[slowmover]

The interior finish-out is the killer. Where mistakes can’t be fixed. This was a FULL-TIME staff design position.

There are still plenty of:

AIRSTREAM
AVION
BOLES AERO
SILVER STREAK
SPARTAN
STREAMLINE

brands of travel trailers out there. Too many have been gutted due to owner stupidity (no other word for it). The classic era of 1960-1990 features space utilization that won’t be matched.

Go to VIEWRVS.com

The aero problems are solved. For a likely lower cost for a decent shell-on-frame than the materials alone working from scratch.

Be willing to travel. Airstream was the entry level bargain brand. But sells used for too high a price compared to other brands. And wasn’t as well made. This route would put you years ahead.

Building it may be the motivation. So let me say that even restorations take years. How old are you (not quite tongue-in-cheek)

You don’t need a pickup or van to tow unless that’s best for solo use in your case. But an empty bed makes a lie of “need”. Family car with small open trailer can carry more than a one ton pickup. Pickups and RWD vans are inherently unstable.

Road-going stability won’t be there in the first DIY attempt without pro engineering help. This alone would cause me to find a mechanics special.

.

.