A Tsunami of Airstreams for Sale

[John&Vicki]

I had the thought that this might be a pretty good seller’s market given the popularity of camping right now so I perused the Classifieds. Guess what? That same thought has occurred to many others. In the last week alone over 50 Airstreams have been posted for sale at the Classifieds. Maybe the huge supply is turning it into a buyer’s market. There’s never been such a large selection of used Airstreams available in my recollection.

It reminds me of the beginning of the vintage Porsche boom (now mostly subsided). Once it got underway folks were pulling old Porsches from everywhere: garages, barns, junk yards, fields. It’s going to be fun watching this play out. Especially what happens when the pandemic ends.

Cheers,
John

[PB_NB]

Demand is way up and dealers are probably starving with low inventory. I think there are lots of sellers that can still keep their asking prices up because there will be more buyers as the pandemic limits travel plans to provinces or states. RV's seem to be the go to mode of vacations for the near future.

[John&Vicki]

I wonder if folks are able to sell their 30+ footers. Interesting how they were top of the line and most in demand at one time and now it seems everyone wants the shorter trailers.

Cheers,
John

[PB_NB]

We could have gone with a longer trailer but we were limited by our tow vehicle and our storage space.

I think most buyers are trying to make the trailer fit the tow vehicle that they already have. The amount of SUV's and little trucks rated to tow 5,000 lbs are ever growing! I saw an TV ad from KIA that they have one now.

This is a pretty popular segment for the auto makers to jump into.

[John&Vicki]

That’s exactly what I did. I had a 2006 Mercedes ML500 and after much research discovered that it would make a great tow vehicle. I discover that it was rated for 5,000lbs in the U.S. and 7,500 in Europe. I decided to stay closer to 5,000 thus an older (i.e. lighter) mid-length trailer.

Another factor is that one of my favorite campgrounds is an old USFS site along the Rogue River. There’s no official length limit but it would be foolish to try it with anything over 25’. They cut down as few trees as possible when they built the roads and it’s tricky even with my 25 footer. It keeps out the big rigs, which to be honest, I kind of like.

Cheers,
John

[PB_NB]

Threading the needle with that spot!

[ProTech]

2022 should be a great time to pick up a used RV. All the newbies that will realize camping isn't for them. My son is waiting until then to step up to a newer trailer.

[John&Vicki]

Originally Posted by ProTech

2022 should be a great time to pick up a used RV. All the newbies that will realize camping isn't for them. My son is waiting until then to step up to a newer trailer.

+1 You raised a smart boy. And I think 2022 is spot on unfortunately.

Cheers,
John

[Gigler]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

I had the thought that this might be a pretty good seller’s market given the popularity of camping right now so I perused the Classifieds. Guess what? That same thought has occurred to many others. In the last week alone over 50 Airstreams have been posted for sale at the Classifieds. Maybe the huge supply is turning it into a buyer’s market. There’s never been such a large selection of used Airstreams available in my recollection.

It reminds me of the beginning of the vintage Porsche boom (now mostly subsided). Once it got underway folks were pulling old Porsches from everywhere: garages, barns, junk yards, fields. It’s going to be fun watching this play out. Especially what happens when the pandemic ends.

Cheers,
John

YES! Look at what is happening to Harley Davidson. Airstream is over producing and under building which will KILL THE VALUE AND RESALE MARKET. I also expect to see several repossessions begin to happen after air travel cruises and resorts resume and reopen. In my humble opinion.

[Gigler]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

I wonder if folks are able to sell their 30+ footers. Interesting how they were top of the line and most in demand at one time and now it seems everyone wants the shorter trailers.

Cheers,
John

People want shorter units because they cost half the cost of larger ones. So it’s all relative if a large used unit sells for half its price just imagine what a small unit will sell for. I also think people what they want at the time and know they won’t get full retail after they enjoy the unit for the time period they own it. We live full time in a 33’ and I would never even think of living in a smaller airstream I would buy a Tiffin Beacon 5th wheel before ever buying a smaller AS.

[pcskier]

For someone patient and willing to forego Airstreaming for a year or so...sell now, then buy used in a year or so. Their will be a glut of RVs on the market from all the buyers rushing in now, and change their minds down the road. Now the really smart/prescient buyer...would have bought THOR stock in March rather than a trailer...and bought one now in instead. Stock has more than doubled--would have resulted in a free Airstream!

[lakefiddler]

Yes, I'm easily pulling a 2019 22' Sport with a Telluride rated to pull 5000 lbs. It's a nice match for anyone retired and looking to see North America. I live in Florida from mid-October to mid-June and then see Wyoming, Montana and Idaho before heading to New England.

[369goose]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

I wonder if folks are able to sell their 30+ footers. Interesting how they were top of the line and most in demand at one time and now it seems everyone wants the shorter trailers.

Cheers,
John

Could t agree more

[rucos]

Originally Posted by ProTech

2022 should be a great time to pick up a used RV. All the newbies that will realize camping isn't for them. My son is waiting until then to step up to a newer trailer.

My son has been watching as well. RV's are selling like crazy here and we agree that there could be some great deals down the road.
My son bought me a surprise "easy Start" because I let him borrow mine once in awhile when we aren't using it.............. this could work out really good

[Ray Eklund]

When we were looking for a 25 foot Airstream to replace our 23 foot Safari... mostly 28 to 30 foot Airstreams were for sale along the Front Range of Colorado. Very nice ones, too. That would be a big jump in length after eight years towing a 23 foot with a 5.7L Tundra 4x4 already at its limit.

No 25 foot Airstreams to be found used for sale.

It was in our best interest to buy new off the lot 25 foot.

Once the Demand has been satisfied after Jackson Center over estimates demand... then check the Dealer's Lot for a NEW Airstream.

For Resale When you are ready to sell: a 23 foot with 15 inch wheels and a 25 foot are a great fit for most and bring better prices.

Larger... tow vehicle becomes a bigger issue. Some RV Garages are not all built to fit a RV Bus size.

I like sitting in the 'sweet spot' today. The 27 and 28 foot. Not too big. Not too small.

On purchasing New: Add the 3 inch lift. Add Solar on the Roof... on the 23 to 30 foot and you have added the more adventurous Off the Grid market, as well.

When buyers price an Airstream... then price a BIG BIG some other brand for LESS... there are many multiples of those always sitting and depreciating. Maybe 100 to ONE Airstream.

Many people will go for Cheap and Big. Smart buyers... like us... know Airstreams will retain value and always have a buyer at a... price. The generation coming of age for a travel trailer... may not meet expectations. Example: Price Antique Cars... markets change with the generations. Game Rooms... done and gone. Bowling Leagues... interests change. Trailers... are like used cars. EVERYWHERE.

Put a sign on yours that you want to sell: "Might Be Interesting in Selling."

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

When buyers price an Airstream... then price a BIG BIG some other brand for LESS... there are many multiples of those always sitting and depreciating. Maybe 100 to ONE Airstream.

Many people will go for Cheap and Big. Smart buyers... like us... know Airstreams will retain value and always have a buyer at a... price.

I agree. We recently went RV shopping with friends who cannot afford (right now) an Airstream and wanted a smallish SOB (20’ or so). I went wandering around the lot looking at some very large trailers and 5th wheels. The price for what you get seems astounding. BUT knowing what that great deal will be like in a few years makes me glad that we ponied up for the AS.

My prediction is after our friends sell their 2nd home, they’ll be stepping up to Airstream. Just a guess....

[PB_NB]

One of my buddies just sold his 38' fifth wheel for about $5k CDN. The trailer is in great shape and slides work. He even has to deliver it about 1 day drive and pay for fuel. Then take payments for it!

[KineticKt]

We're looking for a smaller rv that is self contained. Any and all advice is accepted. Looking at a 2014 Ford 28 footer.

[Q-man13]

Originally Posted by ProTech

2022 should be a great time to pick up a used RV. All the newbies that will realize camping isn't for them. My son is waiting until then to step up to a newer trailer.

I'd say 2023 as people are going to want to know they can return to previous leisure activities without much risk before selling.

[MAJORJDB]

I hope so!! Will be in the market for an 30' FC bunk model in a year or so. Will retire our 31' Excella to our private campsite(w/a beach) we built for covid-19 camping.
Jim & Gretchen