downtheroad wrote: The difference would add up to chump change.
If you are going to pull a 30 foot 9000 pound anything, it's going to take energy and it's going to cost money.
Also, let's see. A regular design trailer costs + - $20K - $30K. Airstreams go $60K+... Nice trailer, but are you really saving money on fuel?
On a per year basis, it would take several years to make up the difference, but many Airstream owners keep them for many years. And if you travel a lot, it would take even less time.
Better for fuel economy and safety, not just longevity. An Airstream has a lower center of gravity than any conventional trailer, has fully independent suspension (greater wheel travel, too), and the rounded edges means that wind isn't trapped and can flow around the body while traveling-- whatever the wind direction -- unlike a conventional trailer or fifth wheel where the wind "piles up" on the vehicle, reducing suspension travel (already limited) and GREATLY reduces the safety of any emergency maneuver.
You want quality that will last 40 years, you pay for it. The usual "RV" is junked by about 10-years. Plenty of used all-aluminum, low-center-of-gravity, aerodynamic trailers available, among them also Avion, Silver Streak and Streamline.
It would never occur to me to buy one of these cheap boxes so prevalent today. And it cost me very little to make the few repairs necessary on mine as we full-timed seven-months last year. These high quality trailers tow better than any of the "boxes", new or used.
downtheroad wrote: The difference would add up to chump change.
If you are going to pull a 30 foot 9000 pound anything, it's going to take energy and it's going to cost money.
Also, let's see. A regular design trailer costs + - $20K - $30K. Airstreams go $60K+... Nice trailer, but are you really saving money on fuel?
On a per year basis, it would take several years to make up the difference, but many Airstream owners keep them for many years. And if you travel a lot, it would take even less time.
But the "Bling" factor??
Priceless..
As an aside, we traded our former 30 foot box trailer for a 2001 Safari last fall. It's used, of course, but in excellent condition on the interior and nearly new condition on the exterior, and it wasn't much more expensive than a decent quality brand new box trailer. It won't depreciate nearly as fast as a new trailer and will last nearly forever if taken care of. One of the attractions for us was being able to tow it with a more modest TV like a V6 or one of the new baby diesels that are coming.
Airstreams aren't for everyone, especially those who want lots of space, multiple slides etc. But if you're in the less-is-more "camp" like us and want superior towing trailer, Airstreams should be considered. New ones are expensive but used ones are heavily discounted.
Gary
* This post was
edited 05/14/08 10:31am by Garfie|d *
2001 Airstream Safari 25SS tugged by 2001 GMC Yukon 5.3L 3.73
Hensley Arrow • Jordan Ultima • Barker 3000 • Mckesh
I remember when they pulled 30ft Airstreams with cars (but cars were stronger then). They do pull easier especially in the wind and are lighter, but not alot of carrying capacity. Some years are built better than other years so you should talk to an Airstream expert to find out if the one you want to buy is a year to stay away from.
ddav15 wrote: I remember when they pulled 30ft Airstreams with cars (but cars were stronger then). They do pull easier especially in the wind and are lighter, but not alot of carrying capacity.
Our 23' Airstream has a dry weight of 3,500lbs and a GVWR of 5,800lbs.
You are right though, many Airstream models have low payload ratings.
The cars years ago were heavier and got the job done but the new cars are tighter, lighter, and more nimble and with the many technological advances they make great tv's in some cases. We use one (a pro set up) and it works great.
Road Ruler wrote: I have researched this topic to death and here is what I have concluded.
Once up to speed the weight has little to do with fuel consumption compared with wind drag. Towing an Airstream will get 20% better mileage when compared to a box type trailer. Note that the frontal area and the rear of the trailer influence aerodynamics and must be considered.
The added bonus of an Airstream is the superior towability overall.
We went from a 2,000lb Pop Up to a 4,500lb 23' Airstream and our fuel usage only went from 19mpg to 16mpg (can gal). We tow with a aerodynamic V6 vehicle which also allows the aerodynamics of the Airstream work it's magic.
I understand aerodynamics,because of my racing exsperience,and I admit that an Airstream is more aerodynamic than most.....but 20% better fuel mileage???? I would have to disagree there...some TVs do not increase ther mileage 20% when they unhook and run empty..plus as stated weight doesn't change your mileage much? Start at the bottom of a 6000 ft mountain with a TT weighing 4000lbs. and 9000lbs.and see how much more fuel it will take to pull it to the top,especially without a turbo diesel,Again I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one.
2008 Keystone Cougar XLite 29RLS
2006 Super Duty V10 6 Speed 4.10S Tow Command Tow Pkg. 4X4
Road Ruler wrote: I have researched this topic to death and here is what I have concluded.
Once up to speed the weight has little to do with fuel consumption compared with wind drag. Towing an Airstream will get 20% better mileage when compared to a box type trailer. Note that the frontal area and the rear of the trailer influence aerodynamics and must be considered.
The added bonus of an Airstream is the superior towability overall.
We went from a 2,000lb Pop Up to a 4,500lb 23' Airstream and our fuel usage only went from 19mpg to 16mpg (can gal). We tow with a aerodynamic V6 vehicle which also allows the aerodynamics of the Airstream work it's magic.
I understand aerodynamics,because of my racing exsperience,and I admit that an Airstream is more aerodynamic than most.....but 20% better fuel mileage???? I would have to disagree there...some TVs do not increase ther mileage 20% when they unhook and run empty..plus as stated weight doesn't change your mileage much? Start at the bottom of a 6000 ft mountain with a TT weighing 4000lbs. and 9000lbs.and see how much more fuel it will take to pull it to the top,especially without a turbo diesel,Again I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one.
Having first hand experience, I can testify it is true, your argument doesn't make much sense.
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