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aaastircrazy · 08-31-2009, 02:32 PM

I wonder... why are there so few AirStream motorhomes out there? They seem to be rare whether they are for sale or just being owned & used. Were they too expensive? Were they not so reliable? No demand? Expensive to have them worked on? I would appreciate any feedback on AirStream motorhomes pro or con. Do you know of any qualified AS inspectors in Austin or San Antonio Texas? Thanks!

Why are there so few AirStream motorhomes? Too expensive, didn't catch on? expensive to repair? Not same quality as AS trailers? Wanted to ask you mechanical types... know any qualified AS inspectors in Texas?

85MH325 · 08-31-2009, 02:45 PM

I merged your two threads and two posts into a single thread/post. You'll find that your responses are better if there's a single thread for everyone to comment on.

Roger

ALANSD · 08-31-2009, 03:39 PM

First of all not that many were made. The 345 was the model most produced, and it is still the one most seen for sale.
Yes, these are somewhat expensive to maintain, but certainly no more or even less than SOB Moho's, where rubber roofs and cracked panels come into play.
They however have always had a higher resale value, retained a better image and usefulness than some of the other brands. I am speaking here mainly of the Classic, which is the aluminum riveted and not the fiberglass versions.
Try finding a model for sale other than a 345...it is often a challenge, even in these times of higher gas prices and such. When I bought my 280 it took months to find one, and I rarely if ever came across another for sale.
They are truly a labor of love, as if you own one you will find out. Also the support of other owners is outstanding.
By the way Airstream Life had an article sometime ago on the history of the AS Motorhomes. Check it out.

dwightdi · 08-31-2009, 03:53 PM

There was a lot of competition and people made their choices. Airstream did not see it was profitable to continue when there was that small a demand for them and dropped the product line. The Aluminum ones were definitely higher priced by comparison to their competition (Foot vs Foot) and did not sell well. The motor homes are more complex and more difficult to maintain by comparison to the trailers but not that much different from other motor homes. The plastic version had no distinctive features, over the other brands, and could not justify the margins Airstream desires when they market a product and when they set the price at the margins they wanted, there was no demand.

RichardT · 08-31-2009, 05:59 PM

my 1979 24' cost over $50k new!

1985air345 · 08-31-2009, 06:50 PM

There are certainly less than the trailers but there are quite a few around when you have an eye for them!

My site (Fred's Airstream Archives) has pictures of most of the years and models of motorhomes.

My vote is the price. They were far more expensive that their box counterparts.

elbundi · 08-31-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

They are truly a labor of love, as if you own one you will find out. Also the support of other owners is outstanding.

without that support I'd be lost and in debt up to my eyeballs!!!

GlenCoombe · 09-01-2009, 04:34 AM

One thing for certain is that as you drive down the road in a classic Airstream motorhome you won't see yourself coming the other way often.

Compound that with the commercial side of the Airstream moho production and I'm able to say that I've never seen a 28 FC in person ...ever... in my extended travels.

On my shake down cruise to the NC mountains last week I realized just how interesting folks find Airstream One. In a Lowes parking lot I had two cars circling my rig at one time. Maybe it's the logo?

Melody Ranch · 09-01-2009, 08:48 AM

I have watched both of these Classics sit for nearly 5 years....not used, never moving.

Also a Sovereign...never used at same farm.

ALANSD · 09-01-2009, 10:22 AM

sad.....someone could be enjoying those. There is a 345 in a shed near me that I have seen for 8 years, never saw it move though it looks to be maintained.

pjude · 09-01-2009, 12:16 PM

I have a 86 345 that came with a copy of the sales contract when I bought it. The sales price in 1986 was $106,614.00 and it is not an LE edition.I think the price compared to such brands as Winnebago kept the market suppressed for AS meaning fewer on the road today. You will see these mh's advertised for from about 12k to some guy in California that wants 55K for his.Pete

ALANSD · 09-02-2009, 10:36 AM

The rarity toady makes them even more attractive to own. Those that have been converted to Cummins diesels should be a a very desirable item, as the 454 is so dated, though basically reliable.

James Rogers · 09-02-2009, 07:30 PM

My 1987 245 sold for $115,664.46 in 1987.That was a lot of money back then. They are a labor of love. I also have a 9176 GMC Palm Beech I'm working on. This is another labor of love. I need to get rid of it but probably will end up keeping it. When I had my first 1976 GMC I was told that GMC meant "GET MORE CASH" and they were right.