New less expensive Airstream

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by vintageracer

Anyone know whatever happened to the "Wally Bee"?

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/m...icture145.html

It was a flop, it came and went so fast that most people have never heard it.

[moosetags]

In what time frame was the Wally B produced?

Brian

[TheCabin]

Piggy Bank,

I think that you are right about the need for a lighter trailer. For example, I looked at what Hymer produces after they bought Roadtrek and noticed that their trailers are lighter. While not as nice looking as the AS, they did not seem to require the support needed for the AS: big tow vehicle and multi-axle. Who knows, a forum focused on these lighter trailers might not even need to mention ST vs LT tires!

[DanB]

Basecamp looks more like an airstream then a Nest.

[PaulnGina]

After all the anticipation and imagination........ YAWN!!

[field & stream]

I agree that the tow vehicle considerations of prospective buyers are primary in decisions to buy any trailer like this vs. a traditional Airstream. We all have our full-size trucks and SUV's and are comfortable with them, but many, many people are not. The Nest weighs only 2,400 pounds and can be pulled with mid-size SUV's and light duty trucks. (By the way, the Basecamp weighs 2,000 empty)

Another thing to consider is that this community may be looking at these from the wrong direction: many of these will be purchased by folks who will see them as a next step up from tents -- not like we may see them as a step down from full-size trailers.

[idroba]

The Wally B was a prototype built in the mid 50's. Only a very few were made, maybe 2 or 3 max. They were never put on the market as an Airstream product.

Luke (just Luke) in Ft. Collins CO has the only one I know of. He rebuilt the chassis, and has put an interior in it (original was missing when he got it). He has taken it to some vintage rallies I understand. I have not seen it since prior to his restoration.

[SteveH]

If you look strictly at the features, specs and price of the Nest, and compare them to the features, specs and price of a 17' Casita (disregarding the "designer" interior of the Nest), the Casita wins out big time at 2/3 the price.

I too am disappointed.

[AWCHIEF]

I think the pricing is just speculation at this time. Any numbers bandied around are based on the current ownership of the line. I would think that Airstream will come up with their own option list and prices based on their manufacturing bottom line and what they think the market can handle.

[Rocinante]

Right. Airstream bought Nest's assets, not Nest. Until we see what Airstream decides to build based on their new ownership of Nest's intellectual property, equipment, etc., we won't really know what Airstream will produce and sell.

BTW, when we read up on Nest, it seems their price point was intentionally lower than the equivalently sized Airstream and higher than other equivalently sized fiberglass units (e.g. Scamp / Casita). They felt this was a niche worth pursuing.

If you haven't read this article yet (or watched the interview with Nest's founder), it's worth a few minutes of your time: http://smalltrailerenthusiast.com/20...nest-caravans/

[OTRA15]

One factor may be that the Nest trailer has presumably already received DOT certification and is road-ready? If the same (new, I am to understand) suspension system could be modified without much further testing, it might open up the possibility of other models to come along, with a shorter lead time (from concept through design, marketing, mfg., and distribution, etc.).

In terms of marketing and demographics, I don't see this Nest appealing to a wide audience, at least not at this price point.

Hopefully the acquisition is not some ego trip for new management at Airstream or Thor trying to make their imprint on the company.

[Rocinante]

If they apply this monocoque design to a 28' Airstream trailer (e.g. no steel frame, no leaks, no rotting floors), all they have to tell me next is where to sign. I realize that's off-topic for smaller/cheaper trailers from Airstream, but one can dream.

[TheCabin]

Looks like AS will make the NEST in Ohio:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post579409

So they could easily add the AS logo, maybe in plastic.

[Rocinante]

Great find, thanks for sharing that.

[AWCHIEF]

Apparently Nest had been on the market for almost a year. Have they sold any, Are there any on the streets other than the prototype? I do like the true monocoque construction, with no seperate frame structure to speak of. No plywood floor to rot and fewer opportunities for leaks and the associated damage that causes in the current Airstream design. Thinking it might make a nice second Trailer for those quick getaways when a bigger trailer might not be the best choice. After all look at how many members here have multiple trailers in different sizes. I would expect them to depreciate rapidly and be more affordable on the used market within a short time.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I would expect them to depreciate rapidly and be more affordable on the used market within a short time.

IF they hold their value like Casitas, that would not be true. Casitas actually tend to hold their value as well or maybe a little better than Airstream trailers, save the completely rebuilt and remodeled vintage trailers.

[Ray Eklund]

Hire an advertising agency.

Create hype.

Promote the unique characteristics of your previous products glorious history.

.... sit back at the home office, listen to the chatter discussing an engineer's drawings, some exaggerations, some color possibilities of how wonderful this is going to be. Build a proto type for the RV Shows.

Get the product on the dealer's lot, create an atmosphere that the trailer is in short supply and get the feedback from the dealerships on their generous local promotional opportunities.

[KJRitchie]

Mellennials like high priced tiny houses, now they can have a high priced tiny RV.

[damonbeals]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

I disagree. The bylaws are clear. If it's made by Airstrem, it's already in. No voting or discussion required. The last time the rules were tweaked was when they were revised to allow the Basecamp in. There was actually little debate on that change. The debate comes only when NON-AIRSTREAM products are discussed.

Just to add to Joe's information. The official WBCCI rules state.

Sec. 1
An adult who owns a hard sided recreational vehicle manufactured by Airstream, Inc. shall be eligible for membership. (6/30/06)

So yes the Next will be welcome, just like Interstates and Motorhomes, etc. The old Argosy's and other trailers arguments are true but that was many many years ago.

Damon
#4827

[DanB]

Airstream Inc. is going to have fun getting the service network up to speed on this acquisition!

Image the parts inventory and repair techniques that the dealers will need to implement. Evidently, Airstream must believe it's worth it.

I wonder if a new building is going to be purchased? I have to imagine a new line will need to brought up to speed. I would love to know the sales goal. 1,200 a year?

I hope I'm wrong, but it seems that although the Nest might be a great trailer, it's kinda like sticking a Jaguar hood ornament on a Ford Contour. That ended badly for everyone.