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explore more · 09-14-2016, 05:09 PM

I heard the nest was starting at $45-48k, but we'll see. Sadly, in an interiew with the nest desgiern/owner (before the acquisition), he said he was shooting for $35k. That's more like it.

OTRA15 · 09-14-2016, 06:24 PM

Just as a reminder to all, there is also a Nest thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...an-150136.html

slowmover · 10-07-2016, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene

I doubt the company is concerned with those who can't afford Airstreams. They keep raising prices without much in the way of improvements. The only good thing about that is when it is time to sell ours, it will be worth more.

Gene

Improvements came to an end with the disc brake experiment of the 1970s (that tied up the tech that the other premium trailer companies couldn't develop it either).

None adapted aluminum honeycomb floors. I think only Streamline had aluminum cabinetry. Along with Avion they had spray-in insulation.

This brand has become too heavy. Not justified by what is on offer.

I really can't see the complaint about price of new, though. These trailers were never cheap. But as they can last about forever (my folks had theirs 27-years), and that there are plenty of good examples for sale at a given time, buying one used is the solution to the price of new.

A&P Trailer Works (Paradise, TX) has a nice list on their website of what to expect in buying at about the 20+ year mark. Noticed Switz was right up the road from me getting yet more solar installed by Paul.

Pay as you go (versus mortgage). Has been working well for plenty of us.

Picked up yet another Coleman AC two weeks ago, hired a 35-yr experienced RV tech to install that and do some plumbing repairs. Not expensive.

Some sweat equity goes a VERY long way.

AWCHIEF · 10-08-2016, 08:16 AM

Airstream could take a few lessons from these folks. All aluminum and composite construction. Aluminum cabinets and furniture, light weight composite foam cored floor, no wood used and competitive pricing for the masses.

http://www.livinlite.com/products/ca...ers/index.html

explore more · 10-08-2016, 08:39 AM

But it still feels like you're living in a biz with those livinlites. The interior design is so dark and the layout feels like a hotel room. The #1 thing I love about airstream is the windows and the way they invite light inside. Glass isn't light. The #2 thing I like about them is the sensible layout and clean design cues. The third thing is the quality (though the newest units have a few cut corners on them). If I could find another company with great windows and with a clean interior, I'd give them a serious look, but nobody is doing it, especially in a trailer you can live in full time.

AWCHIEF · 10-08-2016, 09:45 AM

Curious, what is a "biz"?

explore more · 10-08-2016, 09:55 AM

It's my fat-finger spelling of the word "box".

field & stream · 10-08-2016, 10:14 AM

The Number 1 defining characteristic of the Basecamp is that you do not feel like you are living in a box.

AWCHIEF · 10-08-2016, 10:40 AM

Not a box but maybe a horse trailer

field & stream · 10-08-2016, 11:03 AM

Yes, we are regularly asked if it is a horse trailer! The wisecrack is to respond "Yes, it is Darth Vader's horse trailer."

Because of all the windows (virtually 360 degrees in the original with the hatch open) you feel like you are outside when you are inside. We had pano windows on our 23', and despite almost twice the interior volume it felt far more confining than the Basecamp.

switz · 10-08-2016, 07:39 PM

Our 2015 23D International Serenity has a window in the toilet at an inappropriate height. So one needs to close the screen if standing to pee or getting out of the shower. I wish the rear window (only escape hatch functionality) could be tweaked to open like the side bedroom window and the two dinette side windows. The two Vista View eyebrows windows and a white diffused Maxim skylight do brighten up the interior.

I look forward to actually seeing a new Basecamp but would still keep our heavily modified 23D. The suitable Basecamp tow vehicle discussions will be starting soon....

SilverGate · 10-08-2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTRA15

The new Basecamp is being actively discussed in this newer thread FYI:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f404...ng-156584.html

Post #39 has the first mention of price I believe.

And in a newer thread:

Fans of the Airstream Basecamp

**Rocinante** · 10-09-2016, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

The suitable Basecamp tow vehicle discussions will be starting soon....

...and sure enough, tow vehicles are already being "discussed" in the fans thread above. <sigh>

OTRA15 · 10-09-2016, 01:06 PM

Wondering if you ever priced out adding a small operable window to replace the fixed bath window(s?)? In our FC20 the two fixed bath windows, and the fixed window over the galley counter between the fridge and the cooktop, are perfect candidates for hinged windows to match the rest of the trailer. The frame spacing seems amenable to this, assuming AS makes a small enough window. Our old 25' in the 90's had such windows, and the increased cross-ventilation in summer was fantastic!

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

Our 2015 23D International Serenity has a window in the toilet at an inappropriate height. So one needs to close the screen if standing to pee or getting out of the shower. I wish the rear window (only escape hatch functionality) could be tweaked to open like the side bedroom window and the two dinette side windows. The two Vista View eyebrows windows and a white diffused Maxim skylight do brighten up the interior.

I look forward to actually seeing a new Basecamp but would still keep our heavily modified 23D. The suitable Basecamp tow vehicle discussions will be starting soon....

switz · 10-10-2016, 08:12 AM

Maybe the combination is the Airstream Interstate as a tow vehicle pulling a Basecamp for extended space? Does significantly defeat the low cost thought.

AWCHIEF · 10-11-2016, 12:02 PM

Seems almost every rally I attend there is at least one person towing an Airstream TT with an Interstate.

switz · 10-11-2016, 04:09 PM

Don't have access to the 23D now, but I think the width of the bathroom dual oval windows (one above the other) would be the same as the small window above the bed. If so, a good metal shop could probably do the swap out. However there may be a a major rib situation between the two windows that would be negatively impacted by that activity and cause support issues for the end cap where the shower resides. That same two oval window treatment for the small kitchen area is probably better left fixed so the door does not swing open and shatter an open window like on the 28' models.

OTRA15 · 10-11-2016, 07:28 PM

Thanks, our FC20 is actually in the shop right now, to check bearings and brakes [one year after purchase, albeit with low miles], and they are going to give an estimate for the window work. Good point about a new kitchen window conflicting with the main door, but a small Hehr window with the sliding operable part would give some cross-ventilation.

OTRA15 · 10-13-2016, 03:30 AM

switz, FYI the FC20 main entry door, when open, does not overlap that galley fixed glass window next to the fridge, but thanks again for asking the question. The shop is still preparing an estimate, and I passed along your concern about structural issues in removing any horizontal ribs ["cats/blocking" in residential construction]. He did not feel it was an issue, but will think it over. Thanks again.

Peter

texasvette · 12-30-2017, 11:54 AM

OK, I'm not gonna lie, I'm on the fence about The Nest and never really liked the Basecamp. I'm just stubborn enough to not give up my small Airstream dream when I FINALLY get him onboard. Seriously, what is wrong with my man!!!!
On to my question, as we know most places that people stay have a soft spot for Airstreams even when they pass the 10 year old rule that many RV parks adhere to. I have heard so many say they made reservations and the office tells them to come on ahead that the rule isn't for Airstreams, so yay to that. We can only guess because the Nest isn't even out yet but , in your opinion, will they be embraced in RV parks as they age like the original Airstreams? And as I think more about it, the finish on the outside will have to show age as it goes on. This is almost too much for a person to think about while home trying to get over bronchitis and wanting an Airstream now, not later. Happy New Years, yall.