Introduction and intent

[keeponcampin]

Hi All,
Thanks for being a wonderful source of info for an AS wannabe.

My name is Greg and I live in New York State. I currently have a Savana van that I outfitted for camping. Quigley 4WD, High top so I can stand up, Dometic fridge/freezer, camp stove, sink with a gravity feed water system, and of course a bed. Its minimal but I designed it that way so I can get further into the national forests out west.

My latest thinking is to get an AS and use it as my base camp so I have more creature comforts for staying put in one place longer and using the van/motorcycle for exploring the local area, wherever that may be.

I started a thread in the tow vehicle forum for input from members since you are already towing. The specs for my van say 10000lb max trailer, 16000 combined, 8600lb gross vehicle etc but after calculating all the loads and what not I don't think I should go larger than a 23 foot, maybe a 25 max. My van didn't have the tow package so I have to add the wiring and receiver. I also dont want to overload the drivetrain so I am aiming at the 23 or 25 ft as a good compromise on size, weight, and comfort.

Well don't know if or when I'll buy yet so I'll stick around for now and if I buy I'll be around longer!
Thanks all!
Greg

[Lily&Me]

Sounds like a great plan!

Can't advise you at all on towing, but having a tow vehicle outfitted for boondocking and getting further afield seems to be becoming very popular.

Have fun.


Maggie

[skippy]

Sounds somewhat familiar..

We have been doing some basic van camping (Honda Odyssey), and are enjoying it. My wife has been an incredibly good sport, and as we plan for retirement, it would be nice to give her (and myself) a few more creature comforts. Though it is hard to put my finger on it, there is something (actually, many things) about Airstreams that I really like. I am here to read, digest and absorb from the huge wealth of knowledge on this forum as I refine my plan.

For the moment, thinking about starting smaller (single axle), but might be very limited by the Odyssey's 3500 lb towing capacity. A vehicle upgrade might be necessary for anything more than a 16' Bambi. Compared to van camping though, even the smallest AS would be a luxurious step up. As an example of my research, my current topic du jour: what is the smallest Airstream that has more than the narrow 48" beds? (60" Queen size would be nice, but even 52" Full would be better.)

Lots to research, lots to learn, lots to decide, but I am definitely in the right place to gather information and make more intelligent decisions. Anywho, welcome to the forum from a noob / lurker / researcher..