Got me an another Airstream

[Theo]

Today I closed the deal on a 1993 Excella 1000 34 ft Airstream.. It is in perfect condition, no blemishes, and looking gooooood..

I bought it from Jim Rogers, a man I now regard as a friend. He is disposing of the somewhat problematic Safari I had before. Thank you Jim.

This one is a slight compromise - It is not the brand new 34 foot that would have been so nice to have, but it is as good to me - and much easier to buy. I am going to upload some pictures of it to the photo page, so you can look later.

Theo

[Theo]

I have uploaded some photos now, and changed my avatar.. This is so exciting - I get to go fulltime, in two weeks..

First stop, New Mexico, then on to Death Valley, then up to Oregon for a while. It will be a couple of months before I can afford the satellite internet connection.

Theo

[jcanavera]

Looks good Theo. Its nice to see a used unit that has had TLC. Enjoy! Maybe you can bring it up to the Midwest Rally in June? Not too far from west Tn.

Regards,

Jack

[eubank]

Originally posted by Theo
First stop, New Mexico, then on to Death Valley, then up to Oregon for a while. It will be a couple of months before I can afford the satellite internet connection.
Theo

Hey, when you head out, let us know! There turn out to be plenty of AS folks here in the Land of Enchantment!

Lynn

[Porky Pig]

If I could have found a 34 in that nice of shape ... and at the right price ... I wouldn't have bought a new one.

You have a gem.

[85MH325]

Very nice tri-axle, Theo! Well done! Welcome to the world of the Behemoths! I'm impressed with all of the options that your Excella came equipped with. The P.O. obviously took care of it for you! Just remember to give yourself a little extra space on right turns! Otherwise, they tow just like any other Airstream. You're gonna love it!

I second Jack's motion as well... We'd love to see it in person in June! You're not THAT far away!

Roger

[Theo]

The condition really is very good. I am a little concerned about the towing experience.. I have a CDL used to hauling 53 foot trailers but they were semi trailers... I am not really used to LARGE bumper tow critters.. It will be a learning experience that hopefully I master prior to an emergency. I am undecided as what to use as a hitch.. A standard weight distributing, or a Hensley.. I need to try both, and the only way to do that is to buy both...

Who knows the difference between the two - is the Hensley a real advantage. I don't know.

I would like to attend rallies, but it is unlikely that I can, this year, as I have to be out west for most of the year. Perhaps next year.

Theo

[85MH325]

Originally posted by Theo
I am not really used to LARGE bumper tow critters.. It will be a learning experience that hopefully I master prior to an emergency. I am undecided as what to use as a hitch.. A standard weight distributing, or a Hensley.. I need to try both, and the only way to do that is to buy both...

Who knows the difference between the two - is the Hensley a real advantage. I don't know.

Theo

I don't think you'll have any problems towing your 34' at all. It's a little ungainly at first, but after you get a few miles behind you, you'll find that it's really not a big deal.

I have never had a Hensley, so I can't give you any opinion about it at all. Those folks who have Hensleys swear by them. I use a Reese Dual-Cam, and once I figured out what tire pressure I needed, it tows behind my Excursion like they're on rails together. It took me a while to figure out, but I've found that most of my sway issues over the years have been directly related to the tow vehicle's tires. Sidewall flex has a lot to do with sway.

Roger

[DreamStream]

Nice looking trailer Theo!

The Hensley Arrow is a great hitch for towing. I have had mine for six years and it virtually eliminates sway. It can be problematic (frustrating(expletive causing)) when hitching and/or unhitching, especially when there is uneven ground or you need to unhitch/hitch at an unusual angle to clear obstructions. I'm in the beginning stages of an experiment to compare the Hensley with an Equal-i-zer brand hitch. (Just ordered the hitch today.) I will be posting my findings comparing the two as soon as I have some info. I'm hopiing to be able to sell the Hensley if all goes well.

[85MH325]

Theo, in looking at your photos again, you have a window in the bath that we don't have in ours! How is your bath laid out?

Roger

[Theo]

The toilet is next to the door, the sink next to that, the shower forward of the door.. I will hunt for a picture.. and put it up there. I am not online in the trailer so am not anywhere near it now..

Look to the album again and there should be one there soon. If not I will try to get one up there before I leave..

Theo

Added on edit:

I uploaded two.. not too good but they show the bathroom. It is way bigger that it seemed when I first saw it, is comfortable to use, and roomy enough for me to struggle with my holster in..

Theo

[RoadKingMoe]

How 'bout loadin' up with frangibles (Glaser, MagSafe, etc) if you're gonna be campin' next to me?

[85MH325]

Originally posted by Theo
The toilet is next to the door, the sink next to that, the shower forward of the door.. I will hunt for a picture.. and put it up there. I am not online in the trailer so am not anywhere near it now..

Look to the album again and there should be one there soon. If not I will try to get one up there before I leave..

Theo

Added on edit:

I uploaded two.. not too good but they show the bathroom. It is way bigger that it seemed when I first saw it, is comfortable to use, and roomy enough for me to struggle with my holster in..

Theo

Theo... that just ain't right! You gettin' a window in the john and all! Our layout is similar, but the shower door opens into the hallway/dressing area, and we have a medicine cabinet in the bathroom where you have window. I think I'd rather have the window!

BTW, I copy stuggling with the holster, aye...

reminds me of a story... I was in this public bathroom in a bar once...

Roger

[Theo]

Yeah, Roger, but you get TWO doors... how cool can that be.. The window in the bathroom is a nice touch, as long nobody is looking in.. Having the light on in the dark makes it kind of visible through the slats of the blind..

Stories about public bathrooms, bars, and holsters make good friends, or make people think you are truly weird. But I can relate that too. Off duty conceal holsters usually do not have retention clips, or even a snap, so NEVER try going to the bathroom with one of them on.. having your weapon slide into the next occupied stall, is not good for the image. It has never happened to me, as I carry always in a retention holster, but did once, to the guy next to me..... I demanded his ID, and permit before I would return the weapon.. he was not amused.

Such is life.. without humor, wouldn't it be boring.

Theo