AS etiquette

[Mike1997]

I get comments about my diesel Airstream everywhere I park it. Currently on a cross country trip and even at gas stations people have approached me to ask about it. Most only thought AS made trailers then they are even more shocked when I tell them how old it is....1997.

A few remember them from when new and they will often question me about upgrades and or performance. Towing a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee (2007) seems to add to the curiosity as even fewer knew that Damler Chrysler put 6cyl Mercedes diesel engines in Jeeps the last 2 years they owned the company.

At the last AS Rally I went to in Big Timber, the whole group wanted to see the inside. Thank goodness it was cleaned up that day

Currently in Virginia Beach where its almost 100 degrees and 90% humidity!! Both AC's got it so cold inside I had to turn them off when I got back from the beach. Staying at a KOA so when I returned new neighbors on both sides come over to compliment how sharpe it looked....and to inquire about the hydrolic levelers.

[duncans]

I can understand why people are put off when asked "how much did you pay for that", but a simple answer is "current asking price for a Sport Bambi is $65,000.00 ranging to a high of $160,000.00 for a Land Yacht". People are curious, rarely ever have a malicious intent. They are trying to imagine themselves in our trailers. This World desperately needs smiles, generosity and kindness.
Now, in our particular situation, I can't wait to tell our story to anyone who displays the slightest bit of interest. I love telling people about my husband challenging me to find a less than 10 yr old AS for < $20,000.00. I am delighted share our "purchase price" of $5.7K dollars for a 2009 25 ft FC. It does dampen my spirits a bit when asked "did a tree land on it?". I say this smiling. We all need to lighten up and be gentle in this tormented World.
Susan

[rcsoar]

The Airstream dealer warned us we should keep the inside of our 2015 16' Bambi "sorta neat" as many would want to peak inside.
As a retired behavioral medicine specialist, I'm fairly good at assessing potential friend vs. foe.
We finally began to invite those RVers walking by who took a second look to "come see" - with only one or two "no thank you" replies during a recent 44 night Airstream Adventure. Let them take turns, even their pooch if with them and looked clean. Got a number of reciprocal offers, dinner/come have a drink invites, etc.
Same when gassing up or stopped for shopping. Lead to many suggestions about local favorite eats and unique sights - some not yet on the 'net.
Best to do what feels best for you.

[3wd67rg]

Thank you is a good reply. I always say that i feel blessed that we found it on ebay and that the sellers were good to us. And I tell young people, you CAN aspire to this kind of retirement, it's not out of reach. Open a 401k NOW, especially if your company is a fund matcher. Chris saved up enough money for ours in only 6 years. It's an old one. We are just getting by on a 20yr military retirement, and my VA disability. We make owning one look more reachable. We aren't above anyone so I don't feel funny at all about compliments.

[Baruke]

Originally Posted by cazual6

Ever since I bought my AS, numerous people come up to me and family and always say something nice about the AS.

I am one who feels uncomfortable about getting compliments like that. Not sure why.

My wife and I always smile after they leave and feel a sense of pride. We say thank you after a minute of small talk.

What are some of the responses you give? I am worried I will come out sounding condescending or prideful. I want to ease into the humble response.

My response is characteristically me.. "I've always loved Airstreams but never felt I could afford one. When I found this one it needed a little help and only a little cash...so I bought it!"

[dmnichols]

We hit the road in 2013 with our shinny new 2014 Classic and we've enjoyed the adventure and the positive responses from other folks. We always have neighbors stop by to see our coach and they always have questions as to why Air Stream. I share with them their longevity, value when you sell it, tolerance of the wind and durability. During one of our stays in Florida the winds got up to 70 mph during the night and we rode it out comfortably unlike our neighbors.

Simple answer is we love it! This normally starts the conversation and some cases long term friendships!!!! It also matches my Coors Light can!!!

[demijac]

.... and if they want to take a look, we'll let them in. Our favorite experience with this was a couple of weeks ago in Bellefontaine, OH. We were boon-docking at a local park when a young guy knocked on our door. Said he had been working at the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center for a year and had never seen the inside of an Airstream 'in the wild.' He was very enthusiastic about working for Airstream and you could tell it meant alot to him to see the fruit of his labors being enjoyed by a customer, again, 'in the wild.'

[Rus]

I usually agree with them and then follow that with something like "They really do a nice job!" (Airstream).

[STstudios]

With Dali, my '86 polished 345 Classic Motorhome - I always get: I didn't know Airstream made a motorhome or is that a custom built? On the road, we get people that speed up, slow down, take pics, thumbs up, wave, honk and when stopped, always someone taking a photo or stopping by to inquire, but thankfully no one asks to enter. A few do want to peek inside ;-)

We just say Thank You and answer a few questions before hitting the road. Questions usually asked: year, gas or diesel, engine, length, mpg, how long did it take to polish, a few would ask if I'd ever sell? t's all good and we don't mind a quick chat.

Will be attending my very first Airstream Rally at Urban Air!!!

Sam
'86 345 Classic Motorhome (Dali)
'81 280 FC - Funeral Coach (Monet)

[pjtaia]

OF COURSE! I show them the insides. Then I offer a drink or a cup of coffee and ask them to sit and chat awhile. Isn't this what traveling about the country is all about? Meeting strangers and getting to know them?

[Shortie77]

Originally Posted by cazual6

wait a minute, wait a minute. You actually offer them to see the inside? I know they all look some what the same, but what makes you comfortable enough to show them the inside? That is one thing that would seem to me like a line is crossed. I am not saying I have anything private or embarrassing or anything. Would that be considered "Rv'ing" etiquette to allow people to see the inside? (or ask to see the inside) Especially with shoes ON? I'm of the asian culture where no shoes inside is our norm.

Your response reminded me of how much culture impacts our perception. I was taken aback when someone (non-Asian) came in and took off their shoes. In my mind it indicated being a bit too intimate, giving a we are at home and taking over your place feeling. As to your original question, we gladly show our AS to admirers and I love looking at others as well. The more years you have an AS the more they become customized. That said, don't do anything you are not comfortable with. A "thank you" and perhaps what you particularly like about it is a great response to a compliment.

[ldireland]

We are very new Airstream owners but have had other brands before. We never received any compliments on our other RV's but our 2003 Classic 30 gets a lot of attention. A simple Thank You seems like s good response and we answer questions when asked.

We love our paid for used but well cared for Airstream. We are making it our own by adding our personalities to it . We are very blessed to be able to own the trailer of our dreams.

[Roquefort]

Hey, 1973Argosy,
i understand your point, me in person, i do not understand, why Argosy is "just number 2".
The better windows (wrap arround!) and first Mitorhomes were Argosy, the cute "Minuett" was also "just" an Argosy.
I love them very much, so does my son!
If i ever can "catch" a small 22' twin axle Argosy with rear door as a "bunkhouse" for our 345 motorhome, i would be more than happy!
Let the "silver owners" continue to raise their nose and enjoy with pride your self restored Argosy!
They are GREAT!!!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸😃

[tevake]

I've been mostly traveling solo since getting my 345 motorhome, so do enjoy the friendly interest it attracts.
One of my favorite visits was while stopped at a viewpoint along the Big Sur section of the PCH. A 30 something Chineese American man and venerable Grandfather visiting from China came over to admire the coach. They came aboard for cold drinks and a chat.
Turns out the Grandfather was on a last of many world travels, as at 85 years old his health insurance would no longer cover him while traveling out of the country. I got a bit of a chuckle thinking of this later. This older man from a very different place and time. Having to deal with first world burocratic hassles just like the rest of us.

One of the beautiful aspects of travel is coming to realize how much we all have in common, as well as the interesting differences.

Cheers Richard

[SeaLevel]

A couple walked by our campsite a few mornings ago while I was out front checking some things on the truck. The guy said, "Hey, I like your camper." I just said "Thanks", and then he said, "There's just one thing I don't like about it." I said, "What's that?"

"It's not mine".

Then we both laughed, and I said "I thought you were going to say you didn't like silver". Then they walked on. I've still never had anyone ask to see the inside while we were camping.

[1973Argosy]

@ Roquefort,
Don't get me wrong over the years we have met some really great Airstream owners as well as SOB owners, who have been very interested in our little Argosy. I can't tell you how many AS owners have come into our Argosy and left jealous over our "real" cabinet doors and other features. So many AS owners don't realize that Argosy is AS. The problem I take is the AS owner that bought simply as a status symbol and take no real pride in the AS heritage or lifestyle . I am a Gen X'r and maybe that is part of the problem as so many of the fellow streamers seem to be baby boomers or older. When we bought our Argosy it was a dream come true, not about the nostalgia but the ability to carry my family camping. The more we traveled we began to understand the nostalgia side of it. If I can help anyone understand the history and heritage of AS I am more than willing to show our Argosy off and pass along my knowledge. I am a lifetime owner as I have yet to find anything that compares to the quality of AS.

My door is always open to anyone that shows intrest, be it at a campground, fuel station, rest area, ect. When a compliment is paid a simple thank you is always returned.

[lowlanderg]

We recently bought a '93 Excella Classic, very well maintained. Our first one, long sought after, it is a beacon for comments and head-turning. We are somewhat bemused by it all, but do not crave attention. When asked, we reply, but never show the inside, as it is our home. We have a gentle but fierce looking dog who keeps some of the curious folks away. We are Canadian, and AS,s are rarer than in the USA, and everyone seems to know they are tops and yes, are still made.

[cazual6]

Great responses. Gives me a different perspective on the way I felt before. I'm very friendly and can chat up worth anyone. Thanks team!

[Alluminati]

"If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it."
- J. P. Morgan

[Len n Jeanne]

Originally Posted by Trailer

I always reply $150,000+

Actually, the new Bambi Airstreams are a lot cheaper new-- $55K for the 19-footer. Also, when people are genuinely interested but blanch at the price, we let them know that they can get a gently used one for a discount, or a mechanic's special fairly cheaply. My niece and partner got an old 31-footer for $7K, but then they were willing to put the work into it.

We're just back from a family reunion, and had a kind of open house for curious and appreciative relatives. We hosted a wine and cheese happy hour for them at our site, and the Bambi proved to be a real conversation piece.

On the other hand, a new class A motor home easily sells for mid- 6 figures.