Anyone own an Airstream?

SyntheticBlinkerFluid UltraDork
9/30/12 9:13 p.m.

I'm just curious what the appeal is of an Airstream is over a regular camper.

I really like the classic looks of them, but they also are ridiculously expensive.

I saw a 2002 19 footer on CL for cheap and I kinda dug it.

Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/30/12 9:29 p.m.

My dad always said that it was light weight and build quality.

carguy123 PowerDork
9/30/12 9:39 p.m.

Been watching Pickers have we?

BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
9/30/12 9:41 p.m.

My understanding is that apart from getting to polish your camper on a regular basis, the build quality of an Airstream is supposed to be a lot better than of most, if not all, other caravans.

Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
9/30/12 9:46 p.m.

Plus, they're easier to tow.

Basil Exposition Reader
9/30/12 10:14 p.m.

My father considered one when he was looking for a travel trailer. He rejected them because the interiors didn't have much storage. All those curved walls don't make for efficient interior layouts. Plus he's cheap. Ended up with a Palomino that was an absolute berkeleying nightmare. He eventually got rid of it and bought something else.

I haven't compared weights, but with fiberglass and such, are they really that much lighter? Dad's travel trailers weighed about the same as my enclosed car hauler. Empty.

Trans_Maro SuperDork
9/30/12 11:18 p.m.

You can find a Spartan or Curtiss (yes, the airplane people) that looks just as good if not better for less money.

I have to say, living in Raincouver, the curved top has some appeal. Less standing water, less leaking.

ddavidv PowerDork
10/1/12 5:36 a.m.

Aircraft style construction vs cheap wood construction. Why do you suppose you see so many vintage Airstreams still in use and so few old traditional campers? Less prone to leaks, and if they do, the guts don't rot away in 5 minutes like most campers. They are much better. Are they worth the price premium (THAT much better)? Up to you to decide.

spitfirebill UltraDork
10/1/12 7:15 a.m.

Its the build quality. Keep looking, though. There are some bargains.

One thing to look out for. Airstream Company was sold once and the first thning the new owner did was lighten the frame (thanks bean counters) and put the bath at the rear. This caused frame issues. I don't remember the years this happened, but I believe the company was bought again and this was fixed.

Also look for Argosy trailers. Pretty much the same trailer (but painted) without the Airstream tax.

I've had my eye on an Airstream motorhome that has been sitting on a lot in town for years.

Flight Service SuperDork
10/1/12 7:18 a.m.

Airstream and Avions (AL versions) are as good as you will get in a trailer. Ddavidz said it right

mightymike New Reader
10/1/12 7:34 a.m.

This is GRM: Buy and old one and fix it up. 1969 Shasta.

DILYSI Dave MegaDork
10/1/12 7:37 a.m.

Trans_Maro wrote: You can find a Spartan or Curtiss (yes, the airplane people) that looks just as good if not better for less money. I have to say, living in Raincouver, the curved top has some appeal. Less standing water, less leaking.

If anyone is interested, there is a Spartan in the family that may or may not be available.

Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Intern
10/1/12 7:44 a.m.

There's an older airstream down the street from me for challenge money.

Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/1/12 10:16 a.m.

I've seen a small 20' Airstream "Bambi" roll a truck - it got wagging and flipped the Tundra that was pulling it. The build quality was all over the Utah desert But the owners went out and picked up another to replace it, they love the Airstream. They got a bigger Tundra, too.

All Airstreams are parked in the desert and broadcasting conspiracy theories over pirate radio stations. The thing is, they're usually the ones who are proven right when aliens come.

SyntheticBlinkerFluid UltraDork
10/1/12 10:47 a.m.

These other companies that have made campers similar to Airstreams, are they still in business or are we talking about 50 y.o. Campers?

pilotbraden Dork
10/1/12 10:56 a.m.

Tom Suddard wrote: There's an older airstream down the street from me for challenge money.

Is a trailer race planned for future challenges?

Flight Service SuperDork
10/1/12 1:34 p.m.

In reply to SyntheticBlinkerFluid:

Avion is the only one I know that built an Airstream quality trailer. They switched to Fiberglass in the 90's.

Flight Service SuperDork
10/1/12 1:39 p.m.

Found this:

"The History of Avion Travel Trailers

The first Avion campers went into production in 1955 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, shortly after the Avion Coach Corporation was founded. The high quality, lightweight recreational vehicles quickly became a popular choice with RV camping enthusiasts. By 1967, a second manufacturing facility was opened on the west coast, in San Jacinto, California.

In 1970, Ligon Enterprises, another Michigan company, purchased Avion Coach Corporation, and then sold the company to California based Fleetwood Enterprises in 1976. Fleetwood continued manufacturing silver Avions until the mid-1990s, when the brand was transitioned to a more traditional camper body style, (edit: Read Fiberglass). Avions are no longer in production.

Designed with quality in mind, many vintage Avion campers are still on the road today. With an exterior of anodized aluminum, vintage Avion campers are easily recognizable and attract attention wherever they go."