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swebster · 11-29-2005, 05:35 PM

Despite the hype and press about the "new" Classic Motorhome it did not debut at this years RVIA show as many of us had hoped. I asked an AS rep why it wasn't there and was told it required a tremendous amount of engineering to complete, superforming is still a developing technology, and a few other non-specific reasons it was not the centerpiece of this year's AS booth. Seemed like there wasn't really a timeline for a release let alone production. Very disappointing.

On the upside, there are some new cool colors and improvements in almost all of the lines. The CCD in particular. They had a 75th anniversary trailer there but I didn't get into it. I hope to see it tomorrow.

The big feature seemed to be the new BaseCamp. Actually moving from concept (last year) into a real live RV, it is fantastic. I know a lot of AS owners don't like this model, but I have to say, they hit the nail on the head. One unit has ramps and fold up "bunks" so you can drive your four wheeler right inside. The other has the tent on the back, racks for kayaks and clips inside for backpacks and gear on carabineers. Definitely a buzz from dealers over this model. I expect you'll be able to see these on showroom floors in during the January RV Shows.

I'll try and get some picture tomorrow. More later.

ALANSD · 11-30-2005, 10:53 AM

too bad about the Classic but the wait will be worth it...Its great that you get to go to the show and get the inside poop. The basecamp should certainly be a great seller, and as for the owners who don't like it ; remember what they thought about the motorhomes when they first came out! They hated those too.

2airishuman · 11-30-2005, 12:31 PM

well they can't show a new moho till the new moho plant is built. rumor is they have broken ground, anyone been to jc recently to confirm?

not sure who doesn't like the base camp...seems to be more reports about "them/they" than there are actual real folks expressing dislike.

i like the idea and design and utility of the base camp....hope it's built really well and that it doesn't have finish/fit/repair issues that current trailers seem to have.

i'm not sure how well it will sell. really depends on how it's priced....and it may serve as another halo product that brings folks in to look. most "toy haulin' base campers will probably still opt for the many other brands that sell for much less with more room in the box...

it'd be fun to have a diesel westie and pull the basecamp for toys.

cheers
2air'

Porky Pig · 11-30-2005, 09:06 PM

Too bad the "MoHo" wasn't ready for the show.

However, for those who can't wait to see one ... I have obtained this spy photo from my inside source at Airstream.

Minnie's Mate · 12-01-2005, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porky Pig

Too bad the "MoHo" wasn't ready for the show.

However, for those who can't wait to see one ... I have obtained this spy photo from my inside source at Airstream.

Now that's a classic!

ALANSD · 12-01-2005, 09:59 AM

WOW, Now I can finally upgrade;

2airishuman · 12-01-2005, 10:10 PM

porky that's toooo funny!!

is that part of the new warthog line? wonder if it comes with a ccd interior?

no wonder the new factory location is hidden.

cheers
2air'

swebster · 12-02-2005, 11:27 AM

Pix of the new BaseCamp. I have movie too. I'll try and make it available online

Minnie's Mate · 12-02-2005, 02:10 PM

I guess that would make it about the smallest toy hauler on the market when it's released.

Minnie's Mate · 12-02-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porky Pig

Too bad the "MoHo" wasn't ready for the show.

However, for those who can't wait to see one ... I have obtained this spy photo from my inside source at Airstream.

You know Porky, the more I look at this thing, the more I think that is what you get when a VW Microbus and a BMW Isetta are allowed to breed!

2airishuman · 12-18-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porky Pig

Too bad the "MoHo" wasn't ready for the show.

However, for those who can't wait to see one ... I have obtained this spy photo from my inside source at Airstream.

hi porky and others,

finally figured out what this is.........

that's a 1937 hunt housecar. i think this picture is of the one owned by rv historian/collector david woodworth.

california was supposed to buy his collection but the deal fell through. it seems that fnc/fmca may have purchased his vintage moho collection and will me moving them for display some time next year?

can't wait for the tour.

now i can relax....

cheers
2air'

85MH325 · 12-18-2005, 06:15 PM

Here it is! THE new A/S Moho has arrived!

Roger

**azflycaster** · 12-18-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Here it is! THE new A/S Moho has arrived!

Roger

Roger,
What you are looking at was built under special contract for the federal goverment. It is the new FEMA Rapid Response Mobile HQ

Chaplain Kent · 12-19-2005, 11:59 AM

I just came back fro Jackson City, OH and took the tour. What I was told is that the new "classic" is on hold for now. The extrusion problem is solved by partnering with GM but now they are looking for the right power plant, maybe a hybrid and to make certain it is the correct time for introduction. I am sure Thor has many hybrids around with all the bus manufacturing they do. I wonder what they will come up with?

summerkid · 12-19-2005, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

not sure who doesn't like the base camp...seems to be more reports about "them/they" than there are actual real folks expressing dislike.

I'll go on record. That BaseCamp is butt-ugly. Then again, maybe that's the wrong phrase. I actually admire many people's butts, including my own. OK, the BaseCamp is just fugly.

swebster · 12-19-2005, 09:04 PM

Chaplain,
I'm beginning to believe that the new classic will never be built. It was supposed to be at last years show, then they "announced" it in the trade and consumer mags, but when it wasn't at the show and the AS rep did a tap dance about it I was suspicious. With your tour info I now downright doubt it. Too bad too, with the LY discontinued, the SkyDeck as a "corporate only" vehicle and the A39 as your only choice in an Airstream motorhome they are loosing ground quickly in the very crowded, very "same-same" motorhome market.

Too bad.

Andrew Selking · 12-19-2005, 10:34 PM

Porky's motor home will sell scrap those new plans and go with retro it is cool looking and would be a great addition to the Airstream Fleet.

Chaplain Kent · 12-20-2005, 08:10 AM

Steven,
the value of our motor homes will just continue to grow as the only truly unique travel RV on the road. It is too bad that an innovative company like AS can not come up with something more than the square box motor home. They were putting one together at the plant and it sure looked out of place. The fiberglass, preformed panels among the hand formed aluminum sheets did not look right. Another thing about the motor homes is that the refrigerators do not fit through the door, they are built in. What happens when they need to be replaced, scrap the entire motor home?

JPAIRSTREAM · 12-20-2005, 12:11 PM

No you have to take out the front windshield in order to replace.

ALANSD · 12-20-2005, 01:04 PM

YIKES IS THAT TRUE? Scary. My Dometic was easily replaced a few years back.
I too think these AS Classics are increasingly valuable. Looking at those that have been purchased and lots of money put in to make them more road worthy and useful is one clue. Also watching the market where most models have continued to sell at higher prices. Yes there are some bargains still out in the marketplace, but there are fewer than ever.