Interested in becoming an Airstreamer...

[KellyLipp]

We currently own a CruiseRV FunFinder. We were parked next door to a couple with a 1997 34' NormanRockwell Airstream that was just beautiful. Frankly,we didn't get the whole Airstream thing until we spent an hour in this rig! Now we are hooked. But that means the research has to happen. I am a member of the iRV2 forums and am reasonably active there. Figured this is the place to learn.

We have a Ford F250 diesel as our TV so have that part done. We are interested in a longer older Airstream. Loved the 34 footer we were in. As I started to study this I quickly became confused: you guys have way too many models!


Any input on how to understand the various models and recommendations are welcome! We currently camp around 45 days/year but are considering a full time lifestyle. I just completed a solar installation on our TT and am handy so a remodel of an older trailer is within the realm.


Thanks in advance for tolerating another newbie!u


Kelly

Elbert, CO

[Fly at Night]

Welcome! I sometimes wish I kept my F250 diesel. With a truck like that, you can pull anything.

A Normal Rockwell Airstream? I never knew there was such a thing.

What next? A Picasso with offset windows etc?

[Foiled Again]

Welcome to the addiction, it's called Aluminitis.

Now about the models - currently there are three base models:

• flying cloud - lowest price
• international - modern minimilist
• classic - traditional styling, high end wood & upholstery

You can go to www.airstream.com to get a good overview of the models and lengths. I don't think Flying Clouds go longer than 27', Internationals the biggest is 30' only the Classic goes to 34.

There are also special editions on about everything but the classic - which is also Classic Limited. It might be helpful for you to know that Flying Clouds were renamed from Safari in 2006 or 2007. Internationals were originally called CCD's (for Christopher Deen who came up with the minimalist modern look that sorta shook up the whole RV industry), and Classics or Classic Limiteds used to be Excella's until sometimes in the 1990's if I recall correctly.

Odd special editions currently around - The Panoramic a 34' tri-axle that's designed as a toy hauler. Eddie Bauer in the 25' and now a 27' - also designed toward the younger demographic - toy haulers to carry kayaks, canoes, bikes, etc.

Check the Classifieds right here. There are many good trailers available.

Paula

[AlbertF]

I did a quick search for old brochures, and found this link to an amazing resource on the Airstream website. I hope they keep it there!

Airstream, Inc :: Travel Trailers

Don't worry, you'll start understanding the various models quite quickly.

[Ed Emerick]

Originally Posted by KellyLipp

As I started to study this I quickly became confused: you guys have way too many models!

Any input on how to understand the various models and recommendations are welcome!

Kelly

Elbert, CO

I think the best thing to do is just post here and ask about a model that you might have found. You will find that many of us have or have had one and can share with you what we liked and didn't. Like that Norman Rockwell 34 you were in, this was a limited production 34 but I have been in a couple of them. One with a lot of goodies in it and a lot of space, IMO a very nice coach.

Have fun with your search!
Ed

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

There are Aistreams out there to meet any camping style. We camp in a 2005 25FB which we have now spent nearly 1,000 nights in and have towed almost 90,000 miles.

Good luck in your search to find the perfect Airstream to meet your style.

[Silver Otter]

We second moosetags' welcome. It's hard to express how much love, knowledge, and guidance I've gotten from this forum since we got our first AS in April 2011. Our "shopping" experience was to decide on the Queen Rear Bedroom criteria and then look for what matched. We found a lovingly cared for 30' top-of-the-line for its time Excella. We love the "retro" feeling of all the wood. We made many trips in the last 9 months; 29 states, 1 province, over 20,000 miles. I write from a great gathering of Airstreams called Canopener in Florida this weekend. Enjoy the hunt. Take your time. Find the one you love. Welcome aboard.

[blmitch5]

Welcome! I found this site when I was shopping for an Airstream and found mine on the classifieds and also found an inspector to check it out for me! This is a great site for everything Airstream and it might take some time but I'm sure you will find the perfect Airstream and if it's far away take advantage of the inspection services found on the portal page. Good luck and keep us posted.

[casa3805]

Welcome Kelly, we are all addicted here so this is a serious support group. A different path to try is to check around on the forums for a rally near you. You will see many models all at once and could come away with a list of good ones for sale nearby. It is how we found ours. Happy hunting!