Are They Crazy in Jackson Center?

[dznf0g]

There is actually long term marketing brilliance going on here. The same outrage occurred in the auto industry several times. When they come back, in a long term strategy, it causes a buzz which extends across the entire brand.....

Camaro
Malibu
Caprice

What if some came back when the company still retains trademark rights?

Chevelle
Monza
Nomad
Belaire

Like wine, sometimes you let it go for and "aged" reintroduction.

(and in my twisted world, I like things like Corvair and Spider turbo. I think the time is right for an new ROBUST killer Corvair off the Solstice/Sky platform. THAT'S Bold, and also why I'll never run the company!)

[mstephens]

I think the new Land Yacht is a move in the right design direction, but it is primarily a superficial "decoration" (skins) effort more than anything fundamental. I like the ultra-contemporary and sleek design aesthetic, and I hope they keep moving in that direction. The CCD was a kind of start, and this Italian Job keeps up the momentum.

And yes, they really DO need a broader selection of fabrics and flooring. It's quite limited.

I hope the annual production of trailers is still on the rise. Does anyone know?

[Mexray]

Re the Bambi, that current brochure clearly mentions at the bottom of the model listing page that ALL single axle trailers are referred to as Bambi's, with some added info about 50 years with that model name...

The first picture of the Land yacht model, 'floated' at the Kentucky RV show sure was taken with a strange perspective - till you figure out that there is a full length mirror on the right - pulling back to show the foreground 'border' of the mirror would sure have helped explain that view, IMHO...

I don't think there's much danger of our old 'Ambassador' model being reissued... Just as well, as I'd hate having our oldie being mistaken for a 'new' rig - yeah, right!

Keep dry, warm & safe out there during this holiday season...
Ray & Patricia

[AWCHIEF]

Good catch on the mirror shot. I thought it looked a little out of wack but could not figure out why. The perspective was just not right.

[tinbender]

I have absolutely no problem with the recycled names, think it's a good idea in most cases but in the cases of "Bambi", no way I can see it as being 22' long. Readily admit I'm biased about all 16' of it..........

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Not sure when but at some point Airstream started calling all single axle trailers Bambi models.

That has been my understanding as well - for several years now.

Now it's more confusing. The brochure shows a "Flying Cloud 20 Bambi?" Funny stuff. I sense a bit of confusion possible.

Mstephens ? ... not funny or confusing for me ... single axle, with Flying Cloud trim level, and ~ 20 feet long ... how is that confusing?

[wmarsha]

There is a pro NBA'r whose legal name is "World Peace." So I think ALL of the a/s that leak should be renamed "Edsel." All the ones with filiform "Spyder Veins." I am sure there are others...btw land yacht conjures up conestoga wagons or oversized mid 70's sedans.

[dkottum]

The Land Yacht concept trailer is a custom-fitted 27 FB shell? Perhaps an Eddie Bauer replacement when that contract expires with EB.

With the EB rear hatch engineering/production already in place, maybe that's a way to continue this popular feature in a pricey offering. How could the model sailboat/aircraft hobby guys resist it?

doug k

[CDONA]

Under the "??? crazy banner??"
The EB (2013 brochure) dropped the grey water tank and added an uprated 15500 A/C on my new in 1/3/13 unit?

Or typos just to tease me?

[AWCHIEF]

How about a smaller EB style. Double axles would be nice so using the 23ftFB plan would work for me.

[murreywalker]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I think the new Land Yacht is a move in the right design direction, but it is primarily a superficial "decoration" (skins) effort more than anything fundamental. I like the ultra-contemporary and sleek design aesthetic, and I hope they keep moving in that direction. The CCD was a kind of start, and this Italian Job keeps up the momentum.

And yes, they really DO need a broader selection of fabrics and flooring. It's quite limited.

I hope the annual production of trailers is still on the rise. Does anyone know?

In speaking with the GM of the nearby AS dealership, his evaluation of the Land Yacht was full of praise, and (in my mind) a major question.

The most notable feature (other than cosmetics) is the elimination of the Dometic AC. The overall height of the trailer is increased by two inches, and the AC is reconfigured to include overhead ducting, and a totally new AC design.

His additional comments addressed the fact that the Land Yacht would "upscale" even the upscale Classic.

I question the veracity of that, as Airstream is too damn expensive as it is. Do they (AS) want to further isolate themselves in terms of economics?

Interesting, to say the least.

[JackDog]

On my 2013 16' Sport it has a blue oval emblem located just to the right

of the door that says "Sport". On the back of the trailer above the lic. plate light it has a black oval emblem that says "Bambi".

Mine is a very early 2013 unit so maybe the current ones have changed.

Jack Dog
in So Cal

[Frank's Trailer Works]

now THAT, I would call a Bambi...

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

How about a smaller EB style. Double axles would be nice so using the 23ftFB plan would work for me.

Would you answer the call of nature out in nature, then? Or just keep the big door shut ...

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by murreywalker

The most notable feature (other than cosmetics) is the elimination of the Dometic AC. The overall height of the trailer is increased by two inches, and the AC is reconfigured to include overhead ducting, and a totally new AC design.

It also looks like there's a propane fireplace - rather nice, and a surprising boon for boondocking in this rather sleek trailer.

Got to say, I really like it (but could do without the hiding sink and cooktop). Probably my favorite of all of the recent flights of fancy from AS.

Tom

[Mexray]

Re the Land Yacht model's AC & ducting...

If you look at the 4th & 5th pictures you can see the polished duct's ending in a 'lame' looking (IMHO) outlet vent - those vents look like they are just 'hanging' there - they should have put some Teak moulding around them or something to blend in with the wood work - they just look to 'bandaide' ticky-tacky to me...

Reworking the AC system into something unique for AS would be a big plus, in my book...everybody in the world just plops an AC unit through the roof and calls it done...time for something new and improved, as Wally might have said!

[Silverwanabe]

All these name changes are confusing:

way back when,(50's) there were standard models, Land Yacht and International.

60's Land Yacht and International models
(my 67 says International Land Yacht, a travel trailer)

70's added Excella 500

80's Excella, Excella 1000 and Limited, for a time they made an International line and a 30ft Sovereign. Also in 80-81 they had an Excella II and Excella-Limited.

90's to present: too many. "Classic" name change was stupid, AS should have keeped it Excella.

I'm old school like Frank Y., how about some continuity over the years?

Car makers are guilty for this too.
Cadillac models were easy to understand, DeVille, Fleetwood Brougham, Seville and Eldorado. Now all these letters CTS,ATS ect..

Makes my head spin.

[Fly at Night]

A rose is a rose is a rose.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

yes it is when you own a late model trailer. "If" you were a vintage owner, a rose is not 16 foot, 18 foot, 21 foot, 24 foot, 26 foot, or 30 foot. A rose would be a rose. By 2010 it has been diluted to full extent. Enjoy your rose. I will enjoy my 26 footer also known as an Overlander.
I think it best I unsubscribe now. I am just going to inflame many late model owners. Enjoy the chat....

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by mefly2

Would you answer the call of nature out in nature, then? Or just keep the big door shut ...

It was just a dream, still working out all the details.