We towed it home last week. We were told it was the last new bunkhouse in the US. I don't think any were shipped overseas, so it would be the last one in the World!
My family was camping this past spring in our 29' '88 Excella when it became very obvious that my two children were out growing the gaucho setup. My wife gave me the green light to look for another option with one stipulation. I had to sell our trailer before buying a replacement.
I started my search. Yes, we considered the less expensive SOBs and just didn’t feel comfortable that these were going to last long. We had seen an Airstream bunkhouse a couple of years ago on a dealer’s lot. I truly expected that finding another Airstream bunkhouse was going to be difficult but I would try anyway. When I began my search, I quickly found that Roger Williams Airstream still had one on their lot. Weatherford, Texas isn’t that far from us in Central Texas so it seemed to be karma.
However, I still had my Excella and my tow vehicle wasn’t adequate for the newer, wider, longer, and heavier trailer. Now my wife increased her stipulations. I had to sell the first trailer, then my truck, buy a new truck and then I could get the bunkhouse.
We found a great buyer for our well-loved Excella. This was a couple that wanted to get into Airstreaming as they were approaching retirement. It was hard to depart with the trailer, but this couple seemed to be the right fit. Next came putting my F150 on the market. (By the way, see the classified ads. It is still available for sale. I now need to move this as I’m out of order as far as my wife’s requirements. I’ve gotten a little reprieve from her with the glow of a new trailer. But she can see the reflection of my F150 in the aluminum. ) While trying to sell my truck, a great opportunity came along on a used 2007 F250. I grabbed it while finalizing my plans to pickup the Safari.
Prior to making a trip out to see the Bunkhouse that David Tidmore had on the lot, I reviewed all the comments on this forum about the problems other owners were having. I went prepared to look for those major items. Thank you for all the most helpful input information as it was a great guide. One of the first things I noticed was that this trailer had developed the tears (cracks as some refer to them) at the corners of the front storage compartment. David spoke to the factory and they performed a full repair that included making the access door the full width of the compartment and the door goes from frame to frame.
To conclude this four month story, we now have our new accommodations. The folks at Roger Williams Airstream, specifically David Tidmore, were very helpful. This shop does great things to Airstreams. The trailer was all prepared as we had a few “modifications” made that included an additional Fantastic Fan, hydraulic brakes, and a convection/microwave. If you are in the Fort Worth area, it is worth a stop to speak with them.
I figured with all the recent changes, a new user name was needed. I have gone from FlyFishInn to FishByFly. I think the bunkhouse will now be the Inn…
Welcome to the Club! See the thread on 30' Bunkhouses here: Safari 30 bunkhouse owners club!
You might get some ideas for some more custom modifications or some issues you weren't aware of.
I don't know if our dealer did an especially good job of prepping our trailer or if the QA at Airstream got better over time, but we have been blessed to have not had the problems other Airstream owners (30' Bunkhouse and others) have encountered with their units. Good luck with your new Airstream and enjoy many camping trips in the future.
BTW, how far are you from Destin, FL. There will be a forums rally there the first weekend after New Year's to kick off the camping season and we will be there. From Atlanta it is about 6-7 hours. Maybe you can make it, too. I don't think we'll be the only 30' Bunk there.
__________________
2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
Family of Disney Fanatics
WBCCI# 4821
BTW, how far are you from Destin, FL. There will be a forums rally there the first weekend after New Year's to kick off the camping season and we will be there. From Atlanta it is about 6-7 hours. Maybe you can make it, too.
I'm not sure of the total distance but it was 1,004 miles from my yard near Wimberley to the Florida welcome center on I10. Still might make a good maiden voyage, if you can hold out that long.
I'm not sure of the total distance but it was 1,004 miles from my yard near Wimberley to the Florida welcome center on I10. Still might make a good maiden voyage, if you can hold out that long.
Vaughan
Texas is a BIG state!
__________________
2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
Family of Disney Fanatics
WBCCI# 4821
Our maiden trip is going to be to South Padre. Itwill most likely be justafter school starts. Smaller crowds. The kids want to visit Schittetterbahn. Of the three, we like this park most.
Minnie's Mate, I really appreciate the invitation. We like Destin. We visited there more often when we lived in Tennessee. I don't think we will make that event in January. However, we have plans to make Disney in the near future.
However, we have plans to make Disney in the near future.
As you can tell by my alias and by my signature line, we always have plans to make Disney in the near future!
I've considered planning a forums rally to Ft. Wilderness, but not sure how many people would be interested in going or for how long. My wife's a teacher so it'd have to be over one of the school breaks (too crowded/expensive) or during the summer months (too hot). Been there both types of breaks.
Enjoy South Padre. One day we'll have to make a detour on our way to the Grand Canyon.
__________________
2006 30' Safari - "Changes in Latitudes"
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab SWB
Family of Disney Fanatics
WBCCI# 4821
As you can tell by my alias and by my signature line, we always have plans to make Disney in the near future!
I've considered planning a forums rally to Ft. Wilderness, but not sure how many people would be interested in going or for how long. My wife's a teacher so it'd have to be over one of the school breaks (too crowded/expensive) or during the summer months (too hot). Been there both types of breaks.
Enjoy South Padre. One day we'll have to make a detour on our way to the Grand Canyon.
I'm in for a FW rally anytime - put me on the wish list.
Congrats FishByFly! I'll bet the Guadeloupe is recharged from recent rains. Schlitterbahn is a way cool family destination!
Enjoy the fresh shrimp on South Padre! (fyi for non-Texans: many bait shop/gas stations have fresh shrimp for sale) I'm long past my days of driving on the beach and tenting -- of course that area now is covered with condos.
I think it's sad Airstream gave this up -- what a great floorplan for many folks and certainly unique to A/S's long history.
__________________
Tom and Frank
Evanston, Illinois
2004 Safari 28 ft Slideout "Lucy" 4 HI CAMP
2004 Ford Excursion 6.0 PSD PWRSTRK,
and Brittany, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Quick Links
) While trying to sell my truck, a great opportunity came along on a used 2007 F250. I grabbed it while finalizing my plans to pickup the Safari.
Linear Mode
