One additional thing: AS has to be careful with the pricing. I know they're going on about "advanced materials," but Trailmanor is managing a 2500 lb 24' trailer for $25k with similar construction. (Too bad it's not an attractive trailer.) Plus there are plenty of cheap, cute, and small trailers popping up out there.
I think the goal of a 2000# two wheeled trailer trailer that sleeps 2+ with those features is awesome.
The exterior design may be an issue in the showroon of an Airstrem dealer.
I did take the survey.
Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.8L, E4OD, 3.55 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
I'd be at the head of the line for an all-composite Scout with a queen-sized bed for $25k. I don't care what you call it - just build it.
Tom
The Queen size bed is on our wish list too. We have a King at home and going from that to a dinky double in our 23' is a huge down side. We considered gutting and re doing our 23' with a big bed in the rear but no time for that at the moment.
The top of our wish list would include a bathroom, queen bed, and easy tow (aerodynamics are more important than lighter weight).
__________________ Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
Since the Scout does not have the aerodynamics of a silver bullet, it might not be easy to tow. Does Airstream or Thor test their vehicles in a wind tunnel to determine coefficient of drag?
In my opinion this thread has become dull since we were told not to offend Airstream.
This may be what Airstream and customers want and need. I like it and in the "canned ham" shape. It can't be any harder to tow than all the tens of thousands of canned hams that came before it. I think this could replace the niche left by Bigfoot closing.
On one level, this thread is asking, "Would you buy a Scout?" And perhaps, "If not, what modifications to the Scout--if any--would prompt you to buy one?"
The Airforums represent a market of "most likely purchasers." Many of us own Airstreams. Some own more than one. The owners who participate in the forum are more likely to buy a new Airstream product than the average RV buyer.
Would my wife and I buy a Scout, as presented? No. And I doubt any "tweaks" to the prototype would change our minds.
I would rather spend $40k making a vintage Airstream "perfect" for us than spend $20 to $30k on a eco-canned ham carrying the Airstream logo. What strikes me about this thread is how much it resembles other threads where die-hard users talk about what they want in an Airstream... lighter construction, superior materials, impeccable 'fit and finish', large and comfortable beds, solid towing performance, etc. To me, the Scout idea feels derivative and bit "gimmicky." It feels more like an idea to sell a few retro coaches rather than a serious attempt to restore the brand. The real feedback from this thread is that even with the loyal Airstream enthusiasts, the brand has weakened. Gene's invocation of Mercedes Benz is apt. He was also accurate when he noted that it isn't as interesting when everyone is behaving.
The last time Airstream had a survey, it didn't seem to work out all that well either and there were many responses about QC. Lotta good it did. They hired a survey company and that's probably what they did this time.
We are please to announce the Scout concept trailer and would like to hear your thoughts on this product in our survey located at this link.
Last I checked, the survey is what they wanted use to use give our thoughts on the Scout. On the other hand, this forum is for us to discuss how we feel about about AS requesting us to fill out the survey and other tangential issues. The way I see it, there are 3 separate issues:
1. Forget who makes it, how do people feel about the Scout? How does it compare to other small trailers like the T@B and T@DA. Personally I am not in the market for such a small trailer and I am not that excited about it.
2. How does the Scout fit into the AS portfolio? The other AS products (Classic, Flying Cloud, PanAmerican, etc.) all have similar characteristics and evoke the same feeling. The Scout on the other hand seems like a product that should belong in a different family (perhaps with the T@B). I think some of the people who love AS feel so strongly about this is that it seems like this is diluting the brand a little. The other concern is that they are trying to use AS's good name to move a trailer not worthy of AS. One possible compromise may be to create a new brand "XXX by Airstream" similar to the "Courtyard by Marriott" brand. Maybe they can call it "Retro by Airstream".
3. Is this the best use of AS's resources? Between the corosion issues and the general QC issues, many of us are concerned that AS should be spending it's time and money getting the quality to where a luxury company should be.
I think all 3 of these issues are legitimate conversation for this thread. I vote +1 for Gene being uncensored
Dude ( who didn't leave his name lol ) THAT is the way.......we roll.
Sir ( who didn't leave his name) I need to know....did you like Airstreams before or after you went to work for them? I think you are lucky either way. I want to be you, when I grow up. Thumbs up and all of that good stuff. Dave ( who left his name, obviously) ( ok I'll stop )
Dave, please don't forget we are trying to foster a friendly community here. I don't think your posts gives Airstream a realistic impression of who are members really are. Most are very respectful and welcoming. Your post is a good example of why I get the cold shoulder when going to Jackson Center when trying to get them to work with us more often. Thanks for helping me (and our community out) with your considerate comments.
To set the record straight:
Airstream approached me about posting to solicit information on the forums and I pulled up the old Airstream Marketing account that they setup a few years ago for them to use. This account is not intended as one person (guy or gal) and he/she is not trying to hide his/her name. The account simply represents an account to post under when they want to post some info here that's related to marketing or research. There is no conspiracy theory going on. Maybe you can figure out why the age is 72?
I'd like to request that you all please keep threads on topic. Please don't forget we have a community rule stating "Stay on topic by keeping discussions relevant and on track." If you want to start another thread on quality control, co-branding or other innovation ideas feel free but this thread is about the Scout, please keep it on topic or we'll close this thread so we can move on.
I agree with the comment made above. If they are looking to make a smaller trailer and cut the weight why not go back to the pre 1969 dimensions. I think if they hit the right price point and kept the tandem axle it would be a success.
That goes back to the day of Wally Bynam's Holiday trailer, which IIRC was the first thing he built. They are very much sought after and quite rare from what I recall.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #2449 AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
I was glad to see the A/S Life photos. The interior has some possibilities for designs. The cushions look like they have plastic covers or are some material that sticks to your skin. I saw a bench seat with a cabinet over one end which would mean only one adult could sit on it.
Since the photos kept changing as I tried to study them it was hard to really focus. I wanted to figure out what was on the walls. The kitchen cabinet seemed to have that same fake wood surface that we have on the partitions in our trailer.
I think some serious thinking has to happen at Airstream about the surface treatments in this prototype (and other trailers if it's permissible to say that). A lot here looks cold and uninviting instead of warm and inviting. Real wood is warm, but heavy. Aluminum is cold, but bright and iconic, so it works inside. It has to be softened by other surfaces and colors. Cabinets made of MDF can have any number of surfaces, but the usual shiny ones seem cold and don't blend with necessary hard surfaces (sinks, appliances, aluminum). They can be painted in warmer and less in-your-face colors.
Quick Links
Linear Mode
