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kw_00's avatar
kw_00
Explorer
Feb 22, 2016

Airstream

Hey guys back for some more advice. A few months ago we were looking at selling the 5th wheel and downsizing some to a small vintage type trailer... Well we looked at those and instead really liked the airstream units around 24 foot. I know there has probably been some questions before regarding these units. However does anybody have one? If so what are the pros and cons for airstreams? We are looking for 2010-2012 perhaps depended on price.... Still researching these out and seeing if we would be good for a family of 3. Any input appreciated.
Thanks,
Kris

17 Replies

  • We have owned 3. First a 25ft next a 19ft and now a 23ft. 25 was the best size and wish we still had it. We traded the 25 for a MH. Later we wanted to go smaller and bought a 19. Too small no built in microwave. We now have a 23. It has corner bed built in microwave etc. it is a nice size to tow and get into campgrounds. The 25 has bed/beds in the rear and you don't have to crawl over your spouse to get out. The 23 has the corner bed that requires that. It is easy to clean inside and out. It and the other two have not given us any problems.
  • Here is a "con" you may not have considered -- Airstreams are so beautiful that you might not want to take it into a remote campsite and get it all scratched up with the branches and so forth! Seriously -- it is the same reason I would hate to take a Rolls Royce to the grocery store -- someone will ding it up with a cart.
  • Having owned an Airstream, I can tell you with all due respect the posts from DutchmenSport and Trackrig are not accurate.
    1. They are incredibility easy to keep clean- the clear coat finish requires no polishing and road dirt blends into the grey aluminium colr, so it really is not very noticeable. Unlike all other RVs, you will never have black steaks that are difficult to remove. NO POLISHING NEEDED OR REQUIRED.
    2. The rounded corners does eat into some storage space, but the very efficient use of all available interior volume more than compensates for that loss. Example, under the sofa is a "blanket drawer" that has enough space to store volumes of stuff.
  • You'll need a lot of polish to keep it shinny! Any dirt on the body and it will stand out like a soar thumb. Part of the really great look of an Airstream is that absolutely spotless, shinny, reflective stainless steel look. I could never have one. Too much work, I'm sure.
  • They come in many configurations and don't always have the higher Windows.

    They do have less storage but we always got along fine in our two Airstreams.

    We have a 40' DP now and I'll let you in on a little secret; you fill available space with more stuff. We had just as much fun back then with the Airstreams than we do now with all the storage.

    They also don't have features like multiple water pump switches, aux cable outside for outside tv, etc. on purpose b

    Less is more.

    They are well made, easy to work on, no delamination issues and tow well

    Also retain value.

    Find the Airstream forums.
  • We looked at them at one time. They're nice looking, stylish, and they let in a lot of light with all of the windows in the upper corners to call them corners. The problem was all of the windows that let in all of the nice light also eliminated a lot of storage space because they had to eliminate a lot of cabinets to get the windows in there. Just something to think about that before you buy one.

    Bill