I'm Myra, and I'm new to the forum. A bit about me: I'm a 43-yr-old single woman with a small dog and a cat. I'm a writer and my work goes where I go. (Just need a high-speed connection). Last year, I worked real hard and made good money, but it nearly killed me. I had no life. What's more, the cost of living here in Los Angeles (where I live) is so outrageous that I had nothing left over. What a waste. I'll be dead in a few years if I keep it up.
I started looking at vintage Airstreams the other day and fell in love. I've been researching living in an RV full time. I would love to tour the country and just be free for once in my life. I want to do this for a year. When I find a town I like enough, I'll put down roots.
So my question is: How big of an Airstream do I need? Any suggestions on what to buy? And what do I tow it with? I'll probably need a new reliable SUV to pull it with.
Myra, Sounds like a great plan.... I know for myself, that space was not as much of an issue as what I felt comfortable towing. I really wanted something 22' with dual axels. Hard to find. After looking for a long time I settled on a 25' Tradewind. I am happy with it for now. But, if I was doing a lot of travel, I would want something smaller. I like to live small. And especially love the challenge of owning only what is necessary and finding a way to store it. BTW, I am currently remodeling my trailer and do not live in it (I just dream for now!).
The other big decision is your tow vehicle. I bought the cart before the horse, which was good and bad. I really had to go to school on towing and got lots of help from this forum. Use the search function and you can get a real education.
Hi and welcome to the forums! you are not alone. I too am in my 40s, single and have a cat.
Depends on your personality. Mine. I like room. I have an 06 Classic 31. there are several of us full timing. Some move around some realatively stationary. I am a mix of both. I work for 8 months in two locations. then travel for four months. I would say in the high twentys to low thirties.
I two my 31 with a Ford F-250 diesel. truck weights 8,000 pounds when towning. trailer around 8,000 pounds. can be up to 10,000 pounds.
Pick the trailer first. get the weight fully loaded and then go shopping for a properly sized tow vehicle.
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Michelle
Think you are having a bad day? Go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
Hi, Myra. I would suggest a 20'er or smaller since it's only for one person and a few pets. Might be easier and less expensive to haul around. And you said, maybe for only one year? Maybe some of our "Rosie the Riviter" ladies will chime in and help you.
How much space? Depends on your needs. I would suggest going to an Airstream dealer and checking out the various lengths of the models to get an idea of what size trailer will meet your personal storage needs. Once you figure out the length you need, then you need to decide if you want a new or a vintage trailer. The tow vehicle decision is last as it depends on the trailer. For example a vintage 17' trailer weighs around 1800 pounds whereas a new 19' trailer weighs in at 4500 pounds. Those two trailers have completely different tow vehicle requirements.
I started looking at vintage Airstreams the other day and fell in love.
So my question is: How big of an Airstream do I need? Any suggestions on what to buy?
Since it sounds like you are already set on vintage...get yourself to a vintage rally open house to look at some of the different layouts. It'll be fun to kick the tires & look at all the different models & things folks do to them. Also the Photo Archives would be helpful for you get an idea of size and layouts.
For me, for full-timing, I would want a 22-24...probably 24 foot because they do have two axles - which the more miles you plan on traveling the more likely to get a flat. Any smaller, like the 19' models and smaller typically have a gaucho/bed which is made up & down everyday/night. Not bad for camping but a PITA for full-timing - I spent 70 nights out in 5 months & it got real old real fast. Bigger ones are great, but as mentioned before they mean a bigger tow vehicle and more to tow...just depends on your "needs" & how much "stuff" you wanna haul around with you.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do...boy am I jealous!!!
Shari
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I think listening to those who have taken the plunge and are now full timing it with an Airstream is about the best way to determine what will meet your needs. Michelle has done a lot of traveling with her set up this past year and kept all of us appraised of her travels and how the unit has worked, and from that I know I've certainly learned a lot.
You may find that something in the 25' range would be a good starting point. If you then determine you require more space you'll at least have a sound base of knowledge to go from, and it is also a size of trailer that is reasonable to tow and learn the ropes with. Actually, even smaller for the learning curve is better yet but then you are stuck with having to sell and move up and that in itself can be a frustrating experience. You'll find through using the search component of the forum how others have dealt with things like keeping a litter box in a trailer, the criteria they've used for selecting a trailer and tow vehicle, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
IMHO it's best to purchase the trailer, then you are assured the tow vehicle you purchase will meet the requirements. I also encourage you to consider taking an RV towing course from a professional firm if you do not have a lot of experience towing a trailer. There's a lot to be learned and the worst place to be learning things like backing into a tight camping spot when you don't have reasonable backing skills is a campground, with an audience. I take it you and your little buddies are the traveling crew and it's hard to teach a dog or cat on how to direct you when backing up your rig.
Also, if you are purchasing a vintage trailer, be sure you have it checked out thoroughly by a professional before you lay your hard earned money down. There are some pretty decent vintage trailers for sale and there are some that look that way but have problems. You don't want to get into something and then realize it needs work you aren't willing or able to tackle.
Don't hesitate to ask questions. The forum is loaded with lots of info but if you can't find it, don't be shy. We'd all prefer to know you've landed the right trailer and the right tow vehicle than to learn you've bought something that is less than your needs and that you are disappointed. This is a large, helpful, knowledgeable and caring "extended family" and we care for our efriends.
I envy your plans for a new lifestyle. I fell in love with the Airstream too. It has the aesthetic power to change your life AND the practical ability to support you in whatever you want to do.
Having said that, practice a little hard-headedness and don't be charmed by the first salesman you meet. It's a steep learning curve getting familiar with the marque and you'll need a little knowledge. My friends here on the forum, who all know more than I do, will help you.
If I was in the US the first place I would go to is a rally. See as many Airstreams as you can and learn all the bad things that can happen. Believe me, it won't put you off.
Good Luck,
Marc.
Ps. If you see an Airstream advertised or you're thinking of buying - post some pictures. We're all absolute suckers for pics and you'll get lots and lots of feedback.
How much room does one girl need? Let me ask this, how many pairs of shoes have you got? Sorry I couldn't resist. I'd say 25' is a great size.
LOL! Someone on the forums has/had a great signature quote something to the effect of when you are planning a trip, lay out all your clothes that you are bringing but only take half of them but pack twice the amount of money!
If it were me, knowing our small dog as I do, and computers, I would say a mid 1970's Tradewind, or Overlander, with center twin beds. One of the beds can be removed to make room for a work station for you and your computer. You can also place the litter box in the bathtub so the dog won't try to eat the tootsie rolls, smaller trailers don't have bathtubs.
my suggestion would be to start with something small. have you ever towed anything before? if not, it might be easier to start with something something small or see if someone has a tow vehicle and trailer you could try. also, have you considered an aistream motorhome? good luck, your plan sounds like so much fun!
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Hi, Myra. I would suggest a 20'er or smaller since it's only for one person and a few pets. Might be easier and less expensive to haul around. And you said, maybe for only one year? Maybe some of our "Rosie the Riviter" ladies will chime in and help you.
Sorry I couldn't resist. I'd say 25' is a great size.
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