airstream factory tour

This is a must do even if you are not into camping or Airstreams! Interesting to see how these are made. We went on a Friday and most of the workers were already gone. Was still able to tour the factory but wanted to see the whole process in action. Would recommend going Monday-Thursday. Still, it did not disappoint!

We were fortunate to have been the only ones to sign up for this week's tour of the factory. Don Ambos, who has been with Airstream for 55 years led our private tour and this gentleman is obviously a legend and fixture all of his own at the facility. Tours run every Friday at 2:00pm. Go to Airstream's website and make sure to let them know you're coming. It was really amazing to not only see the manufacturing process, but also to learn all the facts and figures of this legendary company. We are in the process of rebuilding and modernizing a '74 Excella and seeing the way the new models are put together was absolutely invaluable. We also learned that you can order pretty much any part you need, including legacy parts if available, through the factory if you're willing to come pick it up. We were able to take some more photos than maybe typically allowed since we were the only ones there with Don, and because it was nearing the end of the shift. Since doing the tour, I am even more proud to be an owner, and to be a part in supporting a truly American-made icon. Airstream has a full hookup area for travelers to use which also has a dump station. There's also a parking lot where owners can leave their trailers for the season and have it worked on if needed by the crew.

We purchased a 1977 Airstream camper 3 years ago. This fall we had a chance to go through the factory tour in Jackson Center, Oh. Loved it. Great way to find out about the history of Airstream's and how they are made. Loved seeing their collection of the oldies but goodies. Its a great education for campers of all brands.

We took our 12 and 13 year olds on the tour. The guide first tells you the history of the company in a waiting area. Then he leads you through the factory. The tour takes 2 hours. You must wear closed shoes and they provide ear protection and goggles. The tour is free. It's extremely interesting. Even our children enjoyed the tour.

Before the tour a 55 year employee of airstream gives you a detailed history of the company. If you aren't wearing glasses, you pick up a pair of safety ones, along with ear plugs, and a pen before you head out the door to start the tour. No photos can be taken during the tour, except if they turn on the water in the area where they check the seals on the airstreams. You get really close to the whole manufacturing process in the factory and it is noisy, but really interesting. Wear sensible, closed toe shoes, this is a factory. When the tour is over, there is a bit of a hike back to the starting point, where you hand over your glasses, and peruse the gift shop. Sometimes they also offer cookies and hot chocolate in a little sitting area. This was fun and informative. My sons, who are both in college, enjoyed it. We came away wanting an airstream!

Although unable to take the free factory tour during this visit, we have been able to in the past. If you are in the area, it is well worth a look. We really enjoyed the tour, and would definitely do it again!

This tour seems aimed at those who are fairly knowledgeable about the Airstream products (a category in which am I not included). Yet, I enjoyed it very much.The highly tenured guide gave a rather rambling pre-tour spiel which was equal parts frustrating and endearing to someone who knew nothing of Airstream other than they make those fabulous shiny trailers.The tour of the factory itself certainly gives one appreciation for the hard work and pride that go into making these beautiful, truly American products. The focus of the facility is definitely on the manufacturing and servicing of Airstream trailers. The tour is almost an afterthought. So, don't expect a polished experience one might find at other factory tours (Boeing, Tillamook, Ethel M, Ford, etc.). This too was both startling and refreshing: startling in that we walked by and through several environments that could easily become unsafe; refreshing as it was very authentic.Other aspects of the experience:* It is a substantial distance to walk from the office to the factory and back (not to mention in the factory itself).* The front desk staff seemed indifferent. While waiting to purchase some items from the shop, it took several moments for someone to look up from her computer to acknowledge my presence or offer assistance.* Due to the noise level and activity in the factory, only those nearest the tour guide could hear him.All in all, I recommend a visit...with the right expectations and mindset (and caution).

This factory tour is the real deal. It is in a small town in west central Ohio, and has been building these campers for over 50 years in the same location. It is an active factory, so you have to pay attention to your surroundings. Yes, there are loud noises, and places where you have to pay attention to where you are walking, but at no time was I worried about my safety. This isn't a glass enclosed tour with you watching monitors of what is happening. It's real, they do give you ear protection as well as eye protection for the tour and there are certain areas where you will appreciate the ear protection. This is a walking tour of the end to end build, but not a huge factory. It was safe, and very interesting. In a word, awesome! You can see the starting flat metal, all the way through a completed camper. It was wonderful to be able to see the builders, and see their pride in the work. These campers are all made onsite, with the entire interior being build by hand. Each piece being carried through the door for installation. It was really nice to see the tradition of industry that the US maintains. I would recommend this tour to people who want to see a real American product being made. I've gone to other factory tours where all I saw was a video, and got directed to the gift shop. This tour was to show the Airstreams, not just to sell you a memento.

My ten year old has been bugging us to take this tour. The guide was very knowledgeable, having been with the company for over 50 years. Was fascinating to see all of the handiwork and care that goes along with building an airstream.I appreciated the free earplugs that were certainly necessary in the factory. The guide's microphone was not loud enough to be heard over the production noises. I missed the majority of the facts he discussed. The employees did not seem to mind the visitors trampling through their work area. Would have appreciated the guide's assistant working harder to look out for safety hazards. I felt like I missed lots of action as I was looking to ensure I did not trip on hoses and the like.The company produces a fine quality. The showroom needs to reflect the craftsmanship and modern work that is performed. I felt like I had walked into a time warp and was in the 1960s.

For years, I've been wanting to make the 25 minute drive for the daily 2:00 pm tour at Airstream. It was a terrible disappointment. The docent (if he could be called that) and his microphone assistant were ineffective in both sound quality and presentation. There were also many safety concerns - did not count the number of guests, did not confirm appropriateness of footwear, walked us through areas of factory where tools and equipment could easily have caused injury to both guests and employees. I do not recommend this tour.

An interesting walking tour through the factory where the Airstream Travel Trailer is made. There is a lot to take in and not a lot of time to see it all but you do get to see all the major activities associated with producing this unique piece of americana. If you own, or are thinking of owning an Airstream this is a must. For others, it is certainly interesting and entertaining. Give it a try!!

Took a day trip during spring break up from Northern Ky. The whole family enjoyed this tour! The tour guide is very knowledgeable and clearly has a love for Airstream even if he's a little long-winded. We were able to see sooooo much on this factory tour compared to other factories we've toured. So glad they let us take pics too. Our kids will remember this adventure for sure! They are 2, 7 and 9 and all three had a great time. The factory was loud so be sure to wear ear plugs (provided) and I recommend close toed shoes, unlike the open sandals I was wearing. The only bummer is that they don't give away airstreams to the tourists! But the free cookies and hot chocolate/ coffee was pretty great.

Have lived one hour from Jackson Center my entire life, and have never taken this tour until today! What an interesting experience, and something to be proud of in this time of economic uncertainty. The tour guide, Don, has worked for the plant for over 50 years. Lots of interesting facts and history accompany his tour. It was amazing to see the process of building the Airstream units first hand, and to watch the very efficient work of the plant staff. Nice to see the cleaning and care that goes on in the plant at the end of the day's shift. Very much worth the time.

Enjoy traveling here to visit and tour the plant. Also enjoy shopping at the gift shop! Highly recommend, especially for you Airstream lovers!

I admit to a bias. We purchased our first Airstream travel trailer a month ago and we are in the midst of our first long trip. Heading through Ohio we decided to stop at the factory where our trailer was born. This is a must stop for Airstreamers. The factory tour is excellent. Watching how each trailer is made by the skilled folks here in Jackson Center is quite an education. These are folks who take great pride and care in the manufacture of each unit they produce. This is also a great place to meet fellow Airstream owners. We spent two nights in the full service camp on the factory grounds and met nice fellow travelers ready and willing to help newbies like us better understand our trailers. The staff at Airstream could not be nicer or more accommodating. If you've been giving thought to "trailering" stop here at Airstream and chances are you'll be hooked.