In this video I talk about why people choose to buy Airstreams even though they are smaller and less spacious than a large trailer which is half the price.
the Airstream tracking perfect is not bullshit - truck slammed its brakes and I did a sharp swerve at 70 MPH on the 5 freeway in Southern California and I thought I was gong to flip the Airstream but that baby swerved with my car like nothing --- it saved my life
My parents purchased there irstream new in 1969 when they got married. It is now 2023 and they are still pulling the same 1969 irstream all over the country. It has a total of 2.7 million miles on it.
@stevetucker9181 your point is what. Are you jealous that my parents have been able to afford to travel full time in their rv since they purchased it. I am pretty sure that it not there or any other persons fault that you can not afford to do what others do. 50 thousand miles is not that many miles a year. I have a neghibor who drives a truck , he and his wife average about 300 thousand miles a year.
Why? Well, they tow better than any other trailer. Better gas mileage while towing due to less drag. They last for decades even when towed hundreds of thousands of miles. No slides (they did make larger models with a single slide years ago. No longer although the slide models out there are in high demand meaning big $$$). They are hand made meaning every rivet on the shell requires two workers to install every buck rivet. Currently own a 2019 Flying Cloud 25' Rear Bed Twin. Love it. It is our second Airstream.
We're on our second Airstream, the first one we bought used, then upgraded to a larger size after 7 years. We are Airstream Club members and enjoy all that comes with owning an Airstream, including all of the things you mentioned and more! Thanks for sharing this great video!
G8 Video. We had a 1996 Airstream Excella which we purchased in 2020. Took some time to update it and give it a little TLC. We polished it last year (it was starting to show its age) and then we spent the winter in Florida. Everywhere we went, people asked us how old our Airstream was. And they could not believe it when we told them it was a 1996. It was a fantastic trailer for us and we loved it. This year we came home from Florida in April and put the Excella in storage. Our Airstream dealer asked us if we wanted to see a 2018 Flying Cloud U that they just got in on a trade. Long story short...we traded up our 96 Excella for a 2018 Flying Cloud. Dealer gave us the same $ on trade in 3 years later....So your point about holding value is so true. We love our Airstream and looking forward to many happy trips in our 2018 Flying Cloud. Keep the great videos coming. CHeers
Thanks for the positive feedback. It’s great hearing your story and it’s a story I see and hear a lot in the business. Enjoy all the great memories you’re creating!
I just bought my first Airstream, a 25’ International with forward twin bunks. It was a difficult decision as I live in a cold climate and when I compared it to an Arctic Fox, the AF won in almost every category at about half the cost. That being said, I watched my last trailer practically disintegrate while parked next to my house in 5 short years. The Airstream at 9’9” tall fits in my outbuilding and is out of the weather when not in use. It also pulls easily with my Toyota Tundra 5.7L pickup. I disagree with the comment about holding their value as I’ve seen several lightly used ones for $30K less than I paid for mine (I paid $108K if anyone is wondering). I could care less about “status.” That’s actually a detractor for me. I love it so far. There’s plenty of room for my wife and me plus a couple of dogs. Everything is well thought out and very comfortable. No complaints or regrets.
I hear about delicate exterior-easily to scratch, rust-is it true and how do you handle care especially for the skin of the Airstream? Thanks -safe and fun travels!👍
@@roberttyminski4203you will never have to worry about the skin of a aluminum air stream rusting. The best wat to care for one is to have a decent aluminum polishing company buff it out to a mirror finish and then have it ceramic coated. Yes it will cost a few bucks but it is worth it and the reality of it is that you already spent $110,000.00 on it so a few thousand more is not a big deal.
My grandfather had an Airstream 30’ Classic at a campground on Lake Erie. After a couple decades of him, friends, other family and all of his grandchildren enjoying it for walleye & perch fishing trips, it was retired due to a tornado. Out of the 60+ campers/rv’s in the campground, only 2 were even discernible as a camper/rv. They were both Airstreams! His got rolled and stopped a few spots down but it was still intact! It could’ve been sent back to Airstream for repairs but he decided to just let it go. The build quality is insane compared to other campers/rv’s.
It brought back some good memories ❤. My dad had one in the late 80’s, and that’s true. They last forever. He sold it in 2006, and it was still looking good
We have a 2005 28' International and we live in it full time! It's simple, it's easy to tow, and there are very few problems. It's an all season RV and can withstand the elements better than most. See ya on the road!
I have always loved Airstreams. Getting one was, and still is, a dream come true. The quality and community that comes with it are amazing. We got our first one and kept it for 4 years then decided we wanted a little more room. We never considered getting anything other than another Airstream the second time around. The resale value is an additional bonus.
Airstreams are definitely worth it. We bought a new one in 2020. After looking over various brands, models, trailers, fifth wheels, etc., we found the Airstream was the best fit for us. Mainly because we fit in them! With a family of 6’+ we didn’t fit in most other brands. We’re not into the status, prestige or club aspect. We just love the quality, fit and tow ability. It’s also one we can pass on down to the family! Love it!
Soooo, I looked at these...and I felt they were made well..but..we felt like we were in a soup can...no warmth'' inside..and no room. Bought a Rockwood [it too had torsion axles, quality has been good, lots of room...and no issues that were build related. Best reason to not buy the Airstream..Take that 150k difference and invest it....and in 10 years..Heck, buy anything you want!!!
My parents have a 72 International Land Yacht they have had since new. They lived in it for 2 years in the late 90s while building their house. It was completely gutted and remodeled in 08 to change the floor plan. At that point, it still had all the original appliances, but they upgraded to modern appliances during the remodel for more convenience. They put new bigger axles in in '14. Otherwise it just works, and is really easy to tow. It has had a single leak during it's 52 year life, and we fixed that quickly with 2 new rivets.
There is a prestige of owning one. Yes, one could get a trailer for half the price, but those have a tendency to leak at the roofs because how its build. Resale value is huge. An Airstream that has been taken care of will sell pretty much what you originally paid for it. Love my 16 RB.
I recently purchased a 2 year old Carousel 20FB and I've never been an Airstream guy. My parents owned a 1976 Aristocrat (16'). I was going to purchase an Oliver which I still consider a very good TT, however there were a few differences that swayed me to the AS. I've seen too many horror stories about slide outs which neither AS or Oliver have. The initial investment is very high, but I'll get a nice check when it's time for me to sell it!
We have a 2019 30ft signature rear twins. LOVE! Thanks for doing such a positive video. We meet Airstream owners all the time who are on their 3rd or 4th Airstream, not because anything was wrong with the others, but because once you get an Airstream…YOU GET IT! ❤
I have a 2019 Bambi Sport 16RB. Thank God I got it prior to the huge price increases through the 2020 pandemic. I like taking it down to the Outer Banks, Frisco Woods Camp Ground.
In answer to your question, would you buy one? The answer is yes, we did just that this past June. That was after owning a typical "box" camper for 3 years. We had just attended a rally with 50 or so other people who owned our make and model travel trailer, which by the way we really did enjoy. But during the rally we listening to all the (same or similar) upgrades almost everyone had done or planned to do in order to make it more comfortable and usable. And we listening to the maintenance issues almost everyone has had and how to fix or avoid them, so when we saw an Airstream for sale by owner just a few weeks later, we purchased it. Compared to the typical box camper, this thing is rock solid. Is it worth the money? That's a question everyone has to answer on their own, but to us, the decision took less than 30 minutes to make after seeing the "for sale by owner" sign on it. We love our 2021 Flying Cloud 25FB!
I can totally support this video regarding Airstreams. So easy to tow. Take care of them and they last. Well built and the resale value is there ongoing. Cannot say that for other brands. And yes, I own an Airstream. Thanks for the factual video on Airstream. Take care.
Yes, they are worth it. My first one was a 2021 Caravel 20FB.. Easy to drive and tow. I sold it and am looking at a 23' with a bit more room with twin beds. I love traveling with my own bed in tow. The quality is great. Quiet inside.
This was a great video! And thanks @boondockingamerica for sharing that about your parents. It’s hard to believe that 75% of Airstreams are still “rolling” but i’ve read/heard about it on more than one occasion etc. Anyway, I’m looking for an Airstream to hit the road in. I retired a couple of years ago and have almost completed the downsizing process.
I had an older 1975 Tradewind 25'. Mint condition. Real conversation piece at the campground. Then I ran into somebody with a vintage Holiday Rambler. I was impressed. So I ended up getting a 1986 HR Presidential 29'. In my opinion, the HR product back in the day was far superior to any Airstream. I still have the HR. Love it.
I had another trailer for 7 years and it was falling apart. I went to buy a new trailer and wasn't impressed with the quality. I baught a basecamp and couldn't believe the quality. I love it.
I have a 21 globetrotter 27fbq towing with my wife’s 21 bmw x7 m50i. I cannot tell you how many people come up and ask about the trailer combo. Including several police officers. It tows great with the bmw and an equalizer hitch. Mid 1990s rv tech was my first job.
I had a Forest River and a Grand Design travel trailer. After about three years they started to disintegrate. So I bought my first Airstream in 2022, night and day difference in quality. Airstream will still look the same years down the road. Built with quality components that last.
Six years ago I bought a 1981 Airstream Excella II 25FK. I paid what I would have paid for a brand new 25ft regular trailer. As the Airstream is 42 years old, the original interior is in very good condition. I find that if something goes wrong it tends to be the equipment not made by Airstream: fridge, WH, furnace, etc. I pull it, very easily, with a 2007 Chevy Impala SS. The receiver is custom built by the best in the business (CanAmRV). Towing, compared to when I towed a 23ft Travelaire, is a breeze. I forget it's back there thanks to the low centre of gravity and the superior suspension. I plan to keep this Airstream forever; I'll hand it down to a niece or nephew. BTW, my Airstream is one of only 7 ever made. Cheers, Paul
Ha! Another guy using a car to tow his AS. I have a 20FB and tow it with my 1968 Mercury Monterey. I do get alot of looks at the campground and i'm sure you do as well!
Try going to the AIRFORUM! The heated discussions between those who believe that a big square box of a Pickup truck is the only way to tow a trailer. Talk about defeating the purpose of the low centre of gravity and the aerodynamics of an Airstream You're pulling with a vehicle that was pulling trailers back in 1968. Cheers, Paul@@dachshunddadbob6765
It’s called quality. What’s expensive is the money people waste on the garbage they are paying almost $100,000. We have the 2019 Flying Cloud 27FBT. Bought it new from Colonial Airstream. Love it. It’s just my myself, wife, 2 Frenchie bulldogs and 1 cat. And NO MORE SLIDE OUTS! Tows better than the the 5th wheel we had.
I’m getting my hands on an Australian caravan or European one…now those are made solid. The outer shell of an airstream is just too fragile for our crappy roads ..let alone a hailstorm 😬
They made models I believe between 2003-2005 with slide outs but they were unpopular and they discontinued them. I looked at one on time in a dealership near me. Interesting but it lost some of the appeal of a classic airstream for me.
It’s a nice trailer. Well built and easy to pull. They tend to drag the back end when traversing dips. No slides, which is probably a good thing. Cool looking! If you’re young and you will get the chance to use it over 30 yrs. probably worth it. Very expensive and definitely cater to the wealthy. Status based for the one uppers in the world. Would love to have one but it’s far too expensive for me.
I have a airstream 2004 classic ltd 34 foot triple axel. The only leak i ever had was the skylight leaked due to the screws to tight and cracked the plastic. I bought replacement high end hail resistant with metal frame skylights from Texas. Never had a leak since. That guy is right about quality. I still own this airstream and made the big mistake of buying a 5th wheel brand new 2023 42 foot forrest river Cedarcreek toy hauler 385th. Its in the shop right now getting the slide motors replaced. Its brand new ! Owning it less than a year this is what has gone wrong in addition to the slide motors going out. GAS line was kinked going into the tankless water heater never would get hot, one shade don't work, slam baggage door never worked right even after takin it in to get repaired, Hydraulic leveling control panel went out $450 if i had to pay for it, Another slam latch door was locked and the guy had to pry it open. Made me sick watching that, Floor moves and squeaks, Self closing kitchen draw broke, The gasket on the slides when they go out pull off and I have to keep putting them back on what a pain. This all in less than a year and there is more, central vac hose keeps popping off etc. You would think after putting down 30k that i could sell it with no problem come to find out you can buy a brand new one for lees than what i paid because forrest river dropped there prices twice in 2023 because they were not selling units. The only reason i bought this money pit is my airstream didn't have enough storage space outside but i wish i would have bought a camper shell and store some stuff back there instead of making that i believe a huge mistake. My airstream is 20 years old now and the only thing i replaced was the ac unit and the fridge witch is understandable and that was three years ago. Oh and i put brakes on it for the first time last year before i bought the other pos. Yes they are expensive but i rather pay for quality than thrown together junk like the one i own right now. Sorry it just makes me sick the money i paid for the Cedarcreek knowing after the warranty is up its going to be a endless money pit but not my airstream.
I’m so sorry to hear about your bad experience with that fifth wheel. I do appreciate the positive feedback on the airstream. I love hearing from owner stories. If you do need a fifth wheel, though I would highly recommend looking into Brinkley. I had one customer come in to trade in his globetrotter for a new model. And he switched to Brinkley because of the extra space. And as far as fifth wheel goes. I would put them in number one right now.
We just rented that exact model. Great build the quality is obviously there the livability is horrible it’s so small for its size if two people are going to cruise America and you have the cash this is for you. Our weekend was spent out side just to small really not well thought out.
I saved and purchased my new Airstream 100% cash in 2019 from Airstream of Columbus, Ohio. I do not do consumer debt, ever. But, given their high pricing, how many of you folks finance to a monthly payment like a mortgage, and for how long? Do you put any money down?
In my experience selling many buyers pay cash but some finance as well. Anywhere from 0 Down and up and it’s best to spread payments over 20 years and overpay if you can. Low payment makes overpaying easier. There are no penalties like you see in a mortgage payment.
For the price of Air Stream travel trailer, you can get similarly equipped class B motorhome that you don't have to worry about constantly hooking and unhooking which is a huge hassle.
Plus you get the advantage in a class b to unhook all utilities when you leave the campsite, with your grill, chairs, etc. sitting at the site whenever you decide to go to the store, out to eat, or for entertainment. Lots to consider with all RV’s.
The new Airstreams, have too many windows! They are scrimping on the Aluminum. You feel like you are in a fish bowl. Or in an observation car on the train. So many windows let in heat, cold and noise. Privacy lost also. Windows are nice but too many are on the new trailers. They wrap around the front and back and more windows in the middle. We have a 2006 19 Bambi and love it. Yes we could sell it for what we paid for it. But we are keeping it we love it so much. And the Airstream club is so....fun!
I'm sure all that is true but its a tin can with zero room. They look fantastic for a weekend warrior with money but full-timing would be miserable in an Airstream. One thing is for certain, they're built better than anything else on the RV market.
They are very sterile inside like the Oliver and the beds are small. Not much storage outside. The quality is appealing. I went looking years ago without a budget and preferred other products. I just repeated this process looking for my next (4th) trailer with the same conclusion. In the end, it’s what appeals to you the most and if it’s the Airstream that appeals to you AND you have the resources get the Airstream.
If you have the money, any kind of luxury goods are "worth it", in general. I'd rather have an S-Class Mercedes than a Chevy Malibu. You'd really have to do a lot of RVing or be quite rich to make the investment though. If you only go out a few weekends a year, an Airstream is probably not the best value.
I always wonder how the seems and rivets would handle ice over time but I guess if you have $200k for trailer you can pay or have built a covered place to store it in off seasons. Interiors are really nice. Rivets say I can’t afford to pay welders. Built Like the Titanic.
Pretty good, they have a nice layer of ecobatt insulation between the shells and they use a heat resistant tape between the aluminum frame and the skins. They also have a special layer of white, coated aluminum on the roof.
Doesn’t take much searching to find quality issues with the current airstreams. They like many are coasting on a reputation made years ago which simply no longer applies.
The outside is wonderful. The inside is cold, sterile, uninviting, and not in any way comfy looking (in a home-like feeling). Its like being in a hotel room where you are not really home but get to use the amenities.
The only problem I have with Airstream is the location of the microwave. It's so low I need to get on my hands and knees to look inside to see how my pot pies are doing.
I love my Super C and would never trade it, but when I’m next to an Airstream I always admire them. If was a pull behind trailer guy, I’d own an Airstream.
So what I got out of this is that airstreams are expensive because the customers don't negotiate and a salesman like this guy is happy to take them to the cleaners! Also ends the video by admitting that it's a cult after starting by saying it is not. Great vid
No slides are a deal killer besides costing more than my remodel did. One of the small fiberglass trailers like an Oliver last a long time as well. If you can make do with the space.
My wife and i have been looking at airstrams for years and can't find one that doesn't have medal on the inside. In the cold winters that meadal on the inside is cold and hot in ge summer. They need to go back to the carpet inside walls.
They actually have really good insulation. They’re not a four seasons camper, but they are good and hot weather with the whisper, quiet air conditioning. When I’m working around them on the lot in the summer, they don’t seem to be any hotter than any other trailer on the inside.
As a 38 year master rv technician these RVs are well built, however, they are incredibly expensive to repair. Just dent a 1/4 panel or gawd forbid a side panel. Our company has refused to work on them because of the mentality of just a few of the owners and the cost of repair.
Why not? Far too many newbies do not have the do-it-yourself skills for maintenance, and even fewer have the driving skills to safely navigate our roads and highways.
The real question is why would anyone buy any of the cheap garbage masquerading as travel trailers. The only trailers built good are Australian off road trailers like the Bruder
my first choice would be Airstream but i can't afford one, so i will settle on an Arctic Fox trailer they are a family run company and very well built...pete.
After rving with my wife for the last 8 years l, mostly week long trips to 4 week trips … I learned the main things that add to the enjoyment of the trip are redundancy and limited about of things that can go wrong. The new design with two ac units that also double as heat pumps and the fact that they have no slides is a major stress relief … I want simple, quality and something that doesn’t require the insane insurance or maintenance of a drivable unit or deal with the weight and overall size of the newer fifth wheels … at the age of 33 when I see those giant solitudes on the road with slides and auto leveling and all the bells and whistles I just see a million things to go wrong and piss me off after spending all that money …plus their resale is non-existent
Too vague. Need model, floorplan. Also you can search for similar units online. Just type “2014 airstream Bambi for sale” you should find something close.
If it is a special edition unit it's about 130% of the retail price . If it a standard unit then the resale price is some place between 80 and 88 % of the original purchase price.
Airstream popularized what would be later called “minimalism”. Their highest embodiment being early globetrotter examples from 70’s in the 16’- 21’ lengths.
