This is the new $159,000 Heritage Edition trailer from the folks at Bowlus. It looks a lot like the Airstreams of yesteryear. This is the company’s most affordable trailer, far less than the previous low-price leader, the Terra Firma at $285,000.
But here’s what got me thinking. Does the interior seem kinda cold to you? I mean, my own RV’s interior walls are wooden. On a cold winter day or night, with the heater going, it feels warm and cozy — like an old log cabin.
But to me, this trailer looks “metallic” — very sleek and modern for sure. But sterile-looking, if that’s the right word. Oh, I know this “look” is popular and even trendy, but I personally can’t see myself in something like this. I do not know if, in fact, if it would be any warmer or colder on a winter night. Maybe you do.
What do you think? I’ve included a poll.
We welcome your “Just thinking” observations—your thoughts about something that strikes you as odd, unusual, unique or otherwise that’s related to RVing. Send to editor@rvtravel.com.
Photos courtesy Bowlus
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With that look, and especially that price, there better be an engine and propeller in front!
I can never understand the concept of paying over 100 grand for something and it’s so void of life like this thing. Camping in a pop can.
Looks like the submarines I have toured…only they seemed more cozy!
This unit is like alot of items by today’s standard. Example is our automobiles, today they all have basically the design same lines and they all resemble each other. They don’t have character like what we are used to of the 50s, 60s, even early 70s. But it’s change and we don’t like change. What is also incredible is the cost.
What we love about our cozy little Casita is the carpeted walls. Nothing sterile or cold about those! But it costs thousands less and has less space. To each her own.
Not impressed with the new and improved versions of these so called glitzy RV’s that are hitting the market. Looks more like a high dollar NY apartment! I’ll pass!
Looks ‘sterile’ to me! I love camping to breakaway from the house – and our house inside looks nothing like that interior. Yet, to each his own; I know people who would love that.
That’s probably what the younger generations want. If you remember “we” rebelled against our parents. It took me 40 years before I would buy a 4 Dr car, when I was a child 4 Dr cars was all my Dad bought. These strange looking vehicles we see may just be the rebellion against our generation. 20 years from now it’ll be space ships. My brother is 9 years younger than me, that’s a half of a generation, his tastes in vehicles is slightly different than mine. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, he grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, I’m more the ‘57 Chevy he’s more Dodge Charger so I think it’s a generational thing.
Looks like it should be a hospital surgery facility..
I have an airstream and love it. But the newer one I own now is no where near as well made as the 75 we sold. Yes this is cold but I can see that it is well made. I love the riveted walls that won’t buckle or bend. It looks easy to keep clean. I like the floor plan. Warming it up is easy with the decor everyone seems to love. But, alas, I am not well off and cannot afford this trailer. As a retiree, this will remain a dream.
Hi Betty, I have some questions for you. Is your Airstream hot/cold? Have you experienced a hail storm? I know most of the rest of the info but I’m just curious. I love the compact feel of the AS, but my wife hates it. I like no slides to maintain, but again limited storage so it’s give n take!
I have always admired Airstreams. They are eye catching and have a reputation of being built for endurance. But, every time I have stepped inside one, I feel myself in a panic to get out. I enjoy caving, so I’m not sure what causes the panic. The Bowlus appears brighter than most Airstreams I have been in, but the picture still bothers me. It looks easy to care for ( interior), but I couldn’t buy one.
Ugliest thing I have ever seen. I’d never give it a second glance.
Since I can’t see the entire Travel trailer’s interior and exterior. I can’t make a honest decision. I do agree with what Judd said.
Wait until you get caught in a changing weather front and all the condensation starts dripping down those walls.
But not a couple hundred thousand cool! It’s not my money so have at it if you want.
I wouldn’t buy it. Of course, I wouldn’t buy an Airstream type design either – too much wasted space inside.
I think “industrial” is a better description.I would not buy it, of course I have never spent that much on any RV.
I think it is sterile-looking and looks easy to clean, but also uninviting. But, I do wonder if my wife (~half a generation younger) would like it. She’ll not see it for fear that she’ll try to make our current look more like this one. I suppose this appearance is meant to cater to the young, hip, and trendy RVers; that ain’t me. 😉
Not only does it look cold, since metal easily and readily transfers cold (and heat) I would have to think it would be more difficult to heat or cool.
Looks kinda like the stainless slab table they lay bodies on at the coroner’s office! Now that’s cold! 🙂
It looks like a Bond villain’s lair.
When we selected our travel trailer, we wanted something that felt “cozy”, a home away from home, not something that reminds me of an operating room.
We bought our motorhome because it mimics the home we live. I think most of us have a desire to do the same. It’s what makes us comfortable. If you live in an ultra-modern home, this might be just the ticket. But I live in a log cabin.
My folks had Airstream’s in the 60’s thru the 80’s, they had nice interiors. Many of theses new units look like the inside of a stock trailer.
I love Bowlus’s designs and engineering on their other trailers, although 250,000+ is not tempting at all. This one is likely an attempt to make the price more affordable by cutting some features. It is cold though.
What I don’t like is the lack of windows.
Looks like a mobile jail cell. Are the windows big enough to escape through if needed?
I think it doesn’t look inviting at all. Looks more like a realtor staged a home for good sales. It makes me uncomfortable, like how do I live here without messing things up?
We truly enjoy our motor home with cherry wood cabinets, controlled liting and durable complementing fabric designs and colors. Just comfortable to be in and welcoming too! (Yes, we’re in our 80’s and this is our comfort zone – same as our home.)
All the warmth and charm of an airport restroom!
The trailer looks out of place to me among the rugged landscape. If the exterior had been painted (with aircraft type paint) in a more neutral color, it would blend better with the landscape and would look better — not so sterile. It does appear to have a nice floor plan, though, from the little that I can see in the photo.
My fifth wheel is white inside. Walls ceiling cabinets. Floor is light gray. We love it. Walking into it first time is what sold it. Not a speck of fake wood anywhere
The aliens have landed!!!!!
I assume it is still there at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry – Looking the length of this trailer reminds me of going thru the WWII captured German submarine.
The all aluminum trailers are the coldest in the winter and the hottest in the summer, btw, and hard to heat and cool and keep comfortable.
Anyone remember what an ice tray was made out of years ago, aluminum!
Also most of the airstreams have a drip hole or holes in the wall that allow the humidity to run down inside the walls and drip out the bottom, I am assuming that the Bowlus has similar holes for humidity drains.
The inside is not too fancy now is it?
I prefer some color, thanks.
Looks like 0 insulation. How could you heat or cool the insides? The walls would be hot or cold to the touch. Plus, it’s very sterile looking.
Ugh – and it’s been proven that so called “industrial design” which is so much in vogue now can cause depression.
Saw one, and I think the interior is amazing – same as an Airstream with the satin aluminum interiors but way better quality. When you’re seeing reflection images it’s not cold it is really chic. Also there is a ton of insulation in these so the comments about the interior is hot or cold to touch is completely unfounded. Maybe it appeals to those who love design?
That trailer interior looks a lot like the inside of an airliner to me
More like a cargo DC-3.
Right!!
I like that they left walls bare so that you can personalize (and warm) it with your own artwork if that’s what appeals to you. We have had artwork attached to a much more textured walls for 5 years with removable velcro picture hangers. Holds well and allows us to take our artwork into our next coach without impacting the value of our current coach.
I’m sure someone will like it, but definitely not my cup of tea. That said, working with a blank slate allows for personalization. I’d be bringing in the paint.
Almost operating room sterile! We just attended a big RV show in St Louis a couple weeks ago and commented on how most of the RV;s were the same way. Stacy Stewart, the hot shot interior designer the industry is using, in our opinion, needs to change her tack. A nice alternative to the “all brown wood”, which we’re okay with but it’s long in the tooth, would be nice but there’s got to be something between the two. We think her furniture selection leaves something to be desired, but, that’s us, that’s why there’s options to choose from.
Wondering what the RV’ing community thinks?
You da MAN, Chuck. Dats why me loves reading ur stuff! Keep up the Great work, , and don’t let the bums get yah down!