I heard cost, competitiveness, and space. It's cheaper to build the box units. You get more basement and overhead storage. Slide-outs are easier to do. They did make both from 1989 to 1996. It's hard to compete with less expensive units that give the buyer more room.
I imagine the 2005 Classic MH's will be built to order (like the trailers are now) and will cost $$. There are some folks out there that will pay more for less so to speak. My hunch is that they also have a list of names for the units they are designing!
The issue is identical to trailers. Quality costs more. Box trailers are half the price for the same room. Over the long run, AS's always prevail. After buying a box that falls apart, they upgrade to the more expensive Airstream that will out-live them! The box MH's are nice but the value has not held up like the Classic designs. NADA proves it. Compare the 1989-1996 Land Yachts with the 1989-1996 Classics.
I have to agree being a Classic owner, that they are distinctive and sure do retain their value. A 20 year old Classic can bring as much as a 7-10 year old Landyacht or more. The slide out issue may be a trade off for better use of the space available, and the quality of materials and construction that an Airstream can afford one.
I'm new to RV-ing having just bought my first one....the thing that finally got me into it was the new Airstream Land Yachts...I always knew the only RV I would want to own was an Airstream....however, the giant job of keeping than 'aluminum bullet' clean was too daunting for me to undertake....so, when I learned about the fiberglass Land Yachts, I was happy...&, bought a late model low mileage one to learn to RV with...
...nothing against the 'silver bullets' - I think they're beautiful...I just never wanted to own one I couldn't keep bright & shiney! My '95 Land Yacht LE allows me to learn about RV-ing in an Airstream &, with the new fiberglass ones, I can step up to diesel slide-outs when I'm ready.
I see your point, although the Classic if it is plasticoated, takes no more maintenace and possibly less than fiberglass to keep it shiny and clean. .
The coating if removed would take a bit of elbow grease to keep shiny if that is the look the owner wants.
I wash mine regularly and wax it a few times a year with soft liquid wax, goes on and buffs easily.
I am not knocking any of the Airstream motorhomes fiber or aluminum.
I enjoy seeing and hearing about all of them.
By the way since you are in Alabama try to make our Mystic Springs get together for motorhomes in April..if you are able to.
I want to see the Banks system we heard so much about! It will also be interesting to see both models side by side and compare the two. Pluses and minues to both I'm sure.
I also want to see which of his tool boxes is bigger. The one for the MGB or the motor home! My father-in-law loves MGB's but the knock is they always are breaking down.
Sorry, guys....there is no spare parts tool box for the MG...I own 14 original or restored MG's & about 50 parts cars for my MG business....
...when we leave on our trip, I'll take a Craftsman tool kit, a Moss Motors catalog, my cell phone & a credit card....my MG's don't leave me stranded! If they did, I'd buy a Miata! <http://www.theautoist.com> for a look at my MG's...
...We're heading out Saturday morning for a short trip to test out the Banks system...more to come
Correct me if I am wrong here, but my English car friends once explained who the Lucas electric systems worked (Lucas is the brand installed in many of the older english cars).
The jist of it is that they run on smoke. When the wires leak smoke out of them you have to get them repaired. I would not join the secret society that the guys who repair the "Smoke" systems are members of, so I never saw it actually being replaced
Kidding aside, I considered getting a BGT for a toad, but I knew I would not be happy with the AC in the florida heat.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey." -- Fitzhugh Mullan
Wise men talk because they have someting to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
In politics, absurdity is not a handicap— Napoleon
Brett...you know what they say? "The British drink warm beer because Lucas does the wiring in their 'frig's." "Pubs in England close early so everybody can get home before they have to use their Lucas headlights!"
...seriously, if there is a weak spot in an MG, its the Lucas wiring - actually, not the wiring itself but those darn bullet connectors everywhere in a wiring harness....however, if one keeps them clean, they hardly ever give problems....
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My father-in-law loves MGB's but the knock is they always are breaking down.
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