Jan and I went to the Atlanta RV show today looking for the new Livin-lite Camp-lite trailers. Southland RV had them listed in the program. No trailers to be found, we were told two things by different Southland folks, the units that were to be used for the show were sold and to see Camp-lite trailers we had to go to the Southland lot. They did have three Air Stream trailers, the cheapest being a 16 footer at a show price of $40K ++.
We bought a cool step cover for $15.00 and toured a few trailers loaded with wood and departed. The Air Streams were cool but certainly not worth the extra dollars they were charging for the trailers over a CampLite. I figure our CL trailers are going to increase in value as Thor decides what to do with LivinLite.
I really do not think Thor or the Air Stream guys wanted the CampLites there for folks to ask why the huge difference in price between AS and LL; sell the AS! Anyway, we were disappointed in that we could not see the new version trailers at the show when they were listed as being there.
We ran into some of the same issues at the MD Rv show a few weeks ago. We know that sometime down the road we want to upgrade to either a 14 or 16 CL there is only one dealer in the state that sells the LL's and they are considerably higher priced than dealers within a couple hours drive. When we asked where the LL's were the salesman told us that they have one model and the we could see it online or in the showroom. Or he could order what we wanted and see it when it arrived. When we asked a question he handed me his card and turned and walked away to talk to another person who was asking about a class C motor home.
Luckily we have seen a 14 and we like it a lot but would really like to see the 16 and be able to compare them. We know that we are awhile out from buying one but it is frustrating dealing with the dealers. So far all the dealers around us have been less than enthusiastic about selling a LL camper we are really leaning towards buying a used one when the time comes. And I think the older ones will become more attractive in time as they start putting the wood trim and doors in the campers.
Too bad I can't get the 14 that was posted on here now as we like it but just can't do it without going into debt.
Same thing at Minneapolis RV show; local dealer had indicated in the pre-show listing that three LL units would be at the show; none were there. Salesperson said "they are kind of expensive and we have limited space here at the show." Surprised that they could not have at least one there.
I think this is a Thor directive to keep CL from taking sales from Airstream.
[quote timestamp="1457313215" source="/post/19269/thread" author="@montedtrotter1"]I think this is a Thor directive to keep CL from taking sales from Airstream.[/quote]I would really like to think that is not the case and am hoping that is just speculation on your part. There is a huge difference between the LL and Airstream and the people who buy each. To me they are two distinct and vastly different products that appeal to two equally distinct types of campers. I for one could never own an Airstream due to the cost but more importantly the interior headroom. The LL's have been one of only a few campers that I have enough room in and are still affordable.
I hope that LL will be able to stay true to its roots and that they will stay different than all the other manufacturers. Time will tell with that. We are very proud of our camper and can't say enough good things about it when asked at campgroungds. We have seen that with just about every LL owner we have met. I just wish some of the dealers were at least a little more interested in selling them.
Quote from: @montedtrotter1" timestamp="1457313215" source="/post/19269/threadI think this is a Thor directive to keep CL from taking sales from Airstream.
Don't take this wrong.. but as a guy who runs in the Airstream world a bit. I can assure you from interactions with hundreds, if not thousands, of 'stream owners, CL is not on their radar. Whole different mindset and TT world view. While they are both "aluminum" trailers, they are substantially different, and have a completely different product and owner appeal.
LivinLite was a "no-show" at the recent Dallas RV Super Sale RV show.
Since the sale to Thor changes have occured in the line-ups (wood-faced instead of all-aluminum cabinets, TPO roof instead of aluminum roof, lamintated Azdel/aluminum sidewalls for the VRV, change to single axle instead of dual axles on some models, different axle load ratings, etc.) With the recent re-assignment of LivinLite within the Thor hierarchy, my guess is that the changes haven't stopped coming, and for that reason LivinLite does not want to show any product that may be changed from what someone saw at a show.
[quote source="/post/19281/thread" timestamp="1457361556" author="@furpod"][quote source="/post/19269/thread" timestamp="1457313215" author="@montedtrotter1"]I think this is a Thor directive to keep CL from taking sales from Airstream.[/quote]Don't take this wrong.. but as a guy who runs in the Airstream world a bit. I can assure you from interactions with hundreds, if not thousands, of 'stream owners, CL is not on their radar. Whole different mindset and TT world view. While they are both "aluminum" trailers, they are substantially different, and have a completely different product and owner appeal.
[/quote]Beat me to it.
I agree that the 2 campers are completely different market segments. If Thor wanted to purchase CL as a competitor to eliminate the "threat" to Air Streams, CL would already be closed. Instead they invested a ton of money in a factory, and redesign. Not that we agree with all they have done. It shows Thor's interest in keeping the brand alive and selling campers.
My wife and I had the same issue at the Western Carolina RV show. I agree with the comments about the two being completely different, but both AS and LL fall within the same category when it comes to a cult like following. There are only two types of rv brands that I know of that people will travel 500 miles if not more to purchase. I believe owners of AS and LL both love the idea of their rigs construction and will go the extra distance just to locate a model they have been eyeing. I would get so frustrated in my search that we almost decided to head up to Illinois just so we could stand and look at a model we wanted to see. To be honest, we have only seen two CL at campgrounds in all our years and get sooo excited when we pull in a campground and there one is. Both are very different, but are very alike when it comes to the rarity and the type of person that would purchase one of these units.