So close I can taste it!

[Yak dad]

I am going on Sabbatical next year from teaching high school math. Taking three kids 10 months to 6 years, a dog, oh and the wife. Hope to travel from colorado to Montana to Tennessee to mexico and elsewhere. Have a diesel suburban, and am narrowing down the choice between an 1988 excella 29 and Excella 34. I think that we are travel ing enough that the 1500 lbs less on the 29 makes a lot of sense. Anyway should be inthe bag soon.

Peter

[Mel]

Hi Peter, welcome! Wow - that extended trip is sure to be a memorable experience for your family. Good luck in deciding on your perfect Airstream, and keep us posted!

[tslanier]

We opted for the 34' and glad we did. As long as you have the TV to handle it, I would not be swayed by the extra lbs or the folks who tell you they are harder to tow. They proably are even more stable than some of the shorter models.

[Foiled Again]

Repeat the words "Three Kids" plus a wife and a dog several times. Imagine that you've gotten stuck in some small town waiting for two new trailer tires to be delivered... and it's been 4 days of solid rain. Unless you want to lock one child in the shower, another in the W.C. and a third under the gaucho - they'll be at each other's throats sooner or later. A few feet of extra space and privacy will be PRICELESS.

Paula

[TomW]

Welcome Peter,

I offer full-hookup courtesy parking in North AL if your travels should take you this way.

While I'd rather you show up with an Airstream, I'm impressed with your overall game plan and would welcome you & your family in whatever travel trailer you decide to make the journey with.

Tom

[2airishuman]

hi yak d'! and welcome to the forums....

i agree go for the 34, but it will still need some mods for a family of 5...

i'd put bunk beds and twin in the rear bedroom for the kids.

at night just pull the door and the parents can have the kitchen, bathroom dinette, and quickly make the sofa for bed time...

the new'r sofas are pretty comfortable for sleeping and actually make a longer bed than an rv queen or twins.

really the ideal model for your 5-pack is a 30 foot bunkhouse edition which has 2 dedicated sleeping areas at opposite ends and still plenty of room midship.

it's also a wide body which is significant space too..

cheers
2air'

[jdalrymple]

I too would recommend the 34'. The extra space is invaluable. The weight is not a large consideration, considering your TV. Enjoy the adventure.

[Yak dad]

Thanks for the input. Does anyone have pictures of bunk bed modifications done in the past?

Peter

[2airishuman]

hi peter

this is a newer unit, but a/s has done bunks,

so the the mountings exist, or can be fabricated.

this is the only pic in my collection with the bunk beds.

hopefully others can give better details on this.

cheers
2air'

[CaddyGrn]

Welcome to the forums! As a retired high school teacher....let me tell you this will be a welcome hiatus in your career. You will love your experiences.

I know the majority of folks here like the "big" idea, and I know 2Air's rig is wonderful... and with kids you do want some space. [Gotta understand, I like cozy...] But, if you plan on traveling to national parks and many state parks a larger rig is not always the easiest to find camping spots with. Many have a 25 foot limit. My guess, however, is you may want to do the full hookup routine with a family of 5 and if that is the case length won't be a problem. If you plan on doing some boondocking... well, my suggestion is do your homework!

If you are in California (i.e., Northern part, State of Jefferson) we have guest parking for forum members!

Be sure and chronicle your experiences with a nice blog online so you can share it with us, and in the future with your students!

Have fun! And, don't hurry! Stop and smell the roses and whatever else may waft your way....

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson)

[Yak dad]

Thanks for all the input. I will keep you in formed.

Peter

[moosetags]

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

It sounds like a great adventure.

Are you a kayaker, or does your screen name have another meaning?

[kidless]

Peter,
This is the best thing you'll ever do. i (as a single), took 2 of my kids out of school for 7 months and travelled in a VW van from BC down to Mexico City, zig zagged a bit across the states, then up to the Yukon. Shaped the future for the kids, and changed our lives forever. Funny thing is one swore to never travel in something smaller than a full sized park trailer pulled by a semi, and the other can live with a hammock and tarp. Like I said - shaped their lives.

Plan details up front, but when you hit the road, go with the flow.

All the best
Christina

[azfiredog300]

Yes, more on he bunk bes. I wonder if I can fabricate for my 71 Tradwind 25'

[TomW]

Originally Posted by azfiredog300

Yes, more on he bunk [beds]. I wonder if I can fabricate for my 71 Tradwind 25'

Pizzachop.

"Yes" to your question. Either research member Pizzachop or PM him. He's got a "Tee-shirt" in building bunk beds.

Tom

[Yak dad]

Thanks for the heads up on Pizzachop. He has some great bunk bed info. Still looking for the right trailer.

My wife and I are both kayakers and my 6 year old has paddled a couple rivers. the three year old has only been in the pool. The 1 year old has only been in my lap. Hoping to explore the warm water rivers of mexico with the fam.

Peter