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Video: Andy Interviews The VP Of Airstream
I attended the Industry Day at the RV Super Show in Tampa this week and had the opportunity to have an on-camera conversation with the VP of Airstream and thought I’d share it with you. (Yes, Tom gave me the a-ok!).
While we all know that the motorhome industry has its share of issues and it seems the customers many times get the short end of the customer service stick, Airstream seems to be taking the lead and is coming up with better methods of serving its customers. I welcome your comments on this topic.
I’ll add that after the interview I asked if the 4WD models could be modified to flat tow behind a Prevost without violating the Airstream or Mercedes warranties. He didn’t have an answer (I think it’s “no,”) but it’s something he will explore.
So I’ll ask: If a Mercedes Sprinter-based touring coach could be flat towed, do you see this as something you would put on your wish list?
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26 Replies
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Loved the video Andy!
I’ll look at them tomorrow …
To answer your question, I don’t think I would be a customer to buy another motorhome to pull behind my bus. What would be the rationale, unless you’re going to take the Class B out separately for a weekend trip, away from the bus. Not sure why you would want it as a TOAD.
In addition, you’re now in the position of servicing two completely different RV’s (yes, I know you already do this); however, I haven’t run across many folks in that category.
I have read that Class B’s are becoming more as the US population ages and, like homes, folks like to downsize a little.
Keep the videos coming!
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I thought this was interesting, especially for those that will one day downsize and want the best of the best like a Prevost.
We do have one of our members pulling a Sprinter Motorhome.
FYI – Andy always clears these video’s with me, so if you see one, I’ve given it the OK and think it would be of interest to our group.
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Thanks!
To answer your question, I don’t think I would be a customer to buy another motorhome to pull behind my bus. What would be the rationale, unless you’re going to take the Class B out separately for a weekend trip, away from the bus. Not sure why you would want it as a TOAD.
I have yet to drive one of these and I have no idea if it drives like a car, a truck or like a RV or motorhome. I have no doubt that it won’t have the feel of a Prevost on the road. My rationale would be to have a toad that not only could be used to go to the grocery store, it could be a way to visit National Parks and other places that aren’t 45-foot friendly.
And, it would be interesting to have a second bedroom and additional bathroom too!
Another interesting Sprinter model is the Winnebago Evolve. This one is an all electric model that’s designed to live off the grid.
When I said that Sprinters appear to be a dime a dozen at the show, I was telling the truth…they are everywhere.
Now I hope that Jon doesn’t shoot me for saying this, but this vehicle will most likely be getting autonomous driving features sooner than later.
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Andy, I really enjoyed the video, nice job!
The weight of the class-B Airstream would be mighty heavy as a tow vehicle.
I could see having one as a second motorhome for smaller venues.
Safe travels,
Mark -
Yep,
I get your point Andy … but even the VP of Sales stated that these class B’s were made for going from “one home to another” or “hotel to hotel”.
Extended stays in NP’s, especially since most NP’s are out West, would require longer distances and carrying more cargo. Although I think if you’re single, you would not need to carry as much “stuff.”
That said, over the last 2+ years on the road, I’ve been amazed at the smaller sizes of what some folks can “full-time” in or travel extended periods of time in. No doubt, a mind-set …
On the plus-side, my wife would drive this Airstream, as opposed to our bus 🙂
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Andy, I really enjoyed the video, nice job!
The weight of the class-B Airstream would be mighty heavy as a tow vehicle.
I could see having one as a second motorhome for smaller venues.
Thanks Mark!
They have various sizes and while I haven’t checked, I’m wondering how the weight of this would compare to a loaded Stacker trailer?
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We towed a B-190 Airstream Ford F-350 Class B in 2006-8 with driveshaft disconnect behind our H. Plan evolved in leaving bus in civilization aka Koa, and took B Van into the wilderness where 52,000 lbs Vehicles can’t go. This way it eliminated long day trips and allowed to stay in the bush for a few days. Then Returned to the bus.
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We bought a new 2018 Renegade Vienna double slide to use when we are in a hurry and don’t want to mess with getting the bus out and cleaning it up afterward. Also its a nice unit that the kids are comfortable using whereas they would be nervous taking the bus on a trip.
Hadn’t thought of towing the unit……….
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We have an interstate. We’ve had it for 6 years now. It’s a 2012 I think. we bought it because with little kids (We got it once our first baby came home) it’s the greatest family van there is. Fridge…. microwave… sink… toilet. And that’s how we use it. It’s the family van.
We only tried camping once. But… the kids were too small. They wouldn’t sleep. We ended up putting them back in their car seats to get them to sleep!
Now we have a Prevost bus! And I would totally flat tow it if I could. Though, in CA it would be well over length. But we would because it’s our main family vehicle and it would be great for day outings etc…. and just driving around.
I do wish that they made one that was the next sprinter size shorter though. It would park in the street a little better. Parking lots are no problem. I think that now they only have the really long one. The one that has some “trunk” space. That is our only complaint… there is very little storage. Or I should say… there are cabinets…but when we go to Costco all the stuff has to go on the floor. I think it would be OK for a Quick weekend camping trip… but it’s not big enough for long trips. Maybe if it was just 1 person it’d be OK.
It drives really easily. It’s just long like a full size truck. Becky drives it and so does my mom. The back is very bouncy though. When you have passengers in the back you have to watch it over bumps. You can literally bounce them into the ceiling. But this is a sprinter thing… not airstream.
We like it so much, I’m thinking about getting a new one!
I’m sure y’all are wondering… it’s nothing like our Prevosts in terms of build, our marathon is light years ahead of our airstream there. I think these look cool and all… and the sprinter drives really well, but the quality is probably on par with other stick motor home builders. I’ve had to fix leaks, fix leaks, and fix some other leaks. Then the water heater went out, the bath fan went out the main Maxx fan went out. The macerator died… and more. And the generator is loud as a weed whacker. It’s embarrassing running it.
But hey… over all we love it for what it is. It’s just ain’t no Marathon!
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Hate when the pictures won’t orient correctly!
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Hate when the pictures won’t orient correctly!
Here ya go:
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Andy,
Why the picture as Alvie?
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Andy,
Why the picture as Alvie?
Because his photo was sideways and I fixed it for him. It was making my neck hurt looking at it sideways!
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Thanks Andy!
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That’s weird, both pictures had the correct orientation for me on Chrome.
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