Which small airstream is most airstreamish?

[supziez]

Which of the following small airstreams is most airstreamish? Which reflects the DNA of airstream nest? Which is the best beacon for future airstream buyers? Where should airstream be going?

* airstream nest
* airstream sport 16
* airstream basecamp

[PKI]

Historic and current AS = Bambi 16
Off-road AS = Basecamp
Non-aluminum lower cost solution = Nest

But - why would ask such a question. Visit the dealer and choose. AS is American. Choice is the American way. The one that makes you smile most is the right one for you. And that's why AS builds them.

Hope to meet you down the road with your smile. Pat

[Johnnyooo]

Originally Posted by supziez

Which of the following small airstreams is most airstreamish? Which reflects the DNA of airstream nest? Which is the best beacon for future airstream buyers? Where should airstream be going?

* airstream nest
* airstream sport 16
* airstream basecamp

Without a doubt the sport 16’ reflects the classic iconic design.. Go for it

[Bill M.]

For me, the Sport 16 out of that list. It will always be a classic where ever Airstream "goes".

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by supziez

Which of the following small airstreams is most airstreamish? Which reflects the DNA of airstream nest? Which is the best beacon for future airstream buyers? Where should airstream be going?

* airstream nest
* airstream sport 16
* airstream basecamp

The only one of the three that appeals to me is the Airstream Sport.
Also, IMO, the most Airstreamish and the beacon of the future.

Airstream's parent company, Thor Industries, is going where the money is, regardless of our opinion.

ps:
I see this was your first post. Welcome to the AirForums!

ps2:
Maybe the there is some original Airstream DNA in the Nest and Basecamp. Take a look at this 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud 15'>
http://vintageairstream.com/photo-ar...lver-cloud-15/

[smithcreek]

The 16' Bambi says classic Airstream, but the Basecamp has DNA dating back to at least 1935. From an article:

Over 80 years old, this Airstream Torpedo was built by a physician in the late 1930s from a kit sold by Airstream founder, Wally Byam.

[overlander63]

FYI, the OP made one post in May 2018, and has not returned.

[supziez]

Originally Posted by overlander63

FYI, the OP made one post in May 2018, and has not returned.

Sorry, I was not aware I wasn’t allowed to ask a question.

FYI, the OP has not purchased any RV yet.

EDIT: Apologies for being curt, overlander63 — I did not realize there were other replies here. Thank you all for your input... I’m still in the market for an RV, but dealing with other life issues now. Merry Christmas to everyone here!

[supziez]

With the release of the Caravel line, and my purchase of an “upgraded” tow vehicle (Audi Q7), I had started investigating that line. Made a trip to colonial airstream here in NJ to see one, and was impressed. It mostly hit my marks. Will see where life takes me in the next few months, and make my decision from there.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by supziez

Sorry, I was not aware I wasn’t allowed to ask a question.

FYI, the OP has not purchased any RV yet.

EDIT: Apologies for being curt, overlander63 — I did not realize there were other replies here. Thank you all for your input... I’m still in the market for an RV, but dealing with other life issues now. Merry Christmas to everyone here!

This is a phenomenon that occurs on forums. Someone joins, asks a question, and disappears forever. Years later, somebody finds the post and replies to it. It's called a "zombie thread".



The OP returning after so long, after only making one post, and the question still being relevant, is highly unusual.

[Shiny16]

The thing about posts on any forum is that they answer questions for many readers. Not just the OP.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by supziez

With the release of the Caravel line, and my purchase of an “upgraded” tow vehicle (Audi Q7), I had started investigating that line. Made a trip to colonial airstream here in NJ to see one, and was impressed. It mostly hit my marks. Will see where life takes me in the next few months, and make my decision from there.

Re: the Caravels: They address exactly what I felt were shortcomings in the Sport line... more fully equipped, and with the nicer large-opening windows. If I were looking for a solo trailer right now, I suspect I'd end up with a 22' or 20' Caravel, depending on which one was a better fit for me at the table.

Having said that... even if I suddenly became a solo traveler, I wouldn't trade the 26U for smaller, the convenience of a smaller trailer wouldn't outweigh the depreciation hit, and I've found the 26U to be an easy trailer to spend a 6-week trip with.

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by smithcreek

The 16' Bambi says classic Airstream, but the Basecamp has DNA dating back to at least 1935. From an article:

Over 80 years old, this Airstream Torpedo was built by a physician in the late 1930s from a kit sold by Airstream founder, Wally Byam.

A late 1930s Airstream ... didn't know they existed.

The doctor did a fine job with that Wally Byam kit version.

Cool design.

[skyguyscott]

You ask a number of different questions.

If what you really want to ask is which is the best airstream for you, you already have received the best advice, go see them in person and pick the best one for you.

In terms of where Airstream is going, they are trying to do what they can to increase profits while decreasing costs. I don't see them perusing a particular mission or vision currently other than "make more money."

The classic aluminum trailers seem to be what AS does best and the line with the least likelihood of problems. They are expensive, even the Caravel line -- which is an upgrade to the sport line, which in turn was AS attempt to make a pared-down economy model to be more affordable by newer, younger customers.

The BaseCamp is their attempt to build a trailer capable of more rugged, more basic off-road adventures. Judging by the many problems customers are experiencing with this design, (search the forums) AS has much work to do.

The (nest) is AS attempt to capture some of the fiberglass market. Judging by the responses here in the forum, the lack of AS experience with fiberglass is showing, especially when compared to SOBs (some other brands) that have had decades of experience in this segment.

AS has a problem making an inexpensive trailer in much the same way Cadillac would in making a Caddy under 30K. That's what Chevy is there for. Thor owns other brands besides AS. If you want a more affordable, yet iconic AS, buy one used. There is likely an AS to be had at your desired price point, but may require various degrees of TLC, depending on the purchase price. You may still end up spending thousands to fix it up the way you want, yet still end up saving thousands more over new, but end up with one as good or better than new and customized to your tastes, needs and application.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by overlander63

FYI, the OP made one post in May 2018, and has not returned.

Originally Posted by overlander63

This is a phenomenon that occurs on forums. Someone joins, asks a question, and disappears forever. Years later, somebody finds the post and replies to it. It's called a "zombie thread".

The OP returning after so long, after only making one post, and the question still being relevant, is highly unusual.

Did somebody get a lump of coal in their stocking?

[supziez]

Well, I’ll update the thread, as to not get that bad reputation!

We pulled the trigger on a 2022 International 23FB. Now waiting for parts (lifepo batteries, solar panels, etc), and for labor to get done on upgrading the trailer for off-gridding. Hoping to get started this spring

[Dennis C]

Congrats! Nice thread resurrection.

[AgBullet]

Originally Posted by supziez

Well, I’ll update the thread, as to not get that bad reputation!

We pulled the trigger on a 2022 International 23FB. Now waiting for parts (lifepo batteries, solar panels, etc), and for labor to get done on upgrading the trailer for off-gridding. Hoping to get started this spring

Excellent! Great choice, you'll love it.

[GetawA-S]

Well, patience pays off! Congratulations. It appears there's someone else on the planet who researches things as carefully as my wife.
We have a 23FB in the humble FC flavor. We love it, and I predict you'll love yours too. For us it is the perfect size, and it ticks all the Airstream boxes from go-anywhere outdoors to eye-pleasing classic design to easy towing and durability to "Welcome to the Millionaires' Club!"
Many happy travels!

[supziez]

Got to see the trailer a few weeks ago, and getting ready to take delivery early next month. Here are some photos from when it arrived

https://imgur.com/a/QiX4NtR