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m.hony · 09-21-2016, 09:19 AM

Yep.
I enjoy camping in it nearly every weekend and traveling in it several times a year.
My whole year is planned around trips.
That is my life for now and has been for several years.
I have never enjoyed anything more.
No other hobby/lifestyle has brought me this much joy- not even tent camping or camping in other RVs.
On edge ready to go Friday...

nickclifford · 09-21-2016, 11:00 PM

Well said ! no amount of money can really be put on the joy one gets from traveling in these beauties. I'd love a new one, but equally love the style of my 1970's Classic .. It's at the shop right now for a new fridge, I miss just seeing it everyday.

m.hony · 09-22-2016, 04:14 AM

Withdrawal-
Hate when it's gone to the shop-
I'm just not right when it's not in the yard.
The yard just doesn't look right when the trailer is gone.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Msmoto · 09-22-2016, 08:21 AM

As I sit in my Serenity at this moment, about 1300 miles from my home base, it is simply the way to go, IMO, so much better than any B & B, or motel room. My galley, my shower, my bathroom and my bed each night.

I am at home no matter where I go....

But, one of the big reasons is the wonderful group of fellow AS travelers, the rallies, not available with other brands.... at least this is what I have experienced.

FCStreamer · 09-22-2016, 08:28 AM

When I consider the cost of my Airstream against the price of a new SOB trailer, I could've bought two SOBs for the price of my used 2014 AS.

Why?

In the 20-30 years I plan to keep my AS, I probably would have bought 3-4 SOBs. So I saved money!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

m.hony · 09-22-2016, 11:46 AM

We go to some great all brands rallies, but my camper is way cooler than their campers...

m.hony · 09-22-2016, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

When I consider the cost of my Airstream against the price of a new SOB trailer, I could've bought two SOBs for the price of my used 2014 AS.

Why?

In the 20-30 years I plan to keep my AS, I probably would have bought 3-4 SOBs. So I saved money!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Exactly!
1 Airstream costs less than 4 Forest River Wildwoods...

Gneiss Guy · 09-23-2016, 04:09 PM

I have a 1991 Mazda Miata Special Edition. I have owned it for over 20 years and when I look at that beautiful little classic, I still am thrilled and can hardly believe it is mine. That's pretty much the way it is with my Airstream. I have a classic car, a classic trailer and been married for 50 years to a classic woman! What more can a man want?

Richard

rodsterinfl · 09-25-2016, 08:06 PM

Each of us have a different budget and different expectations and, the rule of choices with regard to economics plays a role. My decision "frame" was to buy used BECAUSE I was more willing to spend half as much for almost the same AS. I knew that I would want to modify/upgrade some things anyway so now, after four years, many changes have been made that left only 25% or so less than the quoted new price in 2012 but it is better than new.

Even when selecting a model, there are some that would never choose one design and others that think it is the best. Features are subjective. One of my favorite new models I saw was a 23C - an L Sofa with a stow away table. It was discontinued for not being a popular layout- to each his own.

I've had second thoughts about spending so much upgrading but I also know that I would have done much the same thing to a then new 2012 that I have done to the '06. The one concern that bothered me buying used and being a novice was damage. I was troubled about the floor reading all those rot stories. I tore the back trunk floor out and then finally the floor covering inside this year to find nice dry wood with black sealed edging. That too would have been bothering me on a new one as they are not immune to the issue. I guess it just boils down to what you are able to live with and how much you are willing to part with. I know that I will never get back my money though when I decide to sell, it will not be an average circa '06 equipped model and perhaps easier to sell.

Msmoto · 09-27-2016, 06:24 AM

Here are two restored AS, I think from the mid 1960's.... The first is a sweat equity job completed at a cost of less than $20m. The second is by a custom house, reportedly at a cost of $180m.......

Alumalina 2016_II_04.01.16-5 by Tommie Lauer, on Flickr

Alumalina 2016_II_04.01.16-6 by Tommie Lauer, on Flickr

and the custom house:

Alumalina 2016_II_04.01.16-11 by Tommie Lauer, on Flickr

Alumalina 2016_II_04.01.16-13 by Tommie Lauer, on Flickr

This is a demonstration of what we want, how we like to do the changes, and what we can afford....I think they have both done an excellent job.

FCStreamer · 09-27-2016, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Msmoto

Here are two restored AS, I think from the mid 1960's.... The first is a sweat equity job completed at a cost of less than $20m. The second is by a custom house, reportedly at a cost of $180m........

$20m as in twenty million? Nah, I'm reading that wrong. 20k as in twenty THOUSAND?

Msmoto · 09-27-2016, 07:03 AM

Traditionally, M is used as the symbol for thousands and MM for millions in the business world, particularly in accounting. However, there has been a growing tendency to use K as the symbol for thousands instead of M.

Oh well....I had thought small m was thousands, capital M for millions. But, what do I know?

J. Morgan · 09-27-2016, 08:32 AM

No matter if a person buys new or old, the cost is justified for those who use their Airstream.

Concerning those who buy and stay in it once or twice, not so much.

That said, for my trailer and my use, I will come very close to paying for my trailer with the money I didn't spend on hotels over the past twelve months. The other 2 1/2 years of not staying in hotels are BONUS!

Gradiens super tenui glacie.

Msmoto · 09-27-2016, 04:29 PM

I am out on the road about 90 days each year, traveling all around. If I calculate all expenses, TV and AS, including estimated depreciation, I find that traveling in my AS, the cost is $13,980 which includes all costs.

If I were to travel in my car, staying in moderate motels, the total expenses are $15,970.

I have not included food, but if i eat in my trailer this makes the difference even more pronounced.

So, the real question regarding justification of the cost is not what i travel in, where i stay, but how much does it cost me to travel around taking photos, enjoying life....? And, I find the costs well within what I think is in my budget.