2016 Airstream Pendleton Special Edition

[Rocinante]

If they could get David to do another set of TT's, we'd go get in line for one.

Don't try to rationalize the decision to get a Pendleton edition. Is it worth it just based on the features? Probably not. Based on the whole package as a "collectors' item," yes if you can afford it. If you have to think about it, go with a different model.

[Zybane]

Ya, from what I'm seeing I can get a 2016 30 Classic ready to go in stock for about $8K more. That's not much difference.

Do 30 Classics hold their value? My biggest hangup is the 30 Classic is a rear bedroom.

[Rocinante]

As we understand it, all Airstreams hold their value to a greater degree than any given SOB. That said, you'll see significant depreciation in the first two years. OTOH, if it's a limited collector's edition such as the Pendleton, it may be possible that it would hold value better than a given standard model. The David Winick Bambis are a good example. The Victorinox edition might be another. Airstreams with slides might be a third.

BTW, if you want a handsome custom door guard for your Airstream, David can do that, too. http://www.vintagetrailering.com/acc...nd%20stuff.htm

We love the one he made for us.

Oh, and this is interesting. David can get new empty shells from Airstream and then fill them with whatever you want. Tempting, tempting.... http://www.vintagetrailering.com/cur...0projects.html

[xrvr]

I wonder how many of the new Pendletons will ever see a national park? It's a gimmick for sales to those who have money to burn. Style over function, just buy a left over EB. My opinion.

[Piggy Bank]

Good point avionstream. If they REALLY made a national park unit, it would have a built in crazy-good solar system and huge holding tanks. Because NP campgrounds have no hookups.

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

Good point avionstream. If they REALLY made a national park unit, it would have a built in crazy-good solar system and huge holding tanks. Because NP campgrounds have no hookups.

Piggy Bank - A very true statement!!

My opinion: The Pendleton trailer will likely retain a bit more value than the average trailer providing it is kept in decent shape. If one is buying for it's collector value then the second buyer is looking for a trailer that is not worn out. It will take the second buyer more money to replace those "special" Pendleton items such as the awning, front rock guard, cushions with the special monogram, etc.....
I like the idea of the special edition trailer over the standard trailer as something new and different.
Airstream made a Norman Rockwell edition triple axle trailer at one time. I don't know if they would command any more money over a standard triple axle Airstream. It's all about condition, condition, condition when reselling an Airstream.
By nature I am too cheap to pay MSRP for a big ticket item as big money has always been hard to come by for me. If your pocket book allows then negotiate the best deal and go for it!

[switz]

The Cadallic has lot of glitz and electronic goodies. After three years after the warranty runs out, those gimmicks are very expensive to replace when they break. Then the cars can sell for less than a same vintage more plebeian model that is less expensive to maintain.

Many years ago, I believe the brand was BMW, there was a 60,000 mile service just after the warranty expired that cost in the tens of thousands. The closer the car got to that maintenance cost, the value declined sharply to factor in that cost.

So when the two years are up and the electronic stabilizers, power awning, bed tilts, table lifts start having the issues seen as we speak with a few of the 2016 awnings self deploying, the cost of ownership to fix these luxury items will depreciate models vales instead of adding value.

I think the limited edition unit has lots of great eye candy. I hope all the whizzing replacements for the manual equivalents do not become a maintenance nightmare that breaks the dream.

[dkottum]

More complex mechanical devices will always be subject to Murphy's Law.

More importantly, the Pendleton Airstream is a celebration of American icons to bring attention to Airstream showrooms and make 100 customers feel special. Not unlike Classics, Internationals, or our Flying Cloud with shiny alloy wheels, they make no sense from a purely practical approach but we upscale because it makes us feel good.

[DanB]

I'm starting to be a little offended by some of the comments that say my Classic is just fluff and not practical. Almost like I'm a millionaire airstreamer!

Guess what? I'm not! I bought the classic because it's damn nice. I camp in extreme comfort. And I'm not ashamed to say it is nicer than my house.

It's not fluff. I enjoy the solid surface countertops, the ultaleather, and the lights above the bed and the shiny wheels.

Although the Pendleton is also nice, it's just not my "cup of tea". But, I congratulate any buyers. It's a cool trailer.

[dkottum]

Sorry Dan, trying to make the point that Pendleton owners are not foolish for their choice, they're just like the rest of us. Personally I would love to have a Classic or Pendleton.

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

We like that they continue to think up new cool limited editions - it's fun!

I couldn't agree more - especially with the addition of some kitchen/bath amenities to complete the theme.

Waiting for an aviation-themed Airstream.

[OTRA15]

I

Originally Posted by Zybane

Wow, well under $100K really? I know the "standard" RV industry works off a silly 20-35% below MSRP scheme, but I didn't know Airstream fell into the same range.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

With Spring just around the corner, any discount for a 2016 model will be hard to come by IMO. The RV shows are starting, and the dealers will wait a few months to see how buyer demand goes. You could still start around 100k, and see what the reaction is. Next Fall such an offer would be expected as the 2017 model year kicks in, but if you really want a new unit now, the dealer will get closer to list price in my opinion, especially if they smell any buyer eagerness!

Good luck and please let us know if you make an offer.

Thanks,

Peter

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Fly at Night

Waiting for an aviation-themed Airstream.

We want the Amelia Earhart edition!

[kscherzi]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

We want the Amelia Earhart edition!

They made one already. Sadly it's missing somewhere.

[rmkrum]

Rimshot!!!!


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[DanB]

I had a chance to get into a Pendeton today. The upholstery and cabinets are really nice. Somewhat disappointing in the use of plastic on the exterior.

Just FYI, you can forget about a large discount, or maybe any discount. One recently sold for $10k OVER list!

[cameront120]

Wow, they couldn't even be bothered to align the laminate on those cabinets? Makes for a very careless appearance.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by cameront120

Wow, they couldn't even be bothered to align the laminate on those cabinets? Makes for a very careless appearance.

A most disturbing element of the interior. Surely the designer intended this laminate wood grain pattern be in alignment, I'm guessing a failure on the production line.

I want to see one, see what Airstream is up to. The Tucson dealer will get their allotment of two next month, one is already sold.

[flyncloud]

LOVE this Airstream!!! I would buy one in a heartbeat..........but, $120,000 is just too much for me. I guess I should have picked a different profession. Maybe a politician?

[switz]

Are we surprised at the level of QC in the Pendleton? It comes down the same production lines as all the other models. The same new 200 workers are working on this model, too. The name of the game is attention to detail.

Someone paying $10K over list for the typically problematic Airstream is nuts in my opinion. A cabinet built like that should never have been installed let alone ship from the factory.