Wally Byam

Wallace Merle "Wally" Byam (1896–1962) was an American inventor, engineer, developer and entrepreneur most famous as one of the pioneer manufacturers of the travel trailer.

[2] In these early years, he also joined tugboats as an ablebodied seaman during summers on Astoria to Alaska trips which fostered his independence and love of travel.

[3] By the time Byam ended high school both his mother and stepfather had died leaving him orphaned and with not much money he turned to college.

[1] Byam wrote an article in Popular Mechanics describing how to build his trailer for under $100 — this time drawing an enthusiastic response from his readers.

With its semi monocoque, riveted aluminum body, it had more in common with the aircraft of its day than with its travel trailer predecessors.

The Clipper boasted advanced insulation and a ventilation system, and even offered "air conditioning" that used dry ice.

However, market response to the product was strong and Byam's company could not build units fast enough to satisfy the deluge of orders.

Wally Byam's meticulous attention to quality and design helped guide the firm through tough economic times.

When World War II ended, the economy boomed and Americans once again turned their attention towards recreational travel.

[4] By August 1954, the first Ohio-made Airstream rolled off the production line, and the California factory was moved to larger facilities in Santa Fe Springs.

However, the planned tour was canceled due to safety and political concerns, and the prohibitive insurance costs.