CLASIC AIRSTREAM GOES HIGH TECH !

The concept behind the "Airstream Hacienda" was borrowed from the wild west pioneers who circled the wagons for security combined with California's Mexican traditon of living around a private inner courtyard. The design challenge was to make everything fit neatly onto a property on 28' wide by 25' deep minus a 2' setback required by the City of Oceanside.

The 1966 Airstream Safari, just under 23' from tongue to rear bumper fit perfectly in position. Aside from being perfect in size this Airstream "Land Yacht" was the pinnacle of travel trailer design as seen in this Wally Byam Airstream video. It was constructed of the finest lightweight materials that have withstood the test of time.

As the hacienda formed Bob began outfitting the Airstream and the lot with many modern conveniences to promote minimalism. Take a tour of this Classic 66 Airstream.

The first two components on the lot after the trailer was positioned was an aluminum storage shed and a modern rendition of the Mexican "palapa" using a market umbrella instead of palm fronds. The next challenge was to find a CamperVan short enough to fit into the 17' slot remaining in front of the storage shed. I was lucky to find a well preserved 973 Ford E200 that was only 14' long, which allowed for the attachment of a rear bike rack and a side mounted 2 person kayak.

Registered as a vintage motor vehicle this Airstream Safari is insured through the CamperVan's (puller's) automobile policy.

The CamperVan is itself a vintage vehicle recently outfitted with a new Ford 302 V-8 with Edelbrock 4 barrel carb & manifold. It also has a 60 watt Kyocera solar system with 2 - 12 volt sealed gel cell solar batteries and sufficient inverter power to run the entire Videography Lab and many modern conveniences on field trips.

The Airstream is equipped with Precision Temp On-demand hot water heater, newly installed tile floor and plumbing. All utilities work and unit is currently Bob Kiger's bachelors pad and Videography Lab. The primary goal of the lab is to allow totally wireless connectivity and all the hardware and software necessary to conceive, author and distribute all forms of communication in "The Age of Videography" within a new design parameter that we call "F.U.S.E." (flexible, universal, stable & effective).

The external antenna on the Airstream picks up 10 free HD stations from San Diego and displays them on two TVs (one inside & one on the patio). I recently topped the antenna with a Wilson Cellular antenna allowing very strong signal strength that is connected to a Junxion box enabling high speed internet, including video as well as all normal online chores, wirelessly from anywhere in the hacienda.

It has a delightful warm patio with custom market umbrella and table/chairs. It is lushly gardened and requires minimal upkeep.

This Airstream classic provides a wonderful beach retreat that enables me to stay in touch with both the world of videography and nature.

Located 200 yards from the beach, Oceanside has an ideal annual climate so no A/C needed. A Fantastic fan does the job even on the warmest summer days. The park is filled with great neighbors and is an easy stroll distance to downtown restaraunts and theater, the harbor, pier and Public Transportation.

Four commuter train services (Aamtrak, Metrolink, Coaster & Sprinter) serve Oceanside Transportation Center which is a mere 10 minute walk down my street. Yes . . . I live near the tracks and dream of times long gone whenever a late night freight train catches my attention.

Life is good and the only additional ingredient that would move me from CONTENT TO HAPPY would be to find my travelmate.