Airstream and Winnebago are both trendy names to those people who want to start their adventure on the road. Whenever RVs come to mind, these are the two names that usually pop up in conversation. Each of them has its advantages, and despite being very popular, they are also both so different from each other. I will be doing a little bit of comparing apples to oranges.
Airstreams offer a more unique and iconic design, whereas Winnebago has a more traditional RV design. Unlike Airstreams, Winnebago is not made out of eco-friendly materials. Winnebago takes the win when it comes to the amount of model choices. Lastly, Airstreams come with a hefty price tag than an RV.
In this article, I will talk about the different features each Airstream and Winnebago has to offer as well as the disadvantages. Lastly, I will also talk about the best rig for you to choose for your life on the road. I however am very biased toward the more expensive Airstreams. If you’d like a more one sided article, check my other article: Winnebe-go or Winnebeg-no. Continuing on to this article, I have done my best to give you an even comparison in order for you to come to your own conclusion.
What Makes Them Different From Each Other
There are different features that Airstream and Winnebago have to offer, from chassis to housing. In this section, I will talk about the various features each of them has and what makes them different from each other.
The Iconic Airstream Features
First, let’s tackle the main features that an Airstream has to offer. Airstreams provide an iconic design and use many recycled materials that are more environmentally friendly. However, Airstreams do not provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to models, and they tend to be expensive.
Thanks to their shaped-like bullet design, it is considered to be the most recognizable look when it comes to RVs. With the aluminum siding, and chassis that sits on a steel frame to form a ladder design underneath, it offers extra stability while you’re on the road.
The axles on the Airstream are different from other trailers because it uses torsion axles where each tire has a rubber torsion arm. These axles are attached separately to the tire allowing them to move independently. Most people look at the space and comfort of an Airstream but don’t consider the axle construction, which affects the ease of towing.
Airstreams are very efficient because of their aerodynamic shape and weight. You save about 30 percent on fuel costs when choosing Airstream. When it comes to the housing of Airstreams, they are built differently than any other trailer available on the market. They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum outside and sprayed down with a formula that protects them from corrosions, UV light, mold, and other damage types.
The walls of an Airstream are filled with eco-friendly batting insulation that is made up of at least 60 percent recycled material. It is sealed with a thermal barrier that helps protect the trailer from heat, making it comfortable to live in. Lastly, the Airstream windows are made of single-pane tempered glass that is sealed with polyurethane, placed in an aluminum frame, and riveted against the aluminum housing.
Now, with this window built, it doesn’t do well when it comes to energy efficiency. Another disadvantage when it comes to Airstreams is the manual stabilizer jacks, and as I’ve mentioned above, it is very expensive.
The Very Well Known Brand: Winnebago
The Winnebago may be a well-known brand, but it doesn’t have a unique and iconic look like an Airstream. Winnebago keeps up with traditional RV styles. You can choose from different floorplans that will fit your needs while on the road. If you want to go the cheaper route, Winnebago is your best choice.
When it comes to the chassis, each model is built differently. It is more efficient since they don’t reinvent the wheel in their own factory. They usually purchase each chassis from other manufacturers. Chassis are generally from auto manufacturers such as Ford or Mercedes-Benz. This process is much less time-intensive and reduces the cost of the Winnebago.
Winnebago uses aluminum framing from roof to walls which creates support for any joints or openings. The roof and walls are made of fiberglass, where the aluminum framing interlocks with the fiberglass at the joints, making it a unique construction. With these features, you will get the best possible support for Winnebago.
The windows on a Winnebago are acrylic, which makes it a unique and interesting choice. It is much more like door pane windows that you might have in your house. They are much lighter, and the weather and the sound protection of a dual-pane window are best if you are concerned about the weight.
Some Winnebago has frame slider windows which are commonly used in RVs. You can compare these windows to the ones that are found in a regular home. Usually, they come in a single pane but can be upgraded to a double pane as well as frameless windows, making it more elegant but harder to maintain.
As mentioned above, Winnebago offers a wide range of models such as travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. It also offers a durable construction from a reputable brand and tank valve location that keeps them clean and dry. Winnebago also provides different floor plans and prices that will fit your budget as well as your needs.
One of the downsides when it comes to Winnebago is the design. Unlike the Airstream, Winnebago doesn’t have an iconic design. It is also not as aerodynamic as the Airstream and not very eco-friendly.
The Final Say: Airstream Vs. Winnebago
The Airstream and Winnebago are the best rigs for your life on the road. Now, if you want an iconic design and eco-friendly construction, Airstream is the best way to go. Airstreams are durable and long lasting, making them a great investment despite the huge upfront you have to pay. Every cent will count because you can enjoy it for decades.
If you want more flexibility when it comes to design, the Winnebago is the best way to go. It is an excellent brand that has been around for a long time. You can choose from different floor plans that will meet your needs as well as your brand. The design may not be as iconic as the Airstream, but you can have it your way when it comes to a Winnebago. This is the best way to go when you want a budget-friendly rig.
No matter what you choose, as long as you are comfortable on the road and something that you can call your home, then that will be the best rig for you. Happy choosing!
