So why are Airstreams so popular? We all know it, that unmistakable egg like silver shape, it always makes me think of those old UFO movies from the 1950s. Retro, but somehow futuristic looking.
Here’s a look at why the much loved Airstream travel trailer continues to hold its iconic status.
- Iconic Design
- Superior Build Quality
- Premium Materials
- Unique Features
- High Resale Price
- Compact Sizes
- Mechanical & Equipment Innovators
- Why Are Airstreams So Expensive?
- A Brief History Of Airstream
Iconic Design
Airstream’s simple super sleek aluminum design has hardly changed since the 1930s. It appeals in all respects, its a super cool nostalgic throwback, and you can find it everywhere in pop culture, films and music.
Airstreams have always been timeless. Their sleek aluminum shape will stand out whether you’re in the mountains or a busy campground. Those shiny silver trailers have got a retro futuristic vibe that makes you wanna shout “roadtrip!” I think this will never go out of style.
They’ve been around for the best part of 100 years, so there’s all those years of trust and nostalgia attached to the brand. They’re more than just a fancy looking travel trailer, I think they really are a symbol of a certain kind of lifestyle, of freedom and adventure. Even after almost 100 years, Airstream has managed to keep their iconic status by staying true to their roots.
Superior Build Quality
To this day, Airstreams trailers are still put together in Jackson Center, Ohio. There’s a rough estimate floating around that 70% of all Airstreams ever built are still in existence (in one form or another). This is due to the main material that Airstreams are made of – aluminum. Aluminum doesn’t rust or rot, only oxidizes. A decent polish and the thing looks factory new.
An Airstream is built to last, the main reason people love em. That shiny silver shell isn’t just for looks, its designed with precision with the best materials you can find.
You’ll often find Airstreams passed down through the family because they’re that tough and durable.
Here’s some behind the scenes footage of an Airstream trailer being built.
Premium Materials
Airstreams are popular because they’re made with high end durable materials. This is something you’ll notice as soon as you step in one of these trailers.
The cabinets are made from solid wood, and handcrafted by super skilled techs. All the upholstery is hand stitched using the best materials that you can get your hands on. This all adds up to a super modern luxury feel that really is something else.
The frame and shell of an Airstream trailer is put together with their trademark aluminum, and (hand riveted) together. If well looked after, these things are virtually immortal.
All the way through the build process Airstream try and find ways to make everything just that little bit more eco friendly – recycled insulation is always used in an Airstream trailer.
Unique Features
Airstream always try their best to be as unique as they can, but still be as practical and efficient as possible.
Their interiors are designed to get the most out of every single square inch of usable space. The inside of an Airstream trailer always feels cozy but never cramped, and their use of the very latest tech helps improve trailer living and lets you bring the modern world with you.
Airstream are super flexible with their layouts, and will cater to almost everyone. The customization options are pretty much endless. I really like their twin bed floor plan.
High Resale Price
Airstreams will always hold a good resale value, even gutted ones fetch crazy prices.
I suppose you can look at one of these trailers as a long term investment, the depreciation rate of an Airstream is way lower than any other RV you could buy.
Yes, the upfront cost is eye wateringly expensive, but I think you are rarely going to lose money.
Compact Sizes
Airstream trailers are mostly aimed at smaller families and couples, making them perfect for last minute road trips. This trailer is basically a small luxury apartment that you can park pretty much anywhere.
There are no slide outs to worry about, and with the biggest Airstream trailer coming in at 33 ft in length, its definitely not a “big rig”.
Although smaller in size, Airstream still make one of the smallest RVs with a bathroom!
Mechanical & Equipment Innovators
Airstream trailers are crammed full of state of the art tech and mechanical innovations. Some models now have smart control systems which let you monitor and adjust things remotely.
Touchscreen controls and app access systems are pretty much commonplace in all Airstream trailers. Airstream solar packages are some of the best available in the RV industry, and are set up with the best solar controllers to get the most out of your battery life.
Most new Airstream trailers are now fitted with “Nev-R-Lube” bearings, which as the name suggests, never require maintenance or repacking.
Why Are Airstreams So Expensive?
Airstream trailers are expensive, but there’s a fair bit of justification behind the price tag. They are hand built, and the techs behind each Airstream spend about 350 hours preparing it for sale, in contrast to other RV manufacturers 50 hours. Every Airstream is carefully put together by skilled craftspeople, hand picked for their eye for detail. This attitude contributes to the fact that 70 % of all Airstreams ever manufactured are still in use today. Yep, pretty astounding.
Unlike other RVs, Airstream’s philosophy is to improve upon the existing rather than switch the old with something new. Its often the case that models made a decade apart can look identical. This helps Airstreams hold their resale value really well (used Airstreams often sell within hours of being put on the market).
Airstream trailers also feature very high quality materials. For example, they use riveted seals instead of cheaper clamp in windows which cuts down massively on maintenance. Higher end Airstream trailers even have sealed bearings that do not require annual servicing. Airstream will always focus on fitting the very best parts and materials rather than trying to save money.
These trailers are designed to last for generations, at least 50 years or more. Airstreams are much more durable than a standard box trailer, (10-15 years) after which most need some intensive maintenance. The solid aluminum frame makes the structure more durable, and the double layered, insulated aluminum shell prevents heat and cold from transferring inside. They have heated and enclosed tanks, so they can be used in all seasons.
Lastly, Airstream provides impressive support. Their transferable three year warranty (rare in the RV industry) gives peace of mind, along with roadside assistance and technical support.
In short, Airstreams are so expensive because they’re built to be the best: durable, timeless, and highly functional, with a resale value that keeps owners coming back.
A Brief History Of Airstream
Started in California in 1931 by Wally Byam, the idea behind the first Airstream was initially a tent like construction bolted to a Model T chassis, this design eventually turned into a towable trailer.
Inspired by designs from Europe, the first Airstream (Clipper) started production in 1936 with a lightweight aluminum body and an aerodynamic shape. And so began the iconic Airstream design.
World War II halted production as aluminum was diverted for military use. After the war Airstream returned to manufacturing, using the procedures gleaned from aircraft production.
Features such as pressurized water systems and full bathrooms were introduced in the 1950s, placing Airstream at the forefront of luxury travel trailer building.
During the sixties, Airstream was adopted by, and used in collaboration with NASA, with modified trailers being used as mobile quarantine facilities for returning astronauts, most famously by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin after the moon landing Apollo 11 mission.
The American economy took a hit in the 1980s, leading to a lot of competition from lower cost RV makers, putting too much financial pressure on Airstream, which briefly led the company closing down. Airstream made a comeback soon after, under new management.
Dedicating itself to quality craftsmanship and that timeless design, the brand reclaimed its position at the top of the RV market
With its acquisition by Thor Industries in 1980, Airstream extended its product line by adding touring coaches and incorporating modern technology like smart controls and solar power options.
Today Airstream stands for freedom, innovation, and timeless quality. All its travel trailers are still handcrafted at the company headquarters in Jackson Center, Ohio.
If you’re lucky enough to own an Airstream trailer, you’re part of a cool community of folks that are all about the famous American road trip.
Why are Airstreams so popular? A combination of that iconic design, amazing quality and the fact that they are literally part of American culture.
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