You can probably recognize Airstream’s iconic silver bullet travel trailer anywhere. But did you know that Airstream wasn’t the first aluminum motorhome? In fact, Wally Byam was an employee of Bowlus before he set out to develop his own line of campers.
Although Bowlus is not as well known as Airstream, the quality, craftsmanship and innovation are top notch. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these trailers so unique!
What is Bowlus?
Bowlus is a camper manufacturer that produces high quality aluminum travel trailers. These caravans are a beautiful combination of functionality, luxury and innovation.
Recently, Bowlus made history with the introduction of the Bowlus Volterra, the world’s first all-electric motorhome. But Bowlus motorhomes are not for the occasional weekend getaway. They cost anywhere from $159,000 to more than $300,000.
Who owns Bowlus?
The company began in 1934 when Hawley Bowlus manufactured the first riveted aluminum travel trailer. However, production ceased during World War II because aluminum was deemed a critical strategic metal.
Fast forward a few decades to 2011-2013, Geneva Long grew up with an old bowlus. While studying at Wharton Business School, she assembled a team that began to redesign the Bowlus and RV experience.
Too many RVs were of poor quality, and Long focused intently on changing that and increasing sustainability and innovation. Under her leadership, craftsmanship was compared to that of a yacht rather than a motorhome.
In 2013, a 24-foot Bowllus was completely remodeled to include a full bath, heated floors, birch wood interior, an all-electric refrigerator and high-capacity AGM batteries. Long and her team had breathed new life into the Bowlus brand.
Bowlus continues to evolve with new technologies, innovations and design. In 2020, the company launched the Bowlus Power Management System, which enables off-grid operation for up to two weeks.
In 2022, the company launched the Bowlus Volterra, representing AeroSolar’s first application in the RV industry for an all-electric RV. During her tenure as owner and CEO, Long was named to Forbes’ “30 under 30” list.
Where are Bowlus motorhomes made?
Bowlus is headquartered in Oxnard, California, near Los Angeles. It is located about 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara and 30 minutes west of Thousand Oaks.
The Port of Oxnard is the closest access point to Channel Islands National Park. The city also hosts the California Strawberry Festival.
What makes a bowlus pendant so unique?
Bowlus makes aerodynamic and lightweight travel trailers that are easy to maneuver and pull. The monocoque design is something you would find in an airplane or supercar. It is unique in the RV industry.
If you want to go off-grid camping, Bowlus has developed campers that allow you to live off-grid for up to two weeks at any time of year. At the same time, you don’t have to do without modern conveniences.
Air conditioning, heated floors, purified water and air, unlimited hot water and high-speed Internet access are already part of the design.
The Bowlus offer
No matter which Bowlus pendant you choose, you can be sure you’re getting top-notch quality and craftsmanship. This is not a fiberglass or laminate trailer. Alclad 2024 T3 aluminum will last for decades.
Plus, Bowlus’ sustainability focus means the seats are 13% cooler than leather because of the PVC-free polyurethane product. The seat and upholstery are CertiPUR-US foam, and the entire interior is made from sustainably grown organic products.
Learn more about the product range.
Heritage
Length: 27 feet
GVWR: At only 3,500 pounds, you can pull this with your SUV.
Features: The fully equipped kitchen has a two-burner cooktop, composite countertops, a 12-volt refrigerator/freezer, a microwave, and three storage cabinets. In the living area, the dinette sofa and armchairs convert to two additional sleeping spaces. The Bowlus Heritage comes standard with a 2-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery.
Floor plan: It has two rear twin beds that you can convert into a double bed. The shower, toilet and sink are located in the back hallway. In the front of the unit, you have the kitchen, dining area and sofa.
Starting price: $159,000
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Terra company
Length: 27 feet
GVWR: 4,000 lbs.
Features: If you have pets, you’ll love the pet flex features like the pull-out bowls. Bowlus also uses HEPA filters for clean air and a two-stage water filtration system.
The Bowlus Terra Firma is equipped with an 8-kilowatt-hour lithium battery instead of a 2-kilowatt battery. These upgraded features, additional storage and a large kitchen drawer distinguish the Terra Firma from the Heritage trailer.
Floor plan: Like the Heritage, the Terra Firma has two twin beds in the rear that convert to a king-size bed. The floor plans in the center and bow are also the same as the Heritage. The upgraded features make the Terra Firma unique.
Starting price: $285,000
Volterra
Length: 27 feet
GVWR: 4,000 lbs.
Features: Whether you’re camping or cruising down the highway, the industry’s first AeroSolar solar system can charge the Volterra battery management system, which delivers 17 kilowatt-hours of lithium iron phosphate electricity.
The induction cooktop is an improved feature in the kitchen, while the 50-gallon fresh water storage capacity has been increased by 150% compared to the Terra Firma. It also features fully vegan interior seats and 100% linen bedding.
Floor plan: Like the Heritage and Terra Firma, the Volterra has a rear bedroom with convertible twin beds. In the middle of the unit is a split bathroom, and in the front is the kitchen, dining area and sofa. All three series have the same floor plan.
Starting price: $310,000
Please note: Think your RV is cool? Then you should check out these 5 coolest motorhomes in the world!
What customers say about their Bowlus motorhomes
When you spend that kind of money on a mobile home, you want to be sure you’re going to love your new purchase. Many customers over the years have written about how wonderful the entire buying process was and how much they enjoy their new Bowlus.
One happy customer writes, “You have no idea how excited we are about our Terra Firma Edition! The new HEPA filter with UVC means cleaner air – a brilliant idea and a real blessing. The built in dog bowls for our dear Charlie are beyond adorable. Bowlus, you have found something for all members of our family!”
Another satisfied customer says, “We don’t usually write testimonials, but after our first month in our Bowlus, we just had to let you know how happy we are with our decision. It is a breeze to drive and operate.
The hot water throughout and super large shower are the perfect end to our day. Our beautifully appointed bedroom is a cocoon where we always sleep perfectly. Our only regret is that we waited five years to buy a Bowlus – our biggest mistake ever!”
Finally, an environmentally conscious customer raves, “It seemed wrong to visit the national parks in a gas-guzzling motorhome while running a generator that drowned out the wildlife, so we were so excited when Bowlus announced its all-electric move.
The Volterra did not disappoint. It impressed us beyond belief (and we’re both technicians). Aside from all that it can do, it is so breathtakingly beautiful that we swear our blood pressure drops every time we walk into it!”
Is a Bowlus motorhome right for you?
If you’re looking for a high-quality, luxury camper that’s eco-friendly and innovative, a Bowlus could be right for you.
Not everyone has the budget to spend $200,000 to $300,000 on a trailer. But for the niche of customers who want to travel in style, with upgraded features like clean air, water filtration and a two-week off-grid, Bowlus answers the call and sets the bar high in the RV industry.
Would you consider a Bowlus travel trailer for your camping lifestyle?