This is very unique protoype front-steer trailer that Airstream tested with the Argosy brand on the side. It
never made it to production. This unit was just a shell with no interior. While the concept was to have a very stable
trailer with four tires on the corners (like a tandem semi-trailer), there was one rather large problem with this
configuration. It is difficult to back it up! The concept is similar to flat towing a car behind a motorhome and
very different than a standard bumper pull trailer.
The concept has also been called a "farm wagon" type trailer.
There are two obvious advantages to this model.
1) The tongue weight would be very minimal compared to a typical travel trailer.
2) The trailer would be very stable going down the road.
Obviously, the difficulty of backing it up outweighed the advantages!
I have included some of the background information on this unit including a picture of a write-up. Please
understand that the information may not be 100% accurate.
The year is allegedly a 1976 but there is no way to verify that. The aluminum Argosy trailers were made from 1971 to 1979.
There are some Argosy trailers in the 1978-1979 years that have a similar paint scheme.
Archived 12/15/2018
Text from the orginal advertisement on eBay
Airstream Argosy One Of Kind Front Wheel Stearing Trailer
Steers like a car. Zero tongue weight. Front steering invented by Don Watson, brother of Indy car great,
A.J. Watson. This is the pre-production test model 20-foot cabin Airstream Argosy. Built 1976 and never
produced. Got damaged in our businesses parking lot so have used it to have yard sales.
5/23/2018 eBay
The trailer is a promo- type one of a kind - has 4 wheels and has a unique tongue and hitch system.
It allows the trailer to stick to the cars path like glue. We have a. video showing its great
preformance. It is light enougt to tow with an SUV. It has an Arkansas trailer title.
The inside is unfinished, The outside shows paint peeling on the endcaps in the usual areas. The
aluminum skin and one window have parking lot damage. It has been fun owning it but we have
moved and cant keep it. We are using it for yardsale events.
It was towed to Arkansas from Ohio and has been here ever since.
It would be good as a food sale unit, a camper or an office for another business. It is easy to
move around (can be pushed around by hand) and doesn't require jacks.
** PHOTO LIBRARY EXHIBIT **
This unit is a photo library exhibit only and is not currently for sale. The units for sale
are listed on the home page of this site and also tagged with blue for-sale banners.
** PHOTO LIBRARY EXHIBIT **
This unit is a photo library exhibit only and is not currently for sale. The units for sale
are listed on the home page of this site and also tagged with blue for-sale banners.
