Shocking 2024 Interstate Prices - is this Airstream?

[Airstream Dad]

Dear Forum,

Haven’t posted in a while, past trailer owner looking to jump back in, on the Interstate Class B side. Visited a dealer yesterday to look at the new stuff - and it left me very shocked, and with a bad taste on the direction Airstream seems to be going aimed at the RV 1%ers.

Cutting to the chase - saw a whopping $315,000 on a new Class B 24’ Interstate. This is an increase of like $80-90k over 2023, almost 30%. Yes, with inflation I wouldn’t have been shocked at like 5-10% increase - but this is ridiculous.

It left a bad taste because the Airstream brand I love, its history, is about accessible road adventures for Americans. Yes, they are great trailers for the long haul and great quality - but I couldn’t see how this is justified. The sales guy mentioned “yeah, but we have customers paying this,” so more power to them on possibly giant mark-ups.

But is that what Airstream is now? The Gucci of RVs and road adventures at premium prices that signals wealth? Or is it just the Interstate 24 GL that’s the Gucci and they’re aiming the Rangeline at the REI crowd?

Curious what current owners and long-time fans think.

Airstream Dad

[Lily&Me]

Yeah, skip the outrageous costs and buy an older one without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.

Soooo many things to malfunction or break.

If I could afford one of the new ones, which I can’t, I wouldn’t have one.

Maggie

[Airstream Dad]

This definitely seems like the way to go - and used inventory is definitely better than it was during COVID. I’m seeing nice low mileage 2018s out there for like $125k, more my speed. Then just add DIY satellite internet and solar panels. ;-)

Originally Posted by Lily&Me

Yeah, skip the outrageous costs and buy an older one without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.

Soooo many things to malfunction or break.

If I could afford one of the new ones, which I can’t, I wouldn’t have one.

Maggie

[3OnOurWay]

Agreed and even the 2018 / 2019 market continues to shift down. Units listed for $115k owners are considering offers below $100k. Over last two months prices have adjusted down 15-20%.

Talking to dealers and visiting here and other on lines sources, dealers are considering offers 20+% off of msrp. Inventory backed up consistently. I feel only time will allow prices on AI to adjust to a happy place for all buyers and sellers who purchased preCOVId are selling for pre coVId prices. Not CoVId increase on cyclical high of market.

Idk.
We will wait and see
Chris

[nvestysly]

I don't doubt the price you saw but it must have had several upgrades - 4WD, or the even more expensive AWD, Tommy Bahama, E1, leveling jacks, etc.

I just configured a 24' on Airstream.com and the $233k base price (already very high) increased to $300k with all the options. I had no idea the MSRP was so high.

So, yes, Airstream is going after that small slice of RVers who want luxury and a brand. There are clearly very good Class B units available on the new and used market for a much lower price - some Airstream, some not.

I'm concerned Airstream will reach an upper limit on price and brand loyalty in the trailer and drive-able market and the house of cards may come tumbling down.

For now, find a good used unit with low miles. I see them online periodically for less than $100k, sometimes less than $80k for the NCV3 platform. If you go back as far as T1N (some say the best MB chassis) the prices are even more affordable.