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10-16-2010, 10:46 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Ridgefield
, Washington
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 306
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Hello from Oregon
New to this forum and seriously considering a new Classic. We currently own a very nice fifth wheel but wish to "downsize" to a unit with great reliability, quality creature comforts, and lower overall vertical profile. Airstream ranks as the "best of the best" on the reviews, but every product has known problems. I would be grateful if members could share their experiences and "issues" , as well as their positive encounters. Thank you all for your advice and comments.....Zigi
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10-16-2010, 11:43 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 685
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Welcome, we have had ours for just a year and it has been a great experience. We are fortunate to have 2 dealers in Oregon. However, it really pays to shop around. We saved a lot by buying in CA even with delivery to Ashland. But that was before the new dealer opened near Portland. Are you going to buy new or used?
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10-16-2010, 12:13 PM
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#3
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Welcome Zigi,
Glad to have you with is and wish you well in your desire to downsize and go Airstream. You'll find plenty of information here and members willing to share their experiences.
Regards,
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-16-2010, 02:50 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Limited
Ashland
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,610
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I had to smile at your comment about wanting to downsize, especially with a lower vertical profile. You will "lose" your new Airstream in the seas of tall 5thwheel and huge motorhomes. Mark well where you park i!. We are amazed at how much lower our AS is than all the rigs that surround us when we park in many campgrounds, but we consider that a "huge" compliment to our AS and advantage in handling her. Best wishes in finding the 'stream of your dreams. ~G
__________________
maxandgeorgia
1995 Airstream Classic Limited 30' ~ Gypsy
1978 Argosy Minuet, 6.0~Minnie/GPZWGN
Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison, 4X4, Crew Cab
WBCCI #5013 AIR #2908
WDCU
Go, Mizzou...Tigers on the prowl!
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10-16-2010, 04:06 PM
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#5
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle
First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.
As to your inquiry, we have a 2005 Safari 25' Front Bedroom, named Lucy. We bought Lucy new and have had her for almost 4 1/2 years. We have towed her over 60,000 miles and she has visited all of the lower 48 states. As of tonight, we have spent 739 nights in Lucy. We are not full timers, but travel in our Airstream extensively.
Lucy is compact yet meets all of our camping/traveling preferences. Lucy has a walk-around queen bed in a separate bedroom. The shower is across the hall from toilet and lavatory. She has the two door refrigerator/freezer. She has a two bowl kitchen sink. These are all things that we didn't even know we needed as Lucy is out first RV of any kind. Now these features would be deal breakers if we were ever to replace Lucy which is not likely as she has become our vacation home, our getaway, our hiding place, and our close friend.
Lucy is not perfect, but much more durable than most other RV's. The repairs have been few especially considering the use that she has had.
We go through other new RV's at dealers all the time. We have not seen anything that we like better at any price point.
Here are a couple of pictures of our sweet Lucy.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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10-17-2010, 11:38 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
1975 Argosy 24
West Linn
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 241
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Welcome to the Forums, neighbor! We've been in West Linn for 9 years now; we've had our 1975 Argosy for almost 5 years. Airstream makes wonderful trailers that will last for decades! However, even a new trailer will need regular inspections for leaks, the seams will need to be resealed, and various other issues addressed; but if you've been camping in a 5th wheel these won't be a surprise to you. And, if you buy new, you'll have a warranty to help for the first year or two.
You might also consider looking for a newer used Airstream. Airstream Adventures NW in Milwaukie has several used models for sale, and so does George Sutton in Eugene. There are also some very nice folks here on the Forums who would be willing to inspect a used trailer for you, to help you decide if it's the right one for you.
We, of course, are partial to the older models. You can pick them up for a fraction of the cost of a new one, if you're willing to put the time & money into fixing them up. We were lucky; ours hasn't needed any major repairs, just a lot of minor ones. New cushions, covers and curtains, some new hardware on the windows, rock guards, new toilet, new kitchen faucet, etc. Ours didn't come with an awning, so we found a used one and installed it last year. You can always find something to spend money on! We have some good friends here in West Linn who recently bought a 1979 Ambassador, and they were able to take her out camping right away. They still have some work to do to get all the systems up and running, but it hasn't stopped them from getting out & having fun!
Anyway, good luck in your search. I hope you find an Airstream that is perfect for you!
__________________
Sean & Sharon
AIR #: 27389
TAC #: OR-3
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10-17-2010, 12:32 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Ridgefield
, Washington
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 306
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Thanks to all who responded. We are very encouraged. Currently we have a fiver which has almost a 10' ceiling!!! and the spaciousness is marvelous. One of the main concerns we have is "adjusting" to the lower ceiling and the more "enclosed" feeling. Another concern is the size of the TV. I love my football, and of course, my co-pilot has her "favorites" to watch. We have a Traveler 3005 Direct TV dish and it is marvelous. ( I have since learned that the AS will accommodate a roof mounted dish.) Our current TV is a 32' and we sit only 8' from it for viewing. We are spoiled with this setup. Any ideas for modification?
Our fiver is 13'4" high! We are trying to "downsize" to a smaller unit in terms of length and particularly on height. We lived in Wyoming for 12 years and loved the state campgrounds into which we can't venture with our current fiver. Fewer entry steps, a single level floor plan, easier towing, and better fuel economy are all pluses as well in an AS. The review publications rate the AS as the "best of the best", so you all have made great choices.
Thank you all again for contributing to our investigation. We appreciate your sharing experiences and recommendations. God Bless....Zigi
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10-17-2010, 12:48 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1970 27' Overlander
Espanola
, Full Timer
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,753
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Don't park under a walnut tree.
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10-17-2010, 02:27 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
2010 27' FB Flying Cloud
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5
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We're from Phoenix and just returned from Oregon. While we very much enjoyed our vacation on the coast, our primary reason for the Oregon destination was Sutton RV in Eugene. We'd read they had the largest selection of Airstreams in the West, and we were happy with our visit. They have a lot of models on their lot so you can get a good feel for what you're looking for. We are just finalizing our purchase with them and looking forward to our return trip to bring our new baby home. Given you're so close, I'd highly recommend you visit their lot.
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