AIRSTREAM - what makes them so expensive?

Is Cadillac that much better than Chevrolet? Is Lincoln that much better than Ford? The lack of TT slides makes me not even look at AS.

Rivited polished aluminum costs money.

Airstreams are all metal, no wood to rot. They are welded and riveted so there's really nothing to ever work lose. They don't require caulking either. They are built basically like an automobile, or, really more like an airplane. That takes a lot more expensive materials and a lot more workmanship. Of course, they also last for many decades. I'd love to have one but I just can't spend the money.

Picked this up from another post:

Youtube.. Airstream, how it's made

KD4UPL wrote:
Airstreams are all metal, no wood to rot. They are welded and riveted so there's really nothing to ever work lose. They don't require caulking either. They are built basically like an automobile, or, really more like an airplane. That takes a lot more expensive materials and a lot more workmanship. Of course, they also last for many decades. I'd love to have one but I just can't spend the money.

The windows, door and vents require sealant maintenance.

I’m sure they use a composite floor now. They used plywood many years. Both of mine had floor rot by the front door and front window.

They are well built and hold resale better than most.

Airstream figured out that people would pay a premium for their mystique.

Less is more. Less to go wrong.

I kind of like having a pump switch by every faucet, even outside.

I believe each rig undergoes a water test that simulates a heavy rainstorm which also costs money.

They make mistakes too. The early gray tank versions(early 70’s) had frame bending issues.

A friends 2016 had to go back to the factory to fix a water system leak under the floor.

Talk to a dealer that sells used AS's. They leak, rot and rust (esp. the frames) like any other brand. Also take a look at the interiors. They are made out of the same junk materials that all other brands use. Workmanship is hit or miss.

Same reason a Harley-Davidson is so expensive.

Just Google "Premium pricing" and you will begin to learn how prices are set. The actual costs involved in building a product is just a part of the equation.