Tenters getting older

[thehiker]

Greetings to all. I've spent a good many hours reading thru the chatter, and enjoyed them all. My partner and I have been avid campers for years. We live in Arizona, and spent many summers traveling up and down the Rockies, usually visiting wilderness areas, tent camping in NF campgrounds, and have done some monumental back packing trips as well.

Recently, it became time to trade in our vehicle, and the new one needs to last for the next ten. We opted for a truck (Honda Ridgeline) with the understanding that sometime over the next ten years we'll likely need to move up off the ground, and get a little more "comfortable" (I'm 50 and 'pard is 55 . . add ten years . . you get the picture).

Although we thought the trailer part would be "down the road", I already have visions of a new AS to go with the new truck. Given our preference for the rustic NF kind of camping, we're thinking the Safari Sport 17 would be ideal . . easy to tow . . able to get into smaller spots . . heck we can even push it around by hand in more challenging spots.

I figure it's a good way to get the economy rolling again ('pard is on the same page yet).

If we "pull the trigger" on this, I'm sure we'll be back with plenty of questions . . many along the lines of boondocking . . and how to maximize our nights without hookups.

Thanks for a highly functional forum . . and more importantly for the active dialogue . . it's obvious that you AS folks are special.

TC (+GM)

[soldiermedic]

Welcome to the forums. Be sure to check out our classifieds section for the lastest units. Ask the questrions, and we will answer...so dontcha worry bout it.

Steve

[overlander63]

The 17 is a great little trailer, but you may want to look into the Safari Sport 22. The extra 5' is a big plus, and can make a real difference if y'all are stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop.

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forums from another Phoenix member. We spent a lot of years in a tent and then a pop up before we made the jump to an Airstream. We have a 25 foot vintage trailer and it works well for the two of us and the 3 dogs. Glad you joined!

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by overlander63

The 17 is a great little trailer, but you may want to look into the Safari Sport 22. The extra 5' is a big plus, and can make a real difference if y'all are stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop.

I second this - I have a tiny trailer and it only took me a few trips to figure this out.

There are a lot of us here who found that the ground got kinda hard. We like to camp in out of the way places or use our trailers for a base camp. Consider going to an Airstream party (we call 'em rallies) and touring through some trailers - ask people about their experiences before you spend a pile of money.

[thehiker]

Thanks . . We'll definately have a look at 'em both. Part of the reluctance has to do with storage space for the unit . . I need to do some measuring . .maybe either will fit. Separately, it seems like what we would gain w/ the 22' is an extra seating space . . which will likely go unused with just 2 people . . maybe we need to get a little more sociable and plan on guests.

[cameront120]

Welcome to the forums. I wish you luck with your search.

[Boondocker]

Maybe a good move would be to get a used pop to use for a couple seasons. If trailers are for the two of you then the transition will be easy, if not, you arent out much.

[Alumatube]

If you get an AS you will have guests!

Welcome, and I hope you find the trailer you are looking for. I used to tent camp, discovered the joy of the air mattress, then discovered the nirvana of the motorhome. The tent is in the attic.

Good luck!

Susan

[klattu]

Going to be tough to match the flexabilty of a tent.
Starting off with a short one will still be a big improvement over a tent.

Ridgeline...how you liking it?

[Foiled Again]

I notice you are in Phoenix - which puts you in the land where used Airstreams are GREAT.

The dry climate prevents a lot of the horror stories the damp-ducks like us have on the east coast - leaks,frame rust and floor rot. You're also very fortunate to be somewhat near the four corners unit (yes I know how long the drive to the Grand Canyon is from Phoenix) but the advice to go to a rally or two just cannot be overstated.

One piece of advice you'll hear over and over is to sit on the throne and lie down on the bed - if those aren't comfortable for you you'll never be content with your trailer. Many people with corner beds bemoan the struggle to climb over their partner for the midnight visit to the bathroom... and some of the bathrooms are so small that closing the door while seated is impossible (and after 5 alarm chili, you want that door closed and the fan on HIGH).

The Ridgeline won't tow a big trailer but either of the ones you are interested in should be fine. Good luck in your search and see you down the road.

Paula Ford

[jimmini]

WELCOME TO THE AIRSTREAM LIFE FROM JIMMINI IN MESA AZ
YEP AT 69 WE GAVE UP OUR TENT.THAT WAS 3 YEARS AGO WHEN WE GOT A 29 FT AIRSTREAM (SQUARESTREAM)TRAILER.WE STILL DO THE NF CAMPGROUNDS BOONDOCKING(ABOUT 170+DAYS LAST YEAR) BUT IT HAS OPENED A HOLE NEW WORLD OF AIRSTREAM RALLIES WITH THE WBCCI 4 CORNERS UNIT FOR US WITH MANY NEW FOUND FRIENDS

[silverbambam]

Welcome! We used to be tent campers as well, but gave it up...love haaving a fridge for the Champagne! We transitioned from a 21 ft Winnebago Warrior to a 19ft Bambi International and love it. We have 2 dogs and no problem with space. Just recently went caravaning with friends and entertained at the table with another couple no problem. Good Luck

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by thehiker

Thanks . . We'll definately have a look at 'em both. Part of the reluctance has to do with storage space for the unit . . I need to do some measuring . .maybe either will fit. Separately, it seems like what we would gain w/ the 22' is an extra seating space . . which will likely go unused with just 2 people . . maybe we need to get a little more sociable and plan on guests.

I thought we wouldn't need all that space, either. But the first time we camped in the trailer we had (20' Argosy), there was a severe thunderstorm, and EVERYbody that was in tents all around us crowded into the trailer. IIRC, there were about 20 people crammed in there.
Then, after a few trips under our belts, I saw that if the weather was bad, it was mucho better to have a bit more breathing room inside.

[Jimandrod]

Hi TC & GM

Welcome! You’ll enjoy it here. Lots of really nice folks and great information.

I know what you mean about getting a little old for tent camping. My partner (56) and I (55) both feel the same way. We knew we were getting tired of the ground when we schlepped a thick inflatable mattress and down bedding the last time we camped.

At first we seriously considered getting a pop-up figuring that it would get us off the ground but we’d still be in a tent. That idea only lasted until we saw the inside of an Airstream for the first time. It was all over at that point. It was going to be nothing but an AS.

As we selected the one we’re finally getting, we went through quite a process. We vetoed the 17' and 19' right from the start - I’m just too claustrophobic! We liked both the 23' and the 25' SS but settled on the 28' Safari SE. We’ll be putting the final order in at the end of next week. We’ll have it around the first of May. The thing we liked about the 28' is that it has everything - a real bed, a lounge area and a dinette. We’re afraid if we got a smaller one we would end up trading it up before long.

Anyhow - life is too short. Don’t put it off. Buy it now and stimulate the economy.

[HiHoAgRV]

I'm wit ya'
Last year Mrs. HiHo and I accepted a last minute fishing trip - take the boat or take the camper?
Took the boat, tent and two blow up pads...
We fished all day, then went to inflate the pads and one was missing the plug. Instead of one pad and a divorce we both slept(Hah if you want too call that "sleep") in our bags on the tent floor.
I ached so bad I could barely drive home the next day.
I think we will take the camper from now on.

One tent for sale!

[billberk]

TC

If it's just the two of you, check out the 20' Safari. It fits in small spaces, makes two beds if needed, and has great counter space and storage. Only thing missing is the lounge area (but we lounge around the campfire).

[rickandsandi]

Welcome to the forum....you picked the right place to make friends and get some solid advise. We were avid tent campers and always enjoyed be out in the woods. Our Safari 22 is the perfect fit for us. Sometime we have my daighter with us so the size is perfect if not a bit snug for three. We went from a four season tent right into an Airstream. Sure we have had to use our tent since the AS [island camping] but it has been the best thing we ever did. Go for the larger trailer if you can. Once in a while we do wish we were a bit bigger but not too often. For the two of us it is perfect and there really isn't anything we would change. Have fun in your search.