My Globe Trotter
My rig is a 21-foot, 1972 Airstream Globe Trotter, which I acquired from a young man in Truckee, CA. I jumped at the opportunity for this trailer because it appeared to be very sound structurally and the interior was in excellent condition.
The layout really appealed to me. . .it is deceptively roomy and with the lavatory in the rear, it enables a wide open living space. The two sofas provide plenty of seating, and the fold-down table is great for working and dining. The sofas convert into beds, of course, and they are very comfortable to sit on or sleep in. There is an incredible amount of storage, with every available space utilized. Under sofa drawers pull out for convenient access and two closets hold a ton of stuff. The stovetop and oven both work, as does the refrigerator. I’m not sure about the water heater or furnace at the time of this writing.
The interior design is painfully 70s, a haze of neutral colors and faux wood surfaces. Still, I kind of dig the retro feel. The cool thing is it is mostly original, with minimal noticeable wear. I really enjoy being in the space., whether we’re out on the road or sitting parked at my home.
The countertops appear to be Corian replacements and the floor was apparently resurfaced with Pergo material. About the only work that needs to be done on the interior is to replace window treatments.
I installed new tires immediately when I purchased my Airstream and the axle is in good shape. The big task on the horizon is to polish the aluminum exterior. At a cost of $100 per foot, the total should be at least $1,800 unless I attempt to undertake this huge job myself (unlikely!). I believe I am the fourth owner; the original buyer lived in New Mexico, where I was told it was kept indoors for many years. The second owner lived in Citrus Heights, CA, and the young man I purchased it from owned it for barely six months. In fact, he never transferred the title.
Here is a selection of photos I took in Truckee the first time I saw my Airstream:







This blog will follow my monthly trips into wine country across California, Oregon, Washington and, some day, around the country. As the owner of Carpe Vino, a wine shop, wine bar and fine dining restaurant in Auburn, CA, I have direct access to the leading wineries and winemakers in the business. I’ll be traveling the back roads of wine country to find the true gems, small production wines made by truly passionate people. In my nightly blogs on the road, I’ll tell their stories and describe what I’ve seen, learned and tasted.
