SILVER BULLET: Christopher Deam isn’t quite done revamping the Airstream. Having already finessed five updated versions of the silver trailer, he now is introducing a few more upscale designs for Airstream under his CCD Signature label. The San Francisco designer said the newer models still had aluminum exteriors but their interiors had such sophisticated touches as Maharam fabrics and laminated surfaces. CCD Signature trailers ship to dealers this week. Compared with its “iconic exterior,” the original trailer’s interior was shabby and didn’t deliver the modernity of the product, Deam said.
Well aware of how Americans latched on to trailers after World War II as a way to exercise their new-found optimism, mobility and individuality, Deam said the vehicles were seeing a resurgence. “Now, in the 21st century, you can work anywhere and live anywhere,” he said. “People can be out on the road and still be connected. Airstream has always been about connectedness. I find it to be a real tight community.”
His prototype for an ultralight Airstream — 500 to 1,000 pounds lighter than existing models — will be good to go for this summer’s Burning Man festival, where he will personally put it through its paces. Good to hear, since the trailer he custom-built for himself was stolen last year.