Airstream Backlog

[jcanavera]

Just stopped off at my dealer today to pick up a new water pump filter. While at it I walked through a new 33' Classic. Wow is all I can say. Lots of technology which is a little scary in my book. But my wife loves it....especially that large shower in the rear. Stopped by and talked to the finance manager who I've known for over 20 years. Said that trailer would set me back about 150K. Yikes.

What was interesting as we talked was that even with the high costs of the current model Airstreams, the factory cannot keep up with the demand. He noted that an order today placed by a buyer is now projected out to late July or August. So for all intents if you haven't ordered, a new build trailer will probably be a 2019. Dealer inventory trailers that the dealer orders, are pushed out even further. He said any trailer he orders for his inventory today, will not be delivered until November. That's some long lead times.

Jack

[Soyboy]

Airstreams seem to be and have been very trendy over recent years. Lots of "yuppies" (for lack of a better term - not trying to be negative) buying them. The funny thing is that when I look at classifieds, I seem to see more late model used trailers than ones that are (for example) 10 years old or so. Many ads say things like used once, used three times etc. I think a lot of people get caught up in the whole "glamping" thing.

I guess that is good news for Thor, but I wonder what the next (not wishing it believe me) recession will bring to their fortunes. Especially with the multiple expansions in factory space they have and (just announced) are making.

Us, we bought our '99 in 2010, we are in the process of doing some revamping to the interior (recovered the formerly cloth couch in Ultra Leather Brisa, re-doing the curtains and valances etc.). A couple grand and a lot less than a new one LOL. Plus while they look cool inside, I don't think most are as comfortable (couch wise etc.) than the older ones. I don't like the shower on one side and the bath on the other etc. But that is subjective. Anyway, just a few thoughts.

Not trying to be negative about folks buying new 'streams. I hope they enjoy and use them a lot. Now if AS can just work on the quality.... that is one of the stated goals of the new facility. LOL, yeah right. I guess time will tell.

[jcanavera]

Yeah, i'm glad I bought mine while I was still working. I wonder what a slide would cost in today's money. We hit the 15th birthday of our slide out in November. Funny we were talking quality issues all the way back in 2004. But you have to recognize it's hand built and the human element is at hand, there is always the chance for issues. Problem is for the $$$ we spend, we have high expectations!

Jack