While Airstreams are one of the most iconic RVs, they’re also much more expensive than their competitors.
You can expect to pay more for one of these silver bullets than you would for a comparable model from another brand. But is this symbol of American ingenuity worth the extra cash?
Today, we’re looking into these aluminum beauties to determine why they come with such a hefty price tag.
Let’s get down to business!
What Are Airstreams?
To fully understand these rigs, you must know where they came from. Early Airstreams weren’t nearly as expensive as they are today. In 1931, Wally Byam began building travel trailers in his backyard in Los Angeles. But his dream started even earlier.
During the 1920s, this visionary loved taking his wife on adventures out into the great beyond. He had a problem, though. She hated sleeping on the ground. To resolve the issue, he built a platform on a Model T Ford and mounted his tent on it.
As the decade passed, his vision took shape, and he sent out magazines with instructions. Then, inspired by the Bowlus Road Chief, he released the first of his iconic brand. He called it the Clipper, which was more a copy than anything else. He simply shifted the door placement from the front to the side.
In World War II, Byam worked in an aircraft factory and took inspiration from their riveted aluminum skins. After the conflict ended, he put his new skills to use. His company reimagined their RV, incorporating this flexible yet strong metal.
Since then, the trailers have evolved to keep up with the times. They’ve grown longer and shorter, and now, they even have travel coaches with cockpits.
In August of 1980, THOR Industries purchased the corporation from Beatrice Foods, who acquired it in 1967. From those beginnings, the brand continued its meteoric rise. It’s become what most people think of when they hear the word RV.
Handcrafted in Jackson Center, Ohio, Airstreams are more expensive than ever. However, they’re just as desirable despite the cost.
Wear it proud: Streamin’ Airstream Camping Hoodie.
How Expensive Are Airstreams?
You already know that new Airstreams are expensive. But prices don’t budge as much as you’d think for pristine used rigs. From smallest to largest, we have a price breakdown that might put a hole in your pocketbook.
The Basecamp, a mini-trailer for backwoods adventures, comes at a cool $49,000. Complete with a bathroom, outdoor shower, sleeping for four, and two floorplans, it’s towable by most SUVs. A similar model like the Winnebago HIKE 100 comes in at around $46,000. Not so bad.
But the Classic, another towable unit, is different. At just over 31 feet long, it includes custom furniture, a fully-clad exterior, awnings, and a luxury bathroom. Starting around $191,500 for a fifth wheel, it’s pricey, to say the least. Comps for this camper, like the Winnebago Voyage 2831, start at $68,000.
Top-of-the-line touring coaches like the Atlas are almost unbelievable. With four seats, a Murphy bed slide-out, and other indulgent touches, it starts at a mind-blowing $310,400. It’s built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500 chassis and looks like a glorified Class B setup.
The Winnebago Era, its closest competition, is only $211,769 starting out.
It seems that the larger the rig, the wider the gap in pricing. With a little over $90,000 difference between high RVs, there’s got to be something special going on.
Why Are Airstreams So Expensive?
From Wally Byam’s first trailer to today’s models, each is hand-crafted. Airstreams are so expensive because of the company’s unwillingness to compromise on quality. They only use the best materials. Even decades old, they command top dollar at resale.
Their reputation as American icons doesn’t hurt either.
Quality Materials
Because they use only high-quality materials inside and out, these rigs look bombproof. The buildout starts with the frame and skin, one on the outside and one on the interior. Thousands of rivets hold the aluminum together.
Everything inside one of these trailers is made on-site and carried through the door. Since the exterior goes up first, getting everything in is a bit of a puzzle. Once assembled, the floor plan is sleek and modern. You won’t find cheap particle board in these babies.
Handcrafted
Airstreams are also expensive because they’re all built by hand. There’s no assembly line churning out these gleaming trailers. And even though they’re sold all over the world, they’re made in Ohio.
Because most RVs have straight walls, they can use any old cabinetry and appliances. Not so for these beauties.
Every piece that goes inside one of these rigs is hand-made to fit its curves. In fact, they’re constructed just like the ones you have at home. If you purchase a used towable, you can customize it using aftermarket parts. That’s just one more way to upgrade your shiny toy.
Resale Value
Airstreams never go out of style, something that increases their resale value. Couple that with their high quality and longevity, and you’ve got a recipe for a pricey trailer. The company brags that in 2006, nearly 65 percent of all models ever sold were still on the road.
When selling a used vehicle, it’s common for the value to drop over time. Sometimes, this number is more significant than others. But even used Airstreams are more expensive than their counterparts. On average, they only lose 30 percent of their value.
That means to buy that $310,000 Class B used, you’d pay just as much as for the new Winnebago, $217,000.
Discover The Best Travel Trailers for Holding Value.
Body Design
The silver bullet design makes this one of the most fuel-efficient campers on the market. Over time, you’ll save 20 percent in fuel costs alone. Because of the all-aluminum skin, they’re also easier to maintain.
According to their website, they’re the only manufacturer to custom-build from the ground up. They go so far as to construct their tanks within the frame.
Because of their low center of gravity, they tow smoother and have less wobble. Combined with 1,200 square feet of metal, this makes for a uniquely aerodynamic experience.
Reputation
Finally, Airstream’s reputation helps keep them expensive. They’re known as one of the longest-lasting, most reliable trailers money can buy. And after 100 years, most of them are still in use. That’s unheard of in an industry where you can only expect 15 years of service, on average.
They’ve cultivated an untouchable legacy. For generations, Americans have equated RVing with these iconic campers. And with more folks transitioning to full-time living, they’re a high-end expression of the lifestyle.
But they’re not perfect: 5 Reasons to Avoid Airstreams.
Are Airstreams Worth Their Expensive Price Tag?
When you choose an RV, one of the things you’ll have to consider is longevity. Some folks may only need a rig to last them a few years, and that’s fine. But others prefer to invest in something they can pass on to their grandchildren.
Even though they’re expensive, Airstreams provide an enduring, exclusive experience that’s worth the price. Built from the ground up, you’ll know a craftsperson placed each rivet and screw by hand in America!
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