My wife and I are chomping at the bits to buy an AS for finding new fly fishing waters. She enjoys visiting with other campers and I enjoy fly tying. We have a 2004 Ford Expedition 4X4 4.6L V8 we plan to use as a tow vehicle. We like the 25 foot length, but don't have a clue as to which model would be best. We don't intend to have overnight guests as we've had our fill of that living on one of the US' most famous tailwaters. We look forward to meeting many of you in the fall, and can't wait to hear from you on the forum. Any suggestions for newbies like us would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Welcom DryFly ~
A 4.6L engine is on the low side of having enough power for something in the 25' length unless you go vintage. Even then may be questionable. The older units are considerably lighter and, IMHO, have tons more charm and character. Some do not want to deal with updating an older unit and enjoy all of the new ammenities that a newer trailer offers. To each his own. Best of luck finding your perfect Airstream and maybe we'll see you on the stream in the near future.
I have to agree that your tow vehicle would seem to significantly limit you choices. We tow a 31' Classic with an F250 diesel, and even with it I'm a bit over my gross allowable combined weight limits. Of course your fly tying stuff won't add much to the weight.
Your choice of trailer is purely a matter of personal preference. The campground where my wife and I stayed on the Yellowstone River last summer for 2 months (and will be there again for 2 months this year) had another fly fishing couple that stayed there in a 19' Bambi; there's no way we could do that, but they obviously can, and do.
I fly fish in the northest through to early June, and then head to the northwest for the summer and early fall. If you and your wife are in either of those parts of the world, and would like a guide (I also have a cataraft for river floating) to some of the best rivers (or lakes), give us a holler!
My wife and I will be in the Yellowstone area the week of Sept. 11th to the 15th. Will you be on the Yellowstone River during that time frame?
Booked a guide for a float down the Snake on the 13th.
Welcome to the Forum. I have a vintage 24ft, 1978 Argosy. Haven't actually had to go to all that much trouble fixing him up. The best part is that this Argosy weighs in at 3860 on the scales. Of course that's unloaded, but I think you will find the vintage trailers are within the weight range of your tow vehicle. We tow with an F150, 5.4L, V8, with ease.
My wife and I will be in the Yellowstone area the week of Sept. 11th to the 15th. Will you be on the Yellowstone River during that time frame?
Booked a guide for a float down the Snake on the 13th.
Brad
FF
PS: Yeah - 1200th post.
Brad -
We are spending the month of September at the Yellowstone's Edge RV Park which is about 30 miles north of Yellowstone Park and our campsite is about 10' from the river. If you get to come up that way, I'll take you for a free guided river trip. The fishing for big browns gets pretty good then, as does the cutthroat fishing on nearby small mountain streams.
I'd sure like to join you all up at Yellowstone. Our last visit there was in our VW Camper and before I took up flyfishing. I know that the rivers are terrific there and want to spend some time trying them out. If not this year, perhaps next once my wife retires.
plan a visit to the dealer is searcy.......not far from you.....it's a great place....very friendly, low key, and they carry a large assortment of models/styles and lengths.....
even if not planning to buy new......looking, and sitting and opening cabinets, and sitting on the toilet and trying the bed and dinette....are so useful.
having been inside as many as possible where ever possible.....will make looking at pix or floorplans or online for sale...so much more useful....
i still believe the wise approach is find the trailer and upgrade t.v. as needed....but the trailer is the first step in airstream happiness....
if you plan to use it much at all...size, floor plan and features are keys....so go get inside some!!!
John, sorry about the delay. My 83 year old father has been in the hospital and my older brother and sister are of the "out of sight, out of mind" culture. I have a 5.4 L F150 that I could use to tow. We try to schedule a trip to the Yellowstone area every year in September. If you don't mind, we'll keep your contact information, and let you know our plans for this year. If you're in the northcentral part of Arkansas, I'll "guide" you on either the Norfork (best unknown tailwater in the US) or the White Rivers. I can walk to the Norfork. Keep us in your prayers as we seek an AS just right for us. dry_fly
Am tying this weekend at Sowbug Roundup in Mountain Home, AR. There will be over 100 tyers there. I'll likely do deer hair bass bugs. Would love to have you watch me tie sometime.
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