Airstream Travel Trailers Popular With Movie Stars
Airstream RV is raising some eyebrows with some famous people in Hollywood. A unique trailer with a different look compared to other RV trailers.
Online, May 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Airstream has been around since the 1930's, getting its start in Los Angeles, California. The founder, Wallace Byam, created the first Airstream for his wife who loved camping but did not want to sleep on the ground. During the 1930's Wallace experimented with aircraft type construction methods to lessen wind resistance and improved the trailer's strength-to-weight ratio. His designs began taking on a more aerodynamic and contemporary look. On January 17, 1936, the Airstream Trailer Co. introduced the Clipper, and an American legend was born.
Airstream was the first to utilize riveted aluminum for their exteriors producing an extremely durable product and creating a unique look which has an almost cult-like following throughout the United States. Testing in some of the harshest environments known to man, it is not surprising that 65% of all Airstreams are still on the road today, which is an amazing feat. According to the manufacturer, Airstream travel trailer's aerodynamics gives you approximately 20% better fuel economy than towing a conventional box trailer.
In the 1970's, Airstream introduced the Classic - its first motorhome. The Classic featured riveted aluminum construction and a monocoque body like the travel trailer, and brought a new level of aerodynamic superiority unavailable in any other motorhome. In the 1980's, Airstream rolled out the Argosy fifth wheel trailer, Airstream triple axel trailer, and the Land Yacht Motorhome. The Land Yacht motorhome featured laminated fiberglass construction and had front and rear end caps so innovative that a patent was granted for them.
In 2009 Airstream introduced the Airstream Interstate 3500. It continues the strong design and manufacturing traditions that have made Airstream famous for nearly eighty years. The Interstate is the perfect solution when you don't want to tow a trailer and don't need a full-sized motor home.
Model Year 2011: While Airstream has not released information on what is new for 2011, a company sales manager said the Safari, renamed "The Flying Cloud" continues to be one of the most popular models for Airstream. The 19' has a MSRP of $50,449; the 30' a MSRP of $72,534. The sky's the limit on accessories and options for the new Airstreams.
NBC's Today Show did a segment in March of 2010 hailing the uprising popularity of the Airstream among celebrities. Being used in movies, magazines, commercials, and music videos, several top-name icons are leaving their buses behind, living and traveling in Airstreams. CEO Bob Wheeler believes the surge in popularity and production, up 29 % in 2009, is (in part) due to the desire for an authentic design in a travel trailer that also offers comfort and style. This concurs with the statement on Airstreams website: Founder Wally Byam's credo, "Let's not make changes, let's only make improvements."
The RVDA gives Airstream an Honorable Mention for dealer satisfaction ratings of 80% or above. The resale value for an Airstream is excellent based on our research, one reason being the all-aluminum structure that is very resistant to corrosion. Customers continue to rate the Airstream high in all areas of customer satisfaction. It's only shortcoming in some reviews was the price. But one customer sized it up with these words, "If you want a Ford buy a Ford. If you want a Mercedes don't moan about the price. Airstreams are different and if you can afford one, they're worth the money."
To learn more about which RV's rate best or how to purchase an RV and save thousands, one good resource is called, "RV Comparison Guides" by J R Consumer Resources Inc. A consumer group dedicated to providing fair and balanced RV reviews, ratings and buying tips for motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers. For more information you can visit their website at: http://www.jrconsumer.com/.