Hi,
I've been reading several threads here as a nonmember for the past couple of weeks, and I finally decided it's time to pipe up. I am pretty much a total Airstream n00b; I slept in a beautiful Airstream travel trailer a few years back and, having spent some time in other motor homes too, appreciated the quality of Airstream. And I've always loved the gleaming, rounded silver look of them. I read Carlos' long thread documenting his amazing transformation of a 60s Airstream, and am inspired by his beautiful work. I am not wealthy, not an artist, and not very handy with a lot of tools, however. Still, I am willing to learn and to cope with hammered thumbs and such. (Guess I'd better get that tetanus booster first, though!
) I also read the thread "How much space does a girl need?" all the way through, and that provided a lot of food for thought for me.
Here's my situation: I am looking for an older TT to renovate into my own living space. I will be living in it full-time, but will not be moving it very often, at least not at first. I have a small but growing candy-making business, and will need a decent kitchen with lots of counter and storage space for that. I'd like to have the flexibility for my children (10 & 8) to sleep in it with me if they want. Otherwise, my needs are few, and my preference is for simplicity and functionality. I would like to have solar power and a composting toilet, if possible.
As I'll be parking it outside my ex's house, having working systems (with the exception of heating/cooling) at the outset isn't critical. I'd like to be able to live in it as much as possible while working on the interior, though ... the house just isn't big enough for me to have my own room, and this gal needs her space! He has a Ford Explorer (2007 model, I think) and has said he's happy to tow home whatever I buy. I am planning to buy my own tow vehicle later, once the renovation is done.
I am not sure what size range of travel trailer I should focus on. I'm also not sure if I'll be getting in over my head with such a project! But I really do want a custom space and am willing to learn all I can to make that happen.
Here are my specific questions, and I appreciate any and all responses to them.
1]. Am I being unrealistic with this plan? (Should I buy a working TT first and get used to living in one, then start on the renovation project [with that TT or with a different one]?)
2]. What size range should I consider, given the current tow vehicle's capacity and my needs?
3]. What threads here would be most helpful for the design/renovation part of my project?
Thank you so much for your help, and for this amazing forum!