New less expensive Airstream

[field & stream]

As we head out in our Basecamp, I will toss in my guess: A cross between a Sport 16 and a Basecamp, made of fiberglass (or plastic), and painted silver.

[Florida 55]

Three or four years ago Thor's Keystone division introduced an new line of trailers under the Vantage name with an exterior silhouette seemingly inspired by Airstream. It employed curved fiberglass walls produced with a vacuum bonded laminating process. The Vantage brand was discontinued. Perhaps the manufacturing technology will now be employed by Airstream for its lower priced line.

[m.hony]

Oh. Yeah.
An Oliver/Casita/Scamp/Burro with silver gel coat...


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[m.hony]

Actually, Oliver trailers are awesome.
The only drawback is I don't think they have a 50 amp option.
Maybe the smaller than an Airstream size could be a drawback, too, but those little trailers are superb quality.


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[switz]

Maybe a few tweaks to this home made camper....

[PKI]

Picked up the trailer today and bounced the dealer about the new product with a null answer. Our salesperson is just back from a comprehensive sales training trip that included a factory tour with lots of hands on practical experience. She knows about the Pendelton change, but nothing with respect to the new product. Starting to sound like Thor must have fantastic security. But that Vantage looks like the package. Don't think they will have to paint it silver or all faux rivets either. Pat

[dcasr]

I don't remember much about the Vantage, but I looked at the Oliver and it is very narrow. For a 23.5' TT a 7' exterior only leaves about 6.5' for interior which limits space usage, compared to an 8' or 8.5' exterior in recent AS.

If the monocoque body is 25' or longer in fiberglass, can it resist cracking and stress lines like the interior end caps of the 1990s AS have. Then again boat hulls take a terrific pounding and seem to hold up even in salt water.

[m.hony]

What ever became of those "Airstream like" trailers from Forest River a couple of years ago?
What about the "Star Stream" from several years ago?
Those attempted the appearance of an Airstream trailer, but were the typical cheap particle board furniture of any cheap trailer.


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[65Streamer]

People keep bringing up the Oliver. Nice trailer? Sure. But no real mass production capability, long lead time with money up front to purchase and no dealer network for the inevitable repairs they will need. *Not looking for an argument or testimonial here. With Oliver's manufacturer direct pricing of $44-48k before options would AS have enough profit while meeting the target audience, even with Thor's capabilities?

[dwightdi]

The most logical place to save on aluminum cost and manufacturing is changing the banana skins and under body to Vac formed plastic, like the Coleman canoes. It is tougher than aluminum and cost less. The current aluminum is painted anyway. They already have the vac former for the interior domes.

[Florida 55]

The Vantage exterior with a contemporary interior inspired by the present day International line may be what we'll see. The Vantage interior was very much traditional box trailer aesthetic. With modern sleek interior design a value priced Airstream, with a Vantage style fiberglass exterior, would appeal to the millenial generation assuming price points work.

Interesting Airstream has announced it will build the trailer designed by students from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2013. It has a contemporary interior design. Perhaps Airstream is using this interior for the new value line. Newspaper article links below:

Airstream Developing Trailer Designed by CCAD Students

CCAD Students Design Trailer

[jayseejay]

PKI wrote:
"Our salesperson is just back from a comprehensive sales training trip that included a factory tour with lots of hands on practical experience. She knows about the Pendelton change, but nothing with respect to the new product."

PKI - curious, what is the Pendelton change you referred to? Thanks, Joe

[bolerama]

The Eddie Bauer has been changed to a limited edition Pendleton model. Very rustic, woodsy, with hickory cabinets, dark tan upholstery, Pendleton bedding, etc. nice, if you like that style.

[m.hony]

Oh?
So it will resemble the Hickory wood Classics minus mouse fur and padded white vinyl headliner?
That's cool.


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[PKI]

Joe, what Lisa and Paul said. The Pendleton model replacement for the EB was the only new AS introduction information available. Pat

[cameront120]

Does Airstream even hire a designer? Sorry, but this looks like it was put together with remnants.

[TinShack]

[QUOTE=field & stream;1714883]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

The base camp was a camper/utility trailer. It wasn't great at either. It seems that the younger crowd that Airstream was targeting, couldn't afford it. Most of the older crowd, didn't need or want it.


As a Basecamp owner, I totally agree with the above description of the Basecamp as a camper/utility trailer -- with no heat, hot water, bathroom, or waste tanks it is not what anyone would call a travel trailer. (For what it is worth, we absolutely love ours as a camper!)

What killed it was economics. With options the price was barely less than a much better equipped 16' Bambi, and it was announced right at the start of the Great Recession.

If they can get the features/price balance right (which will not be easy, especially using aluminum) they might have a winner that will attract the younger market they seek.

Back in June I received a request from Airstream to provide input on the development of the next generation Basecamp. I answered some initial questions but declined to be involved in the development process because it didn't interest me. I suspect this may be the trailer to which Bob Wheeler is referring.

[bolerama]

"Next Generation Basecamp" -- I like the sounds of that. I hope there will be a few additions.

Like mandolindave said "with no heat, hot water, bathroom, or waste tanks it is not what anyone would call a travel trailer."

We specifically went to our local dealer when we saw a Basecamp on the lot. We were in the target group. As much as we loved it, it didn't provide us with any more usability than our boler (In fact, it seemed to offer less). We really wanted a unit with a furnace. At the time, we didn't realize how much we would grow to love having our own shower. Anyway, after looking at it, we couldn't justify the price. Then, we saw a 23D on the lot. I was smitten, and it followed us home the next week.

Nevertheless, I love the shape of the Basecamp. It needs a furnace and possibly an AC. A water heater and outdoor shower would be welcome options.

Lisa

[PKI]

Told a neighbor about the possibility of the new non-shinny AS. She said, "oh no, that will ruin them. It's like a piece of art." And there you have the problem. They can't afford one, because they need to spend their money to upgrade their house. But if they were to buy one, they want a shinny silver icon, not the new and improved low cost variety. This is going to get interesting. Pat

[xrvr]

Maybe the new one will be shiny.