[A/S] Thor Industries Financial Condition

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Doug,

I cannot provide an answer but I have been curious about the same question;
the survivability of Airstream, Inc. the parent of our beloved A/S trailers
as I have watched the old dealers close their doors and various newcomers
enter then depart the market.

While in Ohio to have my newer trailer recoated at P & S Trailer Service in
Helena, OH in September, I visited the factory at Jackson Center again.  I
asked questions about numbers of units being manufactured, what type of
units are being produced, etc.

I don't recall the annual production numbers but the thing that stands out
in my memory is that Airstream, while producing the full line of trailers
from Bambi to 34' Limited and various motorhomes, is reportedly devoting
much of their production capability to 19' Bambis, and 23', 25', and the new
27' Safaris.  Sales are probably better in this more affordable line and
that, to me, indicates that Airstream is trying to produce a more affordable
trailer.  Over the past several years Airstream has also devoted a lot of
resources and manufacturing capability to gas and diesel pusher motor homes
which were probably selling pretty well until fuel prices made a sharp
increase in the latter part of this year.

As the mostly satisfied owner of a '93 Excella as well as a recently
acquired '66 Safari, I am most impressed with the light weight and
functional features of the '66 trailer.  The newer Excellas are certainly
attractive, but the extensive use of oak and other more luxurious
appointments throughout the interior makes them much heavier and much more
expensive.  I would prefer a return to Wally Byam's approach as I understand
it:  Practical and light weight materials rather than luxury and beauty.
Given the choice, if I were in the market for a new trailer I would purchase
a new A/S with aluminum and plastic cabinetry instead of oak if the price
and weight were reduced accordingly.

I certainly want to see Airstream survive but it seems that the company is
going to have to produce units that younger couples and families can afford
in order to do so for the long term.

Anyone else have additional information or ideas?

Harvey Barlow
Lubbock, TX
'93 Excella, '66 Safari, VAC member