Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-07-2010, 06:06 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Opelika , Alabama
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Blog Entries: 3
Jonesing BAD in Alabama

Hi all! I am 41, wife is 43, I've never been anything but tent camping when I was a kid, and not a whole lot of that. I've never camped from a travel trailer, but have often admired them from a distance.

A funny thing happened to me, though.. The closer I got to 40, the more I wanted a travel trailer. I'm an avid motorcyclist and have really enjoyed travelling on my Victory Vision, but the trailer bug was crawling on my skin. Today, I went to Anniston and put my hands on my first Airstream. The first one I ever walked into in my life was a Bambi. It took about 5 seconds for me to fall in love. Not particularly with the Bambi (I'm 6'3") but with Airstream.

I have often seen them and had always known they were a little pricey, but now to lay my hands on one, I can tell what an investment it is, and what a GOOD investment it is.

I cannot afford to buy right now, but I'm looking at a timeframe of about 2 years or so. I can't help but wonder if buying an Airstream for your first travel trailer is the smartest thing to do, so here is MY take on it.

1) Return on investment - if I decide it's not for me, I would come a lot closer to getting my money back from an Airstream than anything else out there.

2) If we like it, we're set...

3) Build quality is excellent - I have looked at a TON of travel trailers, and by far, Airstream is the highest quality I have seen to date.

4) Lightweight - don't have to have a monster truck to pull it.

5) Instant COOL... the second you drive down the road with one of these in tow, you instantly become cool to anyone who knows anything about RVs.

It'll take me a little while to get in position, but I'll jump when the time is right.
AUstreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 06:14 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
fotochop's Avatar
 
1969 23' Safari
New Orleans , Louisiana
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 699
Images: 18
"I cannot afford to buy right now, but I'm looking at a timeframe of about 2 years or so. I can't help but wonder if buying an Airstream for your first travel trailer is the smartest thing to do, so here is MY take on it."

Yes, it IS the smartest thing you can do ;-) but just as smart is your two-year timeframe 'cuz that will give you time (and 500 questions later, you become a "rivet master" like me, having never bucked a rivet in your entire life!) to become a semi-expert on WHAT to buy...

..this two years will be an amazing education and your eventual purchase will be so much BETTER than if you buy now...you will know what to look for and what to look OUT for...you will be well-served by considering an already-renovated unit and here's why:

- this very forum is full of amazingly talented craftspeople who fix a trailer, sell it (at a loss, if the hours of labor are factored in, which often, they arent') and move on to another one... THAT's the one you want to buy, hitch, and take camping! unless, of course, you're a glutton for punishment (with an understanding spouse) and decide to renovate on your own...which is great FUN, and an education in itself!
fotochop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 06:20 PM   #3
1 Rivet Member
 
Opelika , Alabama
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Blog Entries: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by fotochop View Post
renovate on your own...which is great FUN, and an education in itself!
That would be nice if I had a garage to do it in and the patience for such a build. But alas.. one of my shortcomings is lacking patience with something I'm trying to finish..

I will be a babe in the woods when I hit my first campground.. LOL
AUstreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 06:25 PM   #4
Rivets?
 
nvestysly's Avatar

 
1992 29' Excella
2010 22' Interstate
Van By The River , Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,363
Consider a Previously Owned Airstream

Hello AUstreamer,

You've come to the right place. This forum is all about Airstreams plus you'll find useful tips for other RV's too - mostly the exposed aluminum types such as AS, Avion and the like.

Consider buying a previously owned trailer. If it's a couple years old you will probably get a lower price and therefore hold more of it's value. Yes new Airstreams hold value better than some other brands but they all depreciate as soon as you take them off the lot. You might be able to find a rig with 2 - 5 years on it, just a few miles and it may be as much as 1/2 the original sticker. That's still quite a bit of money but it's better than paying full price.

Of course there's nothing like having a new vehicle and trailers are no different. But if you go to sell it you are likely to sell it for less than you paid.

Also remember that price is negotiable. Use the search function and you'll find lots of useful information about buying a trailer. I've seen reports of 20 - 30% off retail depending on where you buy.

Lucius
__________________
Lucius and Danielle
1992 29' Excella Classic / 2010 Interstate
2005 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 8.1L
2018 GMC Sierra K1500 SLT, 6.2L, Max Trailering
Got a cooped-up feeling, gotta get out of town, got those Airstream campin' blues...
nvestysly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 06:33 PM   #5
A.K.A "THE STREAM"
 
THEPILL's Avatar
 
2010 25' FB International
Arlington , Texas
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,308
Images: 4
Welcome.

Forget that nonsense of two years, Go out and get one. I just got mine and have NO regrets. Just Do it!!!!!

Note: Just kidding, learn all you can. I just don't have self-control and jumped in feet first. But you know what? It's AWESOME to learn this way also!!!!!

Alread yhave been on two "Voyages" and Next weekend it off to the Ozarks!!!!

Have fun.

Shane
__________________
https://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g...h_postcard.jpg

Tow Vehicle" 2023 F250 Azure Gray!"

TAC ID TX-1432
THEPILL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 06:34 PM   #6
3 Rivet Member
 
AZ-JH's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Peoria , Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 228
Quote:
Originally Posted by AUstreamer View Post

I can't help but wonder if buying an Airstream for your first travel trailer is the smartest thing to do, so here is MY take on it.
We went from car camping straight to Airstream after much time and careful thought. AS for your first trailer is the right thing to do since you have already fallen in love. This is IT for you and nothing else will do. Think of all the money and aggravation you will save if you just buy right in the first place.

Many first-time buyers eventually get a larger Airstream. Considering going larger so you will be set for many years.
__________________
Janet & Leon
2007.5 Dodge 2500 5.9L Cummins 16+ mpg towing
4CU
AZ-JH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 07:30 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Roadrunner's Avatar
 
1978 29' Ambassador
1974 25' Tradewind
1974 27' Overlander
Indiana , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 677
Blog Entries: 7
If you feel you want to look and learn...locate the closest rally and spend the day talking with owners. Believe me, we like to show off our units. You will learn alot...what to look for, ect. When you finally purchase your first AS, do some group camping. That's a good way to get your feet wet while enjoying others company (and their help should you need it). We've been camping for over 30 years in one type of trailer or another...but as others have said...camping in an AS is an experience that you won't forget. Good luck!

Bob
TAC PA-5
Roadrunner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 07:51 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
AirsDream's Avatar
 
1999 23' Safari
Perrysburg , Ann Arbor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 916
What Roadrunner said.

Smartest possible thing you could do is find a nearby rally and drop in. Really. Just drop in ... especially about dinner time on a Friday or Saturday night. Theh folks there'll feed you (there's always WAY too much food and beverage) and everyone will want you to see their coaches. They're all different, and they all get "customized" some. So after seeing ten or fifty or so, you'll have a REAL idea of what you want.

Then you just gotta' find it. Took me almost two years to locate THE ONE I wanted. I saw a lot of others that were almost what I wanted, but not quite. And I bought used and saved a lot from the price of a new one. That brought a few repair issues, but nothing serious. Will I eventually "trade up" to a newer one? Maybe, but maybe not. By waiting, I did get what works for me. You can too, if you're patient and ready to jump when you finally see it.

Good luck!
AirsDream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 08:01 PM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
1971 23' Safari
Valley Grande , Alabama
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 92
Hi AUstreaming- WAR EAGLE!!! We bought our 71 AS safari two years ago and have had nothing but fun! Now, when we bought it, I had only been camping once in my life and that was in a tent! I am 42, husband (dyehard AU fan) 43. He had been camping lots when little, so he knew what to expect. I saw a commercial the other day about renting rvs much like rental cars, but I would say just go for it if you think you and wife, and family will enjoy it! Keep a look around Atlanta, via Craigslist. Good many over there for sale. Have fun and WDE!
holder310 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 08:15 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
ASwifey's Avatar
 
2018 30' Classic
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 666
Images: 6
First time camper owner, we went out and purchased a used 2007 25FB trailer. We've had loads of fun with it. We are similar ages to you. Keep your eyes open, do lots of research. the right deal will come around sooner than you think! Good luck.
ASwifey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 08:16 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
bolerama's Avatar
 
2017 30' Flying Cloud
2008 23' International
Keremeos , British Columbia
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 845
Images: 30
Blog Entries: 6
Hi AU,
We are the same ages as you guys. We bought our new Airstream 2 years ago, when I was 39. We have no regrets. We can afford it now, but once we are retired, funds will be tight, so we think it's great to buy while relatively "young". This was the first big "new" purchase we've ever made...we have always bought 2+-year-old vehicles, an older home... It felt really decadent to have a brand new Airstream (a bed and bathroom no once has ever used. A dream!). However, we didn't get a good deal on the price, but where we live, we pay more for everything (food, houses, vehicles).

If you can choose your perfect floor plan and trim package now (and get all the brochures for 2010 models), you can look for that trailer, gently used, in 2 years! You'd get the best of both worlds! It's nice to have the original brochure for your unit, so plan now, and buy later.

Best wishes. You won't regret it.
Lisa
__________________
Lisa and Paul

2017 30' FC | 2002 Chinook Destiny | 2008 23' Int. CCD (written off: hail!)
bolerama is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 09:18 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
nilesrob's Avatar
 
Hampton , New Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,126
Images: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by AUstreamer View Post
It took about 5 seconds for me to fall in love. Not particularly with the Bambi (I'm 6'3") but with Airstream.
War Eagle! Really - it took you a full 5 seconds?

We are not too far away from you (Hamilton, GA) if we can be of any help in your struggles!?! Actaully, playing at Grand National in a couple of weeks...

We have moved from backpacking, to tailgate camping, to non-descript square box, to Airstream - we have not looked back!
__________________
Brad (The Slowsky's)
2019 Airstream Classic 30RBT, 2021 Ford F350 King Ranch 4X4 w/6.7L Diesel, Hensley, ACI #1313

travelwiththeslowskys.com
nilesrob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2010, 10:09 PM   #13
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
My best advise....

Learn all you can...This is the best resource for that...

5 seconds is not enough it takes at least 10.

If I had known about the Forums when I sold our 63 Airstream in 2003, I most certainly would have bought a well maintained used unit instead of the Classic.

IMO they are priced well above their build quality. Take your time and decide for yourself.

Love the Lifestyle.... it's the Factory's lack of pride in what they build that sucks.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2010, 04:35 AM   #14
1 Rivet Member
 
Opelika , Alabama
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
Blog Entries: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by holder310 View Post
Hi AUstreaming- WAR EAGLE!!! We bought our 71 AS safari two years ago and have had nothing but fun! Now, when we bought it, I had only been camping once in my life and that was in a tent! I am 42, husband (dyehard AU fan) 43. He had been camping lots when little, so he knew what to expect. I saw a commercial the other day about renting rvs much like rental cars, but I would say just go for it if you think you and wife, and family will enjoy it! Keep a look around Atlanta, via Craigslist. Good many over there for sale. Have fun and WDE!
War Eagle!!

It's just me and wife and two very spoiled dogs.. We are very much looking forward to being able to get out and adventure in an Airstream. We'll probably take a short trip for the first one, just to wet our toes a little.. the hard part will be packing up and going home at the end of the trip..

Hope to see you at a campsite in a few years..
AUstreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2010, 06:29 AM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Mackhopp's Avatar
 
2005 28' International CCD
Ottawa , Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 587
Images: 10
I went from buying a large tent on eBay, camping for 2 weekends in it, to buying a brand new 25' CCD.....

I did alot of research, found what suited my family, and went for it.

To be sure, when we finally made the 500 mile trip to the dealership to sign the paperwork and finalize the sale, we were a bag of nerves, wondering if we'd done the right thing, would we regret it, etc.....

I can safely say that I have not had a single regret. Initially, I *really* wanted the 28', but it was out of my budget, so we went for the 25'. We didn't settle, but in the back of my mind I really much preferred the bedroom and bathroom layout of the 28'.

Fast-forward 3 years, and we did the switch, and I'm ecstatic. Every time I walk past the trailer I think "I love my Airstream".

I'm sure you can find something that can accommodate your height requirements and budget considerations. There are plenty of friendly people on the forums that can help if needed.

Good luck!
__________________
[SIZE=1]Michelle & family
[COLOR=Blue] 2005 28' International CCD
Mackhopp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2010, 06:38 AM   #16
3 Rivet Member
 
Benjo's Avatar
 
1949 18' Trailwind
1963 19' Globetrotter
Huntsville , Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 151
Images: 15
Howdy,
We are just north of you in Huntsville, Al. We picked up our airstream on craigslist a couple years ago for a steal so keep checking there. We got a vintage 49 and it has been such a great project for the wife and I. We study up here on the forums and try to make improvements when the $$$ is available. We are on the extended 5 to 10 year plan. We are in no rush to rush through any repairs. Just yesterday, as it was nice and sunny in Alabama, we sat inside the trailer and had our morning coffee and tea with Hank Sr playing in the background....in the driveway no less. YES!
Good luck on your journey,
Benjo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2010, 12:01 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
utee94's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,640
Quote:
Originally Posted by AUstreamer View Post
Hi all! I am 41, wife is 43, I've never been anything but tent camping when I was a kid, and not a whole lot of that. I've never camped from a travel trailer, but have often admired them from a distance.

A funny thing happened to me, though.. The closer I got to 40, the more I wanted a travel trailer. I'm an avid motorcyclist and have really enjoyed travelling on my Victory Vision, but the trailer bug was crawling on my skin. Today, I went to Anniston and put my hands on my first Airstream. The first one I ever walked into in my life was a Bambi. It took about 5 seconds for me to fall in love. Not particularly with the Bambi (I'm 6'3") but with Airstream.

I have often seen them and had always known they were a little pricey, but now to lay my hands on one, I can tell what an investment it is, and what a GOOD investment it is.

I cannot afford to buy right now, but I'm looking at a timeframe of about 2 years or so. I can't help but wonder if buying an Airstream for your first travel trailer is the smartest thing to do, so here is MY take on it.

1) Return on investment - if I decide it's not for me, I would come a lot closer to getting my money back from an Airstream than anything else out there.

2) If we like it, we're set...

3) Build quality is excellent - I have looked at a TON of travel trailers, and by far, Airstream is the highest quality I have seen to date.

4) Lightweight - don't have to have a monster truck to pull it.

5) Instant COOL... the second you drive down the road with one of these in tow, you instantly become cool to anyone who knows anything about RVs.

It'll take me a little while to get in position, but I'll jump when the time is right.
Welcome to the Forums!

I know exactly how you feel, as the exact same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I conducted a fairly lengthy Search, with a lot of misses and finally one hit, in order to find my trailer. I don't know if you're thinking about buying a new unit, a vintage unit, or somewhere in between, but this is definitely the best place to be in order to figure out exactly what you want, before you buy.

And I don't think it's such a bad idea to rent an RV for a weekend, to make sure it's something you really do enjoy doing. I didn't do that, of course, but hey, it's still a pretty good idea.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll find the Airstream that's perfect for you.

-Marcus
utee94 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hello from Alabama tripod58 Member Introductions 7 10-25-2009 08:57 PM
Hello from Alabama Capt. Jon Member Introductions 3 06-28-2007 02:37 PM
Bad Bad Things... (a new 454 Engine?) pillageTHENburn Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 24 12-19-2005 12:49 PM
Alabama tmeagle1 Off Topic Forum 9 03-02-2003 05:42 PM
Alabama and La. or ? ALANSD Our Community 13 09-20-2002 09:08 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.