Bowlus

About Bowlus

Bowlus traces its origins to aircraft designer and builder Hawley Bowlus, who built his first trailer in 1929 and in 1934 introduced the Bowlus Road Chief, the world's first riveted-aluminum travel trailer. Geneva Long refounded the company after a family cross-country trip in a restored 1935 Bowlus, and today it hand-builds ultra-light aluminum luxury travel trailers — the Endless Highways and Rivet — in Oxnard, California, sold factory-direct from a Santa Barbara showroom with direct delivery and a mobile service network. The family-held company markets its signature streamlined shape as the most aerodynamic RV made.

How they build

Aircraft-style construction: a TIG-welded aluminum spaceframe skeleton skinned in riveted aluminum monocoque using true high-strength aircraft rivets, hand-built with yacht-quality lithium power systems for extended off-grid use. The streamline shape and low weight (Rivet GVWR 3,500 lb) prioritize aerodynamics, towability, and EV towing range.

• Riveted aluminum trailers
• 1934 Road Chief heritage
• Most aerodynamic RV claim
• Ultra-light luxury towables
• Factory-direct sales
• Off-grid lithium power

Milestones

1. 1929Hawley Bowlus builds his first trailer
2. 1934Bowlus Road Chief debuts as the world's first riveted-aluminum travel trailer
3. 2011Geneva Long refounds Bowlus after a family trip in a restored 1935 Bowlus
4. 2026Limited-production Endless Highways Frontier Edition introduced