Best TT for retired couple looking to travel

colliehauler wrote:

sushidog wrote:
I like the concept of the Airstream, and I'm sure it is a fine camper. However for FT use, the new ones lack slides to expand the interior room, and have a low carrying capacity which is important for FT use.

I'm looking for a travel trailer for FT use too (3 years from now), but I will be towing with a 3/4 ton, so I have a little more towing capacity. Now if they made one with a floorplan and specs similar to this: http://www.candyscampers.com/detail.cfm?id=1743 such as: 3 slides, 3,000+lbs CCC, 80 gal fresh and 80 gal gray tanks (for extended boondocking), 0-100 degree arctic insulation package, wide body design, etc., then they might partially justify their high price. But their top-of-the-line Land Yacht has no slides, only 1614 lbs CCC, water tanks less than 40 gal capacity and a price of around $145K, vs $34k for the previous example of a fully featured TT with much more sq. footage., carrying capacity, twice the size water tanks, etc.

I fail to see what attracts so many to the antiquated (iconic?) design, other than the sleek looks, relatively light weight and aerodynamics. I can't see where you could ever save enough fuel towing one to make up the huge price difference. Durable, sure, but how long do you intend to own one? Looking at the price difference between the 2 afore mentioned models as an example, one could buy 5, that's right 5 new Sprinters for the price of a single new Land Yacht. So if you decide to replace your conventional TT every 10 years (about the time that the rubber roof warranty runs out, rather than replace the roof) that means that you can have a brand new TT every 10 years for 50 years for the price of one new Airsteam Land Yacht (which may or may not last 50 yrs. like the older ones are reputed to do). This example ignores inflation, and rising TT values as the years pass, but it also ignores the residual value of your old trailer, and the time value of money, too, making this consideration favor owning a brand new trailer every 10 years (with all new, modern: interior, tires, appliances, etc.). Besides, how many of us even have 50 years left to live? So if we are at retirement age when considering this purchase and only have half of this RVing time left (optimistically), we might only purchase 1 or 2 more trailers before we expire. This dose of realism favors the purchase of an inexpensive, relatively short lived conventional trailer even more.

No disrespect to others who have made the decision to purchase a new Airstream, as we all (myself included) often do things based on emotion and desire that are not in our best financial interests. I'm just pointing out the financial folly of such a decision for a trailer with less functionality, whether used in an RV park, campground or for boondocking. They sure look sweet and tow like a dream though...just not something I'd recommend.

Chip

Chip someone could say that about your Aliner, (You know how many tents I could buy for the price of a Aliner). Next person could say (You know how many plastic tarps I could buy for the price of a tent).

It's all relative. Some people love the Airstream and had enough success in life that its not a financial burden.

The Airstream might not be for you or I but there is enough market to keep the company going and that speaks volumes in today's economy.

I hear what you are saying, but I think you missed my point. It's not about the money - it's about value. To use your analogy, I can look at tents and see the features they offer that a plastic tarp does not (irrespective of price). I can also look at an Aliner (or any camper) and see the advantages they give me that a tent does not. However, leaving price aside, I fail to see the advantages of buying an Airstream over a conventional TT (for full-timing) that has more room, capacities, insulation, etc. This has nothing to do with price, but suitability for an intended purpose.

I guess it just depends on what you value. If you value a sleek look and excellent towing performance over the superior livability (defined as more square footage that multiple slides provides, more storage space, more storage weight capacity, larger holding tanks, better insulation, etc.) - all things that many other TTs provide that Airstreams do not - then an Airstream is for you. Maybe towing with a smaller, lighter TV is so important that it outweighs all other considerations. Heck, this is the reason I chose my 4cyl towable Aliner rather than getting a bigger conventional trailer and TV. But I bought it for vacations, not to live in full-time.

Even if a modern full-featured TT, like the referenced Sprinter, and an equal length Airstream were the exact same price, I can't see the attraction of the Airstream for a full-timer, someone wanting to live in their RV with no other home. I'm certainly happy this iconic brand has survived for so long, but its arguable that the Airstreams produced today have the same legendary durability as those of old. So if durability is the primary reason for getting one, I merely considered the economics of the decision.

Would you rather buy a very durable TV, computer, car, etc. built a decade ago or a more modern, larger one with more and better features and benefits (yet not quite as durable) for 1/5th the price, allowing you to continuously upgrade to newer, better models when they become available? I'd rather buy a modern 50" color. hi-resolution, flatscreen television for $500, and upgrade to a better one every few years, than to buy a 1970's technology 19", low-res, tube type, retro style TV that looks cool for $2,500 that promises to last 100 years. The money is not entirely the issue; the performance and value is.

The lack of slides alone would be a deal breaker for me (as it is for most people). For FT use, I would choose an equal length conventional trailer with 3 slides over an Airstream (or any trailer for that matter) with none, even at the exact same price point, let alone at 5 times the price. It makes me wonder what others see in them that makes them so desirable? Of course there is no right choice, just what's right for you based upon the things you value. I'll choose comfort and function over style any day, but that's me.

Chip