We purchased our Airstream 15 years ago, the same year my sister and brother in law bought a Forest River. They thought we were crazy spending so much money on a similar size trailer, but we still have ours and have done nothing more than some minor repairs and customization. They have gone through 7 trailers and probably burned at least $100k in the process (plus tens of thousands in repairs), and their current trailer is worth probably half what they paid at 3 years old. Our dealer just offered us only $10k less than we paid for it new when we took it in to get it winterized. They are expensive, but if you have the money to begin with they are a substantially better investment.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

That's a great testimonial for Airstream. It's always nice to hear someone share their real world experience. Clearly you made a great choice 15 years ago!

@actionfaction2558

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. I looked at one of the others…and saw that their product life cycle was 10 to 15 years…. $40k for ten years of use is far more than $70k for life…

@oldsalt8011

6 ай бұрын

They just tend to be more cramped.

@user-gh8sl7iu3y

5 ай бұрын

Agree with you. Not saying any RV won’t need maintenence & repairs but what product doesn’t? Our 1st Airstream was purchased used and when we sold it, to buy a different size, we had a bidding war in our driveway and sold it for exactly what we initially paid for it. Pretty outstanding ROÍ. That was enough for us to purchase Airstream again & again.

@user-gh8sl7iu3y

5 ай бұрын

if you have to live inside they might be “cramped” although if you are a traveler as opposed to a tourist and you travel with the intent to explore new destinations they are the easiest to navigate especially in parks, campgrounds or remote boondocking spaces. The smaller footprint is why we love ours. I know some folks are not adventurous and prefer the resorts or KOA’s which is fine if that’s all you prefer.

Not having a slide out can be an advantage. They are typically poorly weather sealed and a mechanical point of failure, and can add hundreds of pounds of weight to the trailer. They take extra care when you are packing up to leave if they are wet or have collected leaves and debris while camping. I lived with a slide out for many years - long enough to realize I never want another one!

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

There are many RVers who share your resistance to slide-outs for the reasons you mentioned. But there are also others who wouldn't be without the extra room and living space that they provide. Airstream owners appear to be mostly happy about being slideless though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

Wife and I lived full time in a 34 foot Airstream for ten years, best time of our lives. In fact we are now looking for another one so we can do it again. We cooked outside a lot, we kept an upright smoker in the shower and left it outside while camping. We found it was cheaper to have the airstream moved for us and we drove a small car. We stayed about six months per park, so it didn’t make sense to drive a huge truck to go to the store. There was always someone willing to pull our rig for some extra cash and even the professional drivers weren’t all that expensive. Of course if you move a lot this might not be the way to go. When you buy one, camp at a campground near the dealership for a couple of weeks. This is really important, our refrigerator went dead three days after purchase so we had to go back to have it replaced. Stay close and use everything in the unit. Good luck fellow travelers!

@RVInspectionAndCare

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your Airstream RVing experience with us. It sounds like you had a lot of fun and found ways to travel with your rig that most haven't thought about. Have safe and happy travels when you hit the road again!

This video strikes us as funny because having owned 3 Airstreams each of the cons mentioned are reasons we switched to Airstream over other rigs we owned. We’ve always said the reason we Airstream is to live out of our rig not travel simply to spend time inside the rig, That said the other wonderful reason to Airstream is that they are lovely on a bad weather day if you find you have to spend any extended hours inside. Yes, worth every penny, all three of ours.

@RVInspectionAndCare

5 ай бұрын

LOL ... what is a con to some can be a pro to others. I'm glad that you're enjoying your Airstream. Have safe and happy travels in it!

You mention Airstreams being very low to the ground. True, to a point. If you want some additional ground clearance a "Lift Kit" from the axle manufacturer (Dexter Axles) is available to lift the Airstream up to 3". Lots aof folks have installed a "Lift Kit" with no effect on handling. Oh, by the way, our 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud Rear Bed Twin has 4 exterior storage compartments. Plenty of space. Enjoyed your video.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning the Dexter Axles resource John. I'm sure that will be helpful for others who may want to lift their Airstream some.

I've wanted an airstream for 20 years and finally got one. buy once cry once it's worth the money.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

I hear you Tony. And if you plan on RVing for many years, I'm sure that you will be happy with your decision. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

I ruled Airstream many years ago because I suffer from claustrophobia. I said it felt more like a coffin than a Travel Trailer. Many talk about how much nature they let in, but not a night or in a rainstorm. I've also seen some with severe hail damage.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Hi Roy. There's a lot of RVers that just need more interior space than Airstream offers and clearly you are one of those. There's a world of difference between your diesel pusher and an Airstream in that area. My wife feels the same way you do, and that's why we have a big rig right now. :-)

I have a 2022 20X Basecamp and have had it for a year now and did many trips and I love my mighty machine. At RV parks there is a lot of curiosity and they are very surprised it is Airstream although I think it screams Airstream. Your review is 100% right on

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Basecamp's are great little RVs Rebecca. Thanks for sharing your experience with it and for leaving such positive feedback!

A nicely balanced and informative video. Thank you.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Robert. Thanks to you for supporting this channel!

Great Airstream Review. We purchased our Flying Cloud 25RB Twin new 5 years ago. Your pro's and con's are spot on. My wife and I have enjoyed our Airstream immensely. Our 1/2 ton F150 tows it trouble free with no sway and relatively good gas mileage. We got caught in a hail storm 2 years ago and dented it from front to back. We chose not to repair since the panels would have to be replaced and we did not want to disturb the factory rivets. I am close to retirement and planning to move up to a Class A with a little more room or comfort. I think we have settled on the Newmar Bay Star 3014. Will hate to part with the Airstream, just wish it provided a little more comfort and size.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate you sharing your Airstream experience with us Randy. Hail can definitely put some dents in that aluminum skin that aren't cheap to repair. But you have picked a great Class A in the Newmar Bay Star. Newmar is a quality RV builder, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy having more living space. Thanks for watching and leaving us your thoughts on Airstream trailers!

@ocny4468

Жыл бұрын

We went from a Winnebago Class C 24M (happy with that but a bit small for two people and two dogs) to a Newmar Bay Star 3014 and it is perfect for us. Easy to drive, small enough to navigate state and national parks, enough storage for the two of us, and nice quality. We bought a 2022 in 2021 and we were holding our breath waiting for a disaster (so many said NOT to buy then!!) but nope---with the exception of a few minor issues that were taken care of promptly by the dealer everything was just fine. We also tow a little Chevrolet Sonic and are totally enjoying this setup---perfect for us! Highly recommend the 3014 as a couples coach.

Are there any RV trailer brands that are a middle ground between airstream and ? one that really focuses on quality builds, but addresses the common cons (like really having great storage space, lots of openable windows, a lightweight but strong build, high end craftsmanship? i'd think there would be a competitor to airstream somewhere.

@RVInspectionAndCare

2 ай бұрын

That's a good question Jose. There are some very good mid-range travel trailers that have very a good quality reputation. I'll be making a video on that subject soon, so keep an eye out for it. Thanks for watching!

We always lusted after an Airstream trailer but the lack of outside storage was the deal killer. Went with a Lance instead. Always like your videos!

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Hi Paul. Yes, outside storage is a problem that even many Airstream owners who love their rig complain about. Of course, if you are pulling an Airstream, that leaves a lot of available space in your truck bed for storage. But it would be nice to have a little more in the Airstream itself. Thanks for your observation!

@johnharper2016

Жыл бұрын

Actually, outside storage changes with the model you chose. The 25' and 30' Rear Bed Twin models have quite a lot of exterior storage. The 28' Rear bed twin has great exterior storage. The 25' and 27' Front Bed Queen has less exterior storage. Move up to the 30' and 33' Classics and there is very generous storage. Yes, we have a 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud 25' rear Bed Twin. It is our second new Airstream. Love it. Worth every penny. We have almost 300 nights in it in three years. We sold our first Airstream for exactly what we paid for it after 2 years of use.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

@@johnharper2016 Thanks for commenting on the storage situation John. It sounds like you are big Airstream fans for good reason.

@johnnicpon5783

Жыл бұрын

@@johnharper2016 Actually the 33 Classic, especially with the queen bed, has very little outside storage. We recently were looking at it because of the huge bathroom and shower.

As an Airstream owner I really liked your video. Spot on I think.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you so much for leaving a nice comment on the video Sharon!

Airstream Prevost it's all about quality build. Thanks for your reviews.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Yep. For those that can afford it, quality materials and construction win every time. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment!

Having just finished our third camping season with our Airstream here are some of our pros and cons. We spent a lot of time researching and looking at various Tow Trailers but kept coming back to Airstream. We ordered ours (pre pandemic) and got it just as the pandemic was taking hold (we have a 2020 International Serenity 30 RB Twin), Pros: Light and airy. Seems most RVs are so dark with small windows and dark woods. Our Airstream brings the outside inside with light woods and large windows that fully open. Next is ease of towing. It has a low center of gravity and is extremely stable on the road. This pro is a con on your list - No slide outs. When we camp we want to be outside as much as possible, otherwise what's the point. The inside has plenty of room when needed, like on cold raining days. We also don't have to deal with slide out problems (if you can't get it back in, you're pretty much stuck until its repaired). And a pro on your list and ours is the Airstream community. There is a national club and numerous local clubs. Plus Airstreamers are just sooo friendly. When you seen another Airstream coming down the road we always wave vigorously to each other! And here are some cons: First and foremost is cost. Compared to other Travel Trailers an Airstream is expensive. But you do get what you pay for. Second major cons is storage space. Our units configuration provides more outside storage than most Airstreams. However it does get eaten up quickly. So then you end up trying to make the best usage of the bed in the truck. And as on your list, the beautiful aluminum skin is soooo easily dented. Airstreamers live in fear of hail storms! Overall, nice video!

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your personal Airstream experience and your own pros and cons list with us. It's nice to hear from an Airstream owner who is happy to share their honest opinions. Thanks for watching and leaving such a nice and detailed comment John!

We love our 2019, 19' Flying Cloud.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

I bet you do. Thanks for sharing your experience Tom!

For us the answer was yes. our 23FBT has 3 outside storage compartments that we use and that have room for more items, a large bath, a large compressor fridge, and still fits in national parks. We look at it as an heirloom purchase, one that our children and even grandchildren will use. We had two Lances, and both were great. We went with Lance to save $$$.......and now having an airstream, I wish we would have done that right out of the gate. Great video and your analysis is spot on.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and thoughts about Airstream with us. It sounds like you found the perfect RV for your needs. And I love the idea of passing it on as an heirloom. There aren't many travel trailers that would allow you to be able to do that!

I did personally sell my 1977 Airstream for three times my purchase price but the main benefit is the extremely poor resale of other brands making others almost disposable. I would always say other types try to keep nature out while Airstream tries to bring nature in since most time is spent actually camping and hiking and being fairly outdoorsy.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Wow! You sold your Airstream for 3 times your purchase price. Fantastic! Clearly being an Airstream owner has worked very well for you!

It's worth every penny. Aerodynamic, so it can help with gas, look great, has all of your camping amenities and has the best resale value.

@RVInspectionAndCare

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for leaving a nice comment about your experience with Airstream trailers here. Thanks for watching.

Hi. Thank you for this overview. You forgot another major con, that is the insulation and condensation proneness. Unless you live in a dry and constant moderate temperature year-round climate, you're in for trouble.

@RVInspectionAndCare

11 ай бұрын

Yes, I have heard that can be a problem for some Airstream owners. Thanks for including that point here!

Yes they have been around 90 years but no longer an independent company, They are owned by a huge company somewhat like the Coleman brand is owned another huge brand. But I do agree it is a superior product. I owned a 1972 25’ Land Yacht and now a 1999 19’ Bambi since 2000. I noticed all appliances in my 1999 were all made in USA with exception of Dometic refrigerator which was made in Sweden and are still working after 22+ years without replacement with exception of water-pump and this year the Dexter axle and LP tanks. My son and two friends have 2015 Airstreams and all appliances are made in China and have replaced most of them because they failed only after 3-5 years of use. To be honest if we needed to by another RV it would be an Airstream or nothing else. Thank you for your episode it was great!

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear that you have had a positive Airstream experience Joe. And thanks for sharing your thoughts on your history with the brand here!

@johnnicpon5783

Жыл бұрын

Thor Industries was created specifically to purchase Airstream from Beatrice foods who previously owned it. They allow Airstream management to chart their own course.

What about the Black Series brand, do you think they are with the money and is the quality right up there with the Airstream? Black Series does have great ground clearance and a strong looking suspension.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Honestly I don't know much about Black Series Julio. I just haven't had much experience with them so far. I'll keep an eye out for them in the future though. Thanks for mentioning their brand!

Some of your cons are prós….😊 park and use is ease, no slide to be able to walk though; etc.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

That's a good point. It all depends on your point of view and what you want in an RV. Thanks for watching and commenting!

The biggest con not mentioned in your report is the entry steps. There is too much flexing and does not give you a secure feeling foot support.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

That's a good point Gerard. I agree that the steps could be improved. Thanks for sharing your experience on this!

@MrJrnyfan

10 ай бұрын

Agreed, it feels feeble. I have a Bambi 16. It comes with one step. I have read articles where campers miss that step and end up rolling or breaking their ankles. I installed a two-step on it. PLUS, there is a tool you can put on the last step to give it more stability..

He says that they have hardly changed since the 30's...??? Not true of the insides.... Major improvements in the interior designs.... making them the best looking in the industry.

@RVInspectionAndCare

9 ай бұрын

It should be clear that when I said they haven't changed much since they began to be produced, I meant the outer shell and external appearance.

My parents had the opportunity to buy a 1950s Airstream in the 90s. It was in beautiful condition and everything was original. They bought an ugly 1980s trailer instead.

@RVInspectionAndCare

11 ай бұрын

LOL ... Sorry to hear about that Susan. Thanks for watching!

Mr. RV inspector, lets do the "OLIVER" & BRINKLEY ?

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what I can do!

no. not for what they charge. same equipment as other rvs, and that equipment breaks down just the same. rhe fuselage is quality, but rivets pop and have their own issues. but the thermal transfer due to the metal is such a bad idea. they have smaller tanks... all of their tanks are small, barely usable for anything over a week. there is no room in an airstream. if they did a slide or two, it would be different, but they refuse to do that. so if you have a family larger than two people, it's a cramped mess. there is virtually no storage for other gear. finally, they cost 4 times as much as a usable rv. tou could get a regular travel trailer with one or two slides, and if you do some simple maintenence, it'll last 15 years easy. so for the cost and duration of an airstream you could buy 4 travel trailers in successesion for a 45 year run and enjoy each one of those rvs far more than an airstream

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Well clearly, you are not an Airstream fan. And that's fine. There is no RV made that fits everyone out there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Bottom line is that it is all about the undercarrage. No one wants frame and axle failures.

@RVInspectionAndCare

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject here.

@oldsalt8011

6 ай бұрын

@@RVInspectionAndCare Your welcome. I guess with any trailer if you don't keep up with the wheel bearings you're looking at a failure eventually.

Airstreams are not for the walmart set

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

LOL. Yes, in general that is probably true.

IMHO Airstream is greatly overrated! But that is why there are many choices. Not going to throw rocks at all. Just not my choice.

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate you sharing your honest opinion in a pleasant way. I agree that there is no RV that fits everyone. So we all get to choose what works best for us and our particular situation. Thanks for watching and commenting!

One word… NO

@RVInspectionAndCare

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

New Airstream trailers are Garbage compared to the Old ones🤬🤬🤬

@RVInspectionAndCare

2 ай бұрын

Sorry, but I don't agree with you on this.

@dwightbernheimer331

2 ай бұрын

@@RVInspectionAndCare At 80 years old... Everybody's Entitled to My Opinion!!!...🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for taking the time to respond... And don't spend your money on an Airstream... Unless you can write it all off 🤣🤣🤣

@RVInspectionAndCare

2 ай бұрын

@@dwightbernheimer331 LOL ... safe and happy travels to you Dwight!

@dwightbernheimer331

2 ай бұрын

@@RVInspectionAndCare 👍