Hi All! I'm so happy I found this forum! For years I've been dreaming of living the nomad life in an Airstream. My husband roles his eyes whenever the subject comes up. We're in our 50's and have lived in Ohio, Florida, and California, so it's not like he isn't adventurous. I'd be interested in hearing your comments. I know I'll convince him eventually, but I could use some help. Thanks and glad to meet you all! Becky
You need to get him to a Rally, where he can see a bunch of Airstreams and meet some folks who have done a bit of this nomad stuff. July 31 - August 2 there'll be a rally in Milan, MI. just north of you about 40 minutes. There'll be a bunch of folks there who'll be happy to give you a tour of their trailers and help "sell" your hubby on the idea. Or you can just run away from home with some Airstream guy - maybe that'd convince him ... !!
Becky
Hi and Welcome. We are in our late 60's and early 70's and while we are not nomad's we enjoy camping with our friends, like Ryann (AirsDream) .If you stay tuned here I think Dave or Rhonda(Detroit-Metro Rally) will post a schedule of events. There will be an OPEN HOUSE where everyone is WELCOME. You and your husband can tour vintage trailers from the 50's and 60's up to the present. Im not sure of the chain of events but If I remember theres a PotLuck after.
Please come join us in Milan,Mich at KC Campground thats only like 40 minute drive and we will attempt to answer all y0ur questions.
Roger
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Roger & MaryLou
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A Rally! That is the best idea! I'll put it on my calendar. Sounds like fun. Last year we went to an RV show in Novi, but it wasn't satisfying. Too many pushy salespeople and there were only one or two Airstreams in a sea of big expensive RV's. At least it convinced us both of what we don't want. I'll keep watching for more details on the rally.
HI Becky!
I 'worked' on my hubby for quite some time too. It is a huge investment that hopefully will be richly rewarded.
I took him with some friends to a couple of vintage trailer rallies...liked the Airstreams and decided that vintage was not the way we wanted to go.
It helps if one of your friends gets an Airstream....
Went to a dealer in Ohio to look and dream. I didn't care for the dealer ...."You've looked almost 6 months, aren't you ever going to buy?" I begged his pardon for my slowness but this camper almost cost what my first house did! Had he been a bit more understanding that not everyone pulls the trigger on a 40+K purchase quickly he may have made a sale.
Do you camp at all now? What may really help is are the comments from my hubby after our first trip (he was the reluctant one who really 'got the AS for me')
- "It pulled like a dream"
- "We were set up and packed up in less than half the time of our pop-up"
- "Yes, it was nice to have our own bathroom"
- "Wasn't it fun when people passing by our site would stop, stare, and drool???"
Go to the rally! I'm sure the guys there will help you out.
Ditto to 'go to a Rally'. However, even if not at a rally people will wave at you when you are with your vintage Airstream and when you are in a campground you will be asked to give tours of your coach. We are in our early 60s and early 70s. and are enjoying our 'youth'.
Neil
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Neil and Lynn Holman FreshAir #12407
I have a similar problem - my two sons love the idea of getting an Airstream, but my wife isn't thrilled.
HINT FOR MEN ONLY - Many women dread "camping" because it turns out to be ZERO Vacation for them. Dad and the kids go fishing and hiking. Mom cooks and does dishes. This feels a lot like her daily life - where she probably works 60 hours per week 7 days per week. Camping sounds like, different day - same stuff.
If you want to get your wife on board, YOU will have to get your kids and yourself committed to giving mom a vacation from being "caretaker". Either you send her to Hawaii alone for a week every year in return for getting the Airstream, or YOU make all of the beds every day, you plan and cook all of the meals, and you do the dishes. On vacation, I'm a fan of paper plates (though I do like real silverwear) and having at least one meal that consists of hotdogs and beans over a campfire... but the kids have to have balanced meals including vegetables and fruit most of the time. Put the kids in sleeping bags - roll'em and stow'em. Take as little as possible so there's less to clean up afterwards.
Make sure your wife gets a day or two of doing what SHE wants even she goes to a day spa, for a manicure and fresh hairdo - or sit around for two hours reading a trash novel - while you take the kids rock climbing.
Oh, and teach her to tow and let her go off and do the Rivette thing once and a while!
Paula
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Today is a gift. That's why they call it "the present"
About 16-17 years ago a carpenter friend took an old Airstream as part payment for a job. They never could get the smoking smells out of it and sold it. End of story? 'Fraid not... That gave my wife the Airstream bug and hoo-boy did I ever laugh that one off! Now look at any of us -- we resemble that remark.
HINT FOR MEN ONLY - Many women dread "camping" because it turns out to be ZERO Vacation for them. Dad and the kids go fishing and hiking. Mom cooks and does dishes. This feels a lot like her daily life - where she probably works 60 hours per week 7 days per week. Camping sounds like, different day - same stuff.
Paula
I think you hit the nail on the head there
- Natasha
__________________ Terry & Natasha Turner '76, 31' Sovereign International Land Yacht Remodel Madness
HINT FOR MEN ONLY - Many women dread "camping" because it turns out to be ZERO Vacation for them. Dad and the kids go fishing and hiking. Mom cooks and does dishes. This feels a lot like her daily life - where she probably works 60 hours per week 7 days per week. Camping sounds like, different day - same stuff.
Paula
I guess I'm doing it right. When we go camping we reverse roles. I do all the cooking, mostly because I like to do as much over a campfire. Then I do the clean-up. That was true when the kids were with us AND now when they and grandkids camp with us. Of course our daughter volunteers and son-in-law takes care ofthe camp site ie rounds up firewood and maintains the fire. Now when it's just Lynn and I we share the duties.
Neil.
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Neil and Lynn Holman FreshAir #12407
Hi, the main selling point or reason for buying an Airstream was to travel, stop when and where we want to, and always have our own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. [no more motels] Yuk!!!!
I take care of the trailer, the tow vehicle, and do the driving. My wife pre-cooks most of the food at home. I do the set-up and hitching things while my wife sets up the interior things. I cook the breakfast, my wife makes the pre-cooked lunches and dinners. I do the dishes and she does the bed. [Team Work] This is not carved in stone we just work together to make things easier for both of us.
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Now look at any of us -- we resemble that remark. 
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