Gear Junkie: Airstream goes fiberglass with latest model

Coming in 2018, Airstream touts its latest model as aerodynamic, lightweight, and strong. But this isn’t your dad’s aluminum tow-behind.

The company shifts to fiberglass for the Nest, a camper designed for a new demographic of road-trippers. Its price and most details are still under wraps.

But a couple of things are clear: Airstream will mold the shell of the Nest in multiple pieces. Top, bottom, and rear fiberglass shells fit together to make a 16-foot towable home.

Airstream acquired a small Oregon company, Nest Caravans, to make its move into fiberglass. Expect big panoramic windows and a decent-size living space with the new models.

Rounded edges and lighter weight improve aerodynamics to make it towable by smaller vehicles.

The brand sees mid-size SUVs and likely station wagons like the Subaru Outback as a candidate to connect and haul the Nest.

With a queen bed, it’s made to house a traveling couple, not a whole family. Details will likely include LED lighting and stainless steel appliances inside.

Airstream will continue to make its “silver bullet” stalwarts. But watch for fiberglass and the sleek Nest campers on the road next spring.