Why I bought an Airstream

I talk about the reasons to buy an Airstream caravan, and why I bought one. Despite being one of the most expensive RVs in the world, there are some good reasons to consider an Airstream if you want a serious RV for full-time touring.

[@cannibalholocaust3015]

That era of design is so timeless and cool. Airplanes and cars of that era are just beautiful things.

[@31186dan]

Yes sir! Buy once, cry once is what I always say! Greetings from the USA

[@ItsAllGodAnyway]

There is *nothing* like an airstream. Love the design, the efficiency, the longevity... and totally with you- it’s not a throw away. Buying “throw always” is the mentality that we must move away from if we are going to respect this gorgeous planet we’ve been privileged to inhabit.

[@martkt10]

I love how your dog just sits next to you, what a good dog, and keep up the great videos

[@joeguzman3558]

im very very happy for you i love to see someone doing what i can only dream about ,GOD bless you abd protect you every day .

[@edwardcharles9764]

Why do some people think a 37K caravan means you have more money than sense? A Land Rover is knocking on the door of 100K and to the same people that would be OK, because it's a car! I think there's a word to describe those who find fault where there is none - jealous!

[@bon2198]

edward charles exactly right. If there’s one thing a hater can’t stand.....a winner

[@billdasher3116]

Andrew, thanks so much for posting your prospective on Airstream ownership. I just started looking and exploring my options and this video helped me immensely.

[@frank1847]

You have the knack of giving 100% of the information required by the viewer,r, to the viewer. Again your video delivered everything I needed to know. Thank you.

[@markpullinger7324]

Great video Thank you for your views And your honesty 👍🏻

[@mgten40]

This was really a good video for me. I've been planning for some time now to buy an airstream and I've thought about many of the issues you covered here. I think you put many of those issues to rest for me so I'm heading straight on. I sort of choked up when you said 9 years on and when you look at your airstream it still makes you smile. What a wonderful statement.

[@paula.jackson5463]

This was a great review of why you Love the Airstream, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening!

[@nailekara]

I love the personality of an Airstream ... you´ve got a beautiful work of art there ! Congrats !

[@HaulywoodReviews]

Thanks for posting this. I have been in love with Airstream since the first time that I saw one twenty years ago. Thanks for posting this. It was helpful to hear your opinions.

[@SeasideVanlife]

So true!! What ever you buy, make sure it makes you smile!

[@andrewjditton]

Your lovely van makes EVERYONE smile! :)

[@SeasideVanlife]

Thank you Andrew, thats a lovely comment. :)

[@bhammer45]

Great vlog as always Andrew keep on doing what your doing...... Keep smiling

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers!

[@shandijewele6053]

THIS is EXACTLY why I bought an Airstream TOO!! I tell people the "Walk Up SMILE" is worth the entire cost for anything I buy.

[@judithjordan3474]

I hear you about the buy once thing. Also, I just LOVE Dougall! What a wonderful, laid-back companion!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Judith! And yes, Dougal is the best :)

[@daretodream...898]

Hi Andrew, I have to confess, sometimes I watch your videos just to hear the English language spoken beautifully. I hope one day to retire to an Airstream here in the U.S. I will need to purchase a used one. And of course, I love Dougal, too. Happy Trails from Texas.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you so much! Good luck in achieving your dreams :)

[@susannakivisilta1964]

Dreaming of an Airstream - thanks for sharing your reasonings. Most importantly - looks like your lovely dog approves it too :) Enjoy your travels!

[@dansmith540]

Loved this Vlog Andrew, another great video.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you !

[@MsChicoro]

I love your plan and the execution of said plan: Buy a beach house, rent it out. Travel in the Airstream in the Summer and live in the beach house in Winter. Can somebody say, "Absolutely fabulous"?! I can. I'm so inspired. Great video. I would have preferred Dougal to have been looking at the camera. His eyes are so pretty. But other than that, it was really satisfying to watch this video.

[@almounasaddiyeh8685]

Thanks for sharing your reasons and... mind you, I also smile when I see the airstream in your videos 😃

[@hondavalk]

Thank you for your video. I enjoyed it immensely. I too would love to own an Airstream and am working on it. I like your idea of having the beach house and renting it out. Happy travels to you my friend!

[@johnanddawn2918]

Many thanks for the answer Andrew. Fascinating insight. Best regards John and Dawn

[@andrewjditton]

Thank YOU John and Dawn for posing the question in the first place!

[@Ellie-yx8ni]

Great video. Cheers from Nova Scotia! Would love an airstream, will have to keep dreaming for awhile yet.

[@sambolino44]

Andrew, you are killing me! I had all but given up on any hope of actually achieving this dream, and then here you are with the exact video I was looking for. I already knew about the good parts, and when you described the bad parts, well I was laughing so hard I guess it won't be so bad. So, back to the planning phase...

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! Glad to be of service, Sam!

[@yevgeniykryukov5790]

You are living your dream. I am considering getting flying cloud . Thank you for your review

[@bmontford372]

Whatever you talk through, walk through, review or share your experience of Andrew you are an inspiration!

[@andrewjditton]

Aww, thanks Barbara!

[@truthnotopinion3659]

Happy travels Andrew!

[@davem.2788]

GREAT review Andrew! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

You are so wise. It has to put a smile on your face.

[@jeffking29]

Absolutely great and informative video. Thanks.....love the pants :-)

[@missvanmartins]

Hey Andrew! I absolutely agreed with you. Airstream is the most amazing, good looking and lovely caravan. My dream have one.

[@motelluxe5534]

well said Andrew. Our Bella, the Airstream brings us plenty of smiles and memories. Hope to see you on the road, here or there. Airstreamly yours Philippe

[@mrsb2914]

We've just brought a 1989 compass omega 900 and it was £750. I can honestly say I've never loved something so much, it's had a much needed bath and some TLC and I'm so proud to be taking her to Cornwall this year with husband and three children. We brought a cheap second hand caravan primarily to try caravanning and see how we get on but as its always been a dream of both my husband and I since we were kids I kinda think we will end up upgrading pretty soon. I've just subbed to your channel as its really interesting thanks.

[@andrewjditton]

Welcome aboard! Glad you enjoy the videos. Delighted to hear your story - you really don't need to spend much at all to get a nice van that you can call home on your holidays. In fact, I'll bet you have happier times than those who are precious about their new vans. Happy travels!

[@boroboystu1]

Fantastic , we have just ordered a swift basecamp it’s a 2019 model but brand new and can’t wait to pick it up on the 10 th of March

[@milesandcoffee]

7 months and counting in my teardrop camper and I truly love it! ❤️

[@redstarbetty7997]

You're right that a caravan is an emotional purchase as much as a rational one - that's why I just bought a Cheltenham Sable to restore (thankfully it needs much less than I thought!). It's much less space than the Atlas Festival vintage static I've had for the past 7 years, even with an awning, but it definitely put a smile on my face when I saw it! The rest of my family just can't understand my decision (esp. since it's only 2 berth!) but I absolutely adore it. It's for my 2 cats and I to spend most of our time in out in the boonies, so will basically be our wilderness home - I can't wait!:-)

[@andrewjditton]

Brilliant! And glad to see another classic being brought back to its full glory - excellent!

[@nancehatch2805]

Thank you Andrew for giving me encouragement as I restore my 1967 - 16' Airstream Caravel. It'll be my home too!

[@milesandcoffee]

Small is best!

[@levine62]

Another great video Andrew and like you I would choose an Airstream any day however I am not and never will be in a position to buy one but happy with my 2003 Abbey Vogue. I totally get what you mean about preconceptions I get it a lot with my vehicle, a silver and chrome Dodge Nitro, if people really knew how I live and what my life has been like they would, one would hope, get it but they don't. Keep up the great work mate and keep rockin'

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Dave! A pity not to get an Airstream on the back of that Dodge though, wouldn't that be a sight?

[@jsbrecovered9496]

The most important factor is that Dougal loves it.

[@priyankvashisht9126]

Good video Andrew! Like your outlook to Life

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@richardmiles6826]

A great vlog Andrew, it just goes to show that "all good things come to those who wait".

[@andrewjditton]

Or, as I like to say: 'God, give me patience. NOW!!!' ;@)

[@dweeb90277]

Thank you for an interesting and inspirational video!!! I think this is the first time I watched a youtube video and not looked at the counter wondering when it would be over.

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@russellnewton6660]

It looks like something from a 50,s sci-fi, it’s pleasing on the eye.

[@bobmickey7278]

Hi Andrew - I'm glad to see that your situation seems to be vastly improved compared to a month or two ago. You seem much more confident about the future and happy again! Cheers from California.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers, thanks Bob!

[@crepitus3552]

Great review! my grandfather had several travel trailers and eventually got an Airstream and WOW did they love it! I'm trying to figure out that huge initial purchase price too! maybe not Airstream at first, but definitely on my radar.

[@mitchcollins2947]

You sir are a wise man. I am glad I discovered your channel.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Mitch, and thank you for your kind comments. Welcome aboard!

[@RichardMander]

Brilliant. Totally agree with you. Feel exactly the same way about our 1996 Hymer 544 Motorhome. It just makes us smile. Our Hymer is a holiday waiting to happen!

[@flybyairplane3528]

Richard Mander Hello, I know that HYMER is from EUROPE, but they had a dealership in Canada, there is ‘WERE THE RUSSOS’. Here on YT, they had a HYMER AKTIV 2.0, LIVED IN IT 2 YEARS, but they had to return it , as it belonged to the manafacurer. isa my understanding they had 3bdillerent lines,,but shut down into receivership, funny money problems, sad. So how lig/long is yours ? Cheers from NJUSA

[@dreigabriel6767]

it's really good that you get to do and have what you want

[@jonnyandvonny]

Great one Andrew. Well said!

[@Reyes6.0]

great speech absolutely inspirational:)

[@andrewjditton]

Shucks, thank you Michael.

[@adriancarabajal]

Best of luck with your Airstream Home, really enjoyed your video, Adrian from Argentina.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Adrian!

[@Mr1967flyingv]

Great style and thinking you have, also I love the music in your vlogs

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers, thank you!

[@billsheehy1]

Very nice review. Thanks much.

[@esthervasco]

hi andrew thanks for another great video, thanks for being so genuine, thanks for not suggesting living simply means not being interested in design and beautiful surroundings, thanks for sharing dougal, thanks for your general attitude on life, thanks for sharing - it's a great sunday, sunshine outside, sunshine within - keep going! :-)

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Esther! Yes, to me, living simply means concentrating on the good stuff - quality over quantity! :)

[@oneperspective]

Agree with your thoughts on the airstream. If it puts a smile on your face then that’s all that matters. I feel the same about my Eriba Puck.😀

[@garoldcarlisle5637]

You captured perfectly why I also own an Airstream! Well done.

[@andrewjditton]

Great to hear!

[@ygm_dom6702]

I loved this video! It was the first time I heard someone say that an Airstream purchase is an emotional one and should put a smile on your face. I was sick of salivating every time I saw one going down the highway, so I got one of my own two weeks ago. It is in my driveway and puts a big smile on my face every time I look at it. Cannot wait for my first road trip! Great video. Thanks.

[@andrewjditton]

Woo-hoo! Enjoy, Diane! :)

[@patriciaorsborn7165]

I really enjoyed your video. My husband and I lived in a 5th wheel camper until his death, and I am so glad now that I didn't try to get him to get a "normal" home, since he absolutely loved the whole lifestyle. I didn't stay in our camper afterwards, but enough time has passed and I'm thinking of getting a new one and starting traveling again now that my youngest son has grown up and is at college and I have the freedom to choose. I've started looking at campers recently and I am very much interested in Airstreams, so thank you for the tour and your info about them. And by the way, Dougal is adorable too!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Patricia! Good luck finding your dream camper. The Airstream Sport Bambi is super-cute ;) Also check out my video about solo caravanning - it's mainly UK-centric but you'll hopefully glean a few tips. All the best.

[@ChristopherMacgowan]

Excellent video Andrew; enjoyed it. You are SO right about buying something that puts a smile on your face. If it is any consolation I have friends with a cottage in a well known picture postcard village and tourists think nothing of crashing through the garden and peering in through the windows. Bizarre. I fear we are constantly pre-judged - sometime ago Rolls Royce kindly lent me a car for the day to help out at a friend's wedding; having successfully launched the bride into her new life I returned the car in the evening to the factory calling in at a nearby petrol station to fill the tank. I was made a fuss of; the car was made a fuss of and one woman asked if she could sit in it for a moment. The next morning I drove out of the factory in my motorhome and stopped at the same filling station for diesel. The same cashier was on duty and he couldn't even be bothered to look at me as I paid for the fuel. The moral of this rather extreme story is that we really should treat everybody equally and NOT pre-judge. But it happens all the time.

[@andrewjditton]

It does, and it's sad. That is why I always treat everyone with equal respect. I remember at the NEC a year ago someone swooshing into 'our' R&R room and ignoring me despite my being the only one in there. So I piped up and talked to him... he was quite off with me till he realised 'Who' I was. Then he was as nice as pie. Too late...I will always remember that first impression.

[@acajudi100]

It is about respect, and you are so correct.

[@tspacefullstop4161]

Wow. I never thought about the privacy before...important to note.

[@kinnish5267]

I was camping in Big Sur California and a Dutch woman knocked on my door and said very sternly " I MUST SEE THIS" . I showed her around. She was a designer for purses in the Netherlands and she loved it.

[@andrewjditton]

Oh dear! People who knock at my door demanding a tour generally don't get such a warm response! ;@)

[@stevienewton9591]

well said. whilst I'm not a caravaner i enjoy your vids especially the trips around Scotland reminiscing my own trips there & maybe ideas for fresh adventures too. all I'd say is you have earned what you have through hard work & forward thinking & should enjoy the satisfaction of knowing it. if people prejudge it's most likely they secretly​ desire what others deserve. looks to me like you have life sorted & good on yer ✌

[@andrewjditton]

Aww, thanks Stevie!

[@guy3090]

that's a clever way of saving/making money. . .good shit.

[@peterclark1371]

Recently discovered your videos and was thinking “seems like a decent and sensible bloke, why on earth did he buy an Airstream?” - so was pleased to find this plausible explanation.

[@standingonpins]

thanks for sharing, Andrew, great video and love your van. Regarding the down sides, that seems to be the way with some people these days, very quick to judge and don't care who knows about it.

[@andrewjditton]

Yeah, it's a bit sad about that, but I guess things like envy and hate are all borne out of fear and ignorance.

[@7474lad]

Andrew you make complete sense, I bought an Elddis Affinity 574 2013 brand new with the celebrated SoLiD construction, with in three years it was leaking like a sieve with bad damp in the end bathroom, the body work on the rear panel had serious cracking at the top and the forward skylight was also leaking, had to get rid and trade in & take a massive hit financially, now have a Coachman 2013 Pastiche 520 as the replacement but after watching this I think the next van I invest in will be the Airstream, it makes financial sense so thank you for this vid, now I just need to convince my hubby :0/

[@ari.4536]

Wow Andrew, I can't believe people can be so rude as to invade your personal space like that. I wouldn't dream of peering into the window of someone's rig. Great vlog, I love airstreams mainly because of the retro aspect. Thanks. 😀🇦🇺🚐🐕😀

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers!

[@MrJayaustin]

Enjoyed the video and your views, thanks!

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Jay!

[@mikepeck880]

hi Andrew thanks for the volume Adjustments ! would have be nice to see the inside layout of the Airstream.

[@jonathanr6335]

Lovely video - I understand your love for the Airstream. Just got into caravaning after following your videos. Jonathan

[@andrewjditton]

Wow, that is praise indeed, cheers Jonathan!

[@danielgoodman3020]

I like your dog. Looks at peace in your Airstream.

[@lorrets9775]

Hi Andrew, after watching your vlog as to why you bought an airstream , I felt inspired to write about my wishes to buy a motor home. After a few life changing events , I realized I needed to get out of routine . The typical vw was a dream but reality took hold and I would love to go places without having the hassle of booking a place that is somewhere pretty, accepts dogs and is available!

[@andrewjditton]

Yup. Sounds like you definitely need a camper van!

[@99rylee]

It's one of the best ways to live. Little maintenance and if you don't like your neighbors get up and leave. Airstream is built to last. Awesome choice. Greetings from Canada

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers!

Airstreams are amazing. I have set my eyes on Eriba Touring. I hope that I could make it a reality one day. There's just something that feels like a small pop roof caravan could be for me.

[@naomitinker3759]

I did the same thing with the Abi adventurer back in 2001! I knew one day it would be mine! Shame it took me 14 years to buy and when I did it was a DIY nightmare! But I love it anyway, and if it doesn't fall to pieces on the way, it's going to be taking us around Scotland thanks to watching your vlogs!

[@andrewjditton]

I hope we bump into each other...I so love the Adventurer :)

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

They are Beautifull and as you said it's about what ever you choose being your happy space, My Caravan does it for me within 5 minutes of going inside, If a Caravan suits the owner then it is the right Caravan, nothing else matters.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

Very nice home ! I understand the judgements of others when I tell them I'm a Naturist. Don't feel bad, you are living your life the way you want and are happy. Cheers

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Gregory! All the best.

[@edbakker8400]

Nice video, nice Airstream! Just let people say what they want! Just do your thing and ignore everybody else!

[@campfirerob1089]

Thanks Andrew. My wife and I are saving for one..

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent! Enjoy :)

[@rutyael18]

thanks i appreciate all what you said in your video

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@scottfast03]

Great video. I'm looking at an Airstream and doing exactly what you said. It is a lot of money given there are so many other out there...but they hold their value so well I think I'm going to make some lifestyle changes and go for it! Cheers.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Scott! At least now there are used examples of Euro spec Airstreams available, which there weren't in 2008. Good luck with the lifestyle changes!

[@exhaustedSpark]

You have convinced me to get a airstream. It has been my dream for over 50 years.

[@andrewjditton]

50 years?! Wow, I think you've waited long enough Karl. If you can afford it, then do it now as tomorrow might be too late. Travel well!

[@vikingaesthetics4392]

excellent video again, totally agree with your opinions, my wife & i are looking into long term touring and one of the biggest decisions to get right is which van is best for the job. the airstreams are different from the normal British style of van but there very impressive & holding there value is a huge plus. We will be seriously considering one now.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! I do like the solid build too, and (at least in the US) they are the only caravan that is warranted for full-timing. Not sure what the new arrangement in the UK will be now.

[@vansolo9794]

You could always sell pegs and 'lucky heather' just to annoy people in the Caravan Camping Club! I think it is a great way to live and I am planning either an Airstream or a VW Crafter Sports motorhome with garage built in as I intend to full time this year

[@MikeNaples]

Awesome vid! Towing an Airstream in the UK with often narrow roads and always limited parking must require some brass cojones. I drove an ultra compact rental car through England, Wales and Scotland for three weeks and though survived probably aged twenty or so years. Regardless one of the best trips of my life.

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! Cheers Mike! Yes, this is why our Airstreams are either 7ft 6in wide, or 8ft at most. All the best.

[@swaggattarius4355]

I’m a couple days away from hitching up a 1962 globe trotter and I couldn’t be more excited, like a little girl with a new puppy. I concur with all of your likes and have not yet experienced the dislikes but I appreciate the heads up. I mostly wanted to say though, that I would love to know you in person because you have such a calm, accepting and noble way about you that is comforting. You give great info on your videos and your personality is the icing on the cake. I think I might try using the ‘caravanning’ term even though I’m in the US, just because it sound so much sexier than RVing. 😄 Keep it up and safe travels my friend. 🤗

[@andrewjditton]

Enjoy the Globetrotter! :)

[@steadycamuk1]

Great vid. Your right about buying quality once, When I was purchasing a cordless screwdriver/light drill I'd been tempted by a solid bargain £22.99 one in a larger orange DIY store, the sales person was an ex tradesman and he said don't get that buy the Bosch one its a better buy in the long run - except the same drill from them was £68 and that was a lot of money. Anyway we did get the Bosch and that was 1991 and im still using it to this day - 26 yrs later

[@edwardcharles9764]

John Waite hopefully not on the same job John. 😄

[@janewardguaraldi7975]

All the reasons you stated for buying Airstream, is the reason we bought Airstream. Many safe and happy travels 😊

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@Rovingnome]

Great video, my wife and me, got a Airstream class A motorhome home about a month ago, it is used, but it was in our budget and such good condition. I always wanted a Airstream, and sometimes it takes a little while but worth it, ours is 31ft long with a Chevrolet 454 v8 chassis to haul this beast around, it is a 1994 Airstream Land Yacht...

[@andrewjditton]

Wow! The A class really are special, aren't they? Made all the more special that they are becoming rarer and rarer. I hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it!

[@Rovingnome]

Thanks, you don't see too many of them around here, and I live about an hours drive from Jackson Center Oh.

[@chrismon-ke9849]

Well said Andrew....if you want something you can work hard to achieve your dreams. Speaking of a camera lens pointed through the caravan window....a coach load of Japanese tourists descended on my parent's caravan in a service station outside Dublin about 10 years ago. Even though it was just a conventional caravan, we all must appear in the holiday photo album of about 30 people.

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! Although there is a difference between innocent wonder and people being rude and nosy!

[@YanksandBritsProductions]

Fantastic video! ....bring it up to Derbyshire so I can check it out! I love Airstreams, would love to live in one in America! I sure could live in one here, I think ....but would love to live in one in America! I don't know if you've been to the states but it's very different having one here in UK to having one over there! I used to live in West Virginia. I was wondering if you go to Arizona for the Winter?? I'm thinking of going to Florida, then Texas and Arizona this winter.

[@jns8393]

Well said and sound reasoning. Would like to have seen round it a little bit, but perhaps that's in another video.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks! Yes it is, I gave a full tour a few vids before this one :)

[@kingneptune8937]

Vreat video and well done ..

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Great video Andrew. I think they look amazing and can see why they hold their value. I wonder how many there are in the UK?

[@Venomator.]

I love it Andrew, hence absolutely no reason to tell you why I didn't enjoy your video... 👍🏻 But, I think you probably know, by now, why I love your stuff, especially Airstream stuff... 😎🐍

[@G-ra-ha-m]

I did wonder why you were in an Airstream more often, I hadn't realised you had bought it. Great choice and I agree with your depreciation and quality prognosis. At the risk of looping back to your campervan vs caravan video, what made you settle on a caravan over a camper?

[@allancooper7152]

Andrew I'm from the great state of Oregon in the US. I certainly couldn't agree with you more, you are spot on about how people feel about things and they need to get over it. Live happy and you will live longer, making big house payments and having fancy cars and eating fat and calorie filled high price food is what's killing this country anyway. Yes jealousy and greed, let's skip it, and avoid that whenever we can. I love you little home and my wife and I are just retired and looking at some of the same things you looked at some years ago. Certainly love the two years you worked and saved and were Innovative with your beach cottage rental. My wife and I are doing something very similar so that our house could pay us. I truly wish Airstream made a 5th wheel, but wishing won't make it so. Thanks again, I subscribed and I'm looking forward to ore of your thoughts and videos. Thanks, Al Cooper.

[@andrewjditton]

Welcome Aboard Al! And give my regards to your beautiful part of the world... I spent a wonderful summer in Hood River some years ago.