Tag Archives: Laura Ashley

Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser Review: A Retro Travel Trailer That Stands Out

If you’ve been looking at travel trailers and thinking they all start to look the same, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why the Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser lineup has been getting attention. It offers something different—retro-inspired design, lightweight towing, and layouts that feel comfortable without going oversized.

But is it just about looks, or is there more to it?

Who Is Gulf Stream Coach?

Gulf Stream Coach is one of the most established names in the RV industry and is widely recognized as the largest family-owned, independent RV manufacturer in the United States.

Founded in 1983, the company has built its reputation on producing high-value motorhomes and travel trailers while maintaining the flexibility that comes with being privately owned. That independence allows Gulf Stream to stay focused on what matters most to buyers—quality, practicality, and real-world usability.

The company has also been recognized with the RVDA Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Quality Circle Award for multiple years, an honor based on direct feedback from RV dealers across the country. It’s one of the industry’s clearest indicators of consistent product quality and dealer confidence.

For buyers, that combination of long-standing experience, independent ownership, and proven dealer satisfaction adds an extra level of confidence when choosing a Vintage Cruiser or any Gulf Stream RV.

What Is the Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser?

The Vintage Cruiser is a line of lightweight travel trailers from Gulf Stream Coach, built to combine classic styling with modern RV features.

Across the lineup, you’ll find:

  • Compact, easy-to-manage floorplans
  • Distinctive 1950s-inspired design
  • Practical features for real camping use

Most models range from about 19 to 25 feet, making them a good fit for both weekend trips and longer stays.

Why Does the Vintage Cruiser Look So Different From Other Campers?

Most travel trailers today lean toward neutral colors and similar designs.

The Vintage Cruiser takes a different approach.

Instead of blending in, it focuses on:

  • Retro color schemes
  • Classic diner-style interiors
  • Coordinated design details throughout

It’s the kind of camper that people notice right away—both on the road and at the campsite.

What Color Options Are Available on the Vintage Cruiser?

One of the things that immediately sets the Vintage Cruiser apart is its color.

While most travel trailers stick to neutral tones, this lineup gives you options that actually feel personal and distinctive.

Buyers can choose from several combinations, including:

  • Laura Ashley plaid exteriors paired with Wisteria floral interiors in Newport Blue, blending classic English charm with a more refined, modern feel
  • Turquoise and Knotty Pine, a bright, nostalgic look with warm interior tones
  • Turquoise and Maputo, a lighter, airier take on the classic turquoise exterior
  • Crimson and Knotty Pine, a bold, vintage-inspired combination with a cozy interior feel
  • Crimson and Maputo, offering a strong exterior color balanced by a lighter interior palette

These aren’t just small accents. The color carries throughout the trailer, inside and out, creating a cohesive look that’s very different from what you’ll see on most lots.

Is the Vintage Cruiser Just About Style?

No, and that’s an important point.

While the design is what draws attention, the construction is built to hold up over time.

Across the lineup, you’ll find:

  • Six-sided welded aluminum framing
  • One-piece laminated roof, front, and rear wall
  • Azdel composite panels for moisture resistance

These materials are used to keep the trailer:

  • Strong
  • Lightweight
  • More resistant to long-term wear

So it’s not just a design-focused camper—it’s built with durability in mind.

How Easy Is a Vintage Cruiser to Tow?

One of the biggest reasons people consider this lineup is ease of towing.

Because of its lightweight construction:

  • Many models can be towed by SUVs
  • You don’t necessarily need a heavy-duty truck
  • It’s a more approachable option for first-time RV owners

For shoppers searching things like:

  • “lightweight travel trailer”
  • “easy to tow camper”
  • “RV for beginners”

The Vintage Cruiser fits naturally into that category.

What Is the Interior Like?

Inside, the goal is to make a smaller trailer feel more open and comfortable.

Common features include:

  • Large windows that bring in natural light
  • Full dry bathrooms and kitchens
  • Layouts that feel usable, not cramped
  • Up to a 7-foot interior height

Depending on the model, you’ll also find:

  • Rear dinette setups
  • Front queen beds

It’s designed to feel like a place you actually want to spend time, not just sleep.

What Floorplans Are Available in the Vintage Cruiser Line?

The Vintage Cruiser lineup includes several types of layouts, depending on how you camp.

You’ll find options like:

  • Couples-focused models with open living space
  • Family-friendly units with additional sleeping areas
  • Smaller trailers built for easy towing and quick trips

Because the lineup stays in that 19–25 foot range, it keeps things manageable while still offering variety.

Who Is the Vintage Cruiser Best For?

This lineup tends to appeal to people who:

  • Want something that doesn’t look like every other trailer
  • Prefer a lighter, easier-to-tow camper
  • Care about both design and functionality
  • Are looking for a couples trailer or small family option

It’s especially popular with buyers who say:

“Everything on the lot feels the same.”

Is the Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser Worth It?

If you’re comparing travel trailers, the Vintage Cruiser stands out in a few key ways:

  • It has a distinct look that sets it apart
  • It’s lightweight and easier to tow than many alternatives
  • It offers a comfortable interior without going too large

For many buyers, that combination is exactly what they’re looking for.

Full Video Transcript

The Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser perfectly blends classic aesthetic with state-of-the-art camping technology.

These lightweight travel trailers turn heads with their distinctive 1950s design. The attention to detail is unmatched, right down to the color-coordinated frame, diamond plate, and wheels.

But the Vintage Cruiser is more than just good looks. It leads the industry in strength and durability. It’s one of the only RVs built with a six-sided welded aluminum frame and a one-piece laminated roof, front, and back wall.

Inside those laminated walls is Azdel.

This construction ensures maximum rigidity while keeping the trailer lightweight enough to tow with smaller SUVs or minivans.

Plus, a spacious seven-foot interior height makes models ranging from 19 to 25 feet feel much larger than your average lightweight trailer.

Gulf Stream Coach Sponsors Essential Leadership Development Course at 2024 RVDA Expo

Nappanee, IN – Gulf Stream Coach continues its long-standing commitment to industry excellence by sponsoring the Leadership Development Course at this year’s RVDA Expo, scheduled for November 11-15, 2024 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The half-day course, “Giving Feedback,” will be led by renowned peacebuilding expert Sara Jeckovich and focuses on essential leadership skills for RV industry professionals.

“This rewarding endeavor for both Gulf Stream and RVDA has provided us the opportunity for the development of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders,” said Gulf Stream President Phil Sarvari. “We are very proud to be a part of this great industry.”

In addition to supporting professional development, Gulf Stream Coach is also making a commitment to supporting the industry by purchasing exhibit space at the show. This year they will showcase three exciting 2025 models at booth #319, including:

  • The all-new Conquest Transit 4237 Class C motorhome
  • A Laura Ashley-inspired Vintage Cruiser
  • The innovative 109OK Trail Boss teardrop travel trailer

“We are excited to provide dealers who did not have the opportunity at Open House to view some of our award-winning products and premiere new models,” said Sarvari.

Laura Ashley & Gulf Stream Coach Unveil 10th Anniversary Vintage Cruiser

Nappanee, IN – Following the exciting announcement of their collaboration last month, Laura Ashley and Gulf Stream Coach Inc. are thrilled to report the overwhelmingly positive reception of their Laura Ashley-inspired Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser at the recent Elkhart RV Hall of Fame Open House show. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in the celebration of the Vintage Cruiser’s 10th anniversary in 2025.

The debut of this unique travel trailer, which combines Laura Ashley’s renowned British design aesthetic with Gulf Stream’s iconic vintage camper, generated substantial buzz among the large crowd of attendees and industry professionals. The collaboration, representing Laura Ashley’s first foray into the RV market, has captured the imagination of dealers and RV enthusiasts, promising a fresh and stylish option for the growing number of design-conscious travelers.

Phil Sarvari, President and CEO of Gulf Stream Coach, expressed his delight at the response: “The reception exceeded our expectations. Dealers have shown tremendous interest in the Laura Ashley-inspired Vintage Cruiser, recognizing its unique appeal in the market. This enthusiasm reinforces our belief that this collaboration brings something truly special to the RV industry.”

Key features that garnered particular attention include:

•The exterior’s signature Laura Ashley plaid, drawn from the brand’s famed archives

•Interior textiles featuring the beloved Wisteria floral print in Newport Blue and Hyland Check print in Seaspray

•The harmonious blend of classic English charm with modern RV functionality

“The original concept was to appeal to the growing number of single female campers,” said Saylor Shea, project manager. “Over the last year we’ve received a lot of dealer feedback and – working closely with Laura Ashley’s design team – we’ve used that feedback to fine-tune the travel trailer design to appeal to an even broader segment of the RV market.”

Following the successful unveiling, Gulf Stream Coach reports a surge in dealer inquiries and strong pre-orders for the Laura Ashley-inspired Vintage Cruiser.

The Laura Ashley-inspired Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser remains on track for its official market release on December 1st, 2024. Interested customers are encouraged to contact their local Gulf Stream dealers for pre-order information and to stay tuned for updates on lauraashleyusa.com and gulfstreamcoach.com.
To find your local Gulf Stream Coach dealer, visit gulfstreamcoach.com/dealer-locator.

ABOUT GULF STREAM COACH
Gulf Stream Coach, a family-owned RV manufacturer based in Nappanee, Indiana, is a well-established name in the recreational vehicle industry. Families have enjoyed traveling in comfort in Gulf Stream RVs since 1983. Their time-tested products – which have a reputation for standing up to years of use on the road – have earned Gulf Stream Coach multiple awards for outstanding craftsmanship and groundbreaking designs. Committed to enhancing the travel experience, Gulf Stream prioritizes customer satisfaction with spacious interiors, smart storage solutions, and cutting-edge amenities in every RV they produce. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, Gulf Stream Coach ensures that your home away from home exceeds expectations, allowing you to focus on the joys of the journey.

ABOUT LAURA ASHLEY
Established in London in 1953, Laura Ashley is one of the world’s best-loved fashion and home furnishings brands. The company’s iconic floral prints and designs epitomize the essence of quintessential British style. Laura Ashley offers a complete range of lifestyle products, including home furnishings, women’s fashion and sleepwear, children’s apparel, and hospitality experiences. In 2020, Gordon Brothers acquired the Laura Ashley brand, bringing their expertise to grow Laura Ashley’s product offerings and leading licensees across the world. For additional information, visit www.lauraashleyusa.com.

ABOUT GORDON BROTHERS
Since 1903, Gordon Brothers has maximized liquidity through realizable asset value by providing the people, expertise and capital to solve business challenges. Our firm’s integrated solutions across asset services, lending, financing and trading give clients the insights, strategies and time to optimize asset values throughout the business cycle. We work across the full spectrum of assets globally with deep expertise in retail, commercial, industrial, brands and real estate. We are headquartered in Boston with over 30 offices across five continents. For more information, visit www.gordonbrothers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jason Overholt, Marketing Director

574-773-7761 Ext. 5178

joverholt@gulfstreamcoach.com