Trailer prices and geography

[campcollector]

I have read and observed that airstream prices tend to be higher in the West and Pacific northwest as compared to mid west and eastern states. What are the contributing factors?

Also, why are the smaller trailers holding there value? Is there a growing demand?

I have seen used 30fts sell for alot less than used 19-25ft trailers of the same vintage.

[Janet H]

Ditto. We looked long and hard for a 19 footer in the Northwest, driving as far as southern CA to shop. There just aren't that many out here!

[campcollector]

I looked high and low as well before giving up and buying new. IF one does come up and its a good unit it disapears quick.

[j54mark]

The price of anything is dependent entirely upon supply and demand.

There is relatively small supply of smaller coaches. I personally drove 1500 miles (each way) just to LOOK at our 25' Sovereign. From about 1970 (or probably a few years before) until the advent of the new International and Safari lines in the late 90's there were simply a much larger number of the 30' + units made than the smaller lengths.

Now, of course, there are a lot of people out there discovering Airstreams, finding a disappointingly large discrepancy between the price of a new one and the available funds, and searching out used models. Naturally, they want something they can tow easily, so the search for 25' and smaller Airstreams at affordable prices has become harder and harder.

Limited supply, lots of demand, higher prices result.

Now, why prices are so much higher in California particularly? That appears to result from particularly high demand, but it is not clear to me why this is so.

Mark

[campcollector]

From a materials and production standpoint, wouldn't A/S be inclined to crank out a proportionaly larger amount of small trailers right now to meet demand and cash in? Or is this allready happening?

[Silvertwinkie]

Funny you say that. When we were at the factory last month, there were more 19' Bambis (both CCD and Safari versions) being built than any other model.

[campcollector]

Good I hope I will be seeing more little silver bullits on the road and in the campground. Those huge motorhomes some people have are murder on the parking situations and backed over utility boxes.