It may seem that a stock RV would make for a perfect Tiny House on Wheels, or THOW. But the demands of everyday life are often too rigorous for “off the shelf” RVs, and many tiny dwellers have chosen to modify, or completely convert RV platforms to suit their down-sized lifestyles.
Among the various platforms available, one stands out as an excellent choice, the Airstream trailer.
This Argosy features a painted finish, rather than polished aluminum. No, it’s not primer but a fresh coat of white.
With an easy to work with open structure, a veritably indestructible aluminum hull, and a chassis so rugged that after 80 years of building them, the company can still brag that more than 70% of their original trailers are still road worthy, the Airstream demands consideration.
This Argosy looked rough at best before the renovation.
Keith Schneider is about as close to a bona-fide expert in this new and growing trend in housing, with over 30 builds in the Pacific Northwest, where tiny homes are being welcomed as an alternative in space challenged cities like Portland Oregon. So, when he needed a “mini mansion” he decided to take on an Airstream Argosy, a short lived line of painted trailers that did not feature the brand’s traditional polished finish on its aluminum shell.
Keith Schneider, expert tiny builder, with his Argosy Mini Mansion.
He told The Register-Guard,
It’s a woodworker’s dream project — like building square cabinets inside an egg. As challenging as it gets. You’ve got cabinetry that’s square by nature, and you’ve got curves that change the whole way down. It’s absurd. … But there are two woodworking projects I’ve wanted to take on in my life: one of these, and an old Chris Craft wooden boat.
Beautiful custom bath with pedestal tub.
He’s done an exquisite job, as we think you’ll agree. This is one tiny house that not only provides a beautiful, welcoming environment, but thanks to the Airstream foundation, will travel whenever and wherever you want it to go.
Most of the hardwoods for the interior were locally sourced.
To read an in-depth interview with Schneider, visit The Register-Guard.
