AIRSTREAM TT

jmtandem wrote:

Oh well Kennedy if that is what the salesman told you,the appliances brakes etc. are the same product on many rv's,if u like the enclosed tube shape go for it.

Not necessarily true. Airstreams come with torsion axles, far superior to the standard spring/spring shackles that most trailers come with. Many are converted to the far superior disk brakes. Airstream is the gold standard to which others measure against.

Torsion axles are used extensively by Forest River on and many other makes as a low cost alternative to rigid axles,had a Rockwood that had them years ago.I don't think the new Airstreams are made the same as the 20,30,40,50 year old ones do you.I had an Airstream and belonged to the club,good people,reasonable good product,very over priced,don't have mine anymore,just my impressions.

Oh well Kennedy if that is what the salesman told you,the appliances brakes etc. are the same product on many rv's,if u like the enclosed tube shape go for it.

Not necessarily true. Airstreams come with torsion axles, far superior to the standard spring/spring shackles that most trailers come with. Many are converted to the far superior disk brakes. Airstream is the gold standard to which others measure against.

Kennedy,

While Airstream's cost a little more in the entry fee department they typically last much longer than the standard box trailer. They will outlast the payments, something not all RV manufacturers can say. About 75 percent of all Airstreams built since 1935 are still on the road. The money going in will buy a product that will outlast you, your kids and perhaps their kids. So, they are not more expensive in the long term. Airstream does not use rubber roofs that need to be replaced in 12-15 years, no gel or filon sides to delaminate, and are proven wind resistance cheaters with the iconic rounded front and rear. Nothing on the road speaks RV better than the shape and name of an Airstream. Some models incorporate slideouts and the 34 foot PanAmerica is a triple axle toy hauler. Not that RV's are investments but it is doubtful there is a better long term ownership RV investment on the road.

There are also non monetary benefits to Airstream ownership. Many campgrounds with the ten year rule tend to forget that rule if an Airstream pulls up. There is almost no easily discernable significant difference between a new Airstream and one well kept twenty years old one. So, they don't care. Airstreams are in a league of their own. You either like them or you don't. Sort of like Harleys.

kennyd63 wrote:
Good day all:

Iam thinking about getting rid of my 2003 Mallard.Is in good shape nothing wrong woth it. But I went to the RV show in chicago and seen the airstream TT. I was impress with the way that is built, yes they are expensive but is it worth it. The sales person told me they will out last any TT out there.I can't seem to make up my mine if I should invest my money on one of these airstream?:S

Any input would be appreciated.

Kennedy>>>

Oh well Kennedy if that is what the salesman told you,the appliances brakes etc. are the same product on many rv's,if u like the enclosed tube shape go for it.

We had our 25 foot Airstream for 20 years and drug in over a million miles. Replaced many things and had to add a gray water tank as they did not have them then. It looked like new when we sold it. Sold it for more than we paid.

wincrasher65 wrote:
In my opinion, they are not so much better that it's worth pay 4x as much as another trailer. They are generally more cramped and have odd quirks - like smaller tanks. They also lack alot of features you find on more mainstream trailers.

Spoken by someone who obviously has never owned an Airstream!

I have owned an Airstream, and they are nice, very nice. They tow like none other, and actually have more storage than most other trailers the same size. They are very expensive, and frankly, you can get more bank for your buck from S.O.B. (some other brand). I guess it is the same difference as driving a Rolls Royce, or a Kia!

I know a guy who bought his Airstream in 1972. He still owns it and it works fine today.

We bought our 73 10 years ago for $6,000. It is worth more than that today.

The other bonus that most non Airstream owners don't understand is the ease at which they tow. All wheel independent suspension, low centre of gravity, and aerodynamics allow it to be towed with just about anything with a substantial fuel savings.

PS... back in the 60's my dad had an RV sales business and sold Mallards....... but he always wanted an Airstream.

Gary T once wrote...."My wife begged me to buy an Airstream. I hated the storage on them and hated the price. That was 3 years ago, Oh my god, I have fallen in? love. I changed my mind when I had to do a sudden evasive turn and then zig zag down a steep hill. The freaking Airstream hunkered down like a Porche and we escaped with our lives. I love my Airstream."

There is an airstream forum - you can read your fill on theses things. In my opinion, they are not so much better that it's worth pay 4x as much as another trailer. They are generally more cramped and have odd quirks - like smaller tanks. They also lack alot of features you find on more mainstream trailers. The aesthetic is very nice though.

Do they have better resale value (as a percentage)? Have no idea.

You might also consider looking at the Keystone Vantage and the Forest River Aviator.

I would do some research first, as you're obviously doing by asking this question. I've read a lot on various forums that the newer ones aren't any better built than most travel trailers and have leak problems. There's also an airstream owners' forum out there that I recall seeing mention of these issues on. And some are saying that no, they aren't worth the price. Sorry I can't provide links, but I was just perusing the topic one day about a month ago. I'm sure you can find more by doing a search or two or three. Have you considered the new Bigfoot trailers? They're also pricey, but not as much, and seem to be better built (once again, based only on what I've read).