, truck, or even a vintage Cadillac. Even the original gas lamps that hung above the dining areas in 1961 Shastas were recreated with LED technology instead of gas. The dinette area transforms into a full-size bed, and there is space enough to sleep an additional one to two people. A modern air conditioner is hidden behind retro paneling, the ceilings are slightly higher than the original, and there are modern appliances throughout. If you're looking for a snazzy RV with old-school vibes, but you don't want to deal with delicate vintage models, it's an ideal choice. 

When the 2015 Shasta Airflyte travel trailers were first released, they cost between $15,000 and $17,000. Now, it's possible to find them used for less. Compared to retro Airstream models that can cost over $100,000, the Shasta Airflyte is the budget-friendly option.