Visit our Popular Forums

TerraYacht · 02-22-2009, 11:47 PM

"... at least the manual doesn't have any upkeep instructions for any."
Upkeep starts with a six digit income...and a few other unmentionables.

We were in LV 2 weeks ago at our timeshare and drove through the KOA to look at possible alternatives. They have about a dozen shiny aluminum rentals, and the web site is showing $45 a night for Feb.
some of the locations are better than others, as usual: some trees or shade, less traffic, etc. If you want to try this out in their A/S instead of yours, then drive around the campground to select your preferred location choices and then see what the office can do. (Maybe you can do that online?)

imeynstein · 02-23-2009, 02:15 AM

Hahahhahaa!!!! Rear end separation!!! That is GREAT!!! Hmmmmm....Maybe that is what happened to my AS!!! hee hee

Silvertwinkie · 02-23-2009, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari62

Wally looks like he is having more fun then Bob Wheeler.

That is because Bob is standing in front of units that are most likely being discontinued while the factory remains mothballed and the company image continues to be tarnished by stunts like this and it's poor QC, issues and support of those issues .

mandolindave · 02-23-2009, 09:30 AM

Advertizers have been using women to point at, and caress vehicles probably shortly after the wheel was invented. BMW use to have a table with a mechanic and a salesman at the Euro auto shows. Then BMW of North America hired me to video tape the Chicago auto show, to show the Germans how to sell a car. ( I took shots of models all day long...tough gig ) I am not stupid enough to buy a vehicle because there is a pretty girl in front of it. It's insulting. I bought my truck to show my lady how big and strong I am. I bought my Airstream so that she would come camping with me.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-23-2009, 11:23 AM

What a great PR move, get these trailers out in front of the Public so they can see for themselves what they are missing.

Specially "hardened" unit's.

Maybe, just maybe, we'll see some good come out of this for all of us.

If these units are half as "good" as....well, look at the bright side.

ArtStream · 02-23-2009, 12:02 PM

Rumor has it that a Jose Cuarvo

and Capt Morgan

models are being unveiled at hot-hit night spots and underground raves.

Michael

barbsfish · 02-23-2009, 02:15 PM

Has anybody actually tried this out? The KOA in Sugarloaf Key Florida is pretty much in my backyard...think I'll be checking it out...what a great way to experience the Airstream life before the big $$$$$$$$$$$...I think my silver blender or martini shaker would be right at home!!

casarodante · 02-23-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

My uncle owns a KOA and tells me they are not "normal" Airstreams, but special coaches hardened for rental use; he's not buying any and he's a old-time player. His wife is a ex-KOA owner and Wally fan (they've owned
seven Airstreams), agrees; it will cheapen the brand when these "rentals" come on the market. Who's going to keep them shiney?

My parents used to own a KOA and my mother's current boyfriend owns one now. They don't see how to get a return on them. It is around $58K to get one and that is a lot of nights at around $100 to pay back. Everyone has their own opinions.

**jcanavera** · 02-23-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caadoptees;67.0039

My parents used to own a KOA and my mother's current boyfriend owns one now. They don't see how to get a return on them. It is around $58K to get one and that is a lot of nights at around $100 to pay back. Everyone has their own opinions.

Just curious if that is what Airstream is selling those to KOA for? My only thought was that these might either be on a lease purchase mode, or Airstream is discounting them considering them a marketing expense. Assuming that they could even rent these out 100 nights a year, the payback is far too long. My gut tells me that these are going out at a much lower cost than $58K.

My old boss and I looked at the potential of buying a KOA around 15 years ago. The saying at that time was you lived like paupers and retired like a king. Very few KOA's have enough days in a season to justify a $58K unit.

Jack

thenewkid64 · 02-23-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

That is because Bob is standing in front of units that are most likely being discontinued while the factory remains mothballed and the company image continues to be tarnished by stunts like this and it's poor QC, issues and support of those issues .

Get your facts straight.

The units were specially built for KOA and the fact that KOA placed the order was part of the post Jan 1 restart.

if you are that unhappy with your trailer vote with your feet and buy something else.

I stayed 2 nights there at launch and the were very nice units with all the typical Airstream amenities. I actually liked the "hardened" unit better than the standard one. No fabrics down low to get filthy, and a thicker floor, The kitchen was a straight one, not rounded. Other than those 3 things it was a typical unit to my eye.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-23-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

Get your facts straight.

The units were specially built for KOA and the fact that KOA placed the order was part of the post Jan 1 restart.

if you are that unhappy with your trailer vote with your feet and buy something else.

I stayed 2 nights there at launch and the were very nice units with all the typical Airstream amenities. I actually liked the "hardened" unit better than the standard one. No fabrics down low to get filthy, and a thicker floor, The kitchen was a straight one, not rounded. Other than those 3 things it was a typical unit to my eye.

And we, as the paying customers of newer Airstream's don't deserve a better, (sic) "hardened" unit. You could use your dogs and spend $80k on something with no pride in build. Try it, let me know.

thenewkid64 · 02-23-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcanavera

My old boss and I looked at the potential of buying a KOA around 15 years ago. The saying at that time was you lived like paupers and retired like a king. Very few KOA's have enough days in a season to justify a $58K unit.

Jack,

All the units are currently in KOA Corporate owned/run campgrounds. they trial run everything before they put it out to the franchisees. I have no idea what the cost per unit was.

Most of the units are going to a 4 season campground at this time. I know they are going to put some in the NE for the summer, but all are destination locales where a higher rate is the norm. I know in Sugarloaf Key they were having no problem keeping them full.

The other big benefit is that if they are not working at one park, they can move them to a park that wants to try it, or one that is running high occupancy. Not something they have been able to do with the Kamping Kabins. Once they are parked, they are fixed units.

So now you can go stay in one for a few nights before you take the plunge. I think it will in the long run help get more new buyers into an Airstream because they can try before they buy..

CanoeStream · 02-23-2009, 07:14 PM

So Brett - thicker floor? Is this a return to park models? I could assume the GAWR isn't going up (if they stay with Henschens at least). Is there something about badging or VIN on these models to distinguish these from standard models? Just thinkin' ... further than the details warrant perhaps.

thenewkid64 · 02-23-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

So Brett - thicker floor? Is this a return to park models? I could assume the GAWR isn't going up (if they stay with Henschens at least). Is there something about badging or VIN on these models to distinguish these from standard models? Just thinkin' ... further than the details warrant perhaps.

I have none of those details.....

Right now the only way I know to tell is interior trim, and the fact they all have steel wheels (they put KOA wheel covers over them anyhow).

**jcanavera** · 02-24-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

Jack,

All the units are currently in KOA Corporate owned/run campgrounds. they trial run everything before they put it out to the franchisees. I have no idea what the cost per unit was.

Most of the units are going to a 4 season campground at this time. I know they are going to put some in the NE for the summer, but all are destination locales where a higher rate is the norm. I know in Sugarloaf Key they were having no problem keeping them full.

The other big benefit is that if they are not working at one park, they can move them to a park that wants to try it, or one that is running high occupancy. Not something they have been able to do with the Kamping Kabins. Once they are parked, they are fixed units.

So now you can go stay in one for a few nights before you take the plunge. I think it will in the long run help get more new buyers into an Airstream because they can try before they buy..

It does make sense if it's a corporate park. I'm sure there will be a few sales from those who would like to try before they buy. The one benefit that they can't demo though is how well they tow. Short of a pop up or a Hi-Lo trailer, there isn't a better towing trailer out there.

Jack

Aage · 02-24-2009, 01:10 PM

Of course, only basing the payback on the $100/night rate completely ignores the fact that no matter how old the units are when either the promotion ends, or they decied to change them (if it works) there will be SOME residual value in the ASs that will be realized by selling them...

lynn · 02-24-2009, 02:19 PM

These trailers come with out the awning package ,stainless steel wrap protectors and window guards. They do not have bottle covers and steel wheels. they are plumbed to use city water instead of going through the tank and pump. The floor vinyl is thicker not the sub floor.
As you can see there is some cost difference just by what is not there.
The KOA target lifecycle for them will be around 5years and then replace with new ones. The older units would go to dealers.

**jcanavera** · 02-24-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynn

These trailers come with out the awning package ,stainless steel wrap protectors and window guards. They do not have bottle covers and steel wheels. they are plumbed to use city water instead of going through the tank and pump. The floor vinyl is thicker not the sub floor.
As you can see there is some cost difference just by what is not there.
The KOA target lifecycle for them will be around 5years and then replace with new ones. The older units would go to dealers.

Very interesting. If the units stay static, I wonder what shape the axles will be in after 5 years of non use? Sounds like the trailers will have some rehabbing to do if they go to a dealers. Possibly revamping of the water systems, addition of the protectors and guards, new wheels and axles? Or might the go out as "as is" with the new buyers being warned that these are really "park models".

Jack