This Yacht-Inspired Trailer Puts a New Spin on the Highway Cruiser for $225K

The original aluminum-clad trailer, the Bowlus Road Chief, was designed by pilot Hawley Bowlus in 1934 to act as his mobile home when he traveled around California. When Bowlus wasn’t flying planes in the sky, he was living on the road in his trailer. 

A nod to Bowlus’ aviation background, The Wave, the latest model from the historic company, features an aerodynamic shell fabricated from solid aircraft-grade aluminum with a polished mirror-like finish. The Wave’s tapered hull design draws inspiration from the shape of yachts. Hub caps are painted in black to appear as if the trailer is floating down the road.

Influenced by the original 1930s model, the interior design certainly has a nostalgic bent, with warm walnut and blonde birch wood finishes that are complemented by aluminum accents. Nods to the nautical are seen throughout the interior as well with blue-and-white striped table linens and cushions covered in a blue, organic vegan fabric with white piping.

A cozy bedroom with two single sleeping berths is found at the back of the trailer with upholstered headboards, blue-and-white-striped linen bedding, reading lights, and curved port holes, completing the nautical vision.

Like Bowlus’ other travel trailers, The Wave sleeps four and includes all the bells and whistles with a full bathroom and kitchenette. Dining, kitchen, and bathroom spaces are thoughtfully laid out in the cozy 26-foot space with living at one end of the trailer and sleeping at the other. 

With technology in mind, special mounts for tablets are found in both the sleeping berth and main living space. Round aluminum weather instruments keep in mind the marine theme. A 21st century version of a ship's log is mounted on the birch paneling to record stories of life on the road.  

Built for off-grid adventures, a high-end electrical system (2,000W inverter, 80A/hr fast charger and 4 kWh of lithium iron phosphate batteries) can handle week-long remote journeys. To extend your trip, Bowlus included a solar panel that smartly tucks away inside the trailer’s shell. A Bluetooth-enable app allows you to connect to the trailer and track your power usage, meaning you can smartly plan when to return to civilization and when to keep on going. 

Performance-wise, a lightweight shell with a low center of gravity and high ground clearance means the The Wave can handle off-road adventures with ease.

Limited quantities of the 26-foot trailer are now available for $225,000. Custom builds also are an option. 

Learn more at bowlusroadchief.com.  

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