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Why do the airstream trailers seem so much more expensive? What makes them so special vs. other trailers?
Hi Andrew, this is an interesting question. I don’t know but I might guess that it’s because of the vintage appeal. Being silver, they may also reflect sunlight a little better.
Riveted aluminum panel construction, aerodynamic design, quality materials, independent suspension and torsion axles, weight distribution, extended lifespan, reputation and resale value.
Howdy folks. I now live in my 25 foot airstream for the last few months. This after 2 years in a 28 to 30foot minni winni class c. I have so much more room and storage and airstream makes a camper so much better than anything I found after a year of looking at campers and 5th wheels. Better construction, insulation, open feeling inside, and insulation. The center of gravity and their axels make towing this a dream , I forget it’s there sometimes. Not having a 5 th wheel leaves the entire pu truck bed for toys firewood or whatever. They are worth every penny ( I must say I bought one about 14 years old but in perfect shape ). They are very hard to find in decent shape but when you get one you will never have something else. Btw the resale value is astounding. I must disagree with Pippi about slide outs though, I have land in Az and Co and in extreme weather ( hot, cold, rain or snow ) the slide outs give the rig terrible comfort factor.. Sorry to disagree Pippi. Happy Trails
Airstreams are the Cadilliacs of trailers. Steel I beam construction and rivot driven aircraft aluminum that lasts a lifetime. Axles by Dana, USA made quality!!!! A 50 year old Airstream will look new with a shine. They tow well and do not leak.
Plywood construction with riveted aluminum – not ideal for cold/hot environments / rivets have to be maintained / aluminum dents easily / they do not treat their plywood so moisture is a big concern / aluminum corrodes so it has to be maintained and its not advised to put stickers on it.
Aerodynamic body / low center of gravity / independent suspension / torsion axles – tows better / saves gas / is more responsive in emergency maneuvers / cannot go off-road / if your tire blows it will likely damage the trailer body.
No basement space / most do not have slid-outs / less storage space inside – you cannot carry as much as you can with other trailers (including generators, extra batteries, washer and dryer, etc), smaller showers as well.
Airstream is the only safe trailer investment out there. The resale is insane. EVERY other trailer today is borderline junk. Stick and tin and lots of glue. They look great at the RV show but a while in the sun they go to complete crap. I currently own a Pacific coachworks tango 25. Tango Tom Powell worked for Airstream and then opened his company. My 2007 has been trouble free for 8 years, no malfunctions and I have camped in it hundreds of times. Appliances and AC etc are all quality brands. Great trailer. The exterior that I wax monthly is starting to delaminate. Little plastic things that hold open the hatch doors and brittle and snapping off etc…..the tupperware is wearing out!!! At the same time, pals from Victorville, Chuck and Kathy, just sold their 67 airstream for 17,500. Thus is after 10 years and 10 K invested, and chuck had 40 hits on Craigslist the same day he sold it. My 12K trailer is now worth about 5K. Airstreams were too small inside with wife and 2 kids so we went with the Tango. No regrets and I would buy another tomorrow knowing it will drop in value about a hundred dollars per month. Cheap rent!!!!!!!!!
There really isn’t much of a comparison between an average 20k travel trailer and an Airstream. Their competition would be mid-level trailers like Northwood and Evergreen. While there top of the line trailers compete with new Class A’s like Fleetwood and Newmar. That is where the real debate / comparison should start.
Totally agree Kyle, and I love my trouble free Tango but it is a rolling $hitbox compared to Airstream or Northwood. Newmar, Newell, Prevo…….quality you bet but EIGHTEEN THOUSAND dollars for the carpet??? 240.00 for each “Newmar” engraved wine glass?? The Bro in law has a Prevost and his reefer was 11,000 and this did not include installation. Side windows on his new coach fell out in Texas and he had to go to Indiana and wait 10 days for the 30K warranty repair. Not for me!!!! I cannot even stay at their resort in La Quinta because they do not allow trailers!!!
Gimme that old tupperware any day!!!!!Im trading my 22′ Airsteam Sport for a 27FB Airstream International Signature this weekend 🙂 I have been traveling off and on now for 6 months and I think I’m going to try full-timing it. I chose Airstream because of the quality and the way they are setup inside, they also trailer really well. I do wish it had more exterior storage and a place for a generator. They have nice resale value as well.
Happy Travels,
~Paul
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