How do you justify the cost?

[lbdesign]

I'm obsessing about upgrading to a bigger AS. I full-time, so it would have a big impact on my daily life. But oh, the cost.
Do you think of it as an expense, as in: that purchase money is gone, or do you think of it as merely tying up that money for a time, since resale is relatively high?
How do you frame the decision for yourself?
thanks!

[Foiled Again]

Don't kid yourself the big ones lose more money than the little ones, because they cost more in the first place, and they sell slower so the depreciation is steeper. You don't JUSTIFY any RV, they're all money pits. If you've saved say $20k by fulltiming so far, you can blow it on a bigger Airstream.

It also helps when you say to yourself, well the new one I'm getting is a 2 year old Airstream and the first owner lost $20k ... so I am smart. It does help, and 20K isn't peanuts, but it'll never be an appreciating asset as most houses are, at least over time.

So - don't buy new. Yeah I know, vented A/C but you live in S. Dakota... It's not like air conditioning weather lasts for six months. AND ask yourself "will I need a new tow vehicle?"

What I did was buy a nicely preserved old Avion - which I'm having redone to suit me, and it will cost less than even a gently used 27 thru 30 Airstream.

You've got to live somewhere, and everything costs money, would you move into a more expensive apartment right now, or make the lifestyle changes needed so you could afford it first?

Since you're from a small town I hope you do have a place to stay that doesn't cost a fortune - a nice lot with a well & septic. Nothing but propane and an electric bill to pay? Then work some overtime or get that second job and put away 10 hours worth of earnings a week until you've at least gotten a decent down payment.

And "shop" long and hard before you buy.

Paula

[ROBERT CROSS]

"How do you justify the cost?"

We don't even try.....as in all the things we just "can't live without".


Bob

[paiceman]

Worked 48 years, saved and now can afford it. Don't eve try to justify it, just enjoy the hell out of it.

[Msmoto]

Paula said it well....and for certain, those of us who do purchase the new AS trailers do so only because we have the funds available. And, I am very grateful for this.

In reality if one is going to purchase an AS, it may be more about the attempt to balance one's budget, size desired, time frame, and willingness to invest sweat equity.

Many years ago at a major German sports car manufacturer's meeting for the dealers, the chairman got up and stated, "I want to thank all of you for doing an excellent job of selling something no one needs."

No one "needs" an AS, thus, no justification is possible. It is about desire and budget.

[mojo]

I have owned two smaller Airstreams, bought used for a good price. Although I could afford to buy new, I couldn't rationalize it as a smart investment because of the depreciation. I now travel over 100+ days on the road for about 15K miles a year.

Then AS came out with the new 2015 with ducted air and several other improvements.

I have also witnessed many I know who have sucummb to cancer including a cousin given 6 months to 2 years to live. My decision was easy. Life is short, don't wait to enjoy it.

[perryg114]

It depends on what you are willing to live with. I have an old trailer that I brought back to life. If you have to have a newer trailer that has the best and newest of everything, be prepared to pay for it. Resale will drop to half within 10yrs so you are not going to get your money out of it. A good used one might be a good investment but there are many lemons out there with hidden floor damage.

I would make a list of the pros and cons. I still work for a living so spending $100k on a new trailer is not in my budget. It will most likely never be in my budget. If you full time and it is what you want and you can afford it, then go for it.

Perry

Originally Posted by lbdesign

I'm obsessing about upgrading to a bigger AS. I full-time, so it would have a big impact on my daily life. But oh, the cost.
Do you think of it as an expense, as in: that purchase money is gone, or do you think of it as merely tying up that money for a time, since resale is relatively high?
How do you frame the decision for yourself?
thanks!

[FreshAirStmr]

We sold our real house in May 2014 and by the time we leave to start full-timing in February 2016, we'll have spent about $25K on rent. We hope to carry on for 5+ years, so we justify our new Classic purchase as our rent replacement. Sure, we could have gone cheaper or used, but we didn't need to. And we'll justify our camping fees as the cost of full-time travel. (We're really good at justifying. )

Edited to add: But we could never justify the cost if it were at the expense of saving for the future and so on. We're lucky to be almost done with that phase of our lives.

[LiLNomad]

I dont think that you need to "justify" improving your quality of life to anyone! Because your full timing the larger trailer and additional room would be an" improvement" to your lifestyle and comfort. Its not like you are looking for a weekend trailer or toy. As long as it doesnt negatively impact your finances, I say make the move and enjoy.
LilNomad

[mefly2]

We don't justify the cost ... simply enjoy!

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by lbdesign

I'm obsessing about upgrading to a bigger AS. I full-time, so it would have a big impact on my daily life. But oh, the cost.
Do you think of it as an expense, as in: that purchase money is gone, or do you think of it as merely tying up that money for a time, since resale is relatively high?
How do you frame the decision for yourself?
thanks!

Resale value means nothing to me. I intend to keep my Airstream until either I'm too old and feeble to use it, or it's too old and feeble for me to use, whichever comes first. Since it's mostly metal and I'm mostly flesh, I expect it will last longer than I do.

The reason I bought mine was that I was nearing retirement age, and wanted a retirement hobby. I've known too many people who retired and then didn't know what to do with themselves. I didn't want to be one of those people, so I decided on RV camping as my retirement hobby. My Airstream allows me to go new places, see and do new things, and meet new people, and that will help keep me young. Having been retired for the better part of a year so far, I am absolutely certain I made the right choice.

If low-stress Airstreaming can add even one year to my lifespan, it's worth every penny. How much is is an extra year of your life worth?

[m.hony]

I can't justify the cost.
It is a tremendously expensive overpriced trailer.
Even the big ones are small in comparison to other brands as far as storage and walk-around room.
The insurance is ridiculously expensive.
The maintenance and upkeep is tremendously expensive.
It is an addiction. The only cure is a very expensive, very large silver pill.
You buy an Airstream because you want an Airstream. The is no logic or reasoning to it.

[B00merang]

Paula is spot-on....and it will not bring you happiness if the purchase turns into frequent "oh man...I wish I hadn't done it" or "I didn't know about these new expenses".....an AS should bring all of us pleasure and happiness...even if its just looking at it in the driveway (look at all the pictures of KJRitchie's rig...clearly taken out of love for his AS and TV). Buying an AS should not cause stress. If it does, maybe re-evaluate. I hope it all turns out well for you. jon

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . AS others have said, no justifying any of it ! If you're fortunate enough to afford it, you do it. We had a Safari 25, (bought 5 yrs old) and now have a FC 28 ( bought 4 yrs old) She is so much happier with the 3 extra feet, dinette, & a shower you can actually fit in, so worth it to us. But affording something is very personal, so I'll leave that to you.....regards, Craig

[LongShot]

This is more a question of 'Want' versus 'Need' - You 'Want' an Airstream, therefor you pay and pay and pay for it. Doesn't make sense, doesn't have to. Once you stop in the rest area and all the other SOB's are lusting after your AS you'll get it. Or maybe not. You buy this brand because it is what it is. There is no justification other than this: Does it make you happy? If the answer is yes, than that's all the justification you'll ever need. Enjoy.

[Fly at Night]

If anyone spends countless hours "justifying the cost," an Airstream is not for them.

The only "justification" in my choice was this: I decided to invest in myself. "Do something different before you rot away."

The decision was impetuous. I actually went shopping for a new bed....and came home with another bed all right....inside a brand-new Airstream. And I have no regrets.

Either that or I could have continued "investing" it in the bank for zilch interest...or re-invested in the stock market and obsessed over the daily DJA....or bought another home in an over-inflated real-estate market....and worried myself to death about when and if the bubble bursts.

Life is not easy. A rocky road? You bet. With an Airstream you can take an exit ramp.....at least for awhile.

Hope that helps.

[Urbanologist]

What's the issue? People forever get into DEBT. You just see it everywhere. You either save like heck, or you get enticed into a want that your ego (and financial reality) can't REALLY support. Too many consumers simply can't really afford their needs, and their wants, most of their lives - period! The trick is knowing the difference. Too often we con ourselves into thinking we can HAVE IT ALL. Again, this is why you can get good AS deals from those that were not really ready for the AS they lusted to own. I see the look of awe EVERYwhere I travel. Yep, they are attention grabbers. Yep, just like children - they are mostly joys - Costly, all the same.

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by Msmoto

Many years ago at a major German sports car manufacturer's meeting for the dealers, the chairman got up and stated, "I want to thank all of you for doing an excellent job of selling something no one needs."

No one "needs" an AS, thus, no justification is possible. It is about desire and budget.

Ha! Ha! Love it.

[Tsmith.wp]

Life is a vacation...and then you die.

[Gneiss Guy]

My suggestion to you is buy used and don't get in a hurry. I have purchased two used Airstreams, a 25' and a 30', and got beautiful, slightly-used trailers at a great price. I also sold the 25' through AS classifieds and someone got a nice trailer for a lower price than I expected to sell for, simply because it was time for it to go. When someone finally decides to move a trailer, they often drop the price substantially lower than others are asking for the same rig. Keep your eye on the AS classifieds and when you see something you are interested in, ask questions and make them an offer. If they don't accept, keep your eye on the trailer and approach them again in a couple of weeks, if it is still listed.

Like the others say, it's often difficult to rationalize the price of an AS, but there is nothing wrong with buying at the lowest price you can find!

Richard