Do not be under the delusion that one brand is vastly superior to another quality or cost wise. If there were one; it would corner the market. They all have fans and they all make and occasional dud.
Airstreams are unique because of their construction and shape. In general they sit lower, offer a bit less wind resistance, are known for their quality interiors and cost quite a bit more for the amount of usable room. They have a fierce and loyal following. I looked at them when we were buying but my DW (wife) said they were ugly!! End of story.
If you are like the DW and I, we get by well with a 25 ft. with slide. It maneuvers easily through city streets to hunt down quilt shops and gun shops: if you have kids perhaps not.
Before you do anything consider the following.
• The floor plan is perhaps the most issue. You have to live in it and it is very difficult to change because everything is built over or around something else.
• Your tow vehicle can pull more than it can haul. Look at the door sticker and determine the max cargo it can carry. My TT has a tongue weight of 700 lbs and my TV has a max cargo capacity of 1411 lbs. that means the most I can carry is about 700lbs of people and gear. I already have 200 lbs used up in the truck cap and tools.
• Cost, TTs are expensive and depreciate at an alarming rate when you go to trade them in. So it is best if you buy what you want and keep it. There are some good used TTs but it takes a lot of looking.
To help you chose well, I always suggest you decide what you think you want and rent a similar unit for a week or so of travel. Nothing explains the pulling, parking and handling of one of these barns better than doing it.
It is not cheap but it helps prevent a lot of buyer’s remorse when you know what you have gotten yourself into.
