Looking in Iowa

[overton]

Hi, I'm Greg and I'm a stream-a-holic. I don't own one yet but I'm looking. The picture below proabley got me going on this quest. I'm 50 and have 3 kids 10, 12 and 15. I've been looking at trailers for awhile and trying to decide what size and era I want. 50's, 60's, Bambi, Safari, Tradewind, etc.

Started off looking at Bambi's and other single axle trailers. I like em but the wife says we should be able to sleep the family of 5!

Seems like very few trailers really sleep 5 so I might opt for sleeping 4 and figure out how to make do. Half the time we can't get everyone together anyway!

I would like to hear your suggestions.

I don't plan on camping more that 3 or 4 times a year so it will not see heavy use. I looked at NEW Airstreams yesterday. They are as nice as they are pricey! I won't be buying new. Also looked at a 72 yeaterday but I prefer the "real wood" of the earlier models to whatever we call that stuff. I'ts either going to be old or almost new. Not sure yet - I'm skipping the "Harley" stage and going right to the Airstream stage so I'm saving some money there.

Cheers,
Greg

[Mel]

Hi Greg - welcome to the forums! You've definitely come to the right place for your research. I would also check out the photo archives on www.vintageairstream.com to get an idea of the layouts that are available. I would agree that 5 in a Bambi would be a tight fit! Is it possible that the kids might want to sleep in a tent near the trailer when you camp?

Also, even though you don't plan on camping more than 3 or 4 times per year, you never know what will happen once you get your Airstream - you may find yourself camping a lot more than you think!

Good luck with your search -

[jwe63]

Hi Greg. I'm 43, with three kids, and looking for the same thing in BC Canada. I've been looking for 2 months, and i've noted a couple things as I search. Firstly, I've been told many times by experienced AS-goers to be patient, the right one will slide my way sometime this year. Secondly, the "shorties" are highly desireable, and good deals go quickly. bad deals sit waiting for the "right customer". It seems that lengths of 24 feet and longer offer much lower pricing, and are more prevalent. Much like classic cars, it seems redoing a "shortie" costs dearly- perhaps as much as a newer model in the end. The word seems to be, pay more now, avoid the reno. later.

Here in British Columbia, we have these darn hills that block our view, and make trailering more challenging going up and down them. So, I think I'll stay short for my search.

In summary, I'd look slightly longer (24 feet or so), a nice used one, but I agree, not new!

Good luck in you search!

Jim

[AZstreamin]

Hello Greg… good to see a fellow Iowan on the forums. Once bitten by the AS bug you are on a mission now. So I’ll share a few helpful pointers given to me on the front end of our quest.
ØFloor plan first. Vintage or Newer there are many great options to consider read and do a lot of research you’ll find a million opinions and options for every floor plan.
ØThree teenagers will likely weigh heavy on the how big decision. Not enough room could make for a miserable weekend when your camping trip gets rained out and the family is jammed in a bambi for a Saturday playing games and watching movies.
ØSeveral floor plans will offer a private bedroom for mom and dad with a queen bed and the kids can sleep in the fold down dinette and fold out front couch.
ØWhat do you plan to use as a tow vehicle or do you intend to purchase this also?

When I first started looking at Airstreams having never owned a trailer before I was thinking smaller would be better for my first one. But with some persuasion from others I quickly realized that I didn’t want to buy an Airstream and sell in a year or two and buy another. So we went with the 30’ right out of the gates. In hind sight this was the best advice anyone gave me. Now we have an AS that will accommodate all present and future needs.
Use the search function and ask questions Good Luck.

[Goin camping]

Hi Greg,

I remember the ad that got you atarted. Cute little trailer in San Francisco with black and yellow plates. That particular trailer made a large impression on me too.

I started with a 19ft. and within 6 weeks had exchanged it for a 25. You really and truly want enough room.

Keep an eye peeled. If you see one in a yard it costs nothing to knock on a door. I've bought a lot of vehicles from people that had not intended to sell until I knocked on their door. Usually at a good price. Don't be shy. I once got an ambulance cheaper than dirt because the owner felt I would give it a good home. I did. You will also learn a lot from the people that don't sell and usually get a tour too.

Good luck and have fun!!

[Roadtoaster]

Originally Posted by overton

Hi, I'm Greg and I'm a stream-a-holic. I don't own one yet but I'm looking. The picture below proabley got me going on this quest. I'm 50 and have 3 kids 10, 12 and 15. I've been looking at trailers for awhile and trying to decide what size and era I want. 50's, 60's, Bambi, Safari, Tradewind, etc.

Started off looking at Bambi's and other single axle trailers. I like em but the wife says we should be able to sleep the family of 5!

Seems like very few trailers really sleep 5 so I might opt for sleeping 4 and figure out how to make do. Half the time we can't get everyone together anyway!

I would like to hear your suggestions.

I don't plan on camping more that 3 or 4 times a year so it will not see heavy use. I looked at NEW Airstreams yesterday. They are as nice as they are pricey! I won't be buying new. Also looked at a 72 yeaterday but I prefer the "real wood" of the earlier models to whatever we call that stuff. I'ts either going to be old or almost new. Not sure yet - I'm skipping the "Harley" stage and going right to the Airstream stage so I'm saving some money there.

Cheers,
Greg

We originally said we would only camp 3 or 4 times per year too. Now, only months later, we are trying to figure out how to camp a couple of times each month (if the weather is good). This Aluminitas bug is a killer!

Greg

[Fyrzowt]

I had 3 kids when we bought our first A.S., a 25' Safari 6-sleeper. I wouldn't recommend anything smaller, or at least not much. If (when) you get rain it gets real close with 3 active kids. Welcome to the forum.

[CanoeStream]

Hello Greg -- As Mel sez, welcome to the Forums! I've seen the so called 6-sleeper barely handle five when children are in their 10-15 year age period. The rear corner bed for the parents is annoying for at least one of the adults involved. Making the dinette into a bed works for very small bodies at best. My children were very independent and as they got older appreciated their own 2 person tent and even a bivouac sac. I didn't catch the fever until my children were in their early 20s. So I got all sorts of strange looks and questions about what we were doing with their inheritance (well, almost...). I had to level with them that their parents weren't rich!

My feelings would suggest looking for what pleases you and your wife in the long run. If that is vintage it will take you 2-3 years to bring it up to speed for long range travels. But you are right -- you can hardly go wrong with Airstream Fever.

[CaddyGrn]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you have the "bug"!

There is an interesting thread on what to think about when looking for an Airstream. Generally it was about newer 'streams, but the ideas work well for the vintage models too! You might want to read through it! Here is the link: http://www.airforums.com/forum...eam-22920.html

You also might want to use the search button on the top blue toolbar. A forum member, Great Pumpkin, has a nice vintage 'stream with a family of 5! Might be a good reference.

Good luck in finding just the right airstream! If you find a vintage one you can probably opt for building in bunk beds ~ several folks have, I believe!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)