I think Airstreams are some of the coolest looking TTs out there...however, because of the numerous issues listed above and the fact that they cost about two and a half times what I think a good TT is worth, I will never have one.
texatDurango wrote: Well, I just don't understand all the hype.
They may have been the trailer of the day several years ago but if one were to compare the interior "fit and finish" of the new trailers, it would be clear that they are relying on the name, not current quality.
That is the answer that wins the prize. I have been through several of them recently, and the bottom line is that they are living on a reputation, nothing more. There are several manufacturers of travel trailers that have superior fit and finish and prices far less than half of the Airstream products. If you want one, and have more money than commmon sense, have fun. There are far better choices out there for FAR less money. BTW, "holding their value" is a matter of perspective. RVs are far from investments. You can pay 2-4X the cost of a typical trailer for an Airstream and, on a percentage basis, suffer less depreciation, but you are still holding a depreciating liability. If you buy a new one, based on it's "value" you might find mortgage backed securities to be a great deal also.
While I can appreciate those that own and swear by them, I don't care to have one. To me they are like owning a Bentley. Great for "look at me" value, undoubtedly they are extremely well made and priced as such. However...
Interior storage; bested by many manufacturers, exterior storage; bested by many manufacturers, towability; equaled by many manufacturers, cold weather / hot weather (ever spend time in the Philippines in a Quonset hut?)use; bested by many manufacturers, quality of fit and finish; equaled or bested by other manufacturers, durability / uniqueness of aluminum skin and shape; best by far.
Yes, the Airstream will last, probably 50 years...do I want to spend 50 years living or driving in the same anything? No...
I buy what I need, when I need (and can afford), and I buy the best quality that meets those needs, and yes I can afford an Airstream, DW and I spent hours going over them before we bought our Fun Finder. Our needs were not met by Airstream, but, are available at a much lower investment from other manufacturers. The longevity of what I have will be longer than my desire to stay in it. What's the point in a box that will outlast yourself, if you aren't happy in the box? After you do all the mods (some of the fun) and spend 5 to 10 years in something, you want a change, just for change sake. If I had only 2 wks a year to spend RVing, then maybe, just maybe, I'd want to sink that much money into something like that....nah...don't own a Bentley, either
All that being said, if an Airstream (or a Bentley or Ferrari) is what rocks your boat and you can afford it, go for it! Life is far too short to look back and say "wish I had..." or "wonder if I had"...
Don
DW
3 Cats
2008 FunFinder X 210WBS
2008 Jeep Hemi Commander Limited
webslave wrote: ...do I want to spend 50 years living or driving in the same anything?
I hope our travel trailer lasts another 50 years, but then I hope we last another 50 years too.
4-5 years ago when we were looking for a trailer we looked at all the new Airstreams that one dealer had on their lot. We thought it would be nice to see what the "greatest travel trailer" was really like.
I'm not saying that they are not one of the nicest or best built trailer out there but we walked away disappointed.
We didn't see one floor plan that we liked and the rounded outside that we liked soo much ruined the inside.
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2 You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
I don't carry because I have to, I carry because I get to. I like new things-
- when they're 40 years old! My pictures
If you compare the older Airstreams with the newer ones there is a big difference in the quality of workmanship. We looked at the 2008 models before we bought our Artic Fox. The older trailers seem much better in terms of fit and finish. And no, I don't want one.
wayne_tw wrote: I have owned an Airstream, and no I don't want one now. Reasons:
4. leaks like a sieve if not caulked with their special caulk every three years.
5. too many proprietary parts. My door latch broke, and only Airstream had the replacement parts. Over $100 for a door latch.
Some reasons we ahve a used Silver streak.....
29 years old, no leaks, no caulk redos....Look at a SS compared to an A/S and you will twice the number of rivets.
Yes you will have parts problems, but it is doable. we jsut spent $300.00 for a pair of stainless steel door hinges to repace the aluminum ones that break. But if they last another 29 years, they are worth the money.
The SS has a flat roof and less rounded corners, so the standard A/C unit fits.
It has a lot of storage for such a small (28') trailer. Easily travel init for months at a time.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
cpaharley2008 wrote: I recently acquired a 2009 Sunvalley Roadrunner, an entry level 16' tt. I have always liked Airstream trailers and now understand why they cost 3 times what I paid for my tt. They are well built, well appointed, and have everything. Now I'm thinking, I'm not getting younger, I could afford an Airstream (I'd have to sell my Harley and tradein the 09 tt plus another $10k cash) would get me a 19' Airstream. Does everyone else want or wish they could have an Airstream, are they the best of the best? They are 4 season trailers and hold their value, my money is only making 4% in the bank, why not enjoy it? What are your opinions?
Your thinking like we did. Looked at ArticCat and Bigfoot and everything between. Most of the negatives posted here are pure bull. Our 22' Airstream weighs 3460# dry and has storage room we haven't used yet. The hardware and appliances are top shelf. Towing is a joy and the fact that it uses 20% less fuel than a similar weighed TT makes it the best of the best. After a year of ownership and several thousand miles we are glad we chose what we did.
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