Our 1930 Curtiss Aerocar Camper is a remarkable survivor from the dawn of American road travel. Built with a wood frame wrapped in oil cloth, it’s believed to be the only one of its kind. Designed by aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss, the Aerocar blended aircraft-inspired engineering with early automotive innovation, making it one of the nation’s first fifth-wheel travel trailers.
A Long-Awaited Barn Find
“My father purchased this in 1982, and it has been in storage ever since,” we shared. “It was discovered in a barn near Albany, New York, where it had sat since the early 1930s.” For years, my father chased stories about the trailer without ever seeing it. When he finally found it, the Aerocar was buried in trees and overgrowth—much like other famous barn-find rescues.
The Perfect Match: Packard and Aerocar
We paired the Aerocar with a 1929 Packard 633 Roadster, a refined straight-eight classic from the Seventh Series lineup. Curtiss built the Aerocar with a factory fifth-wheel coupling designed to mount in the Packard’s rumble seat area—a concept far ahead of its time. The connection created a stable, smooth-towing setup long before “fifth-wheel” became an RV standard.
Inside the Aerocar
At 18 feet long, the Aerocar’s sleek, aerodynamic body reflects its aviation roots. The compact kitchen includes a stove, icebox, gravity-fed water, sink, and cabinets. The living area converts easily for sitting, sleeping, or dining, and crank-down windows with pull-down screens offer great ventilation. Perhaps most impressive is its two-way intercom system, allowing passengers in the trailer to communicate with the driver—an amazing feature for the 1930s. (Some interior photos below.)
Curtiss’ Vision and a Family Legacy
Glenn H. Curtiss, known as the “Father of Naval Aviation,” also championed motor travel. His Aerocar designs carried over his fascination with lightweight framing and aerodynamics, blending his two passions—flight and freedom on the open road.
For our family, this trailer represents more than a rare collector’s item. As fourth-generation Packard enthusiasts, preserving vehicles like this is part of our story. The Aerocar and Packard together embody a golden age of innovation, adventure, and craftsmanship that still inspires us today.
