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03-31-2018, 02:15 PM
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#21
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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You’re getting great advice and I do hope you will take the words of experience and use them wisely. Airstream has been around a long time and will be around in the future. Please take your time, do your own research, know exactly what you want before you purchase. We see it all the time, a newbie gets excited, buys a cute little Airstream and it’s either too small, too expensive, or it just sits in storage and gets sold a couple of years later which is always sad to me. Start adding up all the costs and then decide. As mentioned, it is not cheaper than going to hotels, in fact it’s probably more expensive so read, then read more, then go sit in every single model you can possibly find, then read some more. If you are new to RVing, look at other manufacturers, you may not want an Airstream afterall.
How handy are you? Getting a repair may take months, seriously, months for a simple or sometimes not so simple repair. Since you live in Canada, a seemingly easy, quick, repair may take all season so know before you buy. A lot of RVers become quite handy simply because it takes so long to get an appointment.
Every ones price point is rather subjective but if buying new it not uncommon to get 20% off MSRP any time of year. There really isn’t a better or worse time to purchase. Don’t rule out looking at used one but learn all the pitfalls of buying used first.
Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum which is your best source for all things Airstream.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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03-31-2018, 03:42 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Help with purchasing an Airstream
Quote:
Originally Posted by frank nordyk
We live in SoCal, so i can't help with Canada laws.
———-snip—————
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2. Make sure you get two 6 volt batteries in parallel, verses two 12 volt. Good for dry camping. I did and am I happy now.
————snip——————.
Hope some of this helps.
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Minor oops here. Get two six-volt batteries in SERIES. That way you get 12volts as needed to run the Airstream...trying to run 12 volt batteries in parallel is problematic.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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03-31-2018, 03:56 PM
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#23
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2 Rivet Member
2018 30' Classic
Shawnee
, Kansas
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
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Purchasing an Airstream
Quote:
Originally Posted by kendrick.l.j
You’re getting great advice and I do hope you will take the words of experience and use them wisely. Airstream has been around a long time and will be around in the future. Please take your time, do your own research, know exactly what you want before you purchase. We see it all the time, a newbie gets excited, buys a cute little Airstream and it’s either too small, too expensive, or it just sits in storage and gets sold a couple of years later which is always sad to me. Start adding up all the costs and then decide. As mentioned, it is not cheaper than going to hotels, in fact it’s probably more expensive so read, then read more, then go sit in every single model you can possibly find, then read some more. If you are new to RVing, look at other manufacturers, you may not want an Airstream afterall.
How handy are you? Getting a repair may take months, seriously, months for a simple or sometimes not so simple repair. Since you live in Canada, a seemingly easy, quick, repair may take all season so know before you buy. A lot of RVers become quite handy simply because it takes so long to get an appointment.
Every ones price point is rather subjective but if buying new it not uncommon to get 20% off MSRP any time of year. There really isn’t a better or worse time to purchase. Don’t rule out looking at used one but learn all the pitfalls of buying used first.
Good luck with your search and welcome to the forum which is your best source for all things Airstream.
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First of all, we're senior citizen RV newbies -- so our learning curve is steep to learn about AS and about camping.
We just picked up our 2018 RB 30' Classic. Decided on this one because of interior features. People always said if buy small you'll be buying larger soon. We loved the substantial and adjustable Corian dinette table to be able to work at or sleep on.
If you bivouac anywhere for any length of time, you'll want some space. We wanted the upgrades since 2015, looked at 2016's and '17 but people wanted top value. We went to a few seminars at BT Camper Sales, Wentzville, MO, read the Newbie's Guide to AS (Rich Luhr), Sean Michael's books on "How to Buy an Airstream" (see longlonghoneymoon.com, blog, and You Tubes.
BT dropped $20K for us off of MSRP which was competitive with the used prices people wanted for later year models and we got the two year warranty and signed up for BT's unlimitd annual warranty (have to get it there every year on the dot). And we have joined a WBCCI club just as soon as we could. Operating all of the systems has been a challenge. The Classic 30' has a 50 amp system, we tripped the 30 amp breakers (two many heat pumps on) and froze our first night on BT's trial pad. Much to learn and think it will be fun.
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03-31-2018, 04:41 PM
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#24
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1 Rivet Member
2018 33' Classic
RR #1 Afton
, Nova Scotia
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 8
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Hi there from a fellow Canadian but on the East coast. After we decided we would get an Airstream we looked at layouts and descriptions and models online and on youtube especially for walk-through videos. We then found a large dealer, Colonial Airstream in New Jersey (great videos btw). We travelled down from NS and spent an entire day in and out of the models we liked and as we did realized a few things ended up choosing the Classic 33. Take your time in the rigs and pretend to do all things - cooking, sleeping, getting up from bed to use bathroom, eating etc.
Good luck deciding - they are amazing!!
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04-01-2018, 05:46 AM
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#25
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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Vagabonds 2 - I see you are very new to the forum so I sent you a PM. If you are using heat pumps on your 2018 Airstream then your dealer didn’t do you any favors. I fear you are not setup properly and concerned you are not getting the benefits of the Alde system. Do you have HOT water? I guessing you do not. Please read the Much Ado Alde thread or PM me so that I can help get you pointed in the right direction.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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04-01-2018, 06:34 AM
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#26
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4 Rivet Member
2022 27' Globetrotter
Asheville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 396
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Help with purchasing an Airstream
Make a trip to one of the Adventure Northwest dealerships.
During our 10,000 mile maiden voyage, we needed critical system warranty service and found ourselves at a little dealer in Boise who listened to our predicament and fit us in the next day. Moreover, they provided us with free overnight full hookups meaning they fixed it by day and we slept in the TV by night for the two days it took. By coincidence we camped next to the CEO who was out witH his family on a road bike training weekend. My takeaway from the repair experience and talking to their CEO was that I now recommend this dealership whenever the opportunity arises. Adventures Northwest has a handful of locations under their flag and between the display inventory and their used offerings, I’d recommend making the drive south to learn firsthand. They can be trusted BUT, going in after reading this forum for 10 hours or so will give you the background to understand what you are seeing and being told.
Buy a good toolkit, upgrade the tires, charger and batteries and learn by doing.
Great tips on this thread for books to read and thoughts to have in your head.
Bigger picture on needs assessment:
If you need 4 season, go with a Bigfoot RV made in Canada.
If you are ok with a 2 season or marginally a 3 season RV, then AS is a great choice.
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04-02-2018, 11:51 AM
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#27
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1 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Folsom
, California
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 10
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call or check out A to Z Motors in Winters Calif. Vince can transport any AS you buy from him. His # is 925-914-9199. He buys and sells many used Airstreams from all over the US and canada. AtoZmotors.com
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04-02-2018, 05:35 PM
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#28
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2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
tarzana
, California
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 37
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2019 Globetrotter
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lve42dy
Hello and Welcome!
I’m a newbie to AS and the forum myself. My 2019 Globetrotter will be delivered in June. I can’t give advice on the TT itself but I can share my experience.
I agree with the feedback provided so far. In addition keep in mind where you want to travel. National Parks are limited to length of your rig and usually can’t accommodate anything longer than 28’.
As for shopping and best deals, my experience is similar to buying a vehicle. Begin the bargaining process near months end and work with multiple dealerships to see who can offer you the best price.
I hope this proves helpful.
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Where did you get yours?
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04-02-2018, 06:30 PM
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#29
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isuzusweet
This would be great except for one thing........only two Airstream dealerships in B.C, and buying a trailer from a dealership near you will be better for service. Trying to get service work done on a RV is crazy hard these days with wait times of months.
Cheers
Sidekick Tony
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Great advice. We bought our first in Oregon.( exchange rate was favorable) Great dealer but too far for service ( lived in the okanagan) and the one dealer in BC at the time was not cooperative. Had to complain to mothership to get them to service our trailer.
Second one bought from TRX in Saskatoon. Great price but no service.
Third and last bought from Midtown ( they were new dealer by then)
Great people to work with and worth the drive. We live on the Island now and if I needed service or to buy again they would be were we would go.
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04-02-2018, 07:07 PM
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#30
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
, South Carolina
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 892
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As a newbie reading this entire post, WOW, you will not find a better FAMILY, a better source of advice, a better source of support, or a better source of creative thinkers than this site. I bought the Interstate, and although small because its just me, if at any point I feel it was a big mistake, I will always greatly appreciate everything I've learned and am learning from all the wonderful people on this forum. I tried to factor in everything too....service can be challenging is what I heard from the beginning of my search. My back up plan is to keep an up to date rally schedule and if Im having a problem, get on waiting list for service, and while waiting, go to a rally and pick these wonderful brains! And, Hope no one minds if I do that! Thanks to all!
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04-03-2018, 09:00 AM
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#31
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1 Rivet Member
2012 28' International
bridgeport
, New York
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
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We are thinking of upgrading to a larger Airstream, brand new. I would like information on the amount of mark up there is on a new unit. We hear all kinds of numbers, from 10% to 30%. Also, we wonder how much Airstream will raise their prices for 2019. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
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04-03-2018, 09:11 AM
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#32
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2 Rivet Member
2019 19' Flying Cloud
Boise
, Idaho
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 81
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Quote:
Originally Posted by towman
We are thinking of upgrading to a larger Airstream, brand new. I would like information on the amount of mark up there is on a new unit. We hear all kinds of numbers, from 10% to 30%. Also, we wonder how much Airstream will raise their prices for 2019. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
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For a 2019 I would aim for 20%. The dealerships are already taking orders for the 2019 trailers and will have the new pricing available. We ordered our 2019 Flying Cloud 19CB about a month ago.
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04-17-2018, 06:37 PM
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#33
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Highlands Ranch
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 10
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Buy used. Airstream owners are a proud lot, and any used Airstream will generally be in pristine condition. And you can save TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. We bought a 2008 Safari new. Loved it. Are dedicated Airstream owners. We decided to upgrade and i bought a 2011 30' Airstream Classic last year. It is beautiful inside and out. Paid $53,000. New today? I'm guessing $110,000. We need to do a little work on the inside. Some new upholstery, and a new toilet. Maybe a couple thousand bucks. But, I look at it that I have saved over $50 grand.
Just my two cents....and I have quite a few!
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04-17-2018, 06:51 PM
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#34
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2 Rivet Member
2008 27' International FB
Oklahoma City
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
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Buying first trailer
We went to the alumapalooza rally at the factory before we bought. We thought we wanted a 25 but after going in a lot of peoples trailers and new ones at the factory we decided we wanted a 27 with the walk around bed. We stay out about 3 months at a time and very happy with the 27. Most people that trade up realize they bought a smaller trailer than they wanted or needed. Almapalooza is coming up the end of May.
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04-18-2018, 10:49 AM
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#35
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2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
tarzana
, California
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 37
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Can you buy at the corporate office
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04-18-2018, 10:54 AM
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#36
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,616
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frank nordyk
Can you buy at the corporate office
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You can not buy an Airstream at thew factory. You need to go through a dealer. You can buy lots of neat $tuff at the company $tore.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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04-18-2018, 11:18 AM
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#37
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2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
tarzana
, California
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 37
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Where would I look for a globetrotter 27’
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04-19-2018, 05:22 AM
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#38
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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Not All Airstream dealers will have every model available on their lot so it’s best to call first, start local and then expand your search area. As an example, I knew I wanted a Classic with a particular interior decor, I lived in Atlanta but drove to Lakewood, NJ to buy my Airstream. It isn’t unusual at all. The larger dedicated Airstream dealers will have a larger selection than the dealer that sells other brands but also sells a few Airstreams as well.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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04-19-2018, 05:30 AM
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#39
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
, South Carolina
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 892
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I knew what I wanted and local dealer did not have it. I looked locally and even asked if he would service if I found something elsewhere. I even explained I wanted to buy before year end. I ended up finding what I wanted in Florida in December and purchased new there. Now that I have minor issue, local dealer refused service and told me to go back to Florida. I will be driving to Ohio for service at factory since I have family near by. FYI, always ask about service, and don't count on or believe everything you hear. This forum is great for helping out. The forum got me directed to the factory with this issue
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04-19-2018, 05:57 AM
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#40
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Reads a lot
2017 30' Classic
Titusville
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
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Mansderm, your experience should be reported to the mothership. It doesn’t matter where you purchase, they shouldn’t have refused to service your Airstream. JC really needs to know that happened to you.
Personally, I prefer to go to JC for service, if I can not do the work myself then I just plan accordingly. Again, A personal choice but I will never allow mine to sit at any service center for weeks at a time. I stay in my Airstream while they work on her. This advice was passed on to me from several experienced AS owners. The work will get done much faster if I am on site. I know a lot of folks that just can’t do this but I am retired so don’t have to worry about work schedules.
__________________
Lauri
She Believed She Could so She Did.
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