Shopping for an RV is fun — until you make a decision to actually buy one. Then the panic sets in because it’s really happening. When we bought our first RV, I nearly broke out in a full-body sweat because we had fallen in love with a model that was over our budget. But after traveling in it for over a year and a half, we still feel like we made a really good decision — and that the extra money really was worth it.

(By the way, if you’re in the market for an RV, be sure to go into as many as you can or even rent an RV or two so that you can get a feel for different floor plans. Click here to read more about buying an RV.)

A Review Of Our Tiffin Allegro Coach

After touring what felt like hundreds of RVs and almost buying a different model, we ended up with our motorhome— a Tiffin Allegro 32-SA Class A gas coach. It’s got a big windshield, two slide outs and it comes in at 34 feet (which is a good size for camping at most state and national parks)!

While it was a bit more money than we budgeted for, we feel like it was worth the investment. Tiffin is a great company and both the length and features that came with our coach are perfect for our travel style. It helps that we negotiated the price down, too.

Tiffin Allegro: The Pros

High Quality

Tiffin has a reputation for making high-quality RVs. I can back that up as we’ve put about 20,000 miles on ours and it’s still holding up well.

The quality is what sold us on our purchase. We had been spending time in an RV with a similar floor plan from a different brand. While we liked it, the minute we walked into the Tiffin, everything felt sturdier — solid cupboards, comfortable sofa and supportive dinette booth seats.

The Floor Plan

We love the floor plan. The kitchen faces the door, which makes me feel safer because I can see outside while I’m cooking. The layout allows us to move around comfortably and there’s plenty of storage. In fact, we didn’t even learn about the storage drawers under the dinette seats until after we’d bought the coach — a happy surprise!

Little Luxuries

There are two features that I didn’t really care about in the beginning but have come to love: the fireplace and bedroom fan. That’s right, we even have a fireplace, which comes in handy on chilly days. Imagine sipping hot coffee by the fire on a chilly morning while gazing at a misty meadow. It’s a dream come true!

And the ceiling fan in the bedroom actually does lower the temperature — it wasn’t just a “decorative” fan.

Smooth Driving

Lastly, Tiffin RVs drive really well. Typically, diesel coaches are more powerful than gas coaches, which can make for smoother driving. But our Allegro was built on a longer chassis with a foil cushion, making for a pretty smooth drive. You can read about my husband’s first time driving the coach here.

Tiffin Allegro: The Cons

Wasted Space & Energy

It’s difficult to find fault with our rig, but there are a few quirks. One of the pros can be a con in a boondocking situation (camping without electrical, water and sewer hookups): the residential fridge. It is huge and convenient, but sucks up a lot of battery power.

And although the bathroom is roomy, there’s actually a lot of wasted space. There isn’t enough storage, so we’ve improvised by placing a wire stand to store more items. Tiffin could have installed a small shelf unit to add more storage space. But considering how well-thought-out the rest of the rig is, I’m sure they had their reasons for not offering that feature.

The Dinette

The biggest con is the size of the dinette table. It’s slightly too narrow and when my husband and I are both sitting there, it’s a bit crowded. Sure, one of us could sit in the passenger seat and use the pull-out shelf, but it’s not as comfortable. But given all the other features, the dinette wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.

The Size

I mentioned that 34 feet is a great size, but I’ve actually been longing for a smaller, more nimble vehicle so we can stop spontaneously and take photos or explore on road trips. That’s hard to do with a 34-foot rig — plus the 10-foot car we tow behind it.

Overall, we really like our Tiffin Allegro. And unlike many of our friends who are buying their second or third rig, we’re quite happy with ours and plan to keep it for the foreseeable future. The layout, quality and features make for a comfortable and enjoyable RV experience.

If you’re in the market for a new RV and the Allegro is within your budget, I highly recommend heading down to your local dealer and scoping it out. Even better — rent one like it on Campanda and find out if it’s a good fit for you.

Click the link below to rent an RV in your area:

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Already own an RV? It could be earning you money. Rent your underused RV on Campanda — you can name your price, choose your renters and select your dates. It’s your RV, rent it out on your terms.

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The post What I Love About My Tiffin Allegro 32-SA (And What I Don’t) appeared first on Campanda News.

Authentic Retro Design

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Click Here To List Your RV

The post The American Dream: A Retro-Inspired Trailer With A Rowboat Roof appeared first on Campanda News.

It feels like the #VanLife trend is everywhere. And while Instagram makes traveling in a van look glamorous and easy, it’s not for everyone. There are different types of vans out there, each with their own advantages and disadvantages; it’s important to know what you (and your possessions) are getting into.

Whether you’re planning to rent an RV on Campanda or buy one of your own, it’s important to do your research.

Class B Motorhomes Vs. Conversion Vans

First and foremost, there are a couple different types of vans for you to choose from. Whether you should choose a Class B motorhome or a conversion van really depends on your camping and travel style.

At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between the two. They are both a bit bigger than a cargo or minivan. They both have tall roofs so the average person can stand comfortably inside.

And both the Class B and conversion van are popular for RV rentals because they are equipped with amenities not usually found in cars, while still offering the flexibility of a standard vehicle.

But the differences are important to know when considering if a van is right for you.

Differences Between Class Bs And Conversion Vans

Class B vans are specifically built to be recreational vehicles. This means they have everything you’d expect from their larger RV counterparts. Inside, you’ll find a bed, kitchen, storage and a bathroom. You will also find a water and sewage system underneath the rig.

A conversion van may have a bed and even a converted kitchen, but running water and a bathroom must be added after purchase. Most of the time, choosing a conversion van rental means relying on public toilet facilities during your travels.

In short, Class B motorhomes are designed for camping while conversion vans may need some modifications before they are ready for a long road trip.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Choosing A Van

Social media and online ads it can make seem like the #VanLife is perfect for everyone.

And of course, there are some really great advantages (adVANtages, get it?) that come with choosing a van as your RV. There are also some disadvantages, which may seem big or small depending on your needs and travel style.

For one thing, is there is limited space. You won’t be able to bring everything with you. You also won’t be able to bring everyone with you. If you have children, a van can end up feeling noisy and stressful on long trips. If you’re traveling solo, loneliness can occur and you’ll have to put effort into meeting people.

On the bright side, a van can keep your living or travel costs low. You can fit in cheap or free parking spots that other RVers cannot.

And there is great freedom that comes with van travel. The ability to go just about anywhere cannot be understated. Living in such a small space can simplify your travels and make it easy to focus on what is really important.

Is Van Life For You?

The RVers who opt for Class B camper vans or converted vans are a diverse bunch. But there are several questions that everyone should ask themselves when considering to rent or buy a van.

Do you like to be outside?

Are you creative?

How clean do you need to be?

How materialistic are you really?

We’re not all minimalists and that’s okay. It’s important to be honest with yourself about how attached you are to your things. Because you simply can’t fit a ton of stuff into a van. If the thought of leaving behind most of your clothes makes your head spin, a van might not be the right RV for you.

That said, if simplifying your life has been your New Year’s resolution for the past ten years running, finding the perfect van may be just the motivation you need — choosing a van forces you to really evaluate what is important and necessary.

Love the idea of living in a van?

Rent one on Campanda to experience #VanLife firsthand. You can search thousands of RVs around the world — including Class B motorhomes, converted vans and vintage campers.

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Already own a van that’s sitting idle?

Rent your van on Campanda to share your love of RVing and earn a pretty penny!

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The post Conversion Vans Vs. Class B Motorhomes — Is #VanLife Right For You? appeared first on Campanda News.

Casual Turtle Campers

1. Terrapin

Homegrown Trailers

2. Woodland

Sprouting Sprocket Studio

3. Hütte Hut

Tonke

4. Fieldsleeper International

ESCAPE

5. Traveler

6. Vista

WOHNWAGON

7. Wohnwagon

Portland Alternative Dwellings

8. Salsa Box

9. Miter

High Camp Trailers

10. Teardrop

Zyl Vardos

11. Music Box

12. Fortune Cookie

Güte

13. Collingwood

14. Classic

15. Tobermory

Bonus: (Not For Sale)

Just About Anything Made By Jay Nelson

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The post 15 Amazing Handmade RVs & Mobile Homes You Can Actually Buy appeared first on Campanda News.

Find out which kind of RV is right for you with the official Campanda guide to the different RV types and classes.

There are so many things to love about RV travel. It offers families and friends the chance to spend quality time together. It’s a lower-cost, lower-hassle alternative to plane travel (with a lower carbon footprint). And it puts you right into the heart of the great outdoors without sacrificing the comfort of a familiar bed.

But most of all, RVs offer freedom. The freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. The freedom to choose your destination, your schedule and your vehicle.

Freedom is exciting. It can also be overwhelming. With all the choice in the world, where do you even begin? How do you know which RV is right for you?

That’s why we created this in-depth guide to RV types and classes. In this article, we’ll cover the similarities and differences between Class A, B and C vehicles, as well as campervans, fifth-wheels, travel trailers, truck campers, toy haulers and pop up campers.

Keep reading to discover which type of RV is the best fit for you and your family — whether you’re a first-timer looking to for an RV rental or an existing owner thinking about upgrading (or downsizing) your rig.

Contents

1. Motorized Vs. Towable RVs
2. Class A Motorhomes
3. Class B Motorhomes
4. Class C Motorhomes
5. Campervans
6. Fifth-Wheel Trailers
7. Travel Trailers
8. Sport-Utility Trailers
9. Truck Campers
10. Pop Up Campers

Motorized Vs. Towable RVs

There are two broad categories of RVs: motorized and towable.

Motorized RVs

Motorized RVs (a.k.a motorhomes) have engines. A motorized RV offers all living and driving functions under one roof, without the hassle of hitching and unhitching the vehicle at camp.

Since the engine and living quarters are located in a single vehicle, driving a motorhome can often feel more comfortable for first-time drivers, who may not be used to turning and maneuvering with another vehicle in tow.

There are four popular types of motorized RVs: Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, Class C motorhomes and campervans. Although they all belong to the same category of RV, the classes vary dramatically from one another. We’ll cover them each in detail below.

Towable RVs

Towable RVs (a.k.a. trailers) require a tow vehicle to get from place to place. The size of car or truck required depends on the size and weight of the towable RV.

Towable RVs are often cheaper than their motorized counterparts, and the lack of a motor means there’s no engine trouble to worry about (at least in the RV). And once you reach your destination, you can simply unhitch your trailer and explore the surrounding area in your tow vehicle (usually your family car).

There are five types of towable RVs to choose from: fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, sport-utility trailers, truck campers and pop up (or fold-down) campers.

Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of RV:

Motorized RVs

Class A Motorhomes

Class As are the most common motorized RVs. Built on heavy-duty frames — either a specially designed chassis or an existing commercial bus or truck chassis — these RVs are the largest of the lot. They range between 21 and 45 feet and weigh in excess of 20,000 pounds.

They’re exceptionally spacious, with roomy living spaces and sleeping accommodations for up to ten people. Many come equipped with a separate master bedroom suite and slide-out sections to further expand living spaces. Some even have a “basement” for extra storage.

The kitchens in Class A motorhomes can rival those of traditional houses, and you can usually expect laundry machines, ice makers, full bath facilities and similar features onboard. These are the motorhomes you picture when you hear the words “luxury RV.”

The size of your typical Class A can be intimidating for new RVers. Maneuvering these vehicles through narrow and twisting roads can be hazardous, and finding parking can be a pain. Many people tow their family car along to give them greater mobility once they reach their destination.

These vehicles can also be expensive. In addition to higher initial costs, a Class A is generally more costly to repair, insure and fuel than smaller RVs.

However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in your motorhome, you can’t get more luxurious or comfortable than a Class A with all the bells and whistles.

Pros:

• Large and luxurious living areas
• Lots of storage
• Tons of amenities
• A true home on wheels, good for long-term living

Cons:

• Expensive to buy, repair, insure and fuel
• Less maneuverable on the road
• Size can be intimidating for new RVers
• May require towing a smaller vehicle for day trips and errands
• Some states may require a special license for the largest RVs

Class B Motorhomes

Class Bs are also called “campervans” or “van campers”. And for a good reason: These smaller RVs look and drive much like a van, due to the fact that they’re typically built on a standard van chassis (with a raised roof for walking upright).

The tradeoff for snug living quarters is drivability — because of their compact size, Class Bs are some of the easiest RVs to drive. And there’s no need to tow an extra vehicle behind, as these RVs are perfect for day trips and excursions.

These RVs typically offer a queen-size bed (or a convertible dinette area), small kitchen, storage space and a “wet bath” — a combined shower/sink/toilet. Although many technically sleep up to four, after two people a Class B can start to feel a bit too cozy.

Class Bs are also typically more affordable to maintain and fuel than their larger counterparts. They’re a great option for weekend getaways and spontaneous travelers.

Pros:

• More affordable to fuel and repair
• Easy to drive
• Convenient for day trips or errands

Cons:

• Can be expensive to buy
• Restricted living space
• Limited storage
• Fewer amenities

Class C Motorhomes

Class Cs combine the best features of both Class As and Bs into one versatile and (relatively) affordable mid-size motorhome.

These RVs are built on existing truck or van chassis and typically range in size from 20 to 33 feet. Sometimes called “mini-motorhomes,” Class Cs are smaller than Class As but offer many of the same amenities, including ample sleeping quarters and storage.

Class Cs are also more agile and maneuverable than their larger cousins, although not quite as easy to drive as Class Bs. Many owners end up towing the family car along to make errands and excursions easier once they reach their destination, though confident drivers may eschew this option.

The initial cost of a Class C vehicle is often less than a Class B, despite offering more amenities. However, the fuel and maintenance costs tend to be higher (though not as high as a Class A).

This type of RV is an excellent option for families or travelers on a budget. Because they offer a full range of amenities, Class Cs are also popular with frugal full-time RVers.

Pros:

• Large living and sleeping areas
• Extra storage or sleeping area above driver’s cab
• Fully-equipped with all basic amenities
• Less expensive than Class As (and even some Class Bs)
• More maneuverable than Class A

Cons:

• Driving can be challenging for new RVers
• Still costly to maintain, repair and fuel
• May require towing a smaller vehicle for day trips and errands

Campervans

These RVs technically fall into the Class B category (and as we noted, campervan is another term for Class Bs). But chances are, when you think of a campervan you’re picturing a smaller conversion van — like the classic Volkswagen Westfalia.

The darlings of Instagram, these petite campers offer versatility and style in exchange for limited living space and amenities.

Compact cooking facilities, a fold-out dining area and sleeping accommodations for one or two people is usually all you can fit inside a campervan’s small frame. A bathroom of any description is rare.

Because of their size and limited amenities, these RVs are best for weekend getaways, solo travelers or harmonious couples.

Pros:

• Classic and trendy look
• Easy to drive and maneuver
• Perfect for excursions and errands

Cons:

• Limited living space
• Few amenities
• Insurance for vintage models can be expensive

Towable RVs

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers are the largest and most luxurious of the towable RVs. Accordingly, they’re also the most expensive.

Because of their size, these trailers — which can range from 20 to 40 feet in length — must be towed by a large pickup truck or conversion vehicle. A fifth-wheel connects to the tow vehicle via a “gooseneck” extension, which extends over the back of the towing truck. This feature provides a stronger and more maneuverable connection than ball hitches.

The lack of a cockpit opens up valuable space, and fifth-wheel trailers are, as a rule, very spacious. Fifth-wheels typically include full-size kitchens and baths, ample storage and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people.

Slide-outs offer additional interior space, and the gooseneck allows for a feature otherwise rare in RVs: multiple living levels.

It’s important to note that even though fifth-wheels can accommodate up to eight people, the same can rarely be said of the trucks used to haul them. It is generally illegal to ride in a towable RV while in motion, so you’ll need to consider passenger space in your towing vehicle to avoid feeling cramped on long journeys.

Pros:

• Spacious living quarters and storage space
• Full of amenities and conveniences
• Secure and maneuverable connection via gooseneck
• Can be unhitched to free up towing truck for errands and excursions
• Affordable, compared to similarly-sized motorized RVs

Cons:

• Require large towing vehicle
• Limited passenger space during travel
• Can be intimidating to drive

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest 4-foot teardrops to 35-foot models with room for up to eight people.

The range of amenities and floor plans varies widely. Larger models can be fully equipped with multiple bedrooms, spacious kitchens and full baths. The smallest travel trailers may simply offer sleeping space for one or two people plus some modest cooking facilities.

Travel trailers connect with a standard ball hitch receiver and can be towed by any vehicle rated to handle their weight capacity — meaning there’s an appropriately sized travel trailer for every family car.

As with fifth-wheels, it is generally illegal to ride in a conventional travel trailer while in motion, so you’ll want a roomy passenger vehicle for the drive. Maneuvering can also be tricky — reversing with a trailer attached is challenging even for the most experienced drivers and tail swing can become an issue with larger models.

Pros:

• Many different sizes and floor plans available
• Can be towed with a variety of vehicles
• Affordable (compared to similarly sized motorized RVs)
• Can be unhitched to free up towing truck for errands and excursions

Cons:

• Driving in reverse is difficult to impossible
• Tail swing can be an issue with larger trailers
• Limited passenger space during travel
• Smaller trailers offer limited amenities

Sport-Utility Trailers

Sport-utility trailers (SUTs), commonly called “toy haulers,” are relative newcomers to the RV marketplace. These RVs were designed to allow outdoor enthusiasts to transport their jet skis, motorcycles, ATVs, etc. more easily.

Typically 20 to 35 feet in length, toy haulers are divided into two sections: a rear section with a pull-down ramp and a front section with living quarters.

Most toy hauler owners use the rear cargo area as originally intended — as a portable garage for their motorized toys — but you can easily convert this space into additional storage or even a home office.

These RVs come with the same challenges as their conventional counterparts, namely: poor maneuverability, tail swing and limited passenger space during travel. However, they are an excellent option for RVers looking to bring their motorized sports vehicles on vacation.

Pros:

• Easily transport cargo
• Convenient dual functionality
• Living area can be fully equipped with all necessary amenities

Cons:

• Limited passenger space during travel
• Driving in reverse is difficult to impossible
• Driver must be aware of tail swing
• Less livable interior space compared to similarly sized RVs (unless cargo area is converted)

Truck Campers

Economical and easy to drive, truck campers (sometimes called “slide-ins” or “cab-overs”) are made by attaching a hard-sided camper shell to an ordinary pickup truck (yep, like the one in your driveway).

Truck campers typically sleep two to four passengers and offer small cooking, dining, storage and bath facilities — even though the overall size may only be slightly longer than your standard pickup.

These RVs are perfect for weekend warriors, spontaneous travelers and outdoorsy types who favor flexibility, drivability and affordability over luxury amenities.

Note: The RVIA classifies truck campers as towable. But you could argue that, since the shell portion sits on top of the truck (rather than being towed behind) they aren’t really “towable.” In fact, a fully assembled truck camper does propel itself down the road, meeting a loose definition of a motorized RV. However, without a truck, a camper shell is about as mobile as your average garden shed, so we deferred to the RVIA and kept truck campers in the towable category.

Pros:

• Affordable to buy, insure and repair
• Easy to drive and maneuver
• Great for off-roading — a good “go anywhere” vehicle
• Removable shell means you can continue to use your truck as normal

Cons:

• Tight living quarters
• Very limited amenities
• Must have specific truck model to match camper

Pop Up Campers

Pop up campers (also called “fold-down campers” or “tent trailers”) are the Transformers of the RV world. These compact trailers feature extendable side sections that are folded away during travel for easy transport.

The hard-bodied central section of the camper usually contains basic kitchen and bathroom facilities, while the tented sides convert into sleeping areas for up to six people.

Due to their design, pop ups are much better suited for the occasional camping trip than they are for long-term living. There is minimal storage available and the tent-style side sections offer limited protection from extreme elements.

Lightweight and easy to maneuver, pop ups can be towed by ordinary passenger vehicles (like an SUV, minivan or full-sized sedan) via a ball hitch receiver.

These trailers are perfect for families looking to upgrade their camping experience from the usual tent-and-sleeping-bags affair. They’re also great “starter RVs” for campers who are just starting to embrace the RV life.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver
• Lightweight and can be towed by most full-sized passenger vehicles
• Inexpensive to buy and own

Cons:

• Limited living space
• Little to no storage
• Not suited for extreme weather
• Canvas sides susceptible to wear-and-tear

Phew! There’s a lot on information up there, and you may feel like you’re still not 100 percent sure which type of RV is right for you. And that’s okay — many times you don’t know if an RV is “the one” until you’ve taken her out on the road.

If you’re thinking of buying an RV for yourself, your best bet is to explore different models at dealerships and RV shows and then rent an RV or two to test-drive the kinds you think you like.

Looking to rent an RV? You can contact the RV owner via Campanda to ask them questions about their rig. They can provide you details about their specific vehicle and help you figure out if it will fit your needs.

Feeling inspired? Click the link below to find an RV for rent in your area — whether you’re looking for a tiny trailer or a luxury Class A motorhome:

Click Here To Rent An RV

The post Which Type Of RV Is Right For You? appeared first on Campanda News.

But Dutch architect and designer Eduard Böhtlingk saw remarkable possibility in this overlooked RV feature. His “De Markies” trailer design from the 1980s took the awning concept to the next level — two-thirds of the De Markies living-space is, in fact, a floored awning.

This experimental project featured an ingenious use of space. Böhtlingk developed the idea for the De Markies (which is Dutch for — you guessed it — “The Awning”) as an entry for a 1985 design competition that explored the concept of temporary living. The trailer was Böthlink’s answer to the competition’s central question: “How do you define living space in today’s mobile world?”.

More than 30 years after Böhtlingk first published his plans for the De Markies, his innovative design remains one of the most unique trailers ever conceived. It’s modern yet timeless and elegant design has continued to win it awards as recently as 2015.

Triple Your Living Space In Seconds

The concept of the De Markies is as simple as it is brilliant. When folded up, the trailer is the size of a common RV. With the awnings closed, the whole trailer measures no more than 6 x 15 feet.

The magic happens when the trailer’s side walls are opened and the accordion-like awnings come down to create two new living compartments. In seconds, you can effectively triple the living space into 290 square feet — enough room for up to six campers.

The living space is divided into three separate parts: The midsection consists of a plywood and steel frame and contains a bathroom, kitchen and seating area with sleek, collapsible furniture. In one of the awning extensions, campers find two separated sleeping areas. On the other side, there’s a living room with a terrace.

While the bedroom awning shields light and provides privacy, the other awning is made of a transparent but weatherproof plastic. In nice weather, the awnings can be retracted like the ceiling of a convertible — making it possible to sleep under the stars or spend a breezy morning under a summer sky without ever leaving your couch.

Coming Soon To An RV Park Near You?

Only a few prototypes of the De Markies trailer were ever produced. But with the growing “tiny house movement” there has been a revival of interest in Böhtlingk’s design. It may only be a matter of time before this visionary concept becomes a viable reality and De Markies trailers start appearing in your local RV park.

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The post The De Markies: A Travel Travel That Triples In Size appeared first on Campanda News.

Do This One Thing

Visit RV Dealerships And Shows

Rent RVs Before You Buy

How To Choose The Right RV For You

It’s Easier Than Ever To Find The Right RV

Rent an RV before you buy! Check out Campanda’s selection of RV rentals in your area:

Click Here To Rent An RV

The post How To Choose The RV That’s Right For You appeared first on Campanda News.

Airstream has been in business since 1931. The Silver Bullet is still considered a piece of classic Americana and a timeless buy that is as dependable as it is practical.

A lot of effort goes into crafting these unique trailers — 320 man-hours per trailer to be exact. It takes two to three months for an Airstream to go through the entire manufacturing process from the time the company receives the order. At full capacity, the company can produce 50 Airstreams a week.

The fact that approximately 65% of all Airstream trailers are still operational today is a testament to the company’s commitment to lasting quality.

We wanted to find out more about the iconic Airstream, so we connected with their Vice President of Sales of Airstream, Justin Humphreys, to find out what the future holds for Airstream and their fans.

Kindly introduce yourself.

I’m Justin Humphreys, VP of Sales at Airstream. I manage all sales and service functions of the company, as well as all customer-facing aspects of our organization.

How has RVing culture changed in the last 20 years in your opinion, if at all?

For customers, the culture has changed considerably in terms of communications. Technology has made it easier to communicate than ever before. Airstream forums, blogs, owner’s groups, etc. allow RVers to connect online at their fingertips with smartphones, tablets, and laptops any time of day.

Twenty years ago, the RV community would get together and connect through rallies. The rallies would offer seminars, display new products and offer social events.

Today, an RVer can do all those things from the comfort of their own home or RV by going online. This has affected the culture — we’re seeing more small groups traveling together and not as many large rallies. This doesn’t mean the rallies have stopped altogether, but they have certainly gotten smaller.

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Airstream has been growing every year. How has the company changed to manage its growth?

It’s a balancing act of adding people and improving processes to deal with the growth. We’ve been lucky to add people from both inside and outside the industry, giving us different perspectives and experiences to draw from. Airstream has also invested in technologies to improve efficiencies during this growth.

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What are the touring coaches?

Touring coaches are what the RV industry terms “class B” models. This type of product is a completed van that an RV manufacturer will then up-fit into an RV. With other motor homes, the box is built by the RV manufacturer – whereas the body of a class B van is built by the chassis provider, in our case, Mercedes-Benz.

Customers like the idea of a smaller motor home that’s fuel efficient and will fit in an average sized parking space. Additionally, because the body is built on an auto manufacturer, like Mercedes, they can enjoy the many technologies a car has to offer, like front and side airbags, collision avoidance and blind spot sensors.

Although Airstream is $15,000 to $20,000 more than the average class B van, we are the number one selling model in the United States – with more than one in every five B-vans sold in the U.S. being an Airstream. We love this business and it has created additional jobs for our company.

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Can you talk a little more about your partnership with Mercedes Benz?

Airstream had to be certified by Mercedes in order to build an RV on one of their vans. We work closely with Mercedes to ensure we’re serving our mutual customers the best we can. They often invite us to meetings to share new technologies or products. It’s a great relationship and we like how they remain customer-centric after the sale.

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What’s the most innovative way you’ve seen an Airstream used before?

That’s a tough question! I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world and being stunned at the creativity people have in using their Airstreams. From hotel rooms in downtown Melbourne, Australia to astronaut quarantine units at NASA, the list is long and impressive!

One of my recent favorites was a marketing trailer for Pop-Tarts (something I loved as a kid). They had fake Pop Tarts on top of the Airstream making it look like a silver toaster. It was brilliant.

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Any inside scoops about new products or ideas that are in the pipeline that you could talk about?

Not if I want to keep my job! I can tell you this – we see the fleet size of tow vehicles in the U.S. getting smaller rather than bigger over the next 20 years. We also see millennials entering the market and wanting a travel trailer for their generation. We’re working on products that focus on both of these dynamics – smaller crossovers and younger buyers.

Our core line is ready for the current wave of Baby Boomers, which are storming into the RV lifestyle. The Boomers are a huge group of people with 11,000 of them turning our prime buying age every day for the next 19 years. We’re constantly trying to find the best way to keep this group buying Airstreams while also developing products for the next wave of Generation X and the Millennials behind them. It sure keeps us busy.

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The post We Interviewed Airstream — Here’s What The Future Holds appeared first on Campanda News.

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