Do Argosys enjoy the same "status" as silver Airstreams?

[whitefawn]

I heard that there "was a time" when Argosys were not allowed at Airstream Club functions, and were reluctantly accepted as part of the "official" Airstream family. I am crazy about the silver meat-loafs, ever since we owned a '72 Overlander. But we sold it and are now renovating our '78 Argosy. I am wondering if there is (or was) an open or hidden prejudice against Argosys. I am curious about the kind of reception we will get on camping trips compared to the enthusiasm and curiosity we received when we were camping in the Overlander. What are your thoughts?

[Max Well]

I can't speak for anyone else, but a very good friend of mine once pointed out that beauty is beauty regardless of the packaging.

[wkerfoot]

Whitefawn,

I, along with many others, think that Argosys are cool. I especially like the panoramic windows, now on new Airstreams.

Yes, it was true that Argosys, along with motorhomes, were not allowed in WBCCI, but now they are accepted, and have been for many years. I am sure that there are those who still believe that Argosys are not "true" Airstreams.

Bill

Originally Posted by whitefawn

I heard that there "was a time" when Argosys were not allowed at Airstream Club functions, and were reluctantly accepted as part of the "official" Airstream family. I have to admit that I am crazy about the silver meat-loafs, but we sold our Overlander and are now renovating one of our two 24' Argosies. I am wondering if there is (or was) an open or hidden prejudice against Argosies. We won't be road ready for several months, but I am curious about the kind of reception we will get compared to the enthusiasm and curiosity we received when we were camping in the 1972 Overlander. The Argosy is growing on me (now that we have sunk lots of time and $$ into it), but I wonder if even I could get as excited at the site of an Argosy camping next to me as I would if it was a silver Airstream! What are your thoughts?

[overlander64]

I have owned my Minuet for the better part of eight seasons, and have attended numerous WBCCI functions with it in tow. Without exception, I have always been welcomed when towing the little coach to a WBCCI function. The only negative that I have ever experienced was an instance of a few comments that I overheard while in the VAC Parade onto the International Rally grounds a few years ago. We were stopped near an intersection, and the top was down on my Cadillac and there were a number of people in the audience nearby and the subject of their conversation was something along the line of what a shame it was that those "painted" coaches were ever allowed into the club. For the most part, I do think that those viewpoints are fading into a minority . . . . in fact, I believe that is was something of a minority opoinion even then as the open house comments during that rally were all favorable among those whom toured my coach.

Kevin

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by overlander64

I have owned my Minuet for the better part of eight seasons, and have attended numerous WBCCI functions with it in tow. Without exception, I have always been welcomed when towing the little coach to a WBCCI function. The only negative that I have ever experienced was an instance of a few comments that I overheard while in the VAC Parade onto the International Rally grounds a few years ago. We were stopped near an intersection, and the top was down on my Cadillac and there were a number of people in the audience nearby and the subject of their conversation was something along the line of what a shame it was that those "painted" coaches were ever allowed into the club. For the most part, I do think that those viewpoints are fading into a minority . . . . in fact, I believe that is was something of a minority opoinion even then as the open house comments during that rally were all favorable among those whom toured my coach.

Kevin

The WBCCI club, has gone through some changes, and more are forthcoming.

The original club was for Airstream trailers. Then Airstream motorhomes were accepted, as I recall.

Then, FINALLY, if it was an Airstream product, it was accepted too.

Many club members have recently resigned, basically because of super BAD management, and officer favoritism out the gazzooo.

The original club was great, but many felt it got to be a dictatorship.

Andy

[overlander63]

I was subjected to a pretty coarse dressing-down about our Argosy from a very old WBCCI member. I was told, among other things, the Club started its downward spiral "The day they voted to let those God-D****d painted trailers in the club!"
All the other comments I ever received were positive, but it does show a touch of resentment about them...

[Skater]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I was subjected to a pretty coarse dressing-down about our Argosy from a very old WBCCI member. I was told, among other things, the Club started its downward spiral "The day they voted to let those God-D****d painted trailers in the club!"
All the other comments I ever received were positive, but it does show a touch of resentment about them...

Wow, that sucks.

A couple I know received a rather nasty lecture about camping together before marriage (this was many years ago). That was their first and last WBCCI rally, and I don't blame them. He's passed on now, though.

I wondered when I joined WDCU how my B190 would be received at the first rally. Turns out, it's all good. Half the people at the rally wanted to tour it! At various WDCU rallies I can remember seeing several different motorhomes (a B190 other than mine, some of the fiberglass ones, and some of the aluminum ones) and Argosy trailers. All welcome!

[adore]

I have owned a 1979 Airstream (classic), a 1986 Argosy (squarestream) and I now have a 1977 Argosy Minuet. I once was a member of the WBCCI but I am not anymore even thought I know Argosys are accepted in the Club. This being said, I found that my Argosys (painted) were easier to keep nice and shiny than the Airstreams (aluminium). My Minuet is a beauty... and I love it...!!!

[Bex]

Originally Posted by overlander63

among other things, the Club started its downward spiral "The day they voted to let those God-D****d painted trailers in the club!"

Interesting comment to make. Probably derived from a time when perhaps only the wealthy could afford one and as a consequence the folks in attendance at rallies etc were of a similar background, upbringing and social standing. Of course, thats all changed now. I know folks that can barely write there own name but have money to burn, can buy what they want when they want.
I am sure if they could have got away with vetting every prospective club member with a means test and education background they would have done so!

Bex

[Phrunes]

Yes, the times are a changin' for the better. I read another post here a few weeks back and it had an image of a 197? Argosy advertisement claiming of all things: Now there is a choice for ANYONE. Funny thing is that among the 20 or so "anyone's" pictured in the ad, not one of them was a person of color. So, we have crossed that divide as well as the acceptance of the "lesser brand" at all functions and that's a good thing!

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I was subjected to a pretty coarse dressing-down about our Argosy from a very old WBCCI member. I was told, among other things, the Club started its downward spiral "The day they voted to let those God-D****d painted trailers in the club!"

I can't even think of how I'd respond to that. I know it would probably qualify me for a grievance, if not the need for a lawyer. That's why we avoid camping where there's the likelihood of a dressing-down (or up, for that matter.)

To answer the initial question - we've been very welcome at local NEU rallies. Probably helps that one of the past presidents has an Argosy Minuet herself...

This weekend I had a state park worker say on my arrival, "What? A white Airstream?" Had a nice five minute chat - and I was wearing my Argosy T-shirt, towing my trailer with its ARGOSY vanity plate...

I will admit, I don't think you'll see a fully restored Argosy get top-dollar like some 50s-60s restored Airstreams can garner. That mirror shine has more universal appeal.

Tom

[Mike Leary]

I wave at them when we're on the road, I'm not sure I'd want my daughter to marry one, though.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by mutcth

I can't even think of how I'd respond to that. I know it would probably qualify me for a grievance, if not the need for a lawyer. That's why we avoid camping where there's the likelihood of a dressing-down (or up, for that matter.)

~~

Oh, I have a very good idea how I'd respond, but this is a friendly site so I wouldn't post such things.

If I took a breath or two to plan ahead before popping off, I could make sure that nothing I said gave cause for grievance and STILL make the jerk regret expressing that particular opinion to me.

Maybe there needs to be an SOB intraclub? (Stuffy Old Boneheads) for people who think that opaque paint is significantly different than (and inferior to) clearcoat?

[Mike Leary]

There is a beautiful Argosy trailer (24-26') for sale up here. If anyone's interested, send me a PM and I'll give directions.

[Bill M.]

I have been a member of WBCCI for 6 years now. Argosy's and their owners are certainly welcome and appreciated in the club. Can not speak for what might have been in the distant past or what some old member might have said on the side. Argosy is fully accepted in the club and very welcome. The few times I have seen Argosy trailers in a campground the reaction is that everybody in the Caravan lined up to go look at the Argosy and to talk to the owners. To read this forum you would think the WBCCI is a bad thing. Not so. Extremely pleasant organization, good local rallies, good caravans. Maybe I like it because I do not want to run it so I am not fustrated. Going on a rally this weekend. Lake, campground, pontoon boats, food, and 30 or so trailers. How could it get better?

[whitefawn]

Thank you all for the interesting and provocative replies. Somehow, time seems to have leveled the playing field as far as the interiors go in the vintage silver and painted rigs. The same poor design decisions are evident in both: pseudo "double" beds that are 46" wide, dining arrangements in the front-gaucho models that were less than optimal (with the folding pull-out tables), and storage space that can hardly be considered adequate. The differences in the appliances between the "middling" sort and the higher end ones is irrelevant with the ravages of time, and I have grown fond of the lack of a rear storage compartment in our Argosy--the bad design invited water infiltration and damage to our '72 silver Airstream and to many others'. I can't deny that the silver ones have a universal appeal... But I LOVE those front Argosy windows!

[xrvr]

Interesting how a non AS can be welcome in the club when a MH with AS on it would not, even if approved by the factory. jim

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Interesting how a non AS can be welcome in the club when a MH with AS on it would not, even if approved by the factory. jim

Airstream-branded motorhomes, even the slab-sided modern ones, are indeed welcome in the club. The controversy was over allowing non-Airstream branded mohos (since AS stated they had essentially no intention to build a new full-size moho) in the club.

Is that the same situation as Argosy? I don't think so, given Argosy was built by Airstream in an Airstream-owned factory with essentially Airstream design and engineering. Not sure if getting a moho from another Thor division that shares nothing with the rest of the AS line is the same...

Tom

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Skater

Wow, that sucks.

Originally Posted by Bex

Interesting comment to make.

Originally Posted by mutcth

I can't even think of how I'd respond to that. I know it would probably qualify me for a grievance, if not the need for a lawyer.

Yes, the comment came from an early-80's-year old woman that looked like she wouldn't say "crap" if she had a mouth full of it.
I did tell her we would have brought one of the Airstreams, but we didn't want to look like snobs. She turned an interesting shade of puce, and stalked off.

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by mutcth

- we've been very welcome at local NEU rallies. Probably helps that one of the past presidents has an Argosy Minuet herself...

nah. irrelevant.

In our group, if you bring enough wine to the campfire, you can pretty much camp in anything you want.