Thank you for this video. I am researching for our forever R.V. We have owned 4 in the past. One travel trailer, two-class C's, and a class A. I am seriously considering an Airstream in 6 years when my wife retires. I like the fact that they are very durable. First, we will go on a world cruise, then cruise our great country.
I’m with you Kristy. We built our camper and I don’t miss the slide out at all. I don’t have to deal with problems with the motors failing, or leaking. None of that. However, it’s just me, my Husband and our little dog in our rig, so we don’t feel like we’re lacking in space because we don’t have slide outs.
I own a 2017 25ft FC, I confirm the space challenge, yet it has made me more organized with discarding and prioritizing, this has had a freeing effect at the same time. Have an appointment with Vinnie April 22 for two year service. In the winter I own a RV lot in the Palm Springs area as a home base, then off to wherever in the summer months.
Thank you for your honesty. Sometimes people who are "brand loyal" will not disclose the cons so you can join their misery. Appreciate the whole story...
Great video as always. Had one, sold it for more than I paid for it. Your points all valid, and the reason we now have a Winnebago travel trailer now- More standard features, excellent quality, one piece roof and I could buy three more for what a comparable Airstream would cost.
Very informative. Mrs and I had a towable for 30 years. It was showing its age. We found it used a mile from home. We got our use out of it. Mrs now has mobility issues (knees & hips), so we sold our RV for a lot less than we paid for it. Very weak resale. Roof seam leaks can be a problem on brands other than Airstream. We caught ours early. I remember watching Wally Byam caravans on the Sunday afternoon travelogue TV shows. They were something. Mrs and I are contemplating our next move, RV wise. Meanwhile, we enjoy your TH-cam videos. Keep 'em coming!
In 1976 I bought a new Airstream Argosy. It was 26 feet long and cost me approx. 10k. I had it for ten years, before I traded it in for a Park Model trailer. I got my 10k back. I still have my PM trailer. Now I wish I had the Argosy. Take care and be safe.
Kelly was out when you posted the video so I had to watch it twice. Oh the humanity... Great video again, I just wanted to mention that to some degree, the advantage of no engine in a travel trailer is somewhat offset by the added work your truck has to do to pull it down the road. In the end though, I think it's a better option. And - welcome home!
Years ago we had a self contained truck camper. It was perfect for 2 people but taking it off and on the truck was a royal pain. We sold it once we got little kids. We worried about rushing river water and small kids getting swept away in an instant. Sold the camper and now our kids are grown and we bought a R-pod 179. Again, small but larger than a truck camper and has all the basic needs along with a AC unit. I tow this with a K1500 Silverado and it is so light and aerodynamic I don't know it is back there until I see it in the mirrors. If we need more room we go outside like you do. Great video on likes and dislikes of your Airstream.
I enjoy watching your vlogs. We have a Classic Airstream, a 1965 Overlander (26 foot) that my parents bought new. With a few system upgrades and maintenance it still works great. We love it.
Newbie here. My new 2019 Classic 30’ RBQ is in production as I type. I have been watching your videos, and you are one of my information sources as I begin my journey. I also purchased a 2019 F350 Limited so I can haul my Harley in that. ....,and so my Adventure is about to begin. I will continue watching & Thanks For The Videos!!!
I like a lot of your video, and you are correct about checking and staying on top of the seams on an Airstream, my wife and I have a 1994 Land Yacht Motorhome 30 feet with the P30 Chevrolet Chassis, we love it, but it is the fiberglass Airstream.
Windows. That was the number one thing that drew us to Airstream and ours in general. Our favorite style before was hybrids (we owned three) because they felt open. The first Airstream we sat in was a 25RB and just loved the windows. The trailer is a little smaller than other brands, but you don’t feel cramped when inside. We wound up with a 28RB and love it. It’s a 2019, we ordered it in the summer of 2018 and picked it up in a blizzard in November of 2018. We go fulltime in 2.5 more years. This is our 11th RV in 27 years, we knew what we were getting into, though we really don’t know what it will be like fulltime. We just know we hate when our trips come to an end. But windows, a huge pro.
You covered it pretty well. The only other negative is that aluminum is a great conductor of the outside temp. I took out all of the interior skin. Replaced the insulation with block foam. Still radiates because the studs are aluminum. I have done a total overhaul from the sub floor up. Added more electrical. Stripped and buffed. Completely sealed every seam with the recommended caulking. We are living in it stationary so it is more like a park model. We are always hooked up to the grid. So we have electric heat and hot water. The fridge is the only reason for the LP. But I love the way it looks. I have a couple of videos of the remodel. Wudrest channel if you are interested.
I have gone round and round with whether or not to buy a Stream. Cost isnt the issue as much as these five concerns that continue to keep me away: exterior maintenance (aluminum panels, rivets, seams; compromised subfloors due to sneaky leaks; ground clearance and exposed plumbing; external storage; uncomfortable dinette cushioning. The things that keep me interested: the look and feel of the inside space ... the light from the windows and aluminum walls is just cool ... except in the hot sun!
Terrific points guys! Many of your points apply to any type of RV! We have a Class C and I think the thing that worries me most is the potential for water leaks. I think I obsess over that more than anything else. I love love love the look of the Airstream trailers. They always catch my attention wherever we travel.
Hey guys. Welcome back. I'm glad that Airstream trailers *don't* have slide-outs. They not only would look tacky, with something sticking out the side of the trailer, but I would think that it would just add to the cost of purchase the maintenance, because it would be one more thing to possibly go wrong.
Great video - thanks. Another thing that we like about our Airstream is that they are easy to modify for personal preference. We've done quite a few things to make ours more comfortable, such as adding a recliner in place of one side of the dinette. We are working on an electrical system upgrade next to make boondocking easier. Of course you can do these things with any RV.
Excellent video! You nicely stated the likes and dislikes without going on a tangent. I love the nice clean look of airstreams outside as well as inside. We seriously looked at them when we were purchasing a travel trailer. We did not buy one because of the high price and we were not impressed with the interior quality. After viewing this video I am highly relieved that we did not buy an airstream. They are nice but come with some major flaws for the price. The tt we purchased cost four times cheaper than a similar airstream. We saved roughly $60,000! It may not be as “good” or “well made” as an airstream but it does not have major flaws either. It has served us well for the last several years and should for the next several years. Airstreams are nice but there are many more inexpensive options out there for a lot less money and hassle.
I think you have summed it up pretty well. The skin is easy to damage, it scratches easily, the panels dent easily, and yes I had damage done as well by service personnel. The twin beds do offer more outside storage, some to consider . They tow great, and the inside of Airstream is beautiful. I would recommend getting a least a 25 footer or bigger, so you have more room to move around.
Love your videos, I’ve learned so much. I had a Basecamp disaster for a year and traded for a 16’ Bambi. It has everything I need and I can manage it alone (old woman here) because I camp alone. What I like besides everything: that there are no obnoxious swishy decals on the sides implying speed (hahahahaha). Two things I wish for: cargo nets at the head and foot of the bed for a little more storage and a 110 plug next to the bed for an electric blanket when I have shore power. Thank you. BTW I applied to AS to be on their composure panel. I doubt if I’ll be selected, but they would benefit from the opinion of women in their design decisions.
Cal Gal I’ll be happy to respond, but not here. I suggest you go to airforums and search for 2017 Basecamp issues. There is a separate thread just for refrigerator problems. Good luck, read the reviews and issues.
Cal Gal , in airforums.com there is a thread titled “First trip in 2019 BC X.” My entry was on 8-22-18, entry #42, name Sparkle. It pretty much summarizes the problems I had and why I got rid of it.
I was at The International Center in the Toronto area recently at an RV show and had a good look at a new Airstream and found it has slide a bit in fit and finish, I played with the outside rear bumper storage area and found it kinda of thin and flimsy compared to how it use to be constructed.
I agree with everything you say. We have a 25 foot AS and one additional thing that sets it apart from many other campers is the number of windows and the amount of light they let in. The good news is that windows make it seem more spacious and airy and I enjoy being able to see the scenery. Without slides it really help to have a greater sense of spaciousness. On the other hand the number of windows limits the storage space and on a sunny day they can turn the camper into a slow cooker. On cold days and nights windows make heating and condensation more of an issue. Still, for us, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.
Very enjoyable video. You both look very healthy and beautiful! Thanks for your video. I don’t have an airstream. We pull a Jayco TT and are very happy with it. You influenced our decision to switch to a pull along travel trailer. We use the bed space and like being able to unhook and go.
I completely agree with you on slides. When I go to an RV dealer for one reason or another, the service guys there are always working on slides. I was checking on new trailers and even the smaller ones have a slide. When I go to a campground, the people there seem to love to complain about their slides. I am glad that my twenty-seven foot Jayco Eagle has no slide and I plan on keeping it and maintaining it for that very reason.
Sorry guys, have to interject with a different opinion. To me that sounds like I wouldn't buy a car because the tires wear out. Tires wear, but the benefits out way the maintenance. Slides simply make the living space so m-u-c-h better. Worth the maintenance when/if it comes. I think if you asked most who are having slide trouble if they'd prefer an RV without slides 99% would say no. Just an opinion.
If you are going to travel to remote areas in any Travel Trailer or Motor Home, you need to know how to fix things. I've had issues with slides, but nothing I could not trouble shoot on my on. Thankful for forums. @@livinganewdream3682
We owned an Airstream a little over 2.5 years and really loved it. It was a 25' International. It was plenty big for my wife and I as it was one of their wide bodies. We just sold it ourselves and ended up selling it in less than 24 hours after after posting the advertisement. It held its value very well and surprised me at its resale value. The only reason we sold it is to purchase an Airstream motorhome that we ordered over 6 months ago. I wouldn't hesitate one bit to purchase another travel trailer from Airstream if needed in the future.
Airstreams are very well built. We have a toy hauler which is not avail in the Airstreams (as far as I know). Love the looks. Thanks guys for all the stuff you put on your channel. These Alabama kids are heading to Montana this summer for three months. Hope to see you on the road some day. Thanks guys
I have never owned an airstream. Never wanted to. As you pointed out the cost is out of sight. Also i have read that they are pretty heavy to pull. The lack of storage is another issue. I watch alot of rv shows and some of the decor in the airstreams are positivly gross. I know you put alot of stuff in the bed of your truck. Have you ever pulled or considered a fifth wheel? I have owned a number of different travel trailers in the past and now have a fifth wheel. There is absolutly no looking back. The fiver has great storage and pulls fantastic. I have been following you folks on utube forquite awhile now and i must say you two put out the best videos barr none. And a last note to christie, girl as time goes by you get more beautiful.
My first RV was an Airstream. Totally held value. Towed like it was not there. Great fit and finish. Problem: I am 6’2” and had to make sure I walked down the exact middle or I hit my head. Traded because I got tired of the lack of space. Airstream has a cult following and if you like that, get an Airstream.
Great video! For a long time I had always thought that airstreams got less leaks than your traditional wood framed camper, but the more I look at used airstreams the more I see water damage on the floor near the sidewalls. The upside to that is that airstreams are easier to fix in a lot of ways because you don’t have to replace moldy rotten wall framing since it is aluminum.
Glad you're home!!! You brought Spring with you, yes warm SUNNY weather has returned to Iowa. Unfortunely so have Ice Jams in a large number of rivers and many small towns are being flooded out. It's the same for our Nebraska friends as well. My Grandparents had a beautiful AirStream when I was a child I remember how beautiful it was inside and out. The quality of the rig was so impressive. When they decided to move in next door they sold it and I really think my Grandfather regretted it later. They did end up with another trailer but it wasn't an AirStream. We looked at a new one and yep that's some money! So we decided to start smaller and see where our adventure was going to take us. I think the Slide-out made the difference with going with a 22ft Rig. more space hopefully more value and it's a Demo so big Discount as well.Hopefully 3 to 5 years from now we'll upgrade to larger and much nicer. I just gotta convince the wife to say the magic word RETIREMENT!! and it's Party Time. Gotta get the evil Facebook so I can follow loloho. See Ya!
My 22ft Bambi Sport was just totaled due to hailstorm damage. Recovered replacement cost plus some cash. Bought a 25ft Flying Cloud yesterday. Can’t wait to get back on the road.
I’m a new owner .. picking it up in2 days. 2022 International 27 FB. Came from a nice Class C Winnebago Cambria.. looking forward to a new chapter of adventure 👍🏻 I’m a new subscriber 😬 Thanks for the great info
You are exactly right about the older Airstream's! I purchased my 25' 1972 Airstream in early 2004. Everything was original and everything worked. Here it is early 2020. I replaced the still working furnace only because I did not want to rely on a 48 year old heat exchanger! Last year one of my son's and I replaced both axels. This year I put it in to have a frame check. There were a couple of weak spots so I took that opportunity to have the Airstream dealer add a grey water tank and remodel the bathroom. I am considering replacing the original air conditioner, but it still works fine, so it is not a big priority. Now it does show its age in spots, but I suspect it will last another forty years at this rate! By the way, I originally paid $2700.00 for it. They wanted $3000.00 but was not sure if the refrigerator worked and so took off $300.00. I got it home and the refrigerator worked and has been working ever since! And I agree with the previous poster... Kristy, you do clean up mighty fine and are an absolutely beautiful addition to the world!
Another great video! You (father-in-law) did your own PDR repair, i.e., paintless dent repair on aluminum. Hail damage can be repaired on aluminum. The easiest way is with a glue puller especially if there is no access to the interior. The best repair is actually pushing the dents. Aluminum is harder to repair than normal sheet metal. However, it can be done. There is a 25% up charge for an aluminum PDR repair. The Airstream's torsion suspension contributes to the towability also.
The pluses for our Airstream (no longer owned) were (1) design and build quality (we still maintain it was the best "house" we ever stayed in) (2) towing ease (3) amount of natural light. The minuses were (1) bench-type seating not that comfortable (2) poor interface on sound system (3) windows difficult to open.
My husband and I have a 2015 19' Flying Cloud and we love it. On our last trip we traveled 4000 miles and we able to stay in all of the national and state parks we wanted with no problems. We can enter parking lots and even make u-turns easily. We are minimalist and find that an Airstream is perfect for that lifestyle. The point of the Airstream for us is to get outside and to get there easily. We were willing to pay more for our Airstream because we plan on keeping it well into our retirement (in about 12 years) and we couldn't realistically expect that from any other trailer.
Liked the video. I think the earley (and well publicised) adventures of the early airstream caravans was what started the whole RV industry. Till then the average person never thought of the possibility of long trips like that. Think about how hard and grueling some of those earley caravans were with no roads no support outher than what you brought with you. Sounds like fun!
A couple of dislikes from our 2008 23 ft Safari “special” RB. 1. The rear bunk is a torture chamber for two people. Getting in and out of it at night is very difficult. When someone opens the bathroom door you may be subject to injury if you partner is not tucked in! 2. The bathroom is another torture chamber. You most likely have a leg sticking out the door and trying to close the door means your knees will be jammed against door or become injured from your your partner trying to get out of bed !! 3. The roll away dining table is a nuisance wrestling it into operational position, then trying to get around it without collapsing it, then collapsing it to stow it. 4. We got ours used so this may not be A/S problem. The water filter did not have a for and aft shut off valve and the built in “valve” failed filling the kitchen with water. 5. The halogen lamps inside continuously failed. The were all replaced by LED. 6. This may be a DIY fault before we received it. The was no valve and T to allow the antifreeze to be injected into the system. The pump was not bolted to the floor. 7. The window seals were continuously sticking to the window requiring some gentlelevering to open them. It is a must remedy to keep the seals lubed with a silicone compound to avoid potential damage to the windows. 8. The venetian blinds are forever coming out of the Mickey mouse bottom retainers causing the bottoms to intrude into the cabin during travel and on site. 9. The Mickey mouse white plastic drain valve is very difficult to operate due to location and operating the valve requires gentle persuasion with pliers to open and close with a very good possibility of breaking the valve “handle” off. This valve was deemed to be easy to replace so sayeth the AS dealer! Damaging this 50 cent valve and not being able to replace it could prove a real show stopper with considerable $$$$ outlay 10. When temperature goes down below 0 C the door freezes to some unknown surface due probably to some unknown source of water acting as the glue In the summer it works perfectly. FINALLY don’t get me wrong this trailer is far better than ANY Forest River special.
We have a 2008 Airstream Classic 25fb. Had a water leak with water would run down the rear window bug screen. Took me about two years to figure out where the leak came from despite pressure tests and resealing the windows. Stored it covered storage. Finally decided to use duct tape on the panel seams above the window and then run water over it. No leaking. Pulled 6” of duct tape off at a time and found a line rivets on the curved end cap that were causing the leak. Had a shop drill out the rivets and they found the rivet holes were elongated from the factory. Sealed the holes and and new rivets installed fixed the leak. I’ve seen plenty of fiberglass’s RVs with delaminating sidewalls. All RVs leak eventually.
Yes. I like airstreams too but these are a little bit too heavy for my automobile. My personal favorite is Tabbert Cellini 750. It’s a beautiful trailer and also has most of the cool stuff in it. I recommend to check that one out too... also very classy and high built quality
Please how much cost to send RV per boat from USA to Europe so I can discover Europe and can I put all my clothes my stuff on it too and you have to have RV paper with you we need a video about that thank you
Have you done a video on the gear you carry on the OUTSIDE of your trailer in the compartments. As a side note looking to down size and would like your experience and advice on what works for you. Thx.
The Airstream NEST, though small in size for some couples, is seamless across the top. The seam occurs at the color meeting point along the sides and front. It's a down seam meaning that water cannot go upward if the seal fails (which it will in time). You just have it resealed. The inside of the NEST is very light and bright, there's ample storage inside (a lot!), and it is well appointed throughout. We bought the dinette version that comes with a huge cabinet and counter across from the sink cabinet, and then we bought an extra mattress from the other version of the NEST. We removed all of the cushions from the dinette, and we set up the mattress in a permanent configuration with lots of big pillows. It gives us a full-time day bed, two large storage cabinets and counters that come with the dinette version, and lots! of accessible storage under the bed where people put their feet when sitting at the dinette table. All that said and all of these positives come with one negative. The rear door leaked when we acquired it. However, they were all over it, they installed a better seal around the entire opening of the door, and it solved the issue. ALL RVs and Travel Trailers have issues. Period. That's a given. What matters is [1] how does the dealership (warranty or not) address the issue(s), and [2] how much do you enjoy the item when using it. We have visited 15 National Parks in our first year of ownership as well as several other amazing places here in the USA. We made two 25 day trips and three week long trips in 2019. The NEST has been superb. When (not if!) it has other issues, we are quite confident that the dealership we chose will make the repair(s). They're awesome! I think everyone needs to focus A LOT MORE on the dealership versus the product, and its flaws. Whatever product you choose, it will have issues. If you accept that reality (sad as that might be), your biggest and most important decision is to pick the right dealership. If you cannot accept that issues exist and will surface even with a brand new product like the one we purchased, you should stick to the Inn, B&B, or the Hotel approach to traveling. We did that for years before buying the 2019 NEST. Both approaches have their pros and cons. What's most important in our view is that either approach gets you out there traveling, seeing, and experiencing amazing new places.
A well balanced perspective. With 9 years and 90K miles on our FC23FB, I would agree with all of your points. Hail, however, has not been as big an issue as I had feared. Living in CO at 7600', we get hail frequently, and we've been in the Airstream through some heavy hailstorms at even higher elevations. It was like being inside a snare drum, yet we've sustained no hail damage whatsoever. A major con which you did not mention, is the paltry insulation. Airstream could do a lot better than the pink fiberglass insulation between the skins. I just discovered your channel (COVID isolation) and am enjoying your past episodes.
Good honest assessment from an Airstream owner. The exterior is really vulnerable to damage and wear and tear. However, most dents are covered by insurance. Mine had a small dent above the door that required removal of door, window and large panel. Repair was 6,000 paid by insurance. I was skeptical that repairs would be done right. The Airstream Dealer in Buellton, Sky River RV, did a great job. Looks like new and no leaks. Small stuff is a problem. My top like is that it tows so well. Took it downtown San Francisco with no issues. No sway on open road. Our 2018 model has 16 windows which enhances the camping experience. The financials are great. 20 year loan and low depreciation is a big plus, considering most other RV’s have little to no value after 7 years, look bad and falling apart. Taking in all the pros and cons, Airstream is a good choice. Rare to be anywhere without someone wanting to look inside. BTW, the dealer that caused your dent was clearly liable and should have paid you. Love the videos. Keep them coming.
My parents had Airstreams for decades but I decided after a Coleman pop up to go with a small fiberglass Escape. It is just as light as the Coleman and no cranking up but the best thing is one piece shell so no leaks which stopped me from camping for a decade. The biggest advantage to a RV is one can go where the weather is nice but many owners pull their huge homes on wheel, go somewhere and stay inside like they never left home. My father after pulling his large Airstream would be just as frazzled as Desi in the Long Long Trailer and the financial cost was also debilitating.
OH YEAH! I had panel dents, thought it was no bid deal - just bump them out, right? WRONG - $1,000 per panel - they have to be replaced - got rid of the unit after only 6 months. Also hated the teeny storage. Really sweet looking though, nice enough inside. got my full price back out. Pray for the guy who bought it.
Have you ever had your Airstream at the top of Pike's Peak? I've had my truck camper there. Have you ever taken your Airstream to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir? I've had my truck camper there. OK, those were loaded questions: both have length limits that would prevent nearly any travel trailer from going there. Of course, you can unhitch, abandon your Airstream (temporarily), and take your truck to those places. But your point about space tradeoffs, and your point about no engine, both apply to truck campers as well. Thanks for another informative and amusing video.
Hi guys great video, I haven't posted anything for awhile but, always watch when you put up new ones. Three years ago the wife and I bought a 2000 17' Casita. We both had admired them for some time. Since neither of us had any RV experience we wanted to see if we liked RVing. Well after 20K+ miles we really liked the RV life. So, last June (after much shopping around) we purchased a 2017 23' Flying Cloud. Long story short, as much as we liked our Casita after using the Airstream we would never go back. No knock on Casitas it was a great unit and it let us find out how great RVing can be.
I can remember as a young kid, a nearby park, being filled to the brim with Airstreams! Not so any more, so it seems they've moved on to other areas I suppose. As much as I love the look of the Airstream, I wouldn't give up my 36' Tiffin Phaeton diesel pusher with it's four slides. Yes, it may cost me more, but I too have met some fabulous people in the motorhome community, and I have the ability to do many of the smaller 'fix-it's' myself, and it's very comfortable both to drive and once parked. It's best for folks to just get out and enjoy life, with whatever choice of RV they wish to have. I'd never recommend buying new, as there is just too much up front cost and depreciation, but if not too old, most of the fix-it's have been taken care of, and you can hit the road and enjoy life!
If u hve a hyprid airstream punk stream, & u just make front 1/4 curved punked streamed w/heavier metal gauge then wood or carbon or rectangle box the rest u saved the 50s nostalgia not anything old tired rest, hinge to front 1/4 old punked airsteam then rest modern slide out of coarse.
Another great video guys!! We've been watching you two for quite sometime and have learned a ton!! From tips and tricks on our travels to helping us improve our content on our channel! Many thanks and keep the great content coming.😊😁
And having an airstream would definitely be a dream come true for us! But, that first dislike (the cost) is why we don’t have one!! One of these days!! What awesome trailers.
I don't have Airstream but they are a neat TT. I have a Lance which is well designed and better built than most other brands . The online Lance owners support group is outstanding . It even has 'freeloaders' program where I can stay at another Lance owners property with water and electricity for FREE . Thank you for your videos.
We have a "vintage" Airstream, 1963 Bambi. My husband did a frame off restoration 14 years ago, and it is still going strong! We love the layout of ours, we always have folks want to come and take a look.... and they think (we do too) the inside is surprisingly "large"! Fairly tall men and stand up in it. The best thing about ours, it pulls like it isn't even there, and we can fit anywhere a tent can if we can get down the road. We have had bigger trailers, a MH, and even a vintage teardrop (for 33 years!) but the Bambi is at the top of our list. Only wish is a larger gray/black tank.... but then we have a "blue boy".... :) Thanks for another great video.
The aluminium skin of the trailer: Do you think they should make it a bit thicker for better structural integrity and durability? In addition, most of the trailers are equipped with 2 wheels. Do you think for a medium size they should be fitted with double wheel sets?
The biggest concern with an AS is weight... most people have too small of a tow vehicle to stop the rig SAFELY, especially out west. ALWAYS, ALWAYS . . . get on forums to get the real skinny on any trailer you have in mind. I moved away from AS because of the water leaks and the method in which they attach the body to the floor - the method used is simply asking for trouble, and at $100K I expected the basics to be in place - was I ever wrong!
/1/ Having owned a 'stream, I would agree with the points in this vid. The cons are rather serious: shall never buy 'stream again. /2/ Very good vids. Kristy has a great smile, which makes the viewing all the more enjoyable.
They are sexy beasts. I looked for years for an affordable smaller sized and last spring I found a 1965 Tag A Long. Hopefully, Lolly and I will be on the road this summer. It has a sheet metal exterior BUT you can cut , replace and paint. I am using the area under the main bed for storage, putting in a small closet, and have storage under the seating. I hope to meet up with y'all later in the year.
I was just at Zion where there was road damage and severe restrictions on what size rig could enter the park from the east side. I saw a couple turning around in their gorgeous huge class A. The ranger was concerned with the length of my Airstream, but even more concerned with the width. I was very happy when he told me I had about 6 inches of wiggle room before they would have to turn me around as well. Phew! Yeah for my 19 foot Bambi Flying Cloud! Thanks for another great video!
Excellent informative video. As a minimalist (also a retired airline pilot), this is the only TYPE trailer I would own...meaning an aluminum aircraft type .... my other choice is living in a GMC 2500 van (like Bob).....this is really good stuff..thank you. In the market now to trade my 65 Mustang for one that needs some love. Happy travels!!
That bridge you are crossing in your intro looks like it's near Hanes Alaska. But I wouldn't want an Airstream. I love my slide out which sure makes my trailer seem bigger.
Good topic. Although it's not an airstream, I am currently renovating a '74 Silver Streak (the Twinkie). It will be interesting to see how it differs from my ClassC motorhome once I finish & switch over to the Silver Streak. Oh. I gotta pinch myself! I've admired these rigs for a long time!
For those worried about leaks, I have a 2000 model with no leaks. Yes you should check your roof seals/caulking every year or so, but the main seems don't just leak out of the blue.
Thank you for your honesty , and your diplomacy ... when you say you pay a little more upfront for an Airstream what you really mean is double or triple what the cost is for a 30 ft fiberglass skinned fully welded aluminum framed trailer with slide out with large storage compartment that can be accessed from either side of your trailer ... while I love the fact that Airstreams have much more craftsmanship ( labor time ) in the construction , my wife and I would not be willing to spend double or triple the amount of money for 30% less room and the thought that a strong hail storm could literally dent or total that vehicle or that leaks are more prevalent and harder to spot in an Airstream because of the many seams compared to our box trailer .. I have watched about 8 or 9 TH-cam videos regarding Airstreams from watching how the Airstream's are built in the factory to peoples opinions on their Airstreams after owning one for a few years to buying them used and rebuilding the inside of the trailer ...
excellent video, I've watched a lot of videos on airstream, and this video nails it. I will not buy an airstream. For me, the potential leaking, the dents, the low sitting trailer, the price, the lack of nearby service repair facilities and the storage, make me decide this is a no go. For me, just not enough pluses to warrant a purchase. I like so many don't use an RV too much, nor tow too far so I'm not going to invest piles of money, as well for what I save, I will make sure to rent heated storage for my RV, because I believe anything sitting outside 7 months of the year is where most of the degrading happens. I'd be curious as to how many people buy $100K airstream for limited seasonal recreational use, but drive a $20K car or truck as their daily driver...........
It's funny watching this tonight as on the way to work today, I saw an airstream with a slide. I didn't know they ever offered one, and my buddy who worked motorhomes in Nappanee Indiana had never seen one either. Keep up the great videos.
I didn’t really consider Airstream due to the cost until I started watching your videos. You really do get what you pay for. I’ve looked at dozens of other trailers and I’m just not satisfied with the quality or how they hold their value. We want our travel trailer to be our forever 2nd home, not a “do-for” that we have to keep trading up to what we want. Buy once, cry once.
The new Ford trucks like my F350 diesel are made out of industrial “military grade” aluminum, it would be good for stream to lear from Ford and change the aluminum, even if it adds a bit of weight ....y0u got friends at airstream tell them....I can help them...MAXR Well done....
Love the channel, don't love Airstream. We travel with two dogs, one is a 97 pound black lab. He takes up a lot of floor space. So we need the floor space that slide outs provide. But we are in tune with the size limitations that many state and national parks have, and with our non-Airstream travel trailer, we can go any where.
We've been full-timing in our restored 1971 Airstream Sovereign for a little over two years. We absolutely love it. We've owned other brands with slide-outs that were just fine, but we didn't feel the same sense of attachment that we do to the Airstream.
As an Airstream owner, we love ours. It's 31 years old and it is in great condition. We had to repair some floor areas but it was not too bad of a repair. We did a face lift on the inside. We did strip the clear off and it looks brand new again. The clear made it look cloudy. At 29ft it tows great with our Tahoe. If we were to go great distances like Sean and Christy I would upgrade our Tow Vehicle. On a buying note we had 4 sold out from under us before we could go see them. I'm sure we could make a few bucks if we parted with ours but that ain't ever happenin'. Oh yeah this is our first camper. We camped in a VW Bus for several years. By the way we don't have any leaks now. Mainly it was the window glass separating from the frames. Airstream Classifieds and Airforums are your friends! LOLOHO we are neighbors, we're just south of ATL.
Hey LoLoHo! What is the absolute best way to protect your subflooring from water damage? Type of plywood? Sealer on plywood? Painted plywood? Non wood product for subfloor?
What's your opinion on tires for RV's? I have heard that cheap tires are generally installed on new RV's. Also how about axle maintenance and alignment? How well do standard Airstream axles hold up and are there aftermarket upgrades?
I'd take an Airstream any day. Towed multiple things over the years. They tow like no other. One point added to the low center of gravity and aerodynamics is truly wide body chassis, axles too. Not just a box set on a narrow body chassis. To keep the aluminum shell pristine is futile with truly enjoying your trailer like 100k miles. Think of scratches and dings as scars of the journey :)
Thank you for this video. I am researching for our forever R.V. We have owned 4 in the past. One travel trailer, two-class C's, and a class A. I am seriously considering an Airstream in 6 years when my wife retires. I like the fact that they are very durable. First, we will go on a world cruise, then cruise our great country.
I’m with you Kristy. We built our camper and I don’t miss the slide out at all. I don’t have to deal with problems with the motors failing, or leaking. None of that. However, it’s just me, my Husband and our little dog in our rig, so we don’t feel like we’re lacking in space because we don’t have slide outs.
I own a 2017 25ft FC, I confirm the space challenge, yet it has made me more organized with discarding and prioritizing, this has had a freeing effect at the same time. Have an appointment with Vinnie April 22 for two year service.
In the winter I own a RV lot in the Palm Springs area as a home base, then off to wherever in the summer months.
Thank you for your honesty. Sometimes people who are "brand loyal" will not disclose the cons so you can join their misery. Appreciate the whole story...
Great video as always. Had one, sold it for more than I paid for it. Your points all valid, and the reason we now have a Winnebago travel trailer now-
More standard features, excellent quality, one piece roof and I could buy three more for what a comparable Airstream would cost.
Very informative. Mrs and I had a towable for 30 years. It was showing its age. We found it used a mile from home. We got our use out of it. Mrs now has mobility issues (knees & hips), so we sold our RV for a lot less than we paid for it. Very weak resale. Roof seam leaks can be a problem on brands other than Airstream. We caught ours early. I remember watching Wally Byam caravans on the Sunday afternoon travelogue TV shows. They were something. Mrs and I are contemplating our next move, RV wise. Meanwhile, we enjoy your TH-cam videos. Keep 'em coming!
In 1976 I bought a new Airstream Argosy. It was 26 feet long and cost me approx. 10k. I had it for ten years, before I traded it in for a Park Model trailer. I got my 10k back. I still have my PM trailer. Now I wish I had the Argosy. Take care and be safe.
Kelly was out when you posted the video so I had to watch it twice. Oh the humanity...
Great video again, I just wanted to mention that to some degree, the advantage of no engine in a travel trailer is somewhat offset by the added work your truck has to do to pull it down the road. In the end though, I think it's a better option.
And - welcome home!
Years ago we had a self contained truck camper. It was perfect for 2 people but taking it off and on the truck was a royal pain. We sold it once we got little kids. We worried about rushing river water and small kids getting swept away in an instant. Sold the camper and now our kids are grown and we bought a R-pod 179. Again, small but larger than a truck camper and has all the basic needs along with a AC unit. I tow this with a K1500 Silverado and it is so light and aerodynamic I don't know it is back there until I see it in the mirrors. If we need more room we go outside like you do. Great video on likes and dislikes of your Airstream.
I enjoy watching your vlogs.
We have a Classic Airstream, a 1965 Overlander (26 foot) that my parents bought new. With a few system upgrades and maintenance it still works great. We love it.
What would be your asking price?
Newbie here. My new 2019 Classic 30’ RBQ is in production as I type. I have been watching your videos, and you are one of my information sources as I begin my journey. I also purchased a 2019 F350 Limited so I can haul my Harley in that. ....,and so my Adventure is about to begin. I will continue watching & Thanks For The Videos!!!
we are doing the same lol
we have a ram rebel to haul the dirt bike and a Bambi 16' that we are buying tomorrow!!!!!!!!!
I like a lot of your video, and you are correct about checking and staying on top of the seams on an Airstream, my wife and I have a 1994 Land Yacht Motorhome 30 feet with the P30 Chevrolet Chassis, we love it, but it is the fiberglass Airstream.
Had no idea about the seams leaking on the airstreams...very informative...TY
Yeah...I was clueless to that info! Shocked rather.
Wonder if a well placed bead on the seams of clear silicon would prevent any of the leaking issues.
Windows. That was the number one thing that drew us to Airstream and ours in general. Our favorite style before was hybrids (we owned three) because they felt open. The first Airstream we sat in was a 25RB and just loved the windows. The trailer is a little smaller than other brands, but you don’t feel cramped when inside. We wound up with a 28RB and love it. It’s a 2019, we ordered it in the summer of 2018 and picked it up in a blizzard in November of 2018. We go fulltime in 2.5 more years. This is our 11th RV in 27 years, we knew what we were getting into, though we really don’t know what it will be like fulltime. We just know we hate when our trips come to an end.
But windows, a huge pro.
The airstream leaking also concerns me too, but how do you do the preventative maintenance to prevent this?
You covered it pretty well. The only other negative is that aluminum is a great conductor of the outside temp. I took out all of the interior skin. Replaced the insulation with block foam. Still radiates because the studs are aluminum. I have done a total overhaul from the sub floor up. Added more electrical. Stripped and buffed. Completely sealed every seam with the recommended caulking. We are living in it stationary so it is more like a park model. We are always hooked up to the grid. So we have electric heat and hot water. The fridge is the only reason for the LP. But I love the way it looks. I have a couple of videos of the remodel. Wudrest channel if you are interested.
I have gone round and round with whether or not to buy a Stream. Cost isnt the issue as much as these five concerns that continue to keep me away: exterior maintenance (aluminum panels, rivets, seams; compromised subfloors due to sneaky leaks; ground clearance and exposed plumbing; external storage; uncomfortable dinette cushioning. The things that keep me interested: the look and feel of the inside space ... the light from the windows and aluminum walls is just cool ... except in the hot sun!
Terrific points guys! Many of your points apply to any type of RV! We have a Class C and I think the thing that worries me most is the potential for water leaks. I think I obsess over that more than anything else. I love love love the look of the Airstream trailers. They always catch my attention wherever we travel.
Hey guys. Welcome back. I'm glad that Airstream trailers *don't* have slide-outs. They not only would look tacky, with something sticking out the side of the trailer, but I would think that it would just add to the cost of purchase the maintenance, because it would be one more thing to possibly go wrong.
Great video - thanks. Another thing that we like about our Airstream is that they are easy to modify for personal preference. We've done quite a few things to make ours more comfortable, such as adding a recliner in place of one side of the dinette. We are working on an electrical system upgrade next to make boondocking easier. Of course you can do these things with any RV.
Excellent video! You nicely stated the likes and dislikes without going on a tangent. I love the nice clean look of airstreams outside as well as inside. We seriously looked at them when we were purchasing a travel trailer. We did not buy one because of the high price and we were not impressed with the interior quality. After viewing this video I am highly relieved that we did not buy an airstream. They are nice but come with some major flaws for the price.
The tt we purchased cost four times cheaper than a similar airstream. We saved roughly $60,000! It may not be as “good” or “well made” as an airstream but it does not have major flaws either. It has served us well for the last several years and should for the next several years. Airstreams are nice but there are many more inexpensive options out there for a lot less money and hassle.
I think you have summed it up pretty well. The skin is easy to damage, it scratches easily, the panels dent easily, and yes I had damage done as well by service personnel. The twin beds do offer more outside storage, some to consider . They tow great, and the inside of Airstream is beautiful. I would recommend getting a least a 25 footer or bigger, so you have more room to move around.
Love your videos, I’ve learned so much. I had a Basecamp disaster for a year and traded for a 16’ Bambi. It has everything I need and I can manage it alone (old woman here) because I camp alone. What I like besides everything: that there are no obnoxious swishy decals on the sides implying speed (hahahahaha). Two things I wish for: cargo nets at the head and foot of the bed for a little more storage and a 110 plug next to the bed for an electric blanket when I have shore power. Thank you. BTW I applied to AS to be on their composure panel. I doubt if I’ll be selected, but they would benefit from the opinion of women in their design decisions.
Ila Ahearn I’m looking at the Basecamp....if you can could you please elaborate about your thoughts on it. Thanks 😎
Cal Gal I’ll be happy to respond, but not here. I suggest you go to airforums and search for 2017 Basecamp issues. There is a separate thread just for refrigerator problems. Good luck, read the reviews and issues.
Ila Ahearn Thanks!
Cal Gal , in airforums.com there is a thread titled “First trip in 2019 BC X.” My entry was on 8-22-18, entry #42, name Sparkle. It pretty much summarizes the problems I had and why I got rid of it.
I was at The International Center in the Toronto area recently at an RV show and had a good look at a new Airstream and found it has slide a bit in fit and finish, I played with the outside rear bumper storage area and found it kinda of thin and flimsy compared to how it use to be constructed.
I agree with everything you say. We have a 25 foot AS and one additional thing that sets it apart from many other campers is the number of windows and the amount of light they let in. The good news is that windows make it seem more spacious and airy and I enjoy being able to see the scenery. Without slides it really help to have a greater sense of spaciousness. On the other hand the number of windows limits the storage space and on a sunny day they can turn the camper into a slow cooker. On cold days and nights windows make heating and condensation more of an issue. Still, for us, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.
Very enjoyable video. You both look very healthy and beautiful! Thanks for your video. I don’t have an airstream. We pull a Jayco TT and are very happy with it. You influenced our decision to switch to a pull along travel trailer. We use the bed space and like being able to unhook and go.
I completely agree with you on slides. When I go to an RV dealer for one reason or another, the service guys there are always working on slides. I was checking on new trailers and even the smaller ones have a slide. When I go to a campground, the people there seem to love to complain about their slides. I am glad that my twenty-seven foot Jayco Eagle has no slide and I plan on keeping it and maintaining it for that very reason.
W Carl Hepker A
Yep, no slides = one less thing to break! :D
Sorry guys, have to interject with a different opinion. To me that sounds like I wouldn't buy a car because the tires wear out. Tires wear, but the benefits out way the maintenance. Slides simply make the living space so m-u-c-h better. Worth the maintenance when/if it comes. I think if you asked most who are having slide trouble if they'd prefer an RV without slides 99% would say no. Just an opinion.
If you are going to travel to remote areas in any Travel Trailer or Motor Home, you need to know how to fix things. I've had issues with slides, but nothing I could not trouble shoot on my on. Thankful for forums.
@@livinganewdream3682
We owned an Airstream a little over 2.5 years and really loved it. It was a 25' International. It was plenty big for my wife and I as it was one of their wide bodies. We just sold it ourselves and ended up selling it in less than 24 hours after after posting the advertisement. It held its value very well and surprised me at its resale value. The only reason we sold it is to purchase an Airstream motorhome that we ordered over 6 months ago. I wouldn't hesitate one bit to purchase another travel trailer from Airstream if needed in the future.
thanks Richard,
Airstreams are very well built. We have a toy hauler which is not avail in the Airstreams (as far as I know). Love the looks. Thanks guys for all the stuff you put on your channel. These Alabama kids are heading to Montana this summer for three months. Hope to see you on the road some day. Thanks guys
I have never owned an airstream. Never wanted to. As you pointed out the cost is out of sight. Also i have read that they are pretty heavy to pull. The lack of storage is another issue. I watch alot of rv shows and some of the decor in the airstreams are positivly gross. I know you put alot of stuff in the bed of your truck. Have you ever pulled or considered a fifth wheel? I have owned a number of different travel trailers in the past and now have a fifth wheel. There is absolutly no looking back. The fiver has great storage and pulls fantastic. I have been following you folks on utube forquite awhile now and i must say you two put out the best videos barr none. And a last note to christie, girl as time goes by you get more beautiful.
My first RV was an Airstream. Totally held value. Towed like it was not there. Great fit and finish. Problem: I am 6’2” and had to make sure I walked down the exact middle or I hit my head. Traded because I got tired of the lack of space. Airstream has a cult following and if you like that, get an Airstream.
Great video! For a long time I had always thought that airstreams got less leaks than your traditional wood framed camper, but the more I look at used airstreams the more I see water damage on the floor near the sidewalls. The upside to that is that airstreams are easier to fix in a lot of ways because you don’t have to replace moldy rotten wall framing since it is aluminum.
Glad you're home!!! You brought Spring with you, yes warm SUNNY weather has returned to Iowa. Unfortunely so have Ice Jams in a large number of rivers and many small towns are being flooded out. It's the same for our Nebraska friends as well. My Grandparents had a beautiful AirStream when I was a child I remember how beautiful it was inside and out. The quality of the rig was so impressive. When they decided to move in next door they sold it and I really think my Grandfather regretted it later. They did end up with another trailer but it wasn't an AirStream. We looked at a new one and yep that's some money! So we decided to start smaller and see where our adventure was going to take us. I think the Slide-out made the difference with going with a 22ft Rig. more space hopefully more value and it's a Demo so big Discount as well.Hopefully 3 to 5 years from now we'll upgrade to larger and much nicer. I just gotta convince the wife to say the magic word RETIREMENT!! and it's Party Time. Gotta get the evil Facebook so I can follow loloho. See Ya!
My 22ft Bambi Sport was just totaled due to hailstorm damage. Recovered replacement cost plus some cash. Bought a 25ft Flying Cloud yesterday. Can’t wait to get back on the road.
I’m a new owner .. picking it up in2 days. 2022 International 27 FB.
Came from a nice Class C Winnebago Cambria.. looking forward to a new chapter of adventure 👍🏻
I’m a new subscriber 😬
Thanks for the great info
You are exactly right about the older Airstream's! I purchased my 25' 1972 Airstream in early 2004. Everything was original and everything worked.
Here it is early 2020. I replaced the still working furnace only because I did not want to rely on a 48 year old heat exchanger!
Last year one of my son's and I replaced both axels.
This year I put it in to have a frame check. There were a couple of weak spots so I took that opportunity to have the Airstream dealer add a grey water tank and remodel the bathroom. I am considering replacing the original air conditioner, but it still works fine, so it is not a big priority.
Now it does show its age in spots, but I suspect it will last another forty years at this rate!
By the way, I originally paid $2700.00 for it. They wanted $3000.00 but was not sure if the refrigerator worked and so took off $300.00. I got it home and the refrigerator worked and has been working ever since!
And I agree with the previous poster... Kristy, you do clean up mighty fine and are an absolutely beautiful addition to the world!
Interesting info on the aluminum! Thx very much.....
After ten years in your airstream and looking back, if you had to do it all over again would you choose a different size airstream?
Another great video! You (father-in-law) did your own PDR repair, i.e., paintless dent repair on aluminum. Hail damage can be repaired on aluminum. The easiest way is with a glue puller especially if there is no access to the interior. The best repair is actually pushing the dents. Aluminum is harder to repair than normal sheet metal. However, it can be done. There is a 25% up charge for an aluminum PDR repair. The Airstream's torsion suspension contributes to the towability also.
Would you say the possibility for damage could be equal in others though? The thin skin on roofs? The seams coming undone? Or equal?
The pluses for our Airstream (no longer owned) were (1) design and build quality (we still maintain it was the best "house" we ever stayed in) (2) towing ease (3) amount of natural light. The minuses were (1) bench-type seating not that comfortable (2) poor interface on sound system (3) windows difficult to open.
My husband and I have a 2015 19' Flying Cloud and we love it. On our last trip we traveled 4000 miles and we able to stay in all of the national and state parks we wanted with no problems. We can enter parking lots and even make u-turns easily. We are minimalist and find that an Airstream is perfect for that lifestyle. The point of the Airstream for us is to get outside and to get there easily. We were willing to pay more for our Airstream because we plan on keeping it well into our retirement (in about 12 years) and we couldn't realistically expect that from any other trailer.
Liked the video. I think the earley (and well publicised) adventures of the early airstream caravans was what started the whole RV industry. Till then the average person never thought of the possibility of long trips like that. Think about how hard and grueling some of those earley caravans were with no roads no support outher than what you brought with you. Sounds like fun!
i love everything about Airstream trailers, but I don't know if i will every choose one over other options.
A couple of dislikes from our 2008 23 ft Safari “special” RB. 1. The rear bunk is a torture chamber for two people. Getting in and out of it at night is very difficult. When someone opens the bathroom door you may be subject to injury if you partner is not tucked in! 2. The bathroom is another torture chamber. You most likely have a leg sticking out the door and trying to close the door means your knees will be jammed against door or become injured from your your partner trying to get out of bed !! 3. The roll away dining table is a nuisance wrestling it into operational position, then trying to get around it without collapsing it, then collapsing it to stow it. 4. We got ours used so this may not be A/S problem. The water filter did not have a for and aft shut off valve and the built in “valve” failed filling the kitchen with water. 5. The halogen lamps inside continuously failed. The were all replaced by LED. 6. This may be a DIY fault before we received it. The was no valve and T to allow the antifreeze to be injected into the system. The pump was not bolted to the floor. 7. The window seals were continuously sticking to the window requiring some gentlelevering to open them. It is a must remedy to keep the seals lubed with a silicone compound to avoid potential damage to the windows. 8. The venetian blinds are forever coming out of the Mickey mouse bottom retainers causing the bottoms to intrude into the cabin during travel and on site. 9. The Mickey mouse white plastic drain valve is very difficult to operate due to location and operating the valve requires gentle persuasion with pliers to open and close with a very good possibility of breaking the valve “handle” off. This valve was deemed to be easy to replace so sayeth the AS dealer! Damaging this 50 cent valve and not being able to replace it could prove a real show stopper with considerable $$$$ outlay 10. When temperature goes down below 0 C the door freezes to some unknown surface due probably to some unknown source of water acting as the glue In the summer it works perfectly. FINALLY don’t get me wrong this trailer is far better than ANY Forest River special.
We have a 2008 Airstream Classic 25fb. Had a water leak with water would run down the rear window bug screen. Took me about two years to figure out where the leak came from despite pressure tests and resealing the windows. Stored it covered storage. Finally decided to use duct tape on the panel seams above the window and then run water over it. No leaking. Pulled 6” of duct tape off at a time and found a line rivets on the curved end cap that were causing the leak. Had a shop drill out the rivets and they found the rivet holes were elongated from the factory. Sealed the holes and and new rivets installed fixed the leak. I’ve seen plenty of fiberglass’s RVs with delaminating sidewalls. All RVs leak eventually.
We looked at a slide out last year. It had leaking issues when it was not on perfectly flat ground.
Yes. I like airstreams too but these are a little bit too heavy for my automobile.
My personal favorite is Tabbert Cellini 750. It’s a beautiful trailer and also has most of the cool stuff in it. I recommend to check that one out too... also very classy and high built quality
We have owned an International since 2014. You nailed it!
Please how much cost to send RV per boat from USA to Europe so I can discover Europe and can I put all my clothes my stuff on it too and you have to have RV paper with you we need a video about that thank you
Have you done a video on the gear you carry on the OUTSIDE of your trailer in the compartments. As a side note looking to down size and would like your experience and advice on what works for you. Thx.
The Airstream NEST, though small in size for some couples, is seamless across the top. The seam occurs at the color meeting point along the sides and front. It's a down seam meaning that water cannot go upward if the seal fails (which it will in time). You just have it resealed. The inside of the NEST is very light and bright, there's ample storage inside (a lot!), and it is well appointed throughout. We bought the dinette version that comes with a huge cabinet and counter across from the sink cabinet, and then we bought an extra mattress from the other version of the NEST. We removed all of the cushions from the dinette, and we set up the mattress in a permanent configuration with lots of big pillows. It gives us a full-time day bed, two large storage cabinets and counters that come with the dinette version, and lots! of accessible storage under the bed where people put their feet when sitting at the dinette table. All that said and all of these positives come with one negative. The rear door leaked when we acquired it. However, they were all over it, they installed a better seal around the entire opening of the door, and it solved the issue. ALL RVs and Travel Trailers have issues. Period. That's a given. What matters is [1] how does the dealership (warranty or not) address the issue(s), and [2] how much do you enjoy the item when using it. We have visited 15 National Parks in our first year of ownership as well as several other amazing places here in the USA. We made two 25 day trips and three week long trips in 2019. The NEST has been superb. When (not if!) it has other issues, we are quite confident that the dealership we chose will make the repair(s). They're awesome! I think everyone needs to focus A LOT MORE on the dealership versus the product, and its flaws. Whatever product you choose, it will have issues. If you accept that reality (sad as that might be), your biggest and most important decision is to pick the right dealership. If you cannot accept that issues exist and will surface even with a brand new product like the one we purchased, you should stick to the Inn, B&B, or the Hotel approach to traveling. We did that for years before buying the 2019 NEST. Both approaches have their pros and cons. What's most important in our view is that either approach gets you out there traveling, seeing, and experiencing amazing new places.
How often? How bad are those leaks? Is there any upgrades to prevent it to happen? Is there any warranty?
A well balanced perspective. With 9 years and 90K miles on our FC23FB, I would agree with all of your points. Hail, however, has not been as big an issue as I had feared. Living in CO at 7600', we get hail frequently, and we've been in the Airstream through some heavy hailstorms at even higher elevations. It was like being inside a snare drum, yet we've sustained no hail damage whatsoever. A major con which you did not mention, is the paltry insulation. Airstream could do a lot better than the pink fiberglass insulation between the skins.
I just discovered your channel (COVID isolation) and am enjoying your past episodes.
Thanks. I am leaning towards fiberglass. If you bought new how would you do it?
Good honest assessment from an Airstream owner. The exterior is really vulnerable to damage and wear and tear. However, most dents are covered by insurance. Mine had a small dent above the door that required removal of door, window and large panel. Repair was 6,000 paid by insurance. I was skeptical that repairs would be done right. The Airstream Dealer in Buellton, Sky River RV, did a great job. Looks like new and no leaks. Small stuff is a problem. My top like is that it tows so well. Took it downtown San Francisco with no issues. No sway on open road. Our 2018 model has 16 windows which enhances the camping experience. The financials are great. 20 year loan and low depreciation is a big plus, considering most other RV’s have little to no value after 7 years, look bad and falling apart. Taking in all the pros and cons, Airstream is a good choice. Rare to be anywhere without someone wanting to look inside. BTW, the dealer that caused your dent was clearly liable and should have paid you. Love the videos. Keep them coming.
My parents had Airstreams for decades but I decided after a Coleman pop up to go with a small fiberglass Escape. It is just as light as the Coleman and no cranking up but the best thing is one piece shell so no leaks which stopped me from camping for a decade. The biggest advantage to a RV is one can go where the weather is nice but many owners pull their huge homes on wheel, go somewhere and stay inside like they never left home. My father after pulling his large Airstream would be just as frazzled as Desi in the Long Long Trailer and the financial cost was also debilitating.
OH YEAH! I had panel dents, thought it was no bid deal - just bump them out, right? WRONG - $1,000 per panel - they have to be replaced - got rid of the unit after only 6 months. Also hated the teeny storage. Really sweet looking though, nice enough inside.
got my full price back out. Pray for the guy who bought it.
Have you ever had your Airstream at the top of Pike's Peak? I've had my truck camper there. Have you ever taken your Airstream to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir? I've had my truck camper there. OK, those were loaded questions: both have length limits that would prevent nearly any travel trailer from going there. Of course, you can unhitch, abandon your Airstream (temporarily), and take your truck to those places. But your point about space tradeoffs, and your point about no engine, both apply to truck campers as well. Thanks for another informative and amusing video.
One advantage is that the alluminum roof is less susceptible to rips and tears along with annual maintenance like the TPO roofs.
Great video, very informative! I wondered about the heating and cooling of an Airstream vs. other trailer trailers.
Hi guys great video, I haven't posted anything for awhile but, always watch when you put up new ones. Three years ago the wife and I bought a 2000 17' Casita. We both had admired them for some time. Since neither of us had any RV experience we wanted to see if we liked RVing. Well after 20K+ miles we really liked the RV life. So, last June (after much shopping around) we purchased a 2017 23' Flying Cloud. Long story short, as much as we liked our Casita after using the Airstream we would never go back. No knock on Casitas it was a great unit and it let us find out how great RVing can be.
I can remember as a young kid, a nearby park, being filled to the brim with Airstreams! Not so any more, so it seems they've moved on to other areas I suppose. As much as I love the look of the Airstream, I wouldn't give up my 36' Tiffin Phaeton diesel pusher with it's four slides. Yes, it may cost me more, but I too have met some fabulous people in the motorhome community, and I have the ability to do many of the smaller 'fix-it's' myself, and it's very comfortable both to drive and once parked. It's best for folks to just get out and enjoy life, with whatever choice of RV they wish to have. I'd never recommend buying new, as there is just too much up front cost and depreciation, but if not too old, most of the fix-it's have been taken care of, and you can hit the road and enjoy life!
If u hve a hyprid airstream punk stream, & u just make front 1/4 curved punked streamed w/heavier metal gauge then wood or carbon or rectangle box the rest u saved the 50s nostalgia not anything old tired rest, hinge to front 1/4 old punked airsteam then rest modern slide out of coarse.
Another great video guys!! We've been watching you two for quite sometime and have learned a ton!! From tips and tricks on our travels to helping us improve our content on our channel! Many thanks and keep the great content coming.😊😁
And having an airstream would definitely be a dream come true for us! But, that first dislike (the cost) is why we don’t have one!! One of these days!! What awesome trailers.
I don't have Airstream but they are a neat TT. I have a Lance which is well designed and better built than most other brands . The online Lance owners support group is outstanding . It even has 'freeloaders' program where I can stay at another Lance owners property with water and electricity for FREE . Thank you for your videos.
We have a "vintage" Airstream, 1963 Bambi. My husband did a frame off restoration 14 years ago, and it is still going strong! We love the layout of ours, we always have folks want to come and take a look.... and they think (we do too) the inside is surprisingly "large"! Fairly tall men and stand up in it. The best thing about ours, it pulls like it isn't even there, and we can fit anywhere a tent can if we can get down the road. We have had bigger trailers, a MH, and even a vintage teardrop (for 33 years!) but the Bambi is at the top of our list. Only wish is a larger gray/black tank.... but then we have a "blue boy".... :) Thanks for another great video.
The aluminium skin of the trailer: Do you think they should make it a bit thicker for better structural integrity and durability? In addition, most of the trailers are equipped with 2 wheels. Do you think for a medium size they should be fitted with double wheel sets?
The biggest concern with an AS is weight... most people have too small of a tow vehicle to stop the rig SAFELY, especially out west. ALWAYS, ALWAYS . . . get on forums to get the real skinny on any trailer you have in mind. I moved away from AS because of the water leaks and the method in which they attach the body to the floor - the method used is simply asking for trouble, and at $100K I expected the basics to be in place - was I ever wrong!
Great video, u are a great couple, coolest people....be well, stay safe, MAXR
/1/ Having owned a 'stream, I would agree with the points in this vid. The cons are rather serious: shall never buy 'stream again. /2/ Very good vids. Kristy has a great smile, which makes the viewing all the more enjoyable.
They are sexy beasts. I looked for years for an affordable smaller sized and last spring I found a 1965 Tag A Long. Hopefully, Lolly and I will be on the road this summer. It has a sheet metal exterior BUT you can cut , replace and paint. I am using the area under the main bed for storage, putting in a small closet, and have storage under the seating. I hope to meet up with y'all later in the year.
I was just at Zion where there was road damage and severe restrictions on what size rig could enter the park from the east side. I saw a couple turning around in their gorgeous huge class A. The ranger was concerned with the length of my Airstream, but even more concerned with the width. I was very happy when he told me I had about 6 inches of wiggle room before they would have to turn me around as well. Phew! Yeah for my 19 foot Bambi Flying Cloud! Thanks for another great video!
Excellent informative video. As a minimalist (also a retired airline pilot), this is the only TYPE trailer I would own...meaning an aluminum aircraft type .... my other choice is living in a GMC 2500 van (like Bob).....this is really good stuff..thank you. In the market now to trade my 65 Mustang for one that needs some love. Happy travels!!
Have you ever seen an airplane with a rubber roof. The new Airstreams have rubber roofing material topside, not aluminum. Look before you leap.
That bridge you are crossing in your intro looks like it's near Hanes Alaska.
But I wouldn't want an Airstream. I love my slide out which sure makes my trailer seem bigger.
Although I don't own one I definitely like the lower center of gravity and the aerodynamics .
I agree, I'd bet with a real nice polish job those AIRSTREAMS just cut through the air with no resistance to speak of.
I’m very interested in the new oddball Basecamp 20X.
Hi Sean, Do you guys ever come to San Antonio Tx. We woul love to meet you folks. We love and enjoy your videos.
So what do you do if you're out with the Airstream somewhere and there's a chance of hail?
Good topic. Although it's not an airstream, I am currently renovating a '74 Silver Streak (the Twinkie). It will be interesting to see how it differs from my ClassC motorhome once I finish & switch over to the Silver Streak. Oh. I gotta pinch myself! I've admired these rigs for a long time!
For those worried about leaks, I have a 2000 model with no leaks. Yes you should check your roof seals/caulking every year or so, but the main seems don't just leak out of the blue.
Thank you for your honesty , and your diplomacy ... when you say you pay a little more upfront for an Airstream what you really mean is double or triple what the cost is for a 30 ft fiberglass skinned fully welded aluminum framed trailer with slide out with large storage compartment that can be accessed from either side of your trailer ... while I love the fact that Airstreams have much more craftsmanship ( labor time ) in the construction , my wife and I would not be willing to spend double or triple the amount of money for 30% less room and the thought that a strong hail storm could literally dent or total that vehicle or that leaks are more prevalent and harder to spot in an Airstream because of the many seams compared to our box trailer .. I have watched about 8 or 9 TH-cam videos regarding Airstreams from watching how the Airstream's are built in the factory to peoples opinions on their Airstreams after owning one for a few years to buying them used and rebuilding the inside of the trailer ...
Welcome Home! As for the choice of local food at the end NEITHER! Another great video.
excellent video, I've watched a lot of videos on airstream, and this video nails it. I will not buy an airstream. For me, the potential leaking, the dents, the low sitting trailer, the price, the lack of nearby service repair facilities and the storage, make me decide this is a no go. For me, just not enough pluses to warrant a purchase. I like so many don't use an RV too much, nor tow too far so I'm not going to invest piles of money, as well for what I save, I will make sure to rent heated storage for my RV, because I believe anything sitting outside 7 months of the year is where most of the degrading happens.
I'd be curious as to how many people buy $100K airstream for limited seasonal recreational use, but drive a $20K car or truck as their daily driver...........
It's funny watching this tonight as on the way to work today, I saw an airstream with a slide. I didn't know they ever offered one, and my buddy who worked motorhomes in Nappanee Indiana had never seen one either. Keep up the great videos.
Great video, for myself I have a 1974 Roadrunner travel trailer and I love it... love the Airstream too but not in my price range. 😎
Great video and good info. The big yellow hands are distracting though, I would discontinue those.
I didn’t really consider Airstream due to the cost until I started watching your videos. You really do get what you pay for. I’ve looked at dozens of other trailers and I’m just not satisfied with the quality or how they hold their value. We want our travel trailer to be our forever 2nd home, not a “do-for” that we have to keep trading up to what we want. Buy once, cry once.
The new Ford trucks like my F350 diesel are made out of industrial “military grade” aluminum, it would be good for stream to lear from Ford and change the aluminum, even if it adds a bit of weight ....y0u got friends at airstream tell them....I can help them...MAXR Well done....
"Campfire questions" isn't quite the same without the opening guitar strum... LOL. Keep up the great work.
Love the channel, don't love Airstream. We travel with two dogs, one is a 97 pound black lab. He takes up a lot of floor space. So we need the floor space that slide outs provide. But we are in tune with the size limitations that many state and national parks have, and with our non-Airstream travel trailer, we can go any where.
We've been full-timing in our restored 1971 Airstream Sovereign for a little over two years. We absolutely love it. We've owned other brands with slide-outs that were just fine, but we didn't feel the same sense of attachment that we do to the Airstream.
As an Airstream owner, we love ours. It's 31 years old and it is in great condition. We had to repair some floor areas but it was not too bad of a repair. We did a face lift on the inside. We did strip the clear off and it looks brand new again. The clear made it look cloudy. At 29ft it tows great with our Tahoe. If we were to go great distances like Sean and Christy I would upgrade our Tow Vehicle. On a buying note we had 4 sold out from under us before we could go see them. I'm sure we could make a few bucks if we parted with ours but that ain't ever happenin'. Oh yeah this is our first camper. We camped in a VW Bus for several years. By the way we don't have any leaks now. Mainly it was the window glass separating from the frames. Airstream Classifieds and Airforums are your friends! LOLOHO we are neighbors, we're just south of ATL.
Hey LoLoHo! What is the absolute best way to protect your subflooring from water damage? Type of plywood? Sealer on plywood? Painted plywood? Non wood product for subfloor?
ATC....all aluminum, Azdel siding and absolutely no wood and the whole option of being able bring toys along...
Do you live in the Airstream permanently and if so, would you recommend that lifestyle to potential RVer’s looking at this style of living?
What's your opinion on tires for RV's? I have heard that cheap tires are generally installed on new RV's. Also how about axle maintenance and alignment? How well do standard Airstream axles hold up and are there aftermarket upgrades?
I'd take an Airstream any day. Towed multiple things over the years. They tow like no other. One point added to the low center of gravity and aerodynamics is truly wide body chassis, axles too. Not just a box set on a narrow body chassis. To keep the aluminum shell pristine is futile with truly enjoying your trailer like 100k miles. Think of scratches and dings as scars of the journey :)
Hope you folks are doing well, Sean hope you are feeling well, and always enjoy your videos :)
You need to check your tires and find out how fast you can go most rv tires are rated at 65 mph if you are going faster blow out time ?