The Golf Stream Vintage Cruiser is a travel trailer that brings new meaning to the term “retro cool.” Borrowing its vibe from classic American campers of the 1950s and 1960s, this line of lightweight towables combines throwback charm with modern construction and on-trend features. It’s become popular among people who want an easy to tow camper that stands out at every campground, without shortchanging today’s comforts.
Here’s my rundown on the Golf Stream Vintage Cruiser and more details you’ll want if you’re sizing it up for your next RV adventure.
Model Name: Golf Stream Vintage Cruiser
Official Website: gulfstreamcoach.com
Price Range: New models typically from $28,000 – $40,000 USD (depends on size and features)
Lengths Available: 17-23 feet (model dependent)
Dry Weight: ~2,800–4,200 lbs
Sleeps: 2–6 (floorplan dependent)
Available Floorplans: 17RWD, 19RBS, 23QBS, 23MBS, and more
Warranty: 3-Year Limited Structural Warranty
Consumer Ratings: 4.7/5 (source: RVInsider)
Key Features: Classic design, lightweight construction, modern amenities, easy towing
Want to check out new or used units in your area? Try looking at dealer inventories on RV Trader or Camping World to get a feel for pricing and availability near you.
The big draw of the Vintage Cruiser is its all-in-one vintage appearance paired with up-to-date gear and real comfort. No need to spend years renovating or give up modern conveniences just for that retro vibe. This travel trailer has everything you need for laid-back family road trips or cross-country adventures, all wrapped up in an eye-catching package.
You can head out with zero RV experience and operate this rig easily. If you’re a more seasoned RVer, you’ll appreciate the smart use of space and cool details. You’ll also see a bunch of custom design choices, so your camper looks just right for you.
Story Behind the Vintage Cruiser Line
Gulf Stream Coach, the maker of the Vintage Cruiser, has been building RVs for decades. The family-owned business started in Indiana in the 1980s, but the idea for the Vintage Cruiser line didn’t show up until 2015. Gulf Stream wanted to do something completely different to stand apart from the typical white box RVs on the market.
The team checked out classic campers from the golden age of American travel—think pastel colors, curved lines, cheerful interiors. Their aim was to bring back that fun spirit, but with modern materials so you wouldn’t have to worry about things like leaky windows or old wiring.
I’ve spent time in several Vintage Cruiser models at shows and borrowed one for a weekend road trip. Besides the immediate nostalgia (and plenty of onlookers asking for a peek inside), it’s the easy towing and the way the interior feels light and open that stands out. Gulf Stream continues to produce this line because there’s steady demand for trailers that spark joy and are easy on your tow vehicle.
Signature Look: The Vintage Cruiser Design
The standout feature of this trailer is its color scheme and ‘retro’ style. You can choose from trim colors like teal, crimson, or even the “woodie” version sporting a faux wood exterior stripe. The exterior uses smooth, glossy fiberglass with rounded corners and bright stripes straight out of the 1950s.
Step inside, and the throwback effect is even stronger. Dinette cushions and curtains show off patterns worthy of a classic diner. The cabinetry is full of real wood with modern hardware crafted to look authentic. Eye-catching vintage touches are everywhere: checkerboard flooring, two-tone upholstery, and retro logo badges throughout.
The designers didn’t just slap on some “old-school kitsch.” Every part of the trailer serves a purpose. Oversized windows let in lots of sunlight, and full-size adults can actually fit into all the booth seats and lounges—unlike in some smaller, lighter trailers.
What’s Inside: Layouts, Living Space, and Comfort
No matter if you’re camping solo, with your partner, or with a couple kids, there’s a Vintage Cruiser floorplan that will fit. The range starts with the compact 17RWD (very easy to tow and park) and moves up to the 23QBS and 23MBS, which add queen beds, slideouts, and spacious bathrooms.
There are creative storage solutions all over—large cabinets, underbed storage, and smart wall hooks for hanging gear or kitchen stuff. The smallest models still feel roomy thanks to big panoramic windows and clever layouts. Bathroom space in the smaller models is tight, but the 23-footers give you a real shower and separate vanity area so you don’t feel boxed in.
Bedroom and Sleeping Options
Beds vary by model, but queen beds in the larger models are comfortable and easy to reach from both sides. Smaller models often have convertible dinettes or sofas to give your guests a place to sleep. You won’t find standard bunks, but some models offer a flip-up bunk for kids or visitors.
Kitchen & Appliances
Kitchens have either a two or three-burner stove, oven, microwave, and a good-sized stainless steel fridge. Sinks are deep enough to easily do the dishes after breakfast. Counter space is a little limited, but sink covers and flip-up extensions help when you need a food prep area. Cabinets and drawers feel sturdy and are much improved over older budget RVs.
Entertainment & Connectivity
Despite the retro feel, you won’t miss out on modern entertainment. Most Vintage Cruisers come pre-wired for TVs and sound, offer Bluetooth speakers, and have USB charging points spread throughout. The standard TV mount and ready-to-go hookups make it easy to add a flat-screen if you’d like.
Construction and Towing: Lightweight but Durable
Vintage Cruiser trailers use laminated walls—vacuum-bonded fiberglass over welded aluminum framing—to keep weight down so you can tow with a midsize SUV or half-ton pickup. No need for a huge truck. The floors are made of tough plywood with a steel supports underneath, giving the trailer a solid, stable feel.
The roof is a single-piece synthetic membrane with fewer seams to prevent leaks in the long run. All the windows are tinted, and most are bigger than in older trailers. While the outside looks vintage, the current models have better insulation and climate control, so you’re comfortable in at least three seasons.
Features That Matter for Real Road Life
Several touches make the Vintage Cruiser practical, not just pretty. These are some features that add comfort:
- Power Awning with LED Lighting: Quick shade when you pull in at your campsite; the lights make the outdoor area cozy at night.
- Charging USB Ports: Both the lounge and sleeping spaces come with charging spots, handy for everyone’s phones and tablets.
- Spacious PassThrough Storage: Larger models give you extra compartment space for your camp chairs, outdoor rugs, or hiking gear.
- Solid Steps and Grab Handle: Stability matters, and these make it easy to get in and out of your trailer.
- AC and Furnace: Every model comes with roof air and forced air heat—comfortable camping in most weather conditions.
- Water and Waste Tanks: Tank sizes are generous (20–36 gallons fresh), letting you stay off-grid for longer stretches without needing to fill or dump tanks all the time.
Floorplan Options and Who They Suit Best
Here’s a quick rundown of some top floorplans and who they’re best for:
- 17RWD: Lightest and simplest, great for solo folks or couples. Maximum sleeping: 3.
- 19RBS: Bigger bathroom, still light, and manageable to park. Sleeps up to 4.
- 23QBS: Perfect for small families or couples who need space to spread out.
- 23MBS: Features a Murphy bed, allowing for a roomy living space in the daytime.
The best part? Every model keeps that same Vintage Cruiser style. Even the bigger ones aren’t so huge that taking them into cozy campgrounds is a hassle.
Who’s the Vintage Cruiser For?
These campers will appeal to a mix of people:
- Folks with a thing for vintage Americana who want comfort and dependability
- First-time RVers wanting an easy introduction to camping
- Retirees and couples chasing a cozy trailer for road trips, festivals, or longer weekends
- Families after style and simplicity instead of the usual “big box” RV look
It’s a combo of next-level cool appearance, practical sizing, and livability that’s hard to find under 25 feet.
What Could Be Improved?
No RV is perfect, even one that grabs attention. Here are a few small drawbacks I’ve noticed:
- Countertops can be cramped in the smallest layouts
- Bathrooms in models less than 20 feet are compact for adults
- No four-season insulation package for those who like winter camping
- Not much in the way of bunks for larger families
Gulf Stream has put a lot of effort into cabinet hardware, latches, and lighting in the latest models, so new ones feel more solid. You should give any unit a solid once-over for quality before buying, just like with any RV.
My Thoughts and Shopping Advice
After all the RVs I’ve seen, it’s rare for a travel trailer to bring real fun and standout style while still being super livable. The Vintage Cruiser lets you hit the road without headaches—easy setup, quick towing, and plenty of space. There’s also a great online community of owners who share modifications, tips, and travel stories.
Shopping new or used? For new, see which fabric choices and option packages your local dealer has in stock. With used, you might score a bargain, but leave a little extra for fresh tires and seals. Maintenance is about what you’d expect from any recent travel trailer.
Should You Buy a Golf Stream Vintage Cruiser?
If your must-haves include a manageable size, authentic retro styling, and modern RV comfort, this trailer is worth a serious look. It’s not the cheapest or biggest, but it does a great job of balancing practicality and personal flair. First-timers and those who love cool design will have a blast traveling in this rig.
If you can, take a walkthrough at a dealer or an RV show—seeing the reactions from other visitors is part of the fun. The Vintage Cruiser isn’t just an RV, it’s a rolling icebreaker and one of the best ways to get road trip memories without missing essential comforts. For anyone eyeing life on the open road, I think you’ll find yourself smiling every time you spot it hitched up and ready for the next adventure.