Want to buy: Airstream 19 or 20 (Bambi, Caravel, International)

Hard-Deck · 06-06-2021, 03:56 PM

Looking for an Airstream, under 21’ but bigger than a 16’; we like to tuck away into USFS and BLM sites. We are in Idaho and California mostly, but willing to travel reasonable distance for a reasonable deal. PM with details if you are selling.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Not selling one but saw this on the road today. I always admire Airstreams and saw a "Tommy Bahama Relax Edition".

Interested I looked it up, my first thought was "Cheez-O-Rama" but after a closer look not a bad way to travel....

https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/tommy-bahama-special-edition/

rfuerst911sc · 06-07-2021, 04:39 AM

In case you don't know Airstream had a sister line/division called Argosy . They were designed as a more entry level with a painted exterior . Same design and engineering but with a tan painted exterior . It gives you another option for your search .

Avion/Streamline/Silver Streak were other direct competition to Airstream back in the day. Like a Porsche buy the best example you can afford 😊 . And look for signs of leaks when looking at an RV . Leaks are the Achilles heel of the RV industry . Good luck

drcoastline · 06-07-2021, 04:50 AM

Always liked the Bambi, been looking my self but they are crazy expensive. Ralph Lauren did three Bambis a few years back. A Nautical look, a Mid Western and an Adirondack.

Even the fiberglass knock offs are going crazy in price. Casita, Burroughs, etc.

rfuerst911sc · 06-07-2021, 06:10 AM

No affiliation but saw this on CL.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/rvd/d/hollywood-2010-airstream-22fb-bambi/7322248865.html

1990C4S · 06-07-2021, 07:50 AM

^^ Something for Seahawk to repair and tow....

Vipergrün · 06-07-2021, 09:20 AM

I was seriously looking at various AS trailers earlier in the year. Prices are crazy. Instead I am looking at used R-pods. Not as cool, but just as functional and can tow with my 4Runner.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vipergrün

I was seriously looking at various AS trailers earlier in the year. Prices are crazy. Instead I am looking at used R-pods. Not as cool, but just as functional and can tow with my 4Runner.

I have a 2017 R Pod 178. Works great for us. I had heard new ones are backordered a few months.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigster59

I have a 2017 R Pod 178. Works great for us. I had heard new ones are backordered a few months.

Most RVs are backordered right now. It’s a crazy market new and used.

Good luck on the airstream hunt. They are neat RVs, but seriously overpriced new or nearly new!

Check out Grand Design if you decide to stray. They have really good floor plans and the interior build quality is as nice as airstream.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Most RVs are backordered right now. It’s a crazy market new and used.

Good luck on the airstream hunt. They are neat RVs, but seriously overpriced new or nearly new!

Check out Grand Design if you decide to stray. They have really good floor plans and the interior build quality is as nice as airstream.

Airstreams are nice but you pay for the build quality. R Pods are made by Forest River. They have factories in Indiana and Oregon.

The Hood River Edition (which I have) is 1" higher ground clearance and built in Oregon as are most Pods sold west of the Mississippi. People say the build quality is better on the Oregon units. With that said, there are quality issues. The first few trips out you will go into the trailer at your destination and find sawdust, random screws and spare bits that have shaken out of the cracks. Also they have the cheapest "China bomb" tires that should be replaced on purchase.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Craig, most of what you describe is pretty common in RVs sadly. I’ve seen complaints like that about new airstreams even. They aren’t built like they were 40 years ago now, and they are owned by Thor, that builds basically all the major brands.

Grand Design is one that has a pretty good reputation for not having a ton of issues on delivery, similar to airstream. You just don’t pay so much premium for it!

cantdrv55 · 06-07-2021, 03:50 PM

We’ve had ours since 2014

rfuerst911sc · 06-07-2021, 04:08 PM

If I wasn't restoring my 1968 Avion truck camper I would be looking at fiberglass trailers like Casita and others . Most but not all shoddy workmanship on RV's is the way the exterior framework and skin are built . Just too many leak paths . Fiberglass trailers like Casita and others are built like a fiberglass boat , you have a top and bottom that joins in the middle .

Very simple and efficient . All of the systems and interior bits and pieces are easily dealt with . But an RV that leaks ends up with damage and mold . I look on CL almost daily to get ideas on what I want to do to mine . It's amazing how there are so many for sale that have leaks and damage that needs MAJOR repair . While fiberglass has issues it is superior in my opinion against water intrusion .

ckelly78z · 06-08-2021, 02:24 AM

About 15 years ago, my parents wanted to sell their really nice 1974 25' Airstream, so I helped them with the add. My Dad thought I was nuts for taking 40+ pictures, and having him explain any problems, or added features.

He was expecting to get about "Blue Book" value of $12,000. I posted it on Ebay, with a wordy add, and showing all of the flaws. He was amazed that there was a final day bidding war that took the price to $17,700, bought by someone in California (2500 miles away).

jhynesrockmtn · 06-08-2021, 05:28 AM

I looked for Airstreams for a while and did quite a bit of research. The one used one I ended up checking out in person had water infiltration under the dinette. Take a moisture meter. We ended up with a slightly used Lance Trailer but I get the allure of Airstream. All trailers used and new are pricey now if you can find one. Best of luck.

Hard-Deck · 06-11-2021, 07:21 AM

Thanks for all of the input. TTT

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

We have an Airstream dealer nearby. As my brother and I were driving by it the other day he noted how many Bambi's they had in stock. He also noted how pricey they are.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

$60K for a Bambi that is no bigger than the SUV that is pulling it. Don't think so...

rfuerst911sc · 06-11-2021, 12:13 PM

Yeah Airstreams and many if not most RV's are stupid expensive to buy new . The resale drops like a rock and many are not taken care of or are abused . Buying used in my opinion is the only way to go and you have to be a smart buyer . Many ( not all ) RV's are just slapped together with very shoddy workmanship it really is a buyer beware item . But when you get a good one and maintain it a lifetime of memories can be had .

Crowbob · 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

If I wasn't restoring my 1968 Avion truck camper I would be looking at fiberglass trailers like Casita and others . Most but not all shoddy workmanship on RV's is the way the exterior framework and skin are built . Just too many leak paths . Fiberglass trailers like Casita and others are built like a fiberglass boat , you have a top and bottom that joins in the middle .

Very simple and efficient . All of the systems and interior bits and pieces are easily dealt with . But an RV that leaks ends up with damage and mold . I look on CL almost daily to get ideas on what I want to do to mine . It's amazing how there are so many for sale that have leaks and damage that needs MAJOR repair . While fiberglass has issues it is superior in my opinion against water intrusion .

Totally correct.