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Old 12-08-2017, 04:32 PM   #1
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Arcata , California
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Fulltiming, 3 kids, newbie to Airstreams

First time posting, and I don't necessarily have a specific question, just felt like sharing. I'd love to connect with other families who have done something similar. I follow all the awesome families on Instagram and read blogs, but I'd love to hear from those who aren't avid social media posters.

Our family is about to embark on a new adventure: living in a 2015 Flying Cloud 30 twin, and we are not following any of the rules.
We don't plan to travel full time.
We are financing 100% of the Airstream.
We don't even have our tow vehicle yet.
We have never owned or driven an Airstream of any kind.
We are giving up our 4 bedroom, 2 bath rental to live in a 30 foot trailer, before ever trying it out.

But....why?
Because we need a change. Majorly.
I thrive on challenges and adventures.
My 3 kids already sleep in one bed, almost always with one parent squeezed in too. They are like puppies.
I want an Airstream way more than I want a mortgage.
I'm overwhelmed by the shear quantity of possessions.
I hate that we spend our weekends cleaning out the garage and closets.
The only thing our family of 5 seems to agree upon is that we love to travel.
Because why the hell not. YOLO, perhaps?

So, with that out of the way, anyone here who has done this (with kids- if you haven't attempted this lifestyle with kids, that's awesome, but I really just want to hear from the parents) I'd love to hear about your experience!
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Old 12-08-2017, 05:09 PM   #2
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I am hearing a lot of crickets so far from this group. Personally, well..., no way would I do it but then I am a bit strange. You are much braver than I am.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:47 PM   #3
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An AS is probably not the trailer most would choose. Space and stuff. You already understand (I’d guess) that these TTs have an indefinite life span. Then, like many of us, would rather work with that versus the very real problems of a conventional RV. “Needs” are food & clothing. The rest is optional.

There are times I miss having a home, but not so much I’d buy one living alone. Thus adapting hasn’t been difficult. My TT is old and my TV is getting there. Thus the back of the latter serves as my garage for tools, gear and work-related. Always a project.

So far as I can tell the biggest surprise to most in regards monthly overhead is the cost of heating and cooling. It’s quite a lot on a per square foot basis compared to the economies of the thermal mass of a conventional home. There are ways to help, just research.

As to a tow vehicle, until it’s clear what would work best for all the solo miles, just know there are bonded & insured tow specialists to move the TT if need be.

I find it re-assuring that if I wish to move to another locale, it’s a matter of an hour or so and I’m gone. I also like that RV Parks are more personable than an apartment complex, and almost no strangers.

The one thing that stands out in mind to recommend is an outdoor screen room or similar. Give everyone a little elbow room. And see threads by Skatiero for ideas (among other contributors).

Best of luck.

.
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Old 12-08-2017, 10:10 PM   #4
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I see and follow many full timers on the social media platforms. My wife and I could never do it. We need a house, a bus stop for the kids, a community, we need roots. These are the best parts of our life and they may seem boring to full timers, but we would be devastated without them.

Good luck, many do it, I think you just need to carefully evaluate your decisions, then make the best ones for you.

BTW, 100% financing of an Airstream, IS a mortgage.
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Old 12-08-2017, 10:33 PM   #5
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We camped.. rough and tough.. no tent.. tent.. pop up ... now an older Airstream. It is 34’ long... this summer we took 3 granddaughters, 12/13, 10, 7.... from Central TEXAS to Big Bend Park.. the 34’ got really small.

When kids are smaller, it is doable... they may grow into the lifestyle... kewl

Education/ playtime.. are important for kids.. that means outside... in an RV Park. Moving is fun... but kids may lose friends, stability... and careful parenting will be important. For our travels, even during vacation, discipline was maintained. They had to read, write, cipher... electronics??? 1 hour per day... if they followed rules...

We Homeschooled our sons when we had to relocate.. it payed off. There are folks all over who homeschool and get together for “socializing/educational “ outings and activities. Homeschooling can be anywhere between hype or heroics.. with wonderful opportunities for children and avails excellence without bureaucratic intrusion. Imagine going to Yellowstone or Yosemite when everyone else is in “public school”... (Hey, boss, I will take the holiday shift, how about I take my vacation starting May 01..? Two weeks and I will be back ready and fairing to go!). We rarely were “in the crowds”... quite a lot of nice places when the “off season” is in session.

YMMV. Your Madness is Mostly Victory
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Old 12-08-2017, 11:38 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Ted S. View Post
I see and follow many full timers on the social media platforms. My wife and I could never do it. We need a house, a bus stop for the kids, a community, we need roots. These are the best parts of our life and they may seem boring to full timers, but we would be devastated without them.

Good luck, many do it, I think you just need to carefully evaluate your decisions, then make the best ones for you.

BTW, 100% financing of an Airstream, IS a mortgage.
We are deeply rooted in our community, so I understand what you mean. We won't be traveling full time (just in summer, vacations, and take a couple months off in winter) and the rest of the time will be in the same town, at the same schools, volunteering with the same non-profits, shopping at the same stores, playing at the same play-grounds, working the same jobs, swimming at the same gym, and even riding the same bus to school, all on the same property as the Grandparents. Nothing boring about that at all, routine can be a beautiful thing.

BTW, financing an Airstream and a mortgage in California are not even comparable. For good and bad. At least with a mortgage we would be putting in equity, but then again, try renting a closet, much less getting a mortgage, for under $500 a month.
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Old 12-09-2017, 09:45 AM   #7
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Good for you - figuring out how to manage in CA raising 3 kids ��. Stuff seems to accumulate even in an Airstream so ...!
Maybe get a pool and a treehouse or fort for the kids.
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Old 12-09-2017, 10:17 AM   #8
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6 months in and loving it. Good luck! We have 1 child. 3 would be at least 5x as tough!
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Old 12-09-2017, 10:26 AM   #9
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We did it in our first Airstream 27’, with three kids under six for seven months and enjoyed it. We could have done another seven months, maybe. Go for it, have a blast!
P.S. get a 2500 diesel truck
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Old 12-09-2017, 12:34 PM   #10
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Full time in AS with 3 kids

What are your options if it does not work out. Suggest you rent a camper and pickup for a few weeks before you make the jump and finance an Airstream and a pickup truck. I love my AS but did most of our camping with the family in a large fifth wheel camper that had lots of room when my two daughters was young. Our first camper in Aug 1988 was a 1977 25' AS that we sold after 6 years and bought a 32' fifth wheel then a 36' fifth wheel. After the girls grew up and got married we down sized and I found my old AS after 13 year and bought it back in Oct 2009 and now use it for vacations and week end get away. I would never back myself in a corner and make that big change without testing the water for a few weeks/months. After that you can go for it if you still like it and everything works out. If it doesn't work out you have nothing to lose and will not have to find a buyer for the AS and truck. Please keep up posted. Good Luck.
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:45 PM   #11
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Adult 101....you have a sunny attitude toward life, and note how almost all responses try to be positive. But with your own baseline criteria...to wit:
we are not following any of the rules.
We don't plan to travel full time.
We are financing 100% of the Airstream.
We don't even have our tow vehicle yet.
We have never owned or driven an Airstream of any kind.
We are giving up our 4 bedroom, 2 bath rental to live in a 30 foot trailer, before ever trying it out.
you need to be better prepared, especially given the last two criteria re never having owned or driven an AS, and given up the house. Why not hang onto the hose as insurance, while giving the full-timing AS life style with 3 kids a chance. I think all of us would hate to see this end up not well. Mazel tov, in any case. jon
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:46 PM   #12
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house....HOUSE!! although hoses are very important, I meant "house".
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Old 12-09-2017, 07:59 PM   #13
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If you're going to 100% finance your trailer and you haven't got a clue about full-timing with three kids in an enclosed space; may I suggest a SOB (some other brand).
An Airstream is very expensive to begin with, let alone fix or repair when kids start breaking things.

You could buy an equivalent size SOB for less than 1/8 the cost of an Airstream (20K versus 160K).

The depreciation of an AS trailer in the first year would pay for a SOB trailer out right.

If the kids break things in a SOB; they're cheap to begin with and cheap to fix.

If it ends up that RVing is not your cup of tea, you're not upside down with your trailer with a SOB.

There are no rules to buying a trailer, except one.......use common sense, not emotion.

Cheers
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Old 12-09-2017, 08:15 PM   #14
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Hi there! Mom of 4 and a 3rd generation Airstream owner here.

We have a 2002 30' Classic with a slide-out, and it is great for our family of six. We are *not* full-timers, we still have our home, but summers, Christmas break, you name it, and we are off on another adventure, just like I was as a kid. (Case in point--when I was 4 we drove from Mississippi, where we live, to Alaska. I still *vividly* remember that trip. I am seeing similar experiences with my kids--"remember when we went to the sand dunes?"--You can't put a price on that.)

Thankfully, my husband is able to work from the road, and my kids (like yours) have no problem piling up like puppies (they are ages 9.5<boy>, 7<boy>, and twin girls 4.5 years old), however, with the slide out, we have both a dinette that turns into a bed and the pull out couch.

First, you mentioned being tired of cleaning out the closets and garage all the time. I want to (highly) recommend the KonMari method of decluttering, because organization and fine-tuned efficiency are top priorities with not only traveling in an Airstream with kids, but owning one in general. Also, this helps you to evaluate other aspects of your life. What hobbies will you have to give up when you shrink your living space? Do you sew? Garden? Do your kids play sports (and have all the equipment that goes with that)? You mentioned living on grandparents land, so if you do decide to live in your Airstream, you may want to consider some sort of on-site shed to store the things you use in every day life, but not on your travels.

Second, you say that the one thing all 5 of you agrees on is travel/adventure. This is awesome! But while we are on the road, we allow our kids to have: a blanket and pillow in the car, ONE toy (none of them have/use electronics). They may have a notebook and pen. That is it. Because #1 there simply isn't room for much more, and #2 they find cool stuff while on the road ("look at this rock!"--which they leave where they found it, or buying a postcard and sending it home to themselves with a few words about what happened during their visit to that state, park, etc). They are too busy and excited about exploring new places than to miss any toy that may be waiting for them at home. Again, this is where a shed may come in handy. Store the school uniforms while on the road, etc.

Also, on the road, we eat outside for almost every meal. Even if it's raining. We put the awning down, and pull the picnic table up underneath. We absolutely love it! I don't know about the climate where y'all live, but here in Mississippi, we can only do that for a few months (if that much) out of the year. The rest of the year, it's just oppressively humid. But having an outside eating option will really help expand your living space if you are actually living in your Airstream.

I think my #1 piece of advice: first start with totally decluttering/downsizing your home. Look at each possession and think, "would I want this inside a 30' Airstream?" If the answer is "no," donate, sell, whatever. But I think if you and your family truly want to live in an Airstream full time (even without traveling full time), you really have to become minimalists first. Even though we are very streamlined on our trips, I still find myself (on trips and at home) going through the Airstream asking myself, "have I used this on the last 3 trips? On the last trip at all?" If not, I take it out of the Airstream. Even if that means keeping it at my house for a trip or two and then putting it back for another trip, I do it. Just to see if we'll miss it. But what's important here is, I take it out of the Airstream, simply because of space.

Speaking of space, each of my kids has a drawer each, ONE DRAWER, for all their clothes. We may hang up the rain coats in the closet, and keep the swimsuits drying out in the shower (or on a laundry hanger outside), but they are responsible for all their clothes in their one drawer.

Also, if this were me, I think I would look into renting one and taking it on a trip, just to see how you fit, if you even like it, etc. Even though Airstreams have been a part of my family for years, it still took me 2 years to find *the one* that is perfect for us, and we don't even live in it full time. But perfect it is.

Message me if you want to talk! And best of luck to y'all and your decision!
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Old 12-09-2017, 08:19 PM   #15
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We have 2 kids and spent 7 weeks straight (51 nights) in the camper this summer, along with a 30 lb. puppy. It was great. I'd love to travel 2 months a quarter and spend the 3rd month at home (dumping our house and staying with family the month we were in town). But we're not quite ready to homeschool. Otherwise, for me, that seems like the best of both worlds.

I say go for it. Sounds like it's not a bunk house? That might be the only thing we'd do differently. We have an International Serenity and, while awesome, we think the bunk would make a huge difference on longer trips (30+ days).

Good luck!
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Old 12-10-2017, 03:21 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adulting101 View Post
We are deeply rooted in our community, so I understand what you mean. We won't be traveling full time (just in summer, vacations, and take a couple months off in winter) and the rest of the time will be in the same town, at the same schools, volunteering with the same non-profits, shopping at the same stores, playing at the same play-grounds, working the same jobs, swimming at the same gym, and even riding the same bus to school, all on the same property as the Grandparents. Nothing boring about that at all, routine can be a beautiful thing.

BTW, financing an Airstream and a mortgage in California are not even comparable. For good and bad. At least with a mortgage we would be putting in equity, but then again, try renting a closet, much less getting a mortgage, for under $500 a month.
All right, NOW this makes sense. Neither my boyfriend or I are parenting anymore, our kids are grown. But yes, roots do mean a lot, most especially to teenagers. My ex and I managed to stay in the same apartment for 24 years, but when they were torn down we had to move 25 miles away to find affordable living and my last child was in high school. It was devastating for him. We are in San Diego, CA, so I understand your situation. My daughter and her husband moved the family to Idaho in order to afford living. They would have needed three full time incomes to support their family of four.

Do get the porch screened room as one person has suggested. Buy a skirt to go all around when parked, it makes a HUGE difference when the weather turns cool to cold I am told. One gentleman in Minnesota used the skirt and bales of hay all around the outside of it to keep cold winds out from underneath the trailer. I’m not sure where you live in CA, you wouldn’t need that unless you live in our Mountains. There are a type of window blinds that have air space in between, they can go behind the curtains for insulation both summer and winter. If newer Airstream furnaces still burn far too much propane to use it for heating, and you are able to plug in at the Grandparents, (check all wiring and fuse boxes first, most old homes cannot support this without a total rewire), than do so. We use a 750-1500 watt tiny space heater when it gets cold, and dress warmly, blowing out fuses on a regular basis at Chris’s mom’s house is what forced us into an RV park whenever we visit TX.

I’m not sure of the ages of your kids or I would offer advice on how to make it easier for all of you. I may not have had an Airstream when I was raising my 4 kids to adulthood, but I raised them in a low income 862 square foot 2 bedroom apartment.
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Old 12-10-2017, 10:35 PM   #17
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Acres of woods and there very stream will make for a lot of entertainment. And Grandpa gave the thumbs up on the trampoline, so we are ready to roll!
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Old 12-10-2017, 10:37 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by m rafferty View Post
We did it in our first Airstream 27’, with three kids under six for seven months and enjoyed it. We could have done another seven months, maybe. Go for it, have a blast!
P.S. get a 2500 diesel truck
Good to hear! And definitely on the truck recommendation, thanks.
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Old 12-10-2017, 10:45 PM   #19
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All right, NOW this makes sense. Neither my boyfriend or I are parenting anymore, our kids are grown. But yes, roots do mean a lot, most especially to teenagers. My ex and I managed to stay in the same apartment for 24 years, but when they were torn down we had to move 25 miles away to find affordable living and my last child was in high school. It was devastating for him. We are in San Diego, CA, so I understand your situation. My daughter and her husband moved the family to Idaho in order to afford living. They would have needed three full time incomes to support their family of four.

Do get the porch screened room as one person has suggested. Buy a skirt to go all around when parked, it makes a HUGE difference when the weather turns cool to cold I am told. One gentleman in Minnesota used the skirt and bales of hay all around the outside of it to keep cold winds out from underneath the trailer. I’m not sure where you live in CA, you wouldn’t need that unless you live in our Mountains. There are a type of window blinds that have air space in between, they can go behind the curtains for insulation both summer and winter. If newer Airstream furnaces still burn far too much propane to use it for heating, and you are able to plug in at the Grandparents, (check all wiring and fuse boxes first, most old homes cannot support this without a total rewire), than do so. We use a 750-1500 watt tiny space heater when it gets cold, and dress warmly, blowing out fuses on a regular basis at Chris’s mom’s house is what forced us into an RV park whenever we visit TX.

I’m not sure of the ages of your kids or I would offer advice on how to make it easier for all of you. I may not have had an Airstream when I was raising my 4 kids to adulthood, but I raised them in a low income 862 square foot 2 bedroom apartment.
Thanks for the heating tips! I'm aware of how much of a learning curve there is to Airstream life, but luckily both the husband and I are very handy, so I'm kind of excited about the challenges of those seemingly mundane, but vitally important details.
I'm a fan of small living after experiencing everything from studios to 4 bedroom homes. I daydream about our first apartment we lived in where my first child was born- one bedroom, micro-kitchen, no closets. I like the creative problem solving inherent to tiny living. Something I'm sure you have mastered after raising 4 kids in a small home!
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Old 12-10-2017, 10:54 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by GailMac View Post
What are your options if it does not work out. Suggest you rent a camper and pickup for a few weeks before you make the jump and finance an Airstream and a pickup truck. I love my AS but did most of our camping with the family in a large fifth wheel camper that had lots of room when my two daughters was young. Our first camper in Aug 1988 was a 1977 25' AS that we sold after 6 years and bought a 32' fifth wheel then a 36' fifth wheel. After the girls grew up and got married we down sized and I found my old AS after 13 year and bought it back in Oct 2009 and now use it for vacations and week end get away. I would never back myself in a corner and make that big change without testing the water for a few weeks/months. After that you can go for it if you still like it and everything works out. If it doesn't work out you have nothing to lose and will not have to find a buyer for the AS and truck. Please keep up posted. Good Luck.
I totally appreciate the concern, but there are no backed in corners. My husband drives a truck everyday, the new one will just be a little beefier (his old truck is POS anyway, so he's due). If it doesn't work out with us living in the AS we can move back into a rental that is smaller and less expensive then our current one. But all my long term plans include an AS, so I feel confidant that it will stick with us for the long haul, living in it or not.
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