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oldvws · 12-17-2002, 04:50 PM

I think Airsteam prices for new ones is very high,
I also think $30,000 pick-up trucks are very high.

I live in an old wooden 800sq house. house value Zero, land value $350,000 , I think that is very high ( but I am on the right side of that one)

If I sold my house and went full timing (not likely) them $40-$50K for an Airstream "home" would not be that bad,

But as a Toy its alot of $$$ to use very little.

I think Airstream could have a bigger "image" if they were to advertise towards the baby boomers who always wanted one...

There will always be a place for "NEW" , some people can afford it or will only buy "NEW"

This is good for people like me because in a few years, there will be used ones to buy.

dmac · 12-17-2002, 06:57 PM

So many of the AS parts are unique.. even the suppliers can't get economies of scale.

Today's expensive new Airstreams become tomorrows used ones... I hope they thrive!

LLB21 · 12-17-2002, 08:36 PM

No, Airstream is not pricing themselves out of the market. From the beginning the price tag on an Airstream has been way up there and they are still around.

It is not surprising that we don't see any SOB "some other brand" trailers out there that are 30,40 and 50 years old. They are made of plywood and staples and rot after a few years.

Airstream is quality and recongized by all RV'ers as the Rolls Royce of trailers.

JaceBeck · 12-18-2002, 07:10 AM

Tidbit...

A 1949, 28' Whirlwind Airstream was $3995.00 fob California.

Based upon the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis' Consumer Price Index Calculator that would equal $30, 130.36 in 2002 dollars. Not far from a Safari at retail sticker today.
Jace

RoadKingMoe · 12-18-2002, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LLB21
It is not surprising that we don't see any SOB "some other brand" trailers out there that are 30,40 and 50 years old. They are made of plywood and staples and rot after a few years.

You have to understand though, that this isn't an issue for many of my friends my age. The SOB is going to outlast them (or at least their RVing years), and many think I'm just paying too much extra so two or more generations of owners past me can benefit.

Ya know... maybe I am. And that's kinda cool. It might mean that someone who couldn't or wouldn't afford a new one can help keep the Airstream tradition alive. That's a better legacy than many folks leave.

Pahaska · 12-18-2002, 08:29 PM

I hope my family enjoys the International after I no longer can. I've written my will accordingly.

LLB21 · 12-19-2002, 06:31 AM

Exactly. Many Airstream families would not even think of parting with their Airstream. They have had many family vacations with them and pass them down from generation to generation. As you know, it is not hard to become emotionally attached to your "Airstream".

joe hall · 12-19-2002, 06:50 AM

RoadKingMoe and John Irwin......please know I would take good care of your relatively-new trailers for you, should you want to pass leave them on to me rather than some ingrate. How are you feeling, by the way!

p.s. just spoofin' you......

Pahaska · 12-19-2002, 07:35 AM

I have two daughters, both would love to have the A/S; however, I have it aimed at my disabled daughter who is putting a couple of kids through college. I figure it is the only way she will ever afford anything that nice and she would be by far the most appreciative of it. I'll take care of my more prosperous daughter in other ways.

OTOH, they're going to have to wait a very long time.

joe hall · 12-19-2002, 07:43 AM

and I like the sentiments of how you are going to pass on a prized possession. Your kids are blessed. And, blessed are they who inherit an Airstream!

dmac · 12-19-2002, 12:34 PM

My dad had an 73 Airstream for 25 years before his death. My stepmother gave it (and his 89 Suburban to tow it) to the nurse who helped us out with my dad during the last couple weeks of his life. It sounds like a nice thing to do... but the ingrate sold them to a Pawn shop for a few hundred bucks!