The cost of materials and the labor hours needed to build each trailer are generally much higher than other travel trailer models. This labor-intensive process is another major factor in the expensive price of Airstream trailers. Once all of these rivets are in place, each and every appliance is carried inside and installed by hand, one-by-one. This is done to avoid damage to the frame and to ensure a watertight seal. The sheer amount of aluminum needed for each trailer is a huge reason why Airstreams are so expensive.Īfter the initial outer shell of aluminum in place, insulation is added and then an inner shell of aluminum is riveted from the inside.Īll rivets on every single Airstream trailer are put in by hand. The entire outer shell of each trailer is made with aircraft-grade aluminum that is wrapped over a steel frame. The expensive price of Airstream trailers is really tied to the painstaking nature of their construction. That is another reason why Airstreams are easier to tow than many of their competitor’s trailers.

This design gives each trailer exceptional durability without making it weigh too much. The Airstream design includes a double aluminum shell that’s wrapped around a steel frame. The streamlined shape of Airstream trailers has a silver bullet feel, which some believe was inspired by the company’s ability to withstand the economic downturn of World War II while many of their competitors collapsed.įrom a practical standpoint, this shape serves to significantly decrease drag when towing your Airstream behind a car or truck. She didn’t particularly enjoy sleeping in tents, so he designed a teardrop shelter for his Model T Ford that included an ice chest and a stove.īyam’s initial design wound up becoming the inspiration for the classic Airstream look. In 1929, the company’s founder, Wally Byam, set out to convince his wife that camping could be enjoyable. In order to understand the design of Airstreams, we must start with a little bit about the company’s history.

5 Reasons Why Airstream trailers Are So Expensive 1: The Design I’ll also detail other fine qualities of Airstream trailers and highlight some of the most popular 2020 Airstream models and how much do they cost. So, in this article, I’m going to detail how the design of Airstream trailers and the materials used in their construction plays a role in their expensive price. Over the years, Airstream’s brand name has become internationally synonymous with class and luxury, which has also helped to elevate the price of their trailers.īut it doesn’t quite tell the whole story. The three major reasons why Airstreams are so expensive are: aluminum body construction, legendary reputation, and the use of high-quality components. Now you might wondering “Why Are Airstreams So Expensive?” The buyout ensured that Airstream trailers would remain one of the most recognized luxury travel trailer brands in the country for years to come. Orthwein in 1980, the Thor Industries company was created. When the company was bought out by Wade F.B. A camper trailer like Airstream Basecamp, that you pull behind a mid-sized SUVs might cost $37,900, while a Airstream Classic could cost as much as $164,400 to $170,900. New Airstream trailer can cost between $37,900 up to $164,400 depending on the style and features. The fact that the Airstream name has developed into somewhat of a niche brand partly explains the answer to the question, The company’s founder, Wally Byam, actually organized international caravans that played a significant role in the growth of the Airstream community. The Airstream name has become iconic in the travel trailer industry.

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