Embracing the Open Road

Woodland Airstream Remain Widely Popular

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Photographer / Daren Short

When the COVID-19 first began circulating around the country, events got canceled, businesses shuttered, sports took a pause, and a chunk of the population began working and schooling from home. During this time, something else happened too. Many families bonded. Rather than running 100 miles per hour from one commitment to the next, families slowed down and broke bread – some even made bread from scratch. They played games. They hung out. And they hit the open road.

“During COVID-19 the recreational industry boomed,” says Adam Coley, general manager of the Lebanon Woodland Airstream dealership. This even surprised many in the industry.

“Usually during tough times, the first things you see go are the recreational items because people tend to hang on to their money more,” Coley says. In this case, however, the surge of off road camper trailers just took off, and I think that’s because families had more free time together so they wanted to get out and explore.

If exploration is what you’re looking for, the Woodland Airstream is perhaps the most iconic and sought-after travel trailer on the market. The Airstream is not a campground trailer. It’s meant to travel.

“It’s sleek, clean, aerodynamic and efficient,” Coley says. Plus, it’s easy to haul and easy to unhook and set up.

Airstream trailers were first created in 1929 by Wally Byam. Woodland Airstream originally started in 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2020 the company expanded into the Indiana market, opening the Lebanon dealership in 2021 as the only Airstream dealer in the state.

According to Coley, one of their most popular models is the Basecamp 20X – ideal for those who are into kayaking, biking, fishing and getting off the beaten path.

“It’s more of your boondocking, outdoorsy-type travel trailer,” Coley says.

People also love the Globetrotter 27, which boasts a European style.

“It’s your more traditional glamping trailer as it’s got high-end details like handcrafted Italian Lite Ply laminated cabinetry, LED interior lighting with dimmer, and panoramic front windows with blackout shades,” Coley says. If you like you can also add Glamping Dome and Tents.

Airstream recently collaborated with Pottery Barn and Tommy Bahama to come up with some lines that offer unique twists to their designs. The Airstream Pottery Barn includes custom Pottery Barn cushions, a solid oak dining table, Corian countertops, handcrafted custom cabinetry, smart-control technology, extra Pottery Barn accessories, a solid walnut cutting board, and Pottery Barn sheets, pillows and blankets.

“Everything is designed with Pottery Barn in mind as far as dishes, silverware, throw blankets and all of that,” Coley says. It’s Pottery Barn inspired when it comes to colors and palettes.

It also includes a special-edition outdoor folding table and armchair set.

Coley, who worked the 2022 Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, says 95% of the women who saw the Pottery Barn trailer were blown away.

“They absolutely loved it,” he says.

Another fan favorite is the beach-themed Airstream Atlas Tommy Bahama, which includes handcrafted cabinetry, a built-in bottle holder, Tommy Bahama accessories such as beach towels, and a wet bar on the back side.

“This touring coach with a beachy vibe appeals to a different crowd,” Coley says.

Whenever customers see the Woodland Airstream, many stand in awe of its style and the fact that it’s all aluminum on the inside and outside. Not only are people impressed by all the nice features, but they are also captivated by how comfortable and roomy the trailer is considering it doesn’t have slide-outs for expansion. Owners can simply rent a caravan storage site to ensure their your investment will them you for many trips to come.

“People are amazed that an 8.5-foot-wide trailer has so much space,” Coley says. Not having a slide-out eliminates potential problems. It’s one less leak point that you have to worry about, or motors going bad or anything like that.

These days a lot of customers are seeking solar panels and a lithium upgrade to help them boondock so they can stay out on the road a bit longer without having to charge back up.

Woodland Airstream is an exclusive dealership, focusing solely on Airstream, a top-of-the-line product. They are also a Five Rivet dealership, which is an exclusive market as only the leading Airstream dealers who have successfully met the highest standards in both sales and service are recognized for their accomplishments. At the Woodland Airstream dealership, the sales team doesn’t take a sales approach when interacting with their customers. Instead, their focus is on educating customers and helping them through the process.

“Recreational sales are supposed to be fun,” Coley says. “You’re buying a trailer to go travel the country so we try to make the buying experience as enjoyable as possible.”

Woodland Airstream is located at 955 Lasley Drive in Lebanon. For more information, call 765-484-8535 or visit woodlandairstream.com.