Airstream by Subscription

[Tomzstream]

Just curious how many folks would be interested in a subscription service for Airstreams, be it trailer or B Van. Mercedes just released the details on their new service that creates three or four tiers at different monthly rates and includes your choice of several types of vehicles in each class ranging from sedans to SUVs. Volvo is also getting into subscriptions in a big way. Considering it includes maintenance and insurance it looks like a pretty good deal. Just check out the vehicle of your choice.

Considering how little many RV owners actually use their rigs, you pay all the time for these things like insurance and for many of us, storage to boot. And just look at all the trailers and vans just sitting on dealer's lots. It would be nice to have some flexibility in choosing the type and size of rig for each adventure don't you think? I would think Thor might jump on this model...

Your thoughts?

[Tomzstream]

This is the background for the Automobile Subscription Services. Granted one would need their own tow vehicles, rated for whichever trailer they chose to tow each time they checked one out, but for B vans it might work out better. And there probably needs to be some certification of a driver's ability to tow, a good thing. http://www.motortrend.com/news/drive...95-2995-month/

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the introduction to a new concept, albeit with limited geographic availability for each brand.

Amazingly, for example, the Mercedes "Collection" plan even permits "pausing" for a month at a time.

https://collection.mbusa.com/faq

The plan includes some AMG models. Does this include some 4WD models which might be acceptable tow vehicles?

Reviews: https://www.google.com/search?q=Merc...firefox-b-1-ab

Care by Volvo: https://www.volvocars.com/us/shoppin.../care-by-volvo

Reviews: https://www.google.com/search?q=revi...firefox-b-1-ab

Thanks again,

Peter

PS -- Yes a similar AS plan would be interesting IMO. Maybe Colonial could organize a trial plan?

[chicagoair]

I'm currently waiting on a Volvo XC40 (Care by Volvo subscription) as well as a 2019 Airstream trailer to be delivered.

Two models for the subscriptions seem to be emerging:

1. Care by Volvo style: You are the sole user of the car for the length of the contract. Essentially a lease with the cost of insurance and maintenance rolled in. Geography isn't much of a problem. Pricing is competitive with a traditional lease at $600/month.

2. Mercedes Collection, Porsche Passport, Cadillac Book style: Rotate out different vehicles and all costs are covered. These programs are currently geographically restricted due to the swapping. Pricing here is anywhere from $1600/month up to $3000/month. More expensive than a traditional lease, but the perks of the program and ability to rotate vehicles are the attraction.

I think either subscription model could work for Airstream.

[SeeMore]

If there’s anything I have learned over the years, it is that no one-size-fits-all plan is ever likely to be a hit straight out of the box and many versions and competitors offering subscription plans will emerge as car makers try to shift a forecast of lower vehicle ownership in the out years into a scenario of continually expanding profits. Everything I've read states total costs are calculated into the pricing scheme from insurance to maintenance and depreciation so it isn't likely there is an ownership discount built into participating, just vehicle variability within the agreed upon tier.

Nonetheless, I suspect there are plenty of people for whom the idea of minimal obligations, broader flexibility than buying a single trailer/RV, and an escape from the headache of arranging servicing and maintenance would be worth a premium every month. What hasn’t been mentioned in the articles explaining the concept is the commitment period one gets obligated to once the paperwork is done.

[chicagoair]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

What hasn’t been mentioned in the articles explaining the concept is the commitment period one gets obligated to once the paperwork is done.

Care by Volvo is a 24 month contract.

After 12 months we can upgrade to the new model year for $500, this would extend our contract another 24 months.

I’m less familiar with the other programs.

[Tomzstream]

I had posted the link to the MB plan story just as an example of what a subscription might look like, not even taking into consideration that it might be a good alternative to owning a TV. Good point! Yes the top tier claims to have SUVs and I am sure many have tow capabilities, as many on these forums use those vehicles. Even the mid tier has the GLE350, but not so sure of its capability. Its the throwback to the 3.5L V6. We have that in our 2016 E350 4matic wagon and its a capable engine, but they have since gone to the 3.0 BT V6 which produces more torque and HP in the E400. Still I bet some folks tow with the GLE 350.

We were discussing this among ourselves and while we have three vehicles in our driveway, they each serve different needs. One is a E250 Bluetech which is great for longer commutes and some roadtrips (sans our K9 friends), while the E350 Wagon is great for all other roadtrips, and the Silverado is our primary TV. I could see us getting down to two, and maybe even one given the way you can suspend the subscription... and I would find going with the top tier very tempting. Before going out on our last AS journey, we were seriously tempted into going for a CPO GLS-350d Bluetec, trading in my other Bluetec... Its a great TV with lots of the available safety features that our Silverado does not afford us and something we've gotten quite accustomed to in our newer wagon. We are anxiously awaiting the new Sprinter to see what is offered on the leading brands in terms of this stuff, as a possible replacement for our TV trailer setup, but a subscription service where we could swap a GLS for a nice sedan or wagon makes a lot of sense too and we could keep our trailer. Lots to think about. I would expect each would come with all the bells and whistles, at least from mid tier up.

Here's another story that sort of touches on the tiers... http://www.businessinsider.com/merce...aunches-2018-6

[SeeMore]

I mentioned the concept to the bride and she said, "Would you get a fresh mattress each time or run the risk of a Motel 6 hammock?"

[Overstreet]

No.

My truck and trailer are matched. They have our stuff and go where we want, when we want to. I don't have to ask anybody's permission to use them. We can afford it.

You need to be talking to people that don't own their own Airstream. People that don't or cant buy their own. But be aware they also might be real inexperienced and maintenance/repair cost will be high.