Have those shiny silver bullets grabbed your attention? If so, you’re among the many RVers who love the vintage look and quality build of Airstream RVs. But why are these travel trailers so expensive? Are they decked out with luxury amenities and premium features? Are you paying for top-quality RV construction? Today, we’ll dive into a popular question among Airstream wannabes: Why are Airstreams so expensive?
How Much Are Airstream Campers?
Wally Bynam founded Airstream in 1931, and it’s the only travel trailer company still thriving after the RV industry boom in the 1930s. So when we ask, “Why are Airstreams so expensive?” we must consider its longevity. Bynam and his team have obviously done something right throughout the decades.
Today, Airstream manufactures 10 travel trailer models and eight Class B camper vans. Just like Keystone, Grand Design, and Forest River build various models and different price points, so does Airstream.
The most affordable Airstream travel trailer, the Basecamp, starts at $47,900. Airstream builds 16’ and 20’ Basecamp RV floor plans. The most expensive and luxurious Airstream camper, the Classic, starts at $193,500. This RV trailer features dedicated cooking, dining, and living spaces and separate bathroom and bedroom areas. They range from 30 to 33 feet in length.
The Globetrotter, International, Flying Cloud, Caravel, Bambi, REI Special Edition, and Pottery Barn Special Edition are within the $54,000 to $171,000 range. Airstream has also released its brand new 2025 Trade Wind, specially designed for off-grid travel. The Trade Wind starts at $120,900.
The eight touring coach lines range from the Rangeline Class B RV, built on the RAM ProMaster chassis, at $154,900, to the Atlas, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, at almost $313,000. The six other camper vans are also built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and range from $178,640 to 264,900. Their largest Class B+ models sleep up to seven.
Whether you want twin beds or a queen bed, a large lounge space, or an RV office, Airstream makes a camper for every type of RVer—well, every RVer who can afford the price tag!
Prices are MSRP for 2025 Airstream models at the time of publication.
Favorite Airstream Travel Trailers
For many travelers, once they buy an Airstream, they’ll always have an Airstream. These trailers are built with top-quality materials. There’s a reason that most Airstreams don’t experience as much RV depreciation as traditional travel trailers. You’ll see more vintage Airstreams on the road because they are built better.
If you’re interested in Airsteam’s best rated travel trailers, check out this list!
Basecamp 20X
Specs
- Length: 20’2”
- Dry Weight: 3,400 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 900 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
- Starting At: $56,500
The Basecamp 20X is ideal for RVers who want to hit the trails or rivers. If you’re going to spend most of your time outside, this 20-foot travel trailer may be a good fit. It features a front convertible dinette with panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views if you’re camping off-grid.
The rear has bench seating and removable tables. This area’s versatility allows you to comfortably lounge and eat during the day and easily converts to a full bed at night. Even at 20 feet long, the Basecamp 20X has a wet bath, a two-burner gas stove, a sink, an all-electric refrigerator, and an optional microwave.
Globetrotter 27FB Twin
Specs
- Length: 28’2”
- Dry Weight: 6,300 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,300 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
- Starting At: $139,900
The Globetrotter 27FB Twin features two twin beds with a center aisle that provides more space in the front bedroom. At over 28 feet long, this rear living travel trailer has a spacious rear lounge area with a dinette for four and long bench seating for entertaining.
While the Basecamp has a wet bath to maximize space, the Globetrotter features a dry bath with an independent shower on one side of the hallway and the toilet, sink, and storage cabinets on the other. This camper also has everything you need in the kitchen: a high-end stove and oven, a convection microwave, a stainless steel sink, and a refrigerator with a freezer.
Trade Wind 25FB Queen
Specs
- Length: 26’2”
- Dry Weight: 6,300 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,300 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
- Starting At: $130,900
This Airstream trailer features a similar floor plan as the Globetrotter 27FB, just in a shorter camper. The closet and pantry storage are smaller, but the spacious front lounge & dining area, comfortable kitchen, and split bathroom are the same. The front bedroom features a queen bed instead of twin beds, although twin beds are an option in the Trade Wind as well. You’ll love the rear hatch that opens up the trailer to beautiful views and provides easy storage for items like fishing poles or paddleboards.
What makes the Trade Wind line unique to the Airstream travel trailers is its off-grid capabilities. If boondocking is your style, this camper offers the largest battery bank, inverter, and most solar potential of any Airstream. The 39-gallon holding tanks will help you enjoy longer trips, and the Trade Wine 25FB is also built with a 3-inch suspension lift kit, rugged tires, and front rock guards to handle off-road terrain.
Top Airstream Camper Van Models
Airstream added motorhomes to its lineup in the mid-1970s. Throughout the years, Airstream released the Argosy, the Classic, and the Land Yacht as motorized options for travelers. However, they stopped manufacturing these campers after a couple of decades.
In 2004, Airstream launched the Interstate Touring Coach line and has. These small Airstream motorhomes are built with the same top-quality and ingenuity as the travel trailers, thus the steep price tag. Let’s take a look at our favorites!
Rangeline 20
Specs
- Length: 20’11”
- Chassis: RAM ProMaster 3500
- Tow Capacity: Up to 3,500 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
- Starting At: $154,900
One of my favorite features of this Airstream touring coach is the flex table system behind the captain’s chairs. This system has an easy slide adjustment and extension for a comfortable place to eat, play cards, or work. Behind this area is the wet bath, and across the hall is the full kitchen with an all-electric refrigerator, a stowaway electric stovetop, a sink, and a microwave.
In the rear of the Rangeline 20, you’ll enjoy a clever European bed suspension system that maximizes the small space. There’s plenty of storage underneath the bed for all of your outdoor gear, and the comfortable full-size bed easily folds away.
Interstate 19X
Want to see the latest RVs? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel and never miss a video.
Specs
- Length: 19’5”
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 AWD
- Tow Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
- Starting At: $217,900
The Interstate 19X is one of the best-selling Airstream touring coaches for a reason. It’s rugged, simple, and versatile, making it ideal for many solo travelers and couples. I love that the wet bath is right across from the entry door, an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts who need to wash up after a day of hiking, biking, or paddling.
While the kitchen is small, it has everything you need: a microwave, a two-burner stovetop, a sink, and an all-electric refrigerator. Finally, the rear of the coach features bench seating that converts into a sleeping space. But the main feature here is the L-track system, which easily allows you to load and secure bikes, kayaks, and more.
Atlas Murphy Suite
Want to see the latest RVs? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel and never miss a video.
Specs
- Length: 24’9”
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
- Tow Capacity: up to 4,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Starting At: $312,900
The most expensive Airstream camper is the Atlas Murphy Suite touring coach. This Class B+ van features a power slide-out, providing additional interior space in the front living area. You’ll enjoy a comfortable reclining sofa when lounging, with two adjustable and removable dining tables. When it’s time for bed, the Murphy bed extends over the sofa for a convenient sleeping space.
The L-shaped kitchen features a two-burner stove, a stainless steel sink, a convection microwave, a slide-out pantry, and a refrigerator with a freezer. To maximize the space, Airstream built a Televator system into the large countertop across from the sofa & bed, allowing you to easily raise or lower the 40” LED TV as needed.
Finally, I love the rear bathroom. While this camper lacks storage for outdoor gear, it has a spacious bathroom that spans the entire rear of the RV. It has a medicine cabinet, cabinets underneath the sink, and a closet for hanging storage.
Why Are Airstream Campers So Expensive?
In many cases, Airstream campers are simply built better with better materials. You’ll find a 1985 Airstream that costs as much as a brand-new trailer because Airstreams retain their value. So even though you wonder, “Why are Airstreams so expensive?” know that you’ll hold on to that value longer and pay for fewer repairs.
Also, consider the price of aluminum. The sleek silver bodies don’t come cheap to manufacture. While this design has its benefits, the cost is certainly a downside. You get a better product than a fiberglass trailer, but you also get a higher price tag.
Where Are Airstream Campers Made?
Wally Bynum started manufacturing Airstream trailers in California in the early 1930s. But over the next two decades, the company outgrew this space and moved east to Jackson Center, Ohio. This is still the home of Airstream, although it operates in a much larger 750,000 square-foot headquarters today.
Do Airstream Trailers Have Slide-outs?
You won’t find any new Airstream travel trailers with slide-outs. However, for a handful of years in the early 2000s, Airstream did manufacture trailers with a slide-out. They didn’t sell many models, probably because Airstream enthusiasts prefer the classic design and the less hassle and weight of a slide-out. Plus, adding a slide-out increased cost, so Airstream chose to stop making these campers altogether. However, the Atlas Murphy Suite Class B camper van does have a single slide-out. Currently, this is the only Airstream model with this feature.
How Wide Are Airstream Trailers?
Since Airstream campers don’t have slide-outs, they have a smaller footprint than other travel trailers. They are usually 7-8.5 feet wide. For example, the Classic 33FB is the largest model at 33 feet long and 8’5.5” wide. The smallest Basecamp is 16 feet long and 7 feet wide.
Yes, it’s normal to ask the question, “Why are Airstreams so expensive?” But if you have the budget, they’re long-lasting, durable campers with sleek designs and technological innovations. Airstream has been around for almost a century, and its stellar reputation has made it a recognizable and highly sought-after brand.
If you’d like to learn more about the Airstream touring coaches, we have resources for you!
- Read about the Airstream Atlas Class B+ van
- Check out the exclusive Airstream Interstate 19X LE Outland Edition
- Learn more about the Airstream Interstate 24X’s full-time living capabilities
- Compare Airstreams to some of the best affordable small RVs
Do you own an Airstream or hope to own one in the future? Do you think the price tag is worth it? Let us know in the comments below!
I own a 2016 30’ Classic. It is easy to pull, very comfortable and it’s resale value exceeds what I paid for it.
Love that feedback! It’s one of the big reasons why spending a little more on an Airstream can be worth it in the long run.