Airstream Travel Trailer

[RUSSELL5000]

So I got the truck last year and got the Jayco travel trailer; with the help of folks here on the forum, got everything all set up right and safe. Took a bunch of short trips (under 400 miles) last summer. I have to confess that I always thought camping in a trailer was kind of sissy - always carried a backpack before. But, I have to admit that it is really nice to sleep in a bed when you are on the downhill side of your 50s. I still do tents and sleep on the ground with the Boy Scouts; I am just glad the boys can't see the time I spend stretching everything out inside the tent in the morning in order to be able to stand and walk!:-laf I guess I am just getting soft.

Regardless, the only way my wife is going camping is if she goes in a trailer, and I really enjoyed the trips last year, and we are planning more for the coming year. I have done quite a bit of reading, and would welcome opinions on how to proceed with an Airstream trailer.

I assume that travel trailer brands elicit the same kind of strong opinions that religion, politics, and the correct engine oil do. There does seem to be quite a few Airstream owners on the TDR, judging from reading previous posts. So, I welcome comment on the following that I have gathered so far in my reading:

(1) Airstream are very easy to tow; their aerodynamic shape reduces sway and can aid fuel mileage from 5% to 10% in contrast to many other "box-like" travel trailers; i.e., I get 11.5 mpg towing my Jayco - I could expect 12 mpg with a comparable Airstream.

(2) Airstream travel trailers are designed and built to last multiple decades (assuming appropriate maintenance).

(3) Airstream travel trailers hold their resale value well. Thus, it may make as much financial sense to purchase a new Airstream travel trailer as a used one.


Does it look like I have the basics somewhat correct?

If I want to get into an Airstream, what would you suggest is the best approach? I.e., should I try to find a used one in the classifieds, should I go to a dealer, should I focus only on new, do you know of a good dealer, ...

Thanks much!

 

[GCroyle]

RUSSELL5000,

A possible controversial topic, much like who makes the best fill in the blank here______ question.

Suggestion, visit or join www.airforums.com a very active Airstream owners forum, sign up for free and post the question to the veteran AS owners community, Sure their might be some bias but there is also a wealth of experience, decades of ownership and most likely somebody real close by that is an owner. Also, if a forum rally is close GO VISIT!!!!!!!

Good luck,

Gary
2007 Classic Ltd, 30' with slide owner.

 

[PDM]

Hi, good questions so far and like you I'm looking forward to answers based on user experience.
You might want to ask at least one more question:
How are Airstream trailers in 4-season use when compared to units like those from Arctic Fox? If you camp in winter, or in hot summer conditions the answers will probably be important to you.

 

[GCroyle]

One thing about the mystique of the Airstream gang is the absolute insane joy some owners seeking vintage units to restore is when they find one that most sane folks would run from and these guys run twords them. We're gonna need a tractor to pull her outta here, couple of tires and temp lights. They bring their prize home and start a restoration, often shell off starting with a frame repair or whatever it needs. Not trying to say they need restoration, trying to say its like seeing somebody with a barn find that because of the model or config makes them go after them, its that addictive to some. Not to sure how many SOB's (some other brand) make it to that stage before falling apart.

We toured Jackson Center this year and were told that the backlog was something like 6 or so months to get YOUR trailer built if you went new. They also had some on the lot destined to be sold in China, yup exporting the Flying Cloud model.

 

[JR]

You mean like this one Gary? Not quite a basket case but she definitely needs alot of attention, especially for the price.

 

[GCroyle]

JR,

Don't know if that is a good price or not, I can't ID the model but not too many SOB's have survived 42 years worth of ?????? wear and tear.

 

[Bill Stockard]

As a former buyer and owner of two new Airstreams, the answers to your three questions are yes (YMMV), yes, and yes. Also we used ours in all kinds of weather while traveling the lower 48 states and were always comfortable in them with out any problems. Our Airstreams were well insulated and equipped with double pane glass. If I had an unlimited budget (don't have) and wanted another travel trailer (have no desire for one), I'd buy another Airstream in a heart beat.

Bill

 

[JR]

JR,

Don't know if that is a good price or not, I can't ID the model but not too many SOB's have survived 42 years worth of ?????? wear and tear.

I don't know either, but you would have to be a die hard to tackle it as a project. It doesn't look like its been on the road in 20 years and the interior was in shambles. No water damage that I could see, just looks like someone literally walked away from it and left it sit for a few decades.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I bought my Airstream 21' in May 1995 and your three attributes are definitely true. I remember one time I was going along I10 near Phoenix in the right lane, behind a pickup. Suddenly it swerved into the left lane, and I soon saw it was because someone was going about 35-40 in that lane. I too had to do a whip-jerk into the left lane to avoid the moron. The Airstream followed faithfully with no drama. I expect I would have been in the weeds with any other trailer. Now, some parts are standard stuff and you can't expect them to magically become invincible because they are installed in an Airstream. However, the basic trailer holds up great and tows great. It is also designed well, with #1 being weight distribution, #2 being logical arrangement of components, #3 being eye appeal. So, you won't have one wheel constantly overloaded and blowing tires, etc. You also won't have nails, screws, and staples constantly coming loose and the structure peeling open.

 

[RikDavis]

I a have had them for 40 years. There are very few trailers that will be on the road or even be rebuildable of the box construction.. As the other poster said, check out www.airforums.com to find a wealth of knowledge.
I am currently traveling in a 1961 model and took a 54 we rebuilt to Alaska and back a few years ago.
Actually that 71 in the other post doesn't look that bad but the price is too high. That is about what it cost new back then. I bought a 1969 when it was only 3 years old for considerably less than that. The longer ones should be pretty cheap. It is the small ones that bring the premium bucks on the vintage market

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks, Gary; I just registered in the AIR forum. I'll be posting my questions there in a minute.

To Joe Donnelly's point - yes, it makes sense there is nothing magical about Airstream that is going to make tires, brakes, suspension components, door and window screens, and so on and so forth, be perfect and last forever. On the other hand, I do like the idea of no components coming loose and towing well.

Thanks to the others for your points of view. Clearly, I need to dig onto this much further.

 

[jgillott]

For what it is worth, I have been searching for a good used Airstream for a couple of years now off and on with no success. I have personally found several things to be true in my search in PA and the surrounding states.

1) Good used Airstreams sell almost instantly. Make sure to have cash ready to go if the unit is in great condition because it will be snatched up if it is listed at a good price.

2) Many Airstream owners are actually unaware of common problem areas such as floor rot, rear separation etc. Don't take their word for it, you have to really look at them close, just like any other RV. I drove 6+ hours last spring to look at a 2004 that the owner claimed was in perfect condition. I couldn't even stand in the bathroom it was so soft. Don't know if he really didn't know or not, but it was really frustrating, especially since it was advertised on airforums (yes, I'm a member there also).

3) New Airstreams really aren't that out of reach compared to late model used ones, especially when you consider you are getting exactly what you want. The slower rate of depreciation Airstreams see vs. other brand trailers may make a new one fit your needs, even if it doesn't seem so on the surface.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

To expand on point 3 above, I paid about double for my Airstream what a cheap trailer like Wilderness, etc. would have cost. The Airstream was well worth it, however. So, I agree, look at the new ones too, because you might find one you like and the cost isn't so bad over time, especially if you can even it out a bit, for example getting a shorter Airstream instead of a monster sized mini-house of another brand. When I travel, I plan to see the sights, and go places. I don't plan to sit in the trailer all the time like it was my house.

 

[jgillott]

Joe, Airstream of Western PA is exactly 20 min. from my house and I have been there quite a few times over the last year or so. My personal favorite that I keep looking at is a 23D Flying Cloud that is still on the lot. Perfect size in my opinion to hook up and go and still have a little breathing room.

http://www.airstreamwpa.com/pre_own...12K16K2013J5I10I43JPMQ4024R0&veh=2845926&nv=y


I also like the layout of this 19 Flying Cloud, but the better half thinks it may be a little too small.


http://www.airstreamwpa.com/pre_own...12K16K2013J5I10I43JPMQ4024R0&veh=2719145&nv=y

 

[jhenderson]

My uncle purchased a used Avion years ago because they were more reasonably priced. He called it a poor mans Airstream. He always seemed happy with it.

 

[GCroyle]

For what it is worth, I have been searching for a good used Airstream for a couple of years now off and on with no success.

jgillott,

Yup this is not an adjacent state, but some have semi called it "That Airstream Graveyard on I-95" Don Mar RV Sales doesn't have a website right now, but they have a lot of used AS in various state of TLC required trailers on the lot and 25-30 Spartans, you can see them from the map. Do a satellite view of:

265 Pudding Swamp Rd, Lynchburg SC 29080. Its I-95 and Exit 141 the SE corner, that glow of aluminum is all theirs.

Mary runs the place and her son Chuck is the panel master. They were a dealer, then repair center for AS and now stay busy fixing trailers. Lots of parts in inventory too, way too much to imagine. 800-581-4678

 

[GCroyle]

Thanks, Gary; I just registered in the AIR forum. I'll be posting my questions there in a minute.

.

Russell5000,

All right, now just put out an introduction and tell them you're currently looking, kicking tires etc. Maybe ask if anyone is in your area and if there are any winter get to together or the next Forum rally, or even WBCCI rally. Don't think I've met an Airstream owner that wasn't open to helping or sharing.

My handle over there is GCinSC2.

Gary

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Too bad the website only shows the exterior of those two Airstreams.

 

[jgillott]

jgillott,

Yup this is not an adjacent state, but some have semi called it "That Airstream Graveyard on I-95" Don Mar RV Sales doesn't have a website right now, but they have a lot of used AS in various state of TLC required trailers on the lot and 25-30 Spartans, you can see them from the map. Do a satellite view of:

265 Pudding Swamp Rd, Lynchburg SC 29080. Its I-95 and Exit 141 the SE corner, that glow of aluminum is all theirs.

Mary runs the place and her son Chuck is the panel master. They were a dealer, then repair center for AS and now stay busy fixing trailers. Lots of parts in inventory too, way too much to imagine. 800-581-4678

Thanks. I'll have to check that out. I run I-95 through SC several times a year on our way to/from Florida. I'll have to take a little side trip next time down.

 

[jgillott]

Too bad the website only shows the exterior of those two Airstreams.

I think there are more pictures in the gallery if you click to enlarge the pictures. I could be wrong though.