Hello from SC

[Planenut]

Hello from SC.

I’ve been looking at campers for a little while now and am interested in Airstream’s. Not sure I’m ready to make a purchase yet but trying to figure out what I need and whats involved in the upkeep. Washing, sealing, polishing, lubricating etc.

I’m a corporate pilot (read no schedule) and trying to figure when and how far I can travel in it. I liked the 30 classic I looked at earlier this week but not sure I want one that big or with that much reliance on electricity. You can’t even recline the seat without electricity...

Anyway, looking forward to scouring the forum for info and advice.

PS: I have an 06 Silverado crew cab 2500 duramax to tow with.

[SeeMore]

You have certainly found the motherload for all things Airstream. Select the "Forums" tab found beside the "Portal" tab near the top of the page and work your way through the posts under the "Technical Sections." If you want to cycle through selected topics, open the "Search" tab and use Google constructs for key terms, topics, or specific interest areas. If an organized book is more to your liking download and read The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming, available on Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble. It is generic to all Airstreams and will give you the basics for all the systems.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. You have found the right place for all things Airstream.


Brian

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: I like your user name, and I like your profession. You corporate pilots have made this passenger use the barf bag more than once.

When I first sat in a Classic Limited back in 1986, it reminded me of a business jet. Luxurious and small. I have said before that camping in an Airstream is like camping in a business jet. You gotta duck your head to get out of the thing.

Airstream travel trailers, like most RVs, run on 12vDC, like most everything. Those power recliners are likely 12v. Airstreams have strong battery packs and often with "low wattage" inverters to keep that computer charged up. And you can upfit an Airstream with a solar panel with inverter to keep the batteries charged. Airstream wants you to be comfortable while "boondocking". The air conditioner does require 30 amps of 115vAC power. Some guys use a generator for a few hours to keep things cool.

Our 1986 Airstream is 34' long! It was my first Airstream experience. Might as well start big. There isn't a whole lot of difference between a 25' and a 31' in terms of towing safely and backing up. The tow vehicle has to handle the total weight, and some big trailers don't fit in certain campsites.

Airstream maintenance is pretty straight forward. Wash it a couple times a year. Check the batteries, I pack bearing and inspect brakes once a year, tire air pressure is important, lug nuts tight, watch for rain water leaks, and a few other things. There is no "major overhaul" required like on an aircraft.

You are wise to join these Forums and learn more about the iconic Airstream travel trailer. They last a very long time with proper maintenance.

David

[Planenut]

Thanks for the welcomes!

I’ve already been poking around a bit and plan to continue.

I’m a bit of a do it yourselfer, and was curious about the upkeep side. Intervals for Tires, batteries grease axles etc. is there a film on the exterior of new AS so you don’t have to polish all the time?

Also,I have to research sizes, as it sounded like some of the smaller AS’s are narrower too. I had assumed all were the same width.

Thanks again,

Billy

[GCinSC2]

You need to get with the low country gang. Capt Hank I’ll send him a message.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums mobile app

[DoubleR]

Tires max years seems to be 5 years.

Newer TT have Dexter axles which have never lube and never adjust brakes.

25’ and up are 8’ 6” wide shorter are 8’ wide,

Newer TT have a clear coat, so once or twice a year wax job works pretty well. I actually use a spray can product that is a cleaner and wax in one that I also use on my motorcycles. I also use Plexus on the windows of the TT, which I also use on my motorcycle windshields and helmets.

We have two Honda Goldwings

[BJL170]

Hello and welcome to the forum
I echo many of the responses. We’re on our second airstream which is a 2018 Classic and love it . We did have a few issues with leaks , electrical and alde problems but they finally got resolved.
Our tow vehicle is a F250 Superduty diesel and luv it as well.
Maintenance far easier on these units than your typical box camper and fifth wheel.
Good luck with whatever choice you make and enjoy the time you spend traveling

[dbj216]

There is a new sophisticated Alcoa coating on the aluminum of late model Airstreams. No polishing required. This coating is very durable. It does not weather off like the old stuff did.

One downside of the new coating is the chance of filiform corrosion forming along cut edges, rivet holes, and other areas of the trailer. It is a white small "insect' like mark radiating from a cut edge. It does take some vigilance and a little corrosion protection to keep it at bay. There is a lot of information here on these Forums about it.

David