Email - john@openthinkinc.com

Bowlus trailers were the first all aluminum travel trailer and were designed by Hawley Bowlus.

Bowlus trailers are made of riveted aluminum panels attached to welded steel tubing, similar to aircraft construction methods of the 1930's, and so are extremely lightweight.

Who was Hawley Bowlus?

William Hawley Bowlus was born May 8, 1886 in Illinois. He died August 27, 1967. He was famous for developing the sport of gliding in the US. He built a number of sailplanes and ran a gliding school as well as setting a number of gliding records. Hawley Bowlus was the shop foreman for Ryan Airlines when the "Spirit of St. Louis" was built for Charles Lindbergh. He developed a range of revolutionary travel trailers in the early 1930's. Hawley Bowlus was president and general manager of the Bowlus Manufacturing Company, the Bowlus-Teller Manufacturing Company and finally Bowlus Trailers, Incorporated.



Where were the trailers built?

The trailers were built at Hawley fathers "Ranch" at 13785 Paxton Avenue, San Fernando 169, California, USA.


How many trailers were built?

Approximately 80 were orginally built.


When did he build the trailers?

The first prototypes built in the early 1930's were canvas covered trailers. In late 1934, Bowlus built the Road Chief trailer using construction methods very similar to airplanes with riveted aluminum panels attached to a tubular steel frame.


How many trailers are still around?

Approximately 40 Bowlus trailers remain, about a dozen are roadworthy.

Can Bowlus trailers be still used today?

Yes definitely, Bowlus trailers are still being used regularly both for cross country treks and off-road into the wilderness. That is a testament to their very robust construction.