Airstream knock offs, most likely not factory sacntioned...

[sfranklin]

Has anyone else noticed a growing number of Airstream knock offs? I was on Amazon last week and I saw some advertised as Aistream food/concession trailers. They were of course Made in China by a company called Food Truck Manufacture.

https://www.amazon.com/COGSUN-Airstr...s%2C86&sr=8-11

There were several knock offs of the actual trailers themselves, which I cannot believe Airstream would allow.

https://onlywe.en.made-in-china.com/...g-Trailer.html

https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...3f30adf7ISt53v


Anyone else seeing things like these starting to float around?

[NutmegsCamper]

Airstreem.

I wonder if they come with "American Bomb" tires. I also don't believe that Airstream has any control of anything that is manufactured in China. Looking at the pictures, they are, without a doubt, NOT competition for Airstreams.

[sfranklin]

Originally Posted by NutmegsCamper

Airstreem.

I wonder if they come with "American Bomb" tires. I also don't believe that Airstream has any control of anything that is manufactured in China. Looking at the pictures, they are, without a doubt, NOT competition for Airstreams.

Completely agree, I can't see any rational person considering these. Just looking at the pictures seems like a hack job at best.

If offered for sale in the US as some of these appear to be, and they apply the Airstream name to it, I've gotta believe that Airstream, if not Thor itself wouldn't have something to say about some of these.

[djb75]

Particularly since they are selling on an American site and calling them "Airstream" instead of "Airstream-like".

[richard5933]

I would expect that Airstream will bring legal action against any platform which allows items to be advertised using their name without permission. Since they likely have a trademark in multiple countries I'm sure that they've already started doing this with platforms like Amazon.

There's likely no limitation to people making and selling similar-looking trailers, but when they start to use the Airstream name in the product listings it probably crosses the line legally.

[Starlight Mike]

I've seen a couple of these in different countries and here. I was trying to figure out what was going on. Thank you for posting this, I am sure Airstream will or already has been involved.

[JeffKim]

I wouldn't expect this to be on Amazon for very long if Airstream gets wind of it. Most companies defend their trademark and brand to the death. Anything not a genuine Airstream labeled Airstream cheapens the brand in the least.

[Ken G]

When the US government stops China from exporting fentanyl they can focus on bogus Airstreams.

[Scott S]

I would think this is copywrite infringement. I wonder if legally they get away with it since the sale is over the internet and they have "no control" over where the customer decides to ship it.

[greghoro]

From the Legal Notice linked to from every page on the Airstream website,

“ The AIRSTREAM name, the configuration and appearance of the AIRSTREAM® recreational vehicles, product brand names (including BAMBI®, LAND YACHT®, SAFARI® and others) and all other trademarks and logos appearing on this Website are owned or used pursuant to license by AIRSTREAM, INC. and/or its affiliates. The unauthorized use of these trademarks and logos is strictly prohibited, and you agree that you will not use these trademarks or logos in any way that suggests affiliation with, sponsorship by, or approval by AIRSTREAM, INC. without its express, written permission. If you have questions regarding AIRSTREAM trademarks, or for licensing information, contact AIRSTREAM, INC.’s Office of Sales and Marketing.”

[BikeCamper]

It’s possible they purchased a license to use the Airstream name. Not likely, but possible.

[ant guy]

Not that I approve but years ago I created a series of exhibit products for a Chinese firm. During the meetings they said "Charge us a lot as we will copy your designs and sell them all over Asia." I did but it was up front. Knock off is theft and I hope Airstream is on them, or sold them the rights. Chevy leadership found the Asian market so lucrative that they moved headquarters to China. It is all a mess and general clients and products are what take a beating.

[SpeedBump]

Thanks for sharing. It looks like a knock off, but the price is a dead giveaway for the quality. Probably lots of staples, cheap hinges, etc......Don't know for sure, but some people will buy just for the price. You get what you pay for.

[RJJ]

Originally Posted by sfranklin

Has anyone else noticed a growing number of Airstream knock offs? I was on Amazon last week and I saw some advertised as Aistream food/concession trailers. They were of course Made in China by a company called Food Truck Manufacture.

https://www.amazon.com/COGSUN-Airstr...s%2C86&sr=8-11

There were several knock offs of the actual trailers themselves, which I cannot believe Airstream would allow.

https://onlywe.en.made-in-china.com/...g-Trailer.html

https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...3f30adf7ISt53v


Anyone else seeing things like these starting to float around?

These, or some very like them, started popping up a few years ago, then they disappeared...maybe Airstream/Thor gave them what for... Probably will happen again...

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by BikeCamper

It’s possible they purchased a license to use the Airstream name. Not likely, but possible.

Much as we disparage Airstream quality here, I don't think any company would sell their name and have no control over the product and its quality unless it's a branded pencil or something.

[buttnerd]

There is a Whole Foods(the only on I've ever been in) in Oxnard, CA that has converted what appears to be a 30+/- Ft Airstream inside the store into a food concession stand. The make sandwiches, serve salads etc. Now I'm going to have to go by the store and take a closer look.

[Peter417]

I welcome the competition. They don't show what is under the skin though. I think Airstream has dropped the ball big time by not producing a lightweight camper built in the traditional airstream monocock construction. Trying to pass off a basecamp for that market is lame. Gen Z and the Millennials need a buy it for life airstream they can afford. Minimal, lightweight interiors are a must. It does not need to luxurious, it needs to be long lasting, lightweight and functional.

[SpeedBump]

Yours is an interesting and reflective answer. AS is more than likely looking at the future, and they should be looking at how GenZs are going to look at the camping/rv future. I love my basic 25' Flying Cloud. It could use a few quality improvements but I'll address those directly with AS.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Regardless of the outfit, clones and copies pop up all the time. Go shopping for clothing on Amazon and elsewhere ... see what you find. It's hardly unique to China. It comes from a lot of places (including some in the US).

I'd bet that somewhere at a law firm there is indeed somebody watching this stuff and billing AS for that time. They likely also are typing up letters / sending them out and putting that on the bill as well.

Bob

[JeffKim]

It first listed November 12, 2024. I bookmarked the page and will see how long it lasts (if I think to check it).