Sticker Shock at the Early Bird RV Show....and What They Said About Airstreams

[wbrisett]

Originally Posted by banderabob

We attended the Austin RV Expo today.

Personally, I've never understood that show. You pay money to view products that you can view for free on the lots... and if you wait 6 months, you can see them again for free at Dell Diamond all in one place (minus Camper Clinic... AKA Airstreams).

Met a couple up in Caprock Canyon State Park (about 400 miles from Austin), who lived in Lubbock. They had just purchased a new Classic from Camper Clinic a few months before. It was their second Airstream. For all it's faults (and all dealers have some), Camper Clinic is actually quite good at selling and servicing Airstreams (at least in my experience. I know there's a few on this board who think otherwise). But you know, there aren't a ton of Airstream dealers in the country, which is different than a lot of the other models.

But it's nice to see that the show was worthwhile. I was out in our Airstream over the weekend or I might have gone to the show myself actually. But I enjoyed taking it out to the park and doing a little winding down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life instead. Which is exactly what all those dealers are selling at the show.

[LY007]

When we were looking for our Airstream, we found an interesting curve on prices, one similiar to the automobile market.

On the one hand, prices were very high because the trailers were new. On the other hand, prices were very very high because the trailers were vintage.

The price curve takes a huge dip in the middle for trailers and cars in good condition that are neither new nor old. Hence our 83 Excella.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by EarlM

This thread sounds like a bunch of very frugal (tight with the bucks) people.

Don’t spend your money and buy what you worked a lifetime for, leave to the kiddies and they will spend a lifetime of savings in a short period.

If you see that shiny me AS and you like it shop it around and buy it tomorrow may never come and I haven’t seen a Brinks Truck following a hearse yet.

Good things aren’t cheap and cheap things aren’t good. We started in a 15 ft Serro Scotty and now we have a 33 Classic and a Winnebago View

Have fun be happy we live in the best country in the world no matter what the media says.

Earl

I’m just glad the economy is robust.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Fly at Night

"If you ever want to sell that Flying Cloud, I can get what you paid for it," he rebutted, "Less commission, of course."

Okay, but what he didn't tell you was that offer was against the inflated retail sticker price of a new Airstream.
What he will really give you is low wholesale for your trade.

[Steve Bryant]

I haven't been to an RV show for about thirty years...although I'd like to go to a major one somewhere just to look/gawk! I live in Wichita, KS and we used to have a fairly large Boat and RV show here up until about 2000. Our local economy has slowed down significantly since then and now only a few dealers participate with what appears to be a small show.

I'd like to go to a major national show where they have a lot of high-end motor homes and towable trailers just to see what's out there and to see if there are any ideas that I'd like to incorporate on my trailer. However I don't ever anticipate replacing my 1991 Airstream. I've put a lot of work into restoration and it suits my needs.

[CDONA]

Lots of dealer shows out here in Az this winter, but no manufacturer shows, like that in Austin as reported here.
No 'streams to look at, no matter how the temporary lots are decorated with flags, banners, balloons, and hot dogs for the kiddies.

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Okay, but what he didn't tell you was that offer was against the inflated retail sticker price of a new Airstream.
What he will really give you is low wholesale for your trade.

I do not plan to trade-in or up.

Nor sell, unless I really have to due to economics.

My hope is to leave the FaN to my favourite NPO. They can either sell it or enjoy as an amenity for the volunteers.

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by sbowman

And the winners are #1 you can sit on the toilet and fish @ the same time? #2 The dog jail. Now I know why the wife and I do not go to RV shows, others will go for you. Thank you for the entertainment and humor.

Best regards and safe travels..........

Brings new meaning to bass fishing!

Kind regards and safe travels too.

[OTRA15]

. . . you mean the part about others going for you?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by wbrisett

Personally, I've never understood that show. You pay money to view products that you can view for free on the lots... and if you wait 6 months, you can see them again for free at Dell Diamond all in one place (minus Camper Clinic... AKA Airstreams).

Met a couple up in Caprock Canyon State Park (about 400 miles from Austin), who lived in Lubbock. They had just purchased a new Classic from Camper Clinic a few months before. It was their second Airstream. For all it's faults (and all dealers have some), Camper Clinic is actually quite good at selling and servicing Airstreams (at least in my experience. I know there's a few on this board who think otherwise). But you know, there aren't a ton of Airstream dealers in the country, which is different than a lot of the other models.

But it's nice to see that the show was worthwhile. I was out in our Airstream over the weekend or I might have gone to the show myself actually. But I enjoyed taking it out to the park and doing a little winding down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life instead. Which is exactly what all those dealers are selling at the show.

Well, there is another reason some of us go...I said some of us...it's a great place to bring the kiddos or grandkids, and let them crawl around the RV's while your enjoying a beer and pretzel! My son brought his daughters....they love the RV show and also the boat show just for that reason! He says it's a pretty cheep babysitter, plus you do get to see some of the new innovations in RVing...My wife just enjoys getting the yardsticks; this show makes 113 yardsticks we now have...if anyone needs a yardstick, let me know!
I would have preferred to be out in our AS also, but weather here in Austin area has been crazy cold and wet!

[kb0zke]

I always advise people who are thinking about going full-time AND have never owned an RV before to go to every dealership and RV show they can and go into every rig there, no matter the condition or cost. They are looking at floor plans and quality. It doesn't take very long to figure out what floor plans will and won't work for you. When you see obvious flaws in new coaches you can bet there are hidden flaws. Drawer construction is always a good hint about quality.

Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for you can begin focusing on specific brands. People who say "I want a motor home (or Airstream or whatever)" before they have done any research are the ones who are usually disappointed shortly after using their "dream" coach. Those who research first are usually the happiest.

[OTRA15]

Good advice David.

Being inside many RV's and trailers through the years made our recent choice of the FC20 easy to do.

The research pays for itself many times over.

Peter