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31Coupe · 01-26-2010, 12:23 PM

Hello Everyone,

Just registered and wanted to introduce myself. I'm from what best can be discribed as the Airstream desert....No. KY. Not many around, not many seen. My wife and I walked thru one at the local RV show 2 or 3 years ago and have been iching for one ever since. We currently camp out of the back of our pick-up and have experimented with pop ups but want something more substantial. Been looking at the great white boxes on wheels and haven't been really impressed. So I've got to ask...Where do we start? I called the factory which is about 4 hours away and was suprised to hear that they do not have a show room only the production line. Seems a little odd to me but what do I know. I must confess that I am totally confused by all the different models and what changes come with the different models. So that's why I'm here. To dig around a little bit, do alot of leaning on you guys and find out what might work best for newbees like us. Any and all advice will be more than welcome and don't forget the screw ups, those little things that you all have learned by doing it wrong. Thanks for the help!

arodriguez60 · 01-26-2010, 12:30 PM

Welcome. You will find a wealth of information here and a lot of help. There are plenty of threads on people trying to figure what would be the right choice for them. It could be new or slightly used or the vintage models. I personally prefer the vintage.

6PackCharlie · 01-26-2010, 01:09 PM

Welcome to the Forum. We also chose to buy a used Airstream (AS). You can click on the upper right hand corner of this page and look at airstream classifieds. Will give you some idea of whats available. Also there are airstreams for sale on e-bay. We found our current AS from my wife reading the local thrifty nickle.

SteveH · 01-26-2010, 01:12 PM

Welcome 31Coupe, you've come to the right place to learn about Airstreams. There is plenty of reading here, and don't forget the search function if you are looking for specific info.

Being into street rods myself, please tell us sometime about your forum name, 31Coupe.

crispyboy · 01-26-2010, 01:18 PM

31coupe,
I work in Erlanger (Cresent Springs Road) and live in Alexandria. Would be happy to give you a phone call or have a beer and we can chew the fat. I have been involved for a few short years but would be happy to talk. I have an older trailer and went on a factory visit last month.
Shoot me a pm if you want.
Steve

BSmiley · 01-26-2010, 01:18 PM

Welcome fellow Kentuckian.
We graduated from a nice pop-up with King beds to our 06 Safari LS with twins and love the set-up. Ours is a front bed so our dinette is in the rear and it's really nice to look our over the lake when backed into a campsite. The twins accomodate my 6' 4" height nicely, and the 25' length is perfect for 2. I would look larger if there are children, perhaps a 30 footer.

We've had little trouble, have upgraded a few things, like TV, converter, & batteries, added electric heat for the water heater, and another Fantastic Fan.

The 25' is easy to pull, and we average 15 mph when pulling with our Duramax, so can't complain. We didn't start out with enough tow vehicle, so be sure you have both in mind when looking. It can get expensive if you find you have too small of a tow vehicle.

The best thing is to go through and look at them. The dealer in your area closed, I think, but there may be dealers in Indiana and Ohio. Check them out!!!

BigAl · 01-26-2010, 01:39 PM

Check out the forum rallies. There is one in April at Taylorsville state park just southeast of Louisville. There will be lots of airstreams of various vintage there. If you came for the day you could check them all out.
We will probably have an open house on the Saturday afternoon.
Al

loudruff · 01-26-2010, 02:01 PM

Big Al is referring to the Dogwoods and Bluegrass Rally in Taylorsville, KY. The date for that is the weekend of Apr. 16th. We will be there too. Most ASers love to show off their set ups. There will be rigs there of all ages and kinds. The best way to find out what you like is to go and visit some. The open house is usually after lunchtime on Sat. afternoon. Another opportunity to see new and vintage would be at the NOVAfest at the end of Mar. at Jackson Center at the factory. The NOVA unit will be there and we are going to have a factory tour on Fri. If you want to drive a little ways further you are welcome to join us there. The Mar. 26th weekend.

loudruff · 01-26-2010, 02:07 PM

There is a members list that you can look at by state too. Then you will see that you are NOT in a desert, and you are not alone. To find out who is in KY you can search the list. In the blue tool bar at the top of your screen you will find a tab labeled Members List. Click on that to do a search. Do an advanced search of members. When the screen that you have to type in comes up for you to type in the particulars you will ONLY type in the state. Then go to the bottom and click search. It should put up a list of KY folks that are registered on here.
Welcome!

mouth012006 · 01-26-2010, 02:35 PM

Do a search on members and u can pull up kentucky members. Come out for the day and see a bunch of trailers and ask as many questions as u like and get some good food too.

loudruff · 01-26-2010, 02:43 PM

Saturday late afternoons we usually have a giant sized potluck! Fun and unbelievable amounts of great food. Always room for a few more folks to join in!

63Silver · 01-26-2010, 03:28 PM

Welcome,
You are not alone in Ky and fortunately we have lots of Airstream friends from other states that enjoy the Bluegrass as well. I agree with BSmiley, consider your tow vehicle or at least your plans for towing up front before you make a purchase. The DandB Rally is an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of Airstreams and get a better feel for what you want and need. We will most likely be having a pot luck on Saturday the 18th and an open house. I have found Airstreamers are excited to show their masterpieces and always willing to offer suggestions. Keep an eye on the Dogwoods and Bluegrass Rally 2010 thread for updates and schedules. We would love to see you there!!

63silver

**Kevin245** · 01-26-2010, 04:27 PM

31C,

We're glad to have you with us and wish you luck and good fortune in your Airstream pursuit. As others have stated, a rally is a great way tour an assortment of Airstreams from vintage to brand spanking new. Another rally benefit is that you also get to meet the people who own them and some fellow AIR members to boot.

Don't let the fact that you don't own an Airstream yet stop you. We've encountered many members, Airstream admirers, and other inquisitive folks who want to buy one, always wanted to buy one, or have one that needs work and can't be put on the road yet.

Here is the link to the Upcoming Rallies forum.

Airstream Forums - Airstream Owners Community- Airstream Rally Calendar

Join us when you can. There will be plenty of hot coffee, warm fires, good libations, and if you're lucky some mighty fine music to be heard (Though we're still waiting for Susan to buy Jim those bagpipes).

Regards,

Kevin

AIR-Quarius · 01-26-2010, 06:41 PM

I hope you find one as we did....for sale and in good condition and ready to go! Keep looking here in the forums, ask questions, bug Andy every chance you can, and I bet you will come out with one...good luck! Bill

31Coupe · 01-27-2010, 05:05 AM

Thanks guys for the warm welcome and the heads up about the rallies. My wife and I were looking at a short trip in April so we may see y'all in the Louisville area for the rally. The Nova get-together in March at the factory sounds like a good time too. Been looking for a reason to get up and take a tour.

Right now I'm driving a '98 GMC K2500 with a 350cid. When I work it I work it like a dog and it has never disappointed me yet. Took it out to Wyoming a few years ago and the altitude gave me a little fit but all and all I can't complaint. I've looked at Airstream's website so many times that I think I'm wearing my web browser out. If I had to make a decision today which one to get, I think it would be a 25 or 27. It's just my wife and I and our two dogs. The camper's really for the dogs since we can't take them with us in the tent. Below is a couple of photos of our current set up.

SteveH,
A couple of years ago my wife and I drove out to Wyoming...see pics below to pick up one of my all time favorites and new pride and joy, an original condition 1931 Pontiac with the hopes of someday hot rodding it.