Why Are Airstream Trailers So Expensive?

The first Airstream was built in 1929 by an American Wally Byam a former university student of Stanford University. The following are ten reasons that make Airstreams to be expensive.

1. Longer Lifespan.

Airstream is built to last for long. Their lifespan is approximately 15 years. Their longer lifespan is attributed to their durability. This makes them more reliable for traveling especially for the families on the go. Their durability and strength are credited by the aluminum superstructure.

2. Quality Construction.

Airstream travel trailers are built by an iconic aluminum shell. They are built by aluminum because aluminum is light and it is durable therefore it lasts for long.

The body design also tells. They are made in such a way that they can move with a smooth, quiet continuous motion along the road since they have a low center of gravity making it necessary for them to be steady and easy to trail.

3. Lower Maintenance Cost.

Also, high-quality brands such as Airstream need maintenance. Even if it requires maintenance it does not mean that it is costly to maintain. It just requires lower maintenance cost because of its ability to last for long.

4. The Beautiful Body.

The airstream travel trailers usually attract people passing with its shimmer and shine aluminum siding. Above all, their good locks usually maintain despite any weather condition. Its streamlined body makes it simple for the car to move smoothly without any disruption.

5. Always in style.

Unlike other trailer brands, Airstream travel trailers last for long as a good mode of lifestyle. Since the early 1930s when it was gaining its popularity till today it has proven as the most successful and a modern way of traveling (traveling in style).

6. The Resale Value and Depreciation.

Unlike the case of other brands, the Airstream travel trailers can be resold at a higher price than the price it was bought. This makes most customers purchasing the item be more encouraged because reselling it at a higher price gives the notion of being one of the most important assets in a lifetime.

Airstream.com states that the resell value can go high or hold its own.

7. Trustworthy Brand.

Throughout the years they have proven that their products are always of great quality. This builds trust among the customers and hence a great brand resulting in it to be an expensive brand. They normally build their products with expensive materials, labor, and design without taking shortcuts by using cheap materials while constructing.

8. Warranty.

Usually, they used to offer a lifetime warranty before 1974 but nowadays they do consider a 2-year warranty to the buyers. This warranty is comprehensive and can also be transferred to the second owner. This is not common in warranties.

9. Major Gas Saver.

The Airstream trailers can save you gas because of how it has been designed. This can save you from paying high fuel bills.

10. Loyal Following.

Airstream travel trailers have gained a huge reputation over the years because a majority of people including the customers and the employers have spoken so many good things about the brand. One of the good things being durability. The reputation makes the brand to be more loyal compared to other brands.

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Do Airstreams have Slide Outs?

The only airstreams that come with slide outs are the earlier models; those produced from 2001 to 2010, which are the 28, 30 and 34-foot models. Newer models don’t come with slide outs because there were reports of issues with the units, and also their demand diminished.

Another reason behind getting rid of the slide outs is so as to create more interior space in the airstream, making them more desirable as compared with some SOB’s that have double slide outs. For this reason, there was a turn in the market which led to the production of lighter units.

Airstream versus Oliver

Both trailers are similar in the sense that they have two axles which are about 24 feet from the hitch to the bumper, with the airstream being slightly heavier. The heights inside and outside are similar. Also, the capacity of the back tank is the same.

Their differences are mainly seen in their bodies. Airstreams are made with aluminum and use trailer tires while the Oliver is made with fiberglass and uses light truck tires. The airstreams come with standard torsion axle while the Oliver has leaf spring and sports shot. Generally, airstreams have the edge when it comes to extra space. This leads to more flexible interior designs and larger width outside.

Do Airstreams come with Generators?

Apart from the 1970’s airstream trailers, they don’t come with an inbuilt generator or do they have an option of installing a generator. A lot of the newer models provide a connection for you to fix a generator at the front, which is usually at the bed of the trailer. You can use a generator which has 2000 watts of power for everything in the trailer, apart from the air conditioner which will require a generator having 2400 watt capacity. Also, the fridge runs on the built-in propane tanks of the trailer, so you will not need to connect it to the generator.

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Do Airstreams Leak?

Airstreams have lots of openings for leakage because of the many vents, windows, seams, rivets and roof penetrations. When bought newly, they might be sealed up, but as soon as the seals dry up, they might begin the leak. These leakages can be prevented with proper maintenance and care.

Do Airstreams Get Hot?

When exposed to direct sunlight, an airstream can get hot. But with the vents running, windows open, air condition or fan running, it can make the temperature much cooler. It is advisable to always park it under a shade. Despite the fact that they can heat up easily, they also cool off quickly because they are made of aluminum, which doesn’t retain heat well.

How much do Airstreams Weigh?

As more features are added to airstreams, they have gotten heavier over time. For instance, a 22-foot Safari weighs 2980 pounds in the year 1955, and by 1965 it weighed 3360 pounds, and it weighed 4090 pounds by the year 1975. The most recent 2017 Sport 16 or 2017 Basecamp airstreams are the lightest version in the market currently, with a capacity of 3500 pounds. They can be towed with any light truck, SUV, or any towing vehicle. The heaviest has the capacity of 10,000 pounds and can be towed with only a bit truck.

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