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Originally Posted by Sunni
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! |
Welcome to the forums
Nice response to that rude post, Sunni....right to the point. That is not the norm here.
Speaking from my experience restoring an older trailer, it is not possible to work on the unit and attempt to use it for camping or as living space. Decorating, maybe, but once you start real restoration work it becomes a constuction site with dust, tools and multiple hazards to deal with.
Ask for a living space and a cooking operation, sounds really difficult. You mentioned counter space and storage as important items.....not available in any Airstream I have seen.
Size DOES matter......in your situation with kids and long term living needs.
If it is not travelling that much, look for a larger trailer. The larger models are often more reasonably priced also.
Most importantly,
and you asked.......it is not realistic to buy an older trailer and spend large amounts of time and money restoring one when you can find a more recent model (last 15 years) that is in good operating condition that is ready or almost ready to use right away. Vintage restoration takes years of work and cost more than most of us would admit and would take most of the fun out of it if we did.
It is hard to get one thing do do many things well. Trailers are great for travelling, camping, OK as catering vehicles, then not any more as campers.
The Carlos project is major in scope and I suppose works for him as a travelling art studio/loft on wheels. I have the same model and use it as a travel trailer only. Combining use means compromising on the other purpose in a very small space.
Composting toilets.....I have no idea? But 2airs photo is a composting model, yes?
Keep reading renovation treads...lots of good..and bad ideas
