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Old 01-03-2018, 11:14 AM   #1
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Are we burned out? Airstream versus resorts? Too much prep?

Hey guys! Well, to set it up, we just came off a 10 day bust of a trip that just didn't go as planned. We did this same trip last year to the beach and it was just like out of a movie....right on the beach, warm everyday, etc. Well, much like the majority of the country this last week, it was ice cold, stormed the entire time, massive winds, etc. So....we were inside 90% of the time which I know has skewed our sights.

But...we do go through this a lot....the ole Love/Hate relationship. We are very involved with the AS community and all of our friends know that's the main enjoyment we have as a family. But, as those of you who are the packers know, it's always a massive preparation time for my wife before we go, packing for days, un-packing for days, etc. Then just the additional trip planning, etc.

In this situation, we spent $1300 on the spot on the beach, $400-500 in fuel (since we were in a 3/4 ton truck).

We are also skewed a bit because this year has been one of out of the ordinary maintenance....all piddly stuff, but annoying. Faucets, minor leaks, some electrical goofy stuff, some awning rot. Plus, we are due for new flooring, as the vinyl is starting to curl in some of the corners. 2009 27FB, so I know we are due for some normal maintenance.

I know this has been a ramble, but I guess I'm just asking if you guys go thorough the similar. Part of us LOVES it and thinks there's NOTHING like it. Then, part of us thinks sell it, put all that cash in a travel fund and just keep it simple.

Thanks for letting me vent/ talk/ ask. Has anyone ever dumped theirs, regretted and came back? Or dumped and glad you're now resorting (which you probably wouldnt be on this forum anymore). Ha!

Justin
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:17 AM   #2
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I agree. After our summer trip we sold everything, tv and trailer. Just too much expense and hassle anymore! Still enjoy the forums though! Its like reading the comic strips! Dont miss the bs of rving though. My admiration to those who do enjoy it. I just couldnt justify the hassle and expense since we are limited dollars wise. Tough decision. Lets see other comments.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:23 AM   #3
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Are we burned out? Airstream versus resorts? Too much prep?

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Originally Posted by avionstream View Post
I agree. After our summer trip we sold everything, tv and trailer. Just too much expense and hassle anymore! Still enjoy the forums though!


What was your biggest frustration? Plus, one of our frustrations has been the fact that, especially in our area of Tennessee, camping has exploded, so we are rarely able to get a site anymore without advanced notice. That kind of kills some of the spontaneity.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:34 AM   #4
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Everything you ststed. Always seemed to be a tv or trailerr expense before leaving and then a problem on the road or campground.
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Old 01-03-2018, 11:37 AM   #5
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Everything you ststed. Always seemed to be a tv or trailerr expense before leaving and then a problem on the road or campground.


Yes – those unexpected expenses that just add up. The antenna went out on this trip, so I put in a new one, but the coax cable snapped, so I’ve got to have that re-run. We prob went through $75 in propane because we had to boondock a couple nights. Now the batteries aren’t working long, etc, etc. I think with Airbnb getting so popular and having so many options, it really is tempting to keep it more simple.Say, if mine is worth $50,000 roughly, cash out and put that in a travel fund.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:01 PM   #6
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So, you are ready to:

Book over-priced flights,

Be strip searched on the way through security,

Get bumped from the flight when you finally make it to the gate,

Sit in a seat that won't fit a skinny 5 year old,

Wait for baggage that was never on the flight to begin with,

Stay in a bed-bug ridden hotel room,

That had a porn movie filmed in it the day before,


Shall I go on?




You had one bad trip, and the weather was 9/10 of the problem.

Re-evaulate what you really use on the trip, eliminate the stuff that would be cool to use if you have time, and enjoy the rig for what you bought it for.



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Old 01-03-2018, 12:17 PM   #7
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No, no. I completely agree with those. And I’m not meaning even necessarily flying. There are tons of great Airbnb that we have stayed in, etc. Our frustration was more of the additional complication of having the trailer versus driving one of our other cars, quick and easy, and staying in a resort. I think I’ve gotten a skewed view from a frustrating last year of isolated situations.

As for the days of packing prior for my wife, how do you guys find you streamline that process more efficiently?

We take ours out several times per month to give an idea of usage/frequency.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:29 PM   #8
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Even Airstreaming has it's good days and it's not-so-good days. We were recently on the road for 3+ months. Every now and then I would get sick of the breaks / fixes that go with that kind of use, but each time we got over it. One thing we learned: the simpler the trailer, the fewer things go wrong, and the easier they are to fix when they do. We'll never ever go with an electric awning again, and have no interest in an RV with a fancy all-in-one control panel that makes the RV do everything from opening/closing shades to washing your socks. Just more motors to burn out, stuff to break, and complicated/expensive things to fix.

Most commonly used tools were basic wrenches, screwdrivers, wood epoxy, an occasional pop-rivet replacement, and a "trailer aide" ramp for a Michelin tire that got "nailed." If I recall correctly, we lost three interior rivets over 3 months. Most expensive and incredibly annoying failure was our electric automatic awning which failed just before the hottest week of our entire trip. Most annoying and dangerous (to the trailer) failure was a "sail switch" right in our own driveway. That stinking $10 part prevented the propane furnace from keeping the interior of the trailer warm and safe from freezing while we waited to get winterized. Fortunately, we caught that before any damage was done.

Haven't sold the trailer yet, but we're taking a "vacation" from it while it sits in covered storage and we stoically make our way through another PNW winter before heading out again.

Regarding the packing: we have a packing checklist which makes the progress go faster. We try to edit that list after every trip, hopefully shortening it each time. Packing used to be a Herculean task that I postponed until the last minute because I simply could not get my head around it. The checklist prevents the procrastination because I now have a great place to start. I can begin packing without really thinking about it. Still takes time, but is definitely easier.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:31 PM   #9
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I don't find any room-for-let any better other.....AirBnB or hotel.


If one is using the trailer multiple times per month, one could almost leave food stocked.


We leave the trailer stocked with dishes, cookware, bath and toiletries, etc.

Other than food, we generally have enough stuff stocked to stay two or three days without packing anything.

Other than that, a couple chairs, a small grill, an outdoor rug, and usually a small generator (just in case) and we are ready.

I would rather tow my trailer than travel any other way.



Regards,


JD
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:36 PM   #10
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That’s the way we’ve felt and I am sure it will return. We keep it pretty much stocked, but she still repacked small appliance stuff she needs each time. I think just buying a second of all those would make things easier. But then I forget she’s packing for her and our two boys. My end is pretty simple.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:42 PM   #11
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Yes, leaving kitchenware in the trailer helps us a lot. Garage and/or estate sales are great for picking up that kind of stuff inexpensively. Pots, pans, knives, silverware, plates, etc. Maybe even a few small appliances.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:57 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jholder View Post
----------------------snip----------------------------------------------

As for the days of packing prior for my wife, how do you guys find you streamline that process more efficiently?

We take ours out several times per month to give an idea of usage/frequency.
We keep the AS packed with standard items, such as dishes, bedding, linens, towels, non-perishable food, paperware, TP, tools, and the stuff we need on every trip.

Each person gets a minimal sized soft duffel bag for clothing, etc depending on the trip length. Gets stored in dinette area. Toiletries per individual get loaded into totes that get stashed in shower area.

Critters get their food and water dishes, supply of food, and crates for sleeping and feeding in AS, travel crate in TV.

Human food and perishables get loaded after the fridge gets cooled down for 24 hours, bottled water stashed sufficient for dogs and people for several days.

Propane, etc is always pre-loaded. Fresh water tank gets about 25% fill for on-road use if we are hooking up, full if not. Tank is sanitized between trips. Black and Gray start clean and empty.

Typically takes us less than 12 hours to load out for trip the day before...

Run the checklist the morning of departure, hook up, head out...
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Old 01-03-2018, 01:00 PM   #13
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What works for us no matter what length the trip.
- I place the trailer in the driveway.
- wife packs groceries and clothes for her and daughter the day before.
- Daughter packs her own toys and helps mommy pack stuff.
- I pack my own clothes and the truck the day before with tools, firewood, recreation stuff, etc....
- I come home from work, wife fixes dinner, I hitch the truck/trailer, eat and leave.
- Come home and we all unload.
- That same day I clean the truck and trailer.
- Make a list of anything that needs attention before the next outing and fix it right of way.
Granted there are frustrating days but I accept that to own this equipment that you have to keep up with maintenance. When the truck and trailer perform well it keeps down my level of frustration.
- there really is no getting around the frustration of traffic or making reservations at the campground - thats the world we live in.
- this frustration is small considering the risk of bed bugs or other issues at public lodging.
Don't overpack for a trip. Had a friend that seemed to take the entire household with them - took two or more days to pack everything for a weekend trip which resulted in burnout and selling their camper.
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Old 01-03-2018, 01:09 PM   #14
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I go through these thoughts every winter up here thinking the money could be better used to go someplace warm each year. Also as was mentioned, places to camp are becoming harder to find open, so spur of the moment camping is harder to do.
Then, first trip out with stocked pantry, cool refreshment a pace away, our own fresh bug free bed with no bags to carry in every night and unpack, great home cooked meals, and all those thoughts get lost for another year. Well at least till it's time to winterize again.


George
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Old 01-03-2018, 01:14 PM   #15
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Luckily we keep it right here at home. 30 amp here and a private area to store it and use as a guest house/ office when not on the road.
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Old 01-03-2018, 01:16 PM   #16
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Camping with our Airstream is sort of like sailing. It’s the journey, not the destination that matters. We have been to and seen places we would never have imagined without a camper. Beautiful parks, waterfalls, animal and marine life, Mountains, canyons, etc. some of the best experiences were serendipitous just because we were on a road less travelled.

We went on our first, and last cruise last year. There was nothing wrong with the ship...just too many folks, and a schedule that was not ours.

Are there hassles with camping? Sure, but the positives far outweigh the problems.

Simplify. Leave some stuff at home. Pack less food. Walmart’s abound.

It’s worth it.
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Old 01-03-2018, 01:24 PM   #17
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Quote:
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Camping with our Airstream is sort of like sailing. It’s the journey, not the destination that matters. We have been to and seen places we would never have imagined without a camper. Beautiful parks, waterfalls, animal and marine life, Mountains, canyons, etc. some of the best experiences were serendipitous just because we were on a road less travelled.

We went on our first, and last cruise last year. There was nothing wrong with the ship...just too many folks, and a schedule that was not ours.

Are there hassles with camping? Sure, but the positives far outweigh the problems.

Simplify. Leave some stuff at home. Pack less food. Walmart’s abound.

It’s worth it.

Great, great points. Good to be away from the masses. That’s a major plus.
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Old 01-03-2018, 02:02 PM   #18
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I also think what we’ve got to get in our minds is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I think we have built a pressure that, since we have the airstream, that needs to be 100% of our trips. I think mixing it up some may help us appreciate it even more, plus break it up some.
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Old 01-03-2018, 02:04 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jholder View Post
Hey guys! Well, to set it up, we just came off a 10 day bust of a trip that just didn't go as planned. We did this same trip last year to the beach and it was just like out of a movie....right on the beach, warm everyday, etc. Well, much like the majority of the country this last week, it was ice cold, stormed the entire time, massive winds, etc. So....we were inside 90% of the time which I know has skewed our sights.

But...we do go through this a lot....the ole Love/Hate relationship. We are very involved with the AS community and all of our friends know that's the main enjoyment we have as a family. But, as those of you who are the packers know, it's always a massive preparation time for my wife before we go, packing for days, un-packing for days, etc. Then just the additional trip planning, etc.

In this situation, we spent $1300 on the spot on the beach, $400-500 in fuel (since we were in a 3/4 ton truck).

We are also skewed a bit because this year has been one of out of the ordinary maintenance....all piddly stuff, but annoying. Faucets, minor leaks, some electrical goofy stuff, some awning rot. Plus, we are due for new flooring, as the vinyl is starting to curl in some of the corners. 2009 27FB, so I know we are due for some normal maintenance.

I know this has been a ramble, but I guess I'm just asking if you guys go thorough the similar. Part of us LOVES it and thinks there's NOTHING like it. Then, part of us thinks sell it, put all that cash in a travel fund and just keep it simple.

Thanks for letting me vent/ talk/ ask. Has anyone ever dumped theirs, regretted and came back? Or dumped and glad you're now resorting (which you probably wouldnt be on this forum anymore). Ha!

Justin
I know what you mean! We've had one trip that we had 5 straight days of rain. Not fun! The trailer seems to shrink.

I will give up the trailer when the physical demands dictate or it stops being fun, but that's not likely to be soon.

Getting in the habit of going to the same place repetitively can get boring. But we have one or two that we just love and visit those two or three times per year.

For a short duration/long distance trip we leave the trailer at home sometimes. I think mixing it up makes other ways of travel more enjoyable.

Make it easier on yourselves, stop packing so much. Whatever we need each time we go, we bought it and leave it the trailer. Now clothes and food is all we have to pack. Takes us one, two hours max, now. We keep kitchen stuff, paper goods, non perishables foods, cleaning supplies, linens, etc. in the trailer at all times. Instant ready, kind of like like add water and stir We only remove the freezable during winter.

We enjoy eating at the trailer, but don't like cleaning up. So we eat at a restaurant at least one meal every day (if there is one nearby). Get's us out even on rainy days.

I enjoy the piddling and maintenance, that's part of the fun (except that time I had to replace the sewer dump valves).

Cost of trips is less $ per day with the trailer, even considering dragging that thing across country (if/when time permits).

The real value: that unexpected place we find along the way, the natural wonders we visit, the wildlife we see, the people we meet along the way; a monetary value can't be place on this.
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Old 01-03-2018, 02:23 PM   #20
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Quote:
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I know what you mean! We've had one trip that we had 5 straight days of rain. Not fun! The trailer seems to shrink.

I will give up the trailer when the physical demands dictate or it stops being fun, but that's not likely to be soon.

Getting in the habit of going to the same place repetitively can get boring. But we have one or two that we just love and visit those two or three times per year.

For a short duration/long distance trip we leave the trailer at home sometimes. I think mixing it up makes other ways of travel more enjoyable.

Make it easier on yourselves, stop packing so much. Whatever we need each time we go, we bought it and leave it the trailer. Now clothes and food is all we have to pack. Takes us one, two hours max, now. We keep kitchen stuff, paper goods, non perishables foods, cleaning supplies, linens, etc. in the trailer at all times. Instant ready, kind of like like add water and stir We only remove the freezable during winter.

We enjoy eating at the trailer, but don't like cleaning up. So we eat at a restaurant at least one meal every day (if there is one nearby). Get's us out even on rainy days.

I enjoy the piddling and maintenance, that's part of the fun (except that time I had to replace the sewer dump valves).

Cost of trips is less $ per day with the trailer, even considering dragging that thing across country (if/when time permits).

The real value: that unexpected place we find along the way, the natural wonders we visit, the wildlife we see, the people we meet along the way; a monetary value can't be place on this.


You are exactly right. Thank you for taking the time to write this. That’s the biggest thing you can’t get with a resort or Airbnb – the remote places we have been able to stay – 20 feet off the river, in the middle of nowhere, incredible privacy! And, truth be told, I do like to tinker. I fixed the majority of stuff myself and have actually enjoyed learning how to do it.Innoway, I guess this site today has helped me realize that I appreciate it more than I realize. Sometimes you have to step away for a minute and then come back to it.
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