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AirChief · 02-24-2012, 10:01 AM

Well, we pulled the trigger on getting a trailer and an Airstream at that! Amazing how long a research process it was to select one that fit our needs. I'll be honest though, the time and money invested is quite a commitment and I sure didn't want to mess it up. We still have yet to camp with it, but just towing it for the first time and setting the trailer up to be travel ready has already assured me we made the right choice. Living in the Willamette Valley with mountain ranges on both sides and plenty of fishing rivers, we needed/wanted a top notch trailer for boondocking to get away from it all on the weekends yet have the comforts for a long haul. I've enjoyed reading the comments and look forward to learning and sharing with this community. A special thanks in advance to all you folks who put in the time and effort to help others with your experienced advice. Newly retired Air Force Chief and our silver bullet is referred to as the Chief Suite. Would love to hear from any fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms. Blessings - Tom and Kristine

**moosetags** · 02-24-2012, 10:15 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Travel Bird · 02-24-2012, 10:30 AM

Congratulations, Tom and Kristine!!! I am on "the search" as we speak so I can understand totally what you mean. Good luck and post some pics. We all love looking at pics. Cheers!!

Phoenix · 02-24-2012, 11:31 AM

Congratulations on your recent retirement AND new Airstream! Great size for boondocking. You may wish to read posts on this site regarding solar and generators, if you plan to be off-the-grid a lot. Then, when your OEM tires need replacement, check out tire-related posts. Also, lots of good tips on camping locations.

Happy trails!

utee94 · 02-24-2012, 11:36 AM

Congratulations, welcome to the Forums, and thank you very much for your Service.

Only question is, why aren't you out camping in it right now?

-Marcus

zlee · 02-24-2012, 12:05 PM

Welcome! Thank you for your service, and congratulations on both your retirement and your new acquisition--yay 19' Bambis! Obviously, I think you've made a great choice.

Hope to see you on the road, and looking forward to having you here on the forums!

Zina

Landshark · 02-24-2012, 12:43 PM

Welcome to the Forum: glad to have you with us.

Congratulations on both your retirement and choice of RV! Shows a great deal of intelligence, ahem. And thank you for your service to our country: you service men and women can never get too much praise.

Maybe if you head to Yellowstone we could offer you a parking place: we're in Idaho.

Vivian

AIR-Quarius · 02-24-2012, 12:58 PM

Good for you Chief - I myself was and probably am still an Airforce Brat, just all grown up. But a lot of my sisters and brothers were airforce, including my step dad. Have fun!!

50KIP · 02-24-2012, 01:46 PM

Head on down to AM Solar on Springfield, Or where they will give you an education on solar installations for boondocking. For boondocking or dry camping I would recommend a Honda 2000i generator which will run everything on your AS except air conditioning.

AirChief · 02-25-2012, 11:34 AM

Thanks for warm welcome everyone!

DreamStreamr · 02-25-2012, 12:09 PM

Welcome to airstreaming, Chief. My dad served USAF 26 years (1941 - 1967) and while often tough duty for him it was pretty great for us. Thank you for your service.

Our first airstream, 8 years ago, was a 22' CCD International. Still our favorite airstream of all with its 7' galley and high front bed, great looks. We grew up and decided to live full time in rv so bumped up a little, to a 25'.

Check out our website on airstreaming, info on improvements, mistakes, and faq.

We hope to see you down the road!

cloudflier · 02-25-2012, 01:29 PM

Hi Tom and Kristine-
Congratulations on all of the new changes in your life! We're up near Pullman, Washington so fellow Pacific Northwesterner's! We've spent a lot of time camping all over Oregon. We usually spend a week each year on the Oregon coast. There are some really beautiful spots to camp. For a luxury stop, I'd recommend the 7 Feathers RV park (part of the casino) in Canyonville, OR. It's a great stop when you need full hook-up.
Best of luck!
Mandy

MaxAB · 02-25-2012, 06:51 PM

Welcome to the forum, brother!

Happy trails...

Hibby · 02-25-2012, 07:03 PM

AirChief, I'd tell you to run now whileyou still have a chance, but it's too late. If you've already bought the Airstream, you're on the rapid downhill slide.

I'm sure you will find nothing but joy and fun with your new toy... Congrats to you, and thanks to both you and Kristine for all that you've committed for us.

SL4BLLT · 02-26-2012, 10:13 AM

AirChief,

Welcome aboard the Airstream forums and community. Congrats on retirement and smart call on purchasing and Airstream. The AS life certainly will allow you to reflect on your years of service.

We retired as well after 28 yrs with the Army, (CSM) but were fortunate enough to get into the Airstream lifestyle for 15 years prior to retirement. It allowed us the chance to see our Nations National Parks and roads through our many PCS moves and between the many deployments as well, allowing us to be a family and relax.

The Airstream community is awesome having folks with great knowledge and experience and some making mistakes sharing them to help all of us from making that mistake.

As we upgrade and use heavily our 31' International LY, we frequest the forums in both sharing and gaining wisdom on what works and doesn't. Great insight. You'll even see those that are not AS owning asking questions as this is one very few forums that provide answers to everyone.

Welcome to the AS community and safe travels with your new AS and enjoy your next chapter in life. Capture it all.

Regards,

SL4BLLT

Chief · 02-26-2012, 12:43 PM

From one Chief to another.....congratulations and welcome to 'streaming. It is hard to resist the allure of riveted aluminum.

This is truly a great community, and we have really enjoyed making new friends and attending forum rallies. If you are ever traveling through NW FL, get in touch and I'll buy you a "retirement" brew (or two).

Chief

AirChief · 02-27-2012, 08:26 PM

Thanks Hibby. Kristine and I have thoroughly enjoyed our service to the nation and its folks like you that make me proud to serve and be an American!

AirChief · 02-27-2012, 08:29 PM

Chief

Good to hear from you! Likewise, if you get up to the PNW in the Salem, OR area, I 'll have some excellent Amber Lagers in the fridge.

Tom

AirChief · 02-27-2012, 08:31 PM

CSM,

Thanks for reaching out and glad to hear how great it is to be a part of this community. Thanks for your service - 28 Army years is a long time!

Tom

AirChief · 02-27-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamStreamr

Welcome to airstreaming, Chief. My dad served USAF 26 years (1941 - 1967) and while often tough duty for him it was pretty great for us. Thank you for your service.

Our first airstream, 8 years ago, was a 22' CCD International. Still our favorite airstream of all with its 7' galley and high front bed, great looks. We grew up and decided to live full time in rv so bumped up a little, to a 25'.

Check out our website on airstreaming, info on improvements, mistakes, and faq.

We hope to see you down the road!

Thanks for sharing. The kids definitely sacrifice but gain the benefits too! I look forward to reading about your adventures.

Tom