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Looking to downsize to an Airstream

qbert10
Explorer
Explorer
We currently have a Jayco 5th wheel that requires a very large truck to pull. We are considering downsizing to an Airstream Flying Cloud 30RB (would like to find a used one but no luck). Are they really a "lifetime" trailer and worth the money? The kids are growing up and we are looking for a low maintenance trailer for the next 30 years.
Self and Spouse
2 children
2 dogs: Mya, Lab/ Catahoula Mix, Roxi, ACD, Bully Mix.
2014 Dodge 3500 CCLB DRW 6.7 CTD, Aisin Automatic, 4x4, Max Steel Metallic , Soon to have a B&W 3600.
2009 Jayco 31.5FBHS
23 REPLIES 23

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
Again, and not to sound repetitive, I think it's great that A/S is still being made and so for those that it works for, they have that choice. Obviously though, for likely a variety of reasons, that brand does not work for most people. They have a very small market share, and that is really clear for those of us out on the road a lot. I'm out 6 to 8 months a year, and like right now where I am staying, there are almost 600 RV's here. There are just two A/S. We were up to three there for a week or so. And that is typical I've noticed. A couple of A/S....and then all the rest of us.
It's all about choice and what works and appeals to one person, may not to the next.


So true! Different strokes for different folks! I think some of the allure of Airstream ownership is exactly what you reference--you do not see a lot of them. They are rare among the RV world; certainly not extinct; perhaps special in some minds; and that has an appeal to those that don't want just another standard box trailer RV like everybody else has. Are they for everybody? Of course not! If they were Airstreams would not 'stand out', would not be special to those that own them or want to someday own one.

And the ability to give the Airstream to your kids someday cannot me minimized; oh wait, you asked not to mention that. OK, I won't.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

gmw_photos
Explorer
Explorer
Again, and not to sound repetitive, I think it's great that A/S is still being made and so for those that it works for, they have that choice. Obviously though, for likely a variety of reasons, that brand does not work for most people. They have a very small market share, and that is really clear for those of us out on the road a lot. I'm out 6 to 8 months a year, and like right now where I am staying, there are almost 600 RV's here. There are just two A/S. We were up to three there for a week or so. And that is typical I've noticed. A couple of A/S....and then all the rest of us.
It's all about choice and what works and appeals to one person, may not to the next.

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
I spent 1/3 what a comparable length AS would've cost. That's priceless in my book. I have more room, more storage, larger holding tanks and since I'm in my 60's I could care less about buying a long term RV. Yes I think AS's are nice looking inside and have some innovative features, but all one has to do is go read the AS forum or Google AS problems and they'll find out they are no different, except for the shape and price. I don't care if someone thinks they're icons. Or that they need/want to be part of an iconic group. I bought my 5th wheel because it was the best bang for my buck, not to be part of an iconic group. If I lose money when I sell and I know I will then so be it. I know for a fact that AS may hold their value better but you still lose too much when you sell. The only ones that are good investments are the collector AS's. Just because someone bought a 1960 AS for $3000.00 10 years ago and sold it for $3200 this year doesn't mean that a 2016 AS will do the same. That 2016 just lost money when the new owner pulled it off the lot. Maybe in 30 years when someone buys that 2016 they'll make money on it after 10 years, but that does little for the original owner. My guess is that most AS owners never keep their AS's as long as they last, so what's the point? If someone buys it for the looks then that's fine. No different than buying a car or truck.


I shared the video because I think it brings a different perspective to RV ownership and especially Airstreams. It was not my video so I don't really have a dog in that discussion. I think for those that like iconic, like clubs, like social RV interaction, and want something that can go the distance and last longer than the payments Airstream is ideal. You have your reasons, the folks in the video have theirs. Nobody in the video said you have a problem, you said that. Nobody in the video said you need to purchase an Airstream to solve your problem. That was your conclusion. The folks in the video did not make sarcastic jokes about Airstream ownership solving problems, you did.

Since your comments were about the video, how did spending one third less on your RV in deference to an Airstream enter that discussion? Not everybody equates RV ownership to money spent or invested and if you penciled in the real cost of most any RV ownership, the numbers don't look that favorable unless that RV is also your home. People are out there enjoying RV's of any price range. They are happy. So why make an issue of what an RV costs? If you have the money, go for expensive. If not get something less expensive. Nobody in the video made an issue of what they cost; you did.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

gmw_photos
Explorer
Explorer
When one is thinking about the long term costs of owning any of these trailers, they would do well to consider all of the costs, in order to make it fair comparison.

When it comes to an A/S, it may be true the shell will last for decades, but a person will still likely have to replace some mechanical items ( furnace, air con, water heater, fridge, suspension/axles, etc ), as well as potentially interior refit. One guy may look at a ten to twenty year old interior and say it has classic elegance. His buddy standing next to him may just see something that looks old fashioned, and needs an update.

If one is thinking long term on an A/S, they would do well to go to airforums and do a search for "shell off restoration" or "full monte". Just like restoring old cars.....it can certainly be done, but it's not for the faint of heart or faint of wallet.

Look, the bottom line real-deal of all this is it's a fabulous time to be involved in RV's. There are choices and floorplans from small to large, in every budget from $10K to a couple $million. What's not to like about that ? I'm sitting in a resort right now for the winter in AZ....and every day I talk to a variety of folks that stay in every size and price of RV. We are ALL having a good time it appears to me.

goducks10
Explorer
Explorer
jmtandem wrote:
I can't afford the recovery.




Too bad, that is unfortunate. In your words you said "life would have been better". Surely you are not putting a cost on a better life? Your better life is not expensive, it is priceless!!!!!
Go for it!


I spent 1/3 what a comparable length AS would've cost. That's priceless in my book. I have more room, more storage, larger holding tanks and since I'm in my 60's I could care less about buying a long term RV. Yes I think AS's are nice looking inside and have some innovative features, but all one has to do is go read the AS forum or Google AS problems and they'll find out they are no different, except for the shape and price. I don't care if someone thinks they're icons. Or that they need/want to be part of an iconic group. I bought my 5th wheel because it was the best bang for my buck, not to be part of an iconic group. If I lose money when I sell and I know I will then so be it. I know for a fact that AS may hold their value better but you still lose too much when you sell. The only ones that are good investments are the collector AS's. Just because someone bought a 1960 AS for $3000.00 10 years ago and sold it for $3200 this year doesn't mean that a 2016 AS will do the same. That 2016 just lost money when the new owner pulled it off the lot. Maybe in 30 years when someone buys that 2016 they'll make money on it after 10 years, but that does little for the original owner. My guess is that most AS owners never keep their AS's as long as they last, so what's the point? If someone buys it for the looks then that's fine. No different than buying a car or truck.

gmw_photos
Explorer
Explorer
jmtandem wrote:
How much better is better? People want better but when the money is on the line, they rethink the good, better, best equation.


Some people think Airstreams are expensive. Actually, they are likely among the least expensive trailers available on a long term lifecycle cost basis and that is what the OP is looking for in a trailer.


I won't live long enough to wear out this here white box camper I'm in ! So the purported long term viability of the A/S is lost on me. I'm using all the money I saved to go camping/traveling. 😛

And don't tell me an A/S is an heirloom to leave for my darling kids !!!! They want a camper, they can go buy their own danged camper :B

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
I can't afford the recovery.




Too bad, that is unfortunate. In your words you said "life would have been better". Surely you are not putting a cost on a better life? Your better life is not expensive, it is priceless!!!!!
Go for it!
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

goducks10
Explorer
Explorer
jmtandem wrote:
Watched the video. Guess I'm a sad person with no aspirations. Shoulda bought an Airstream. Life would've been better.



Recognizing you have a "sad person problem with no asirations" is half way to solving it. It is not my video so I can't take credit for helping you, but I am glad the video helped you get your 'ahh haa' moment. You, too, could be on your way to recovery.


I can't afford the recovery. 😄

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
How much better is better? People want better but when the money is on the line, they rethink the good, better, best equation.


Some people think Airstreams are expensive. Actually, they are likely among the least expensive trailers available on a long term lifecycle cost basis and that is what the OP is looking for in a trailer.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
Watched the video. Guess I'm a sad person with no aspirations. Shoulda bought an Airstream. Life would've been better.



Recognizing you have a "sad person problem with no asirations" is half way to solving it. It is not my video so I can't take credit for helping you, but I am glad the video helped you get your 'ahh haa' moment. You, too, could be on your way to recovery.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

goducks10
Explorer
Explorer
Watched the video. Guess I'm a sad person with no aspirations. Shoulda bought an Airstream. Life would've been better.

rbpru
Explorer II
Explorer II
How much better is better? People want better but when the money is on the line, they rethink the good, better, best equation.
Twenty six foot 2010 Dutchmen Lite pulled with a 2011 EcoBoost F-150 4x4.

Just right for Grandpa, Grandma and the dog.

jmtandem
Explorer II
Explorer II
Here you go! Straight from the Airstream owners.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15qB_Z5Dg4o
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed.

campigloo
Explorer
Explorer
Airstreams are great looking trailers. The quality reputation is really good but I personally can't justify it. They all get beat up on the roads and will need repairs; maybe fewer with Airstream. When we bought ours new in 2011 we looked at Airstresm. I could buy 3 of the one I bought for 1 Airstream. Last Thanksgiving we had family at the campground for lunch. The weather turned bad so we comfortably had 10 people in it for lunch. I think I got much more value for the dollar.