Class "C" Airstream

[DanB]

When Airstream introduces the new class "C", would you consider it?

During the WBCCI, Bob Wheeler said a new aluminum trailer (not nest) and a new Class C type vehicle are on the horizon. Obviously this is to try to capture that market.

Would you consider replacing your trailer if the class C was under $70K?

I just wonder what it might look like.....

[Protagonist]

I wouldn't even trade my Airstream Interstate Class B for an Airstream Class C.

Not even after a few years once the new Class C has outgrown its teething pains…

[xrvr]

Under 70000 is dreaming.

[Denis4x4]

Airstream Internationals on an MB Sprinter are hitting the $150,000 mark and having many of the same issues on QC that the trailers have. We were able to compare the AI with the Unity we ended up purchasing. No comparison when it comes to QC! I admit to having a bias when it comes to AS quality based on my ownership of a Safari 25 FB. Thor is already making several B+ and C motorhomes using the Ford Transit cutaway and I think, the Ram.

[moosetags]

This could be the field test prototype hiding out in a campground in rural Maine.

Brian

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by moosetags

This could be the field test prototype hiding out in a campground in rural Maine.

Brian

There's a guy on my team at work who is restoring a 57 Kenworth and making a camper out of the trailer. Can't wait to see it!

[RareStream]

Hell no.

Putting the Airstream name on a silver Dodge Sprinter thingamajig was bad enough...but slapping an Airstream logo on something like the monstrosity below is almost as bad as when they had the misfortune of putting it on those big white generic breadbox Thor Class A motorhomes...



Bleck!!!!!!

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by RareStream

Putting the Airstream name on a silver Dodge Sprinter thingamajig was bad enough...

Not all of them are silver— some are black or white, and the older T1N Interstates came in other colors as well. But that's beside the point! Don't be dissing my Airstream Interstate! At least, not without also dissing the Airstream Avenue and B190 that preceded it on the Airstream assembly line. Airstream Class Bs go all the way back to the first B190 in 1988 and have been part of the Airstream lineup ever since.

Airstream Class As were made from 1974 (the first Argosy class As) to 2004, a span of 30 years. So the Airstream B-vans only have to go a couple more years to have as long a production history as the Class A's. And already more Airstream Class Bs have been built than all their Class As put together.

[Rocinante]

Had a B+ (same as a C class but missing the cab-over bed). Won't go back there. Nope, nope.

[PKI]

Would consider a class C, if it was built perfect, had a low CG, was fuel efficient, had a big toilet, a full kitchen with a dishwasher and most important was shiny and would never leak or rot. Since such a coach is unlikely to be produced by the RV industry, my guess is that Glimmer is gonna have a long and eventful history with us.

You all travel safe. Pat

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by PKI

and most important was shiny and would never leak or rot

That is a standard that no RV can meet, and certainly no Airstream. Shiny, yes. Never leak or rot, not a chance. Might as well ask for one that runs on tapwater instead of fossil fuels, while you're at it!

[Jim & Susan]

Ok, so I can't believe I'm actually asking this question because we can never afford a "new" Airstream product (unless there's a rich uncle out there somewhere). But I have followed the announcements this year from Airstream Corporate simply because I love The Brand.

So this is a "Class A", right?

And these and these are Class B's, Right?

So what the heck is a Class C (As opposed, say, to the B190??

Jim

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

So what the heck is a Class C (As opposed, say, to the B190??

A Class A is built from the frame up as a motorhome.

A Class B is built inside an existing van (though it might have an aftermarket roof cap to provide stand-up headroom).

A Class C is built from the frame up behind an existing van cab. From the "B" pillar forward, it is all van, from the "B" pillar back, it is all motorhome.

Although Winnebago is a bad word here on the Air Forums, the Winnebago lineup provides a fine set of examples, all built on a Sprinter frame:
The Winnebago Via is a Class A built on a Sprinter frame and drivetrain.

The Winnebago ERA is a Class B built inside a Sptrinter van.

The Winnebago View is a Class C built on a Sprinter cab and frame.

Hope this helps.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

That is a standard that no RV can meet, and certainly no Airstream. Shiny, yes. Never leak or rot, not a chance. Might as well ask for one that runs on tapwater instead of fossil fuels, while you're at it!

Pro? Sad, just down right sad! Pat

[Jim & Susan]

So, using the Wini example, The Airstream Class C could actually turn out to be more expensive (but larger, maybe much larger) than the AI? That seems to be headed in the wrong direction. Not criticizing Airstream, just seems counter-intuitive.

Jim

[Rocinante]

One more for the "Class" books. "Class B+" is something like this: http://www.phoenixusarv.com/

Essentially, a class C without the bed above the cab. So above the cab, the roof looks a bit more swept back instead of hovering over the cab. In place of the bed above the cab, there's a little storage and maybe a flat-screen TV, or a cool window, depending on the manufacturer and model.

The Phoenix Cruiser B+ was something our parents down-sized to after they decided they no longer wanted to tow a trailer or deal with a Class A of any size.

[Marks71]

[So, using the Wini example, The Airstream Class C could actually turn out to be more expensive (but larger, maybe much larger) than the AI? That seems to be headed in the wrong direction. Not criticizing Airstream, just seems counter-intuitive. ]

I'm just assuming an Airstream class C would end up like LTV's, which I perceive (no numbers) is cutting into AI market share. i.e. would ease congestion in the aisle between front and back

[Rocinante]

Ok, let's place bets. Here's mine for the new Airstream Class C motor home: https://thormotorcoach.com/synergy/

As you can see I'm expecting they will stay smaller vs. producing some gigantic C-class unit. Bigger than the Interstate, but on the small end of the C-continuum and at the high end of the Sprinter-c-class price range.