I agree with every thing said to this point. Particulary that everyone has an ideal size/weight/style/layout and time period. One thing a potential Airstream buyer has is information and I would encourage you to look at the details.
For instance, the general thought is trailers in the 1980s had significant weight gain. Absolutely true, I charted it! But within that period you might find the ideal trailer for your needs. I have owned a 1978, 79 and a 2004. The 2004 was too heavy and I didn't necessarily like the wide body or particle board framing of cabinets and walls. To me that adds unnecessary weight. But my 1986 has advantages to my 1978 that are important to me including center bath, large LP tanks, 2 batteries, rock guards, full closets and much more storage! Oh and did I mention no rear sag
My point is on this forum you can find the details behind most of the models and years. What a great resource. I would also recommend some of the Airstream books out there. Airstream Living and History of the Land Yacht.
But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck
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Chris Keysor
WBCCI 11067
1986 Sovereign 25' CB
2007 Chevy Silverado 1500
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck
I agree. And don't worry, your "first" is the most difficult to find. Once you have one, you will learn what you like & dislike and shopping for your second will be much easier! The most expensive one is your first...it's all a trade after that!
Well, unless you become a collector like some of us!
Shari
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Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
Its the one where you have all the room you need in the bathroom. It'll also have the right sized bed and the bed is easy to get in and out of and make in the morning.
It'll also have the floorplan that fits how you camp.
Floorplans are more important than length. Go to rallies and look around. You'll know it when you see it.
Currently I think the most popular new Airstreams are the 25 & 27 FB models.
To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel
But I am in love with our 58 30 footer.
Of all the Airstreams I've owned (15 I think), one of the best floor plans I've seen was in the 75 22 footer double axle Argosy with the Center L layout.
69 was a transition year for Airstream - I like that year - the year I was born.
Rob
Ditto on your comments Rob excepting I'd be extending it to include all the 13 panel years, particularly those that have been upgraded to include a bathroom and water and waste systems. NOT that I'm biased in any way
Barry
__________________ Traveling Swell
Barry & Donna Life is short - so's the door on an Flying Cloud (ouch)
When at the factory I seem to recall them saying that 19 and 25 footers were the most popular, but that was before the 20, 23 and 27 footers showed up.
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
Its the one where you have all the room you need in the bathroom. It'll also have the right sized bed and the bed is easy to get in and out of and make in the morning.
It'll also have the floorplan that fits how you camp.
Floorplans are more important than length. Go to rallies and look around. You'll know it when you see it.
Currently I think the most popular new Airstreams are the 25 & 27 FB models.
ALSO SEE POSTING 10
As you can see after 2 years of looking we picked a 1989 Squarestream. It is paid for and has all the above listed item for us. Remember a good RV salesman will SEE THAT YOU and YOUR WIFE CAN FIT ON THE TOILET.
My personal opinion is your AS will find you. Make a list of you wants and needs and go from there. For me it had to be silver and rounded. The rest we are changing or living with. Remember is an adventure
Good Luck
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Master of the Tin-Can and thats not saying much
That's a loaded question! Airstreams are as different from each other as we are! Each has it's pros...with minimal cons. We choose the 2006 28' Safari because it was the shortest length that gave us a walk around bed which makes life much easier...especially in the middle of the night!
Our first RV was a 77 Argosy, 26 ft with twin beds and rear bath. The large rear bath was very nice but the shower area was small and very limiting. A larger person would have had a problem using it. The center twin beds were easy to make and comfortable to sleep in.
When we decided to go for a newer unit the first thing I wanted was a comfortable shower.
We settled on a 25 ft Safari Sleeper Six. It has the dinette that gives us a seperated area where we can sit and eat. The corner bed is more that adaquate for us. Difficult to make the bed though. The corner bath is not made for a large size person but I consider the shower great. It gives us true stand up room. I am 5'9" tall and not confined. Since we travel along this trailer is ideal for us. The length is easy to get in and out of tights parking spots. We have no desire for a larger unit.
Its the one where you have all the room you need in the bathroom. It'll also have the right sized bed and the bed is easy to get in and out of and make in the morning.
It'll also have the floorplan that fits how you camp.
Floorplans are more important than length. Go to rallies and look around. You'll know it when you see it.
Currently I think the most popular new Airstreams are the 25 & 27 FB models.
To me, going camping's answer said it best. Rallies and dealerships are a great place to see what is available. Rallies have the added bonus of talking to owners to hear what works well and what they would change.
Dave
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mid-50's 22-footer....
It is paid for
Remember a good RV salesman will SEE THAT YOU and YOUR WIFE CAN FIT ON THE TOILET.
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