Airstream

[ChiefStan]

Any thoughts on Airstream trailers?

[RobbieH]

Wow, could you be a little more vague?

Airstream, made by Thor, expensive, no slides, stainless steel exterior, look cool... what else do you want to know?

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by RobbieH

Wow, could you be a little more vague?

Airstream, made by Thor, expensive, no slides, stainless steel exterior, look cool... what else do you want to know?

Aluminum, not stainless.

They are not perfect, but better than many. Sealer is not used in the seams at skin overlaps but the joints are sealed on the inside during production. If sealer breaks loose, then you can have leaks.

They have moved into a new factory and out of the one at Jackson Center, so new ones have a special non-wood floor, which is a big plus for new ones.

Axles are Dexter Torsion axles (much older ones use other brands). EVERYTHING in the interior is constructed so that it can be removed thru the door. The quality of interior cabinets and such are vastly superior to most other RV's. They have a rather low center of gravity and many of them have the water tank positioned over the axles so stability is better than many other trailers. Its all in what you want and want to pay for. Older models are not without their issues, as certain years had serious frame weakness/cracking areas.

If you are seriously interested join the AirForum, which is a sister forum to iRV2 and part of the RV Life family. Its a difficult forum due to the way it is subdivided but read, read, read and you will learn alot.

Charles

[tuffr2]

Airstream trailers are built lower to the ground. Makes dumping the valves a bit more clumsy. Also no slides so you feel like you are in a tunnel.

Watch a few YouTube videos put out by the Long long honeymoon. Airstream trailers do leak.

[MtCamper]

Highest brand name recognition in the industry. Best built back in the day when most were 2x2 with little insulation, not so high end today. Tow great. The new ones have more designer influence than user friendliness. Not very well insulated compared to the foam insulated units. Way over priced IMHO.

[amxpress]

We picked up our 2021 Airstream last October. This is our 5th trailer, the others being a pop up, a travel trailer,and 2 5th wheels. This is by far the highest quality RV we have had. It also is the best towing trailer I’ve ever towed. The construction, engineering, and design is at a totally different level. It took an adjustment coming from a 38’ fiver with 3 slides, but we easily changed our mind set, in fact owning an Airstream is a different positive experience that we are very happy with. Unlike our other trailers, I’m not worried about loss of value, or sidewall de-lamination, or the trailer deteriorating over time and being parked in a field after 7 years.

[B RAD]

We had a 27 ft. 1973 Airstream that we bought used in 1993 and towed all over the US and Canada including up to Alaska and the Arctic Circle. If I was still doing that kind of time and travel I would have another Airsteam. But for a few weeks a year and trips under 500 miles the $$$$$ just doesn’t justify the cost, at least for me.

[move on]

As was mentioned, Airstreams are close to the ground. One step and you're outside. It makes you feel like you're living outside rather than living inside in a box.

[wildtoad]

They are perhaps the best quality TT, but I am surprised in this day and age they don’t offer a slide especially at the prices they charge. ( but then people still pay them ). Looking at some of their floor plans I don’t get where the bedroom is up front but the clothes closet is at the back. Like clothes, shoes, luggage, etc. one pays for the reputation.

[Sam 3]

Are you looking for a new or used one. I have been reading the forum for quite a few years. Some folks have the airstream lifted three inches. The new models have a three year warranty. It will take you six months to get an apt. for warranty work. Many quality control issues on the new units. Read about filiform corosion. Airstreams don't have an over abundance of storage. Very expensive and quite a lengthy waiting time for a new unit. Full MSRP price. Many buy older units to rehab. Best of luck in your research.

[laj]

Had mine for 32 yrs. Wouldn’t own anything else. jmho

[ChiefStan]

Thanks everyone,

You have provided me with some good feedback. Things to research and to consider.

[Jshopes81]

I think theyre pretty neat, we looked at them a few years ago. They seem like a quality piece, but the fact that i can buy a way nicer drv for less kind of put their pricing in perspective. 160k is just silly for what they are.

[Martian]

They are the only trailer that I have had to rescue folks from because they were locked IN! That was in two different places and trailers. Seems the inside handle can become detached from the mechanism but still be attached. Sorry, but I do not know the age of either unit.