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
