Airstream—HOW?

[Jay D.]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I looked at the Airstream Classic 27 for 120k a few years ago. Then I walked into a 60k 5th wheel and was sold on the 5th wheel. Way more if everything for half the price. More space, more storage, bigger holding tanks, and more comfortable.

For my budget I could not pull the trigger on an Airstream.

that is a no brainer.
Jay D.

[keymastr]

When you get into the hardware behind the pretty cabinetry they are built about the same and have the same exact appliances as units costing far far less. Extremely overpriced and what will it look like after a hail storm?

[ga traveler]

Originally Posted by keymastr

When you get into the hardware behind the pretty cabinetry they are built about the same and have the same exact appliances as units costing far far less. Extremely overpriced and what will it look like after a hail storm?

You have got to be kidding. THEY ARE BUILT ABOUT THE SAME.That is way off. The airstream is aluminum out side wall and aluminum inside wall.there is no wood in the walls to warp or rot. Each river hole is hand drilled and each river in the outside wall has to be driven by one guy and bucked by another. This is a slow, labor intensive job. That is why they are so expensive. That is also why you can find so many made in the 40s 50s and 60s in great shape.

[Rolling Ragu]

Originally Posted by keymastr

When you get into the hardware behind the pretty cabinetry they are built about the same and have the same exact appliances as units costing far far less. Extremely overpriced and what will it look like after a hail storm?

Disagree, strongly!

I encourage you to take the factory tour in Ohio. It will only take a few seconds to recognize the differences.

I was skeptical of their asking prices until I took the tour. There is a reason that 50+ year old Airstreams are still on the road and there are very, very few other brands that make it past 15 years.

I don't promote my YT channel here, however, in two weeks (Sun, Feb 9th) I am posting our visit to the Airstream factory. Follow the link in my signature to find the channel. They don't allow cameras in the building, but you'll get more of my impressions.

[F4Gary]

Simple solution, buy a depreciated Airstream.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by keymastr

When you get into the hardware behind the pretty cabinetry they are built about the same and have the same exact appliances as units costing far far less. Extremely overpriced and what will it look like after a hail storm?

Sorry not even close.
Watch this video. Yeah they're really pricey but there's more hand built better quality items in one than any other TT brand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddjc...ature=youtu.be

Even if you don't like the looks or the style you have to agree they're substantially better equipped.

[tuffr2]

I went to the Factory tour. I was not impressed as the factory was unorganized and 90% manual labor. The average Airstream has 1,400 rivits which any one could leak.

There is a YouTube channel (Long Long Honeymoon) and a sister forum for Airstream.

Airstreams do leak just like all travel trailers that get beat up as they are towed down rough roads.

[bneukam]

They don’t use wood. Plus, I believe they use rock wool insulation, so if they do leak, it’s not as big of deal as when you have materials that will rot, or mold.

[tuffr2]

What is the floor made of? I think a leak in the outer skin will leak between the inner skin and rot out the floor. That is what happened on the Long Long Honeymoon's trailer. They have one video of water dripping in from another spot also.

[bneukam]

True, but floor is a lot easier to replace than a laminated wall.
I will admit I don’t know much about their product.

[Rolling Ragu]

I don't know why I'm here defending Airstream? I suppose the tour impressed me "that" much.

Of course they aren't perfect. They will have issues...any product does. But I felt the construction difference was similar to comparing a mobile home to a well built masonry home. It was that much of a difference.

[tuffr2]

I researched the heck out of Airstream. I watched a lot of video, talked to a lot of people, knew some people that owned one. Like I said, I wanted a 27 Classic Limited. I camped 10 days to a couple that I helped fix a leak in their trailer. The roof is not walkable. The leak was difficult to even get to on the roof.

The floor is not easy to replace as the wall is sitting on it.

Anyway, for me, they had a lot of downside.

[steve52]

No slide. roof not walkable, same appliances as every other RV out there...

For 150K I can buy a brand new truck, and a 27'TT, and have enough left over that if the TT falls apart in 5-10 years, I can go buy another new TT and still be money ahead.

[Jay D.]

Originally Posted by steve52

No slide. roof not walkable, same appliances as every other RV out there...

For 150K I can buy a brand new truck, and a 27'TT, and have enough left over that if the TT falls apart in 5-10 years, I can go buy another new TT and still be money ahead.

NOW someone got the right idea.
Jay D.