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Condoluminum · 07-17-2007, 01:44 PM

Jawtex-

NEW threads are designed to be challenging to start.. You have to be in a Forum and category, so this one is OK... DOn't worry about hijacking, and do get proficient with "Search" tab above, to find previous posts first.. With several hundred thousand on file, new ones should be considered carefully..

Biggest challenge going into city like DC is storage and tow vehicle.. Finding place with access, power to keep batteries charged, options maybe for water or dumping tanks, and security are all big deals. A large truck (even a CCD will require at least a truck or SUV) is hard to park, potential risk of damage, and challenging for some of the underground garages...

All that said, having a mobile vacation home is a fine plan, if you can manage logistics.. Search here for articles on how long, proper tow vehicle, new v. slightly used v. vintage, etc etc.. You'll find large families happy in little trailers, single travelers cramped in 34' trailers, and everything in between...

Condoluminum · 07-17-2007, 01:50 PM

In answer to your questions, people do live in their Airstreams in cold weather, but it can be tough to leave them alone for periodds when it's cold..

1. The furnace needs to be running on propane to deliver warm air underneath floor and keep plumbing and tanks from freezing... If you left and propane ran out, all heck would freeze up. That's why most drain and shuit off and winterize their units for storage.
2. Electric heater would be comfy for inside, but not address basement heating issues.
3. Water supply would likely have to be disconnected, as hose with water won't work well below about -3 degrees C... Again, extra effort required to plan for when you can fill and drain tanks during warm spell, rather than run on local water faucet...

You could address these with supplemental large propane tank, insulated water pipe inlet with electrical wrap for heat, etc. You might ask some of the residents of Mobile Home park how they address same issues, as they have same kinds of problems living in real cold...

TBRich · 07-28-2007, 09:16 PM

Jawtex...welcome! I just wanted to offer encouragement about getting around in the forum....when I first started this forum a while back, I thought it was confusing, too...but as I have explored a bit more, it began to make perfect sense and with a little practice and perserverance, it's easier to negotiate...the more I explore the more I'm impressed with its depth and its thoughtful organization. As time moves on I am finding the info and people here worth every bit of frustration I may have had initially...it's a great bunch of folks and there's so much information and willingness to share there that it's almost overwhelming. If you really get lost or don't understand something, just ask...there are no dumb questions here, I've found. Enjoy yourself...and Happy Trails!...TB

Jeffrey B · 08-09-2007, 08:51 PM

Just in the process of having this renovation. Looking for a place to park it near Park City, UT for the ski season. Any ideas on where to post?

cwdnla · 08-19-2007, 10:08 AM

Hi, our names are Charlie and Diana and we are the PROUD owners of 2 Airstreams....Soverign 94 and Excella 95. We have had the Soveign 21 for 9 years and the Excella 30 for 1 year. We are both retired (60) and looking forward to a lot of traveling, our home base is Crowley, La. and Bay St. Louis, MS.

dudebb · 08-19-2007, 10:16 AM

Hi Charlie and Diana,
Welcome to the forums. It looks like you may be bringing with you a wealth of experience and knowlegde. Don't be afraid to share - and to ask questions if you have any. Also, photos of your airstreams are always appreciated!

bbop_96 · 08-19-2007, 01:29 PM

Hi

Ben & Liz for Morgan City, La. Have 2005 classic 31 ft. and love it, haven't joined club yet but looking forward to it. Work offshore so time is limited to local rallies only.

Ben

nautiqueman · 09-07-2007, 05:41 PM

I have been bitten by the camping bug and am interested in an older Airstream. Right now i have a Coleman popup.

Any suggestions on starting out with an older Airstream? I guess a diesel pickup will be best for towing.

Thanks
Thomas

maxandgeorgia · 09-07-2007, 06:00 PM

Thomas, we too had a Coleman popup. You will LOVE your Airstream when you choose one. Many people on this forum start with or eventually move to a vintage Airstream, for entry cost (they report that updating and maintaining makes up in time for the lower entry costs!) and/or for the ambiance. Others choose new to have everything prime from the beginning and toavoid having to redo or rebuild vintage problelms. However, we and others chose to start mid way. We have a '95, costing much less than a new AS off the dealer's lot and needing little in reconstruction. Spend time here using the search feature and read up as much as you can on old vs new vs decade or so old. You can learn a lot to guide you in your choice. Best wishes! ~G

rbrock · 09-09-2007, 07:43 AM

Hi to all fellow airstream owners - I actually am looking to sell our 1978 Airstream Sovienger - it would be a great fixer upper - the 8 track still works (without even using a matchbook) and I have a great selection of Elvis and 70/80's tracks.

streamer23 · 09-09-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbrock

Hi to all fellow airstream owners - I actually am looking to sell our 1978 Airstream Sovienger - it would be a great fixer upper - the 8 track still works (without even using a matchbook) and I have a great selection of Elvis and 70/80's tracks.

You could put an ad in the classifieds section of this website (if you haven't already).

streamer23 · 09-09-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbrock

Hi to all fellow airstream owners - I actually am looking to sell our 1978 Airstream Sovienger - it would be a great fixer upper - the 8 track still works (without even using a matchbook) and I have a great selection of Elvis and 70/80's tracks.

I now see your trailer in the classifieds.Good luck in your sale.

smattson · 09-10-2007, 10:32 PM

I am new to this forum. We have a 1992 21' Sovereign. We bought it a year ago after camping with Coleman Tent trailers for many years. We have discovered that we were are very lucky to have found our Airstream. There doesn't seem to be very many in good condition available for sale. The Soverign is very cozy. I would like to find an Airstream that is perhaps a bit longer. Our tow vehicle is Jeep Grand Cherokee so cannot tow longer than 28'.

sidneyj · 09-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Sidney j here looking to buy a airstream, but i had a stroke 15 years ago. lost the use of my left arm and have a weak left leg. I drive ok looking for every ones opinion as to witch one is the easit to handle. thanks

Muddy Waters · 09-29-2007, 05:15 PM

My DH and I are looking to buy an Airstream too. We are not handy people at all (that, folks, is a serious understatement) and aren't looking for a vintage. We're sticking to the newer stuff but pre-owned. If we love this as much as I think we will, we'll upgrade in a few years. Right now we're looking for small, safe, manageable and relatively maintenance free. Such chickens, lol! We are having fun looking.

Does Airstream make special sheets for their funky beds with the rounded corners? Regular sheets can be tucked in, of course, but I wondered if exact-size sheets were available anywhere.

eikel1we · 10-01-2007, 11:26 PM

Welcome to airforums! Look at the blue bar crossing the page near the top. The third choice from the right says SEARCH. I typed in bed sheets and found a brief discussion about them. (i don't know how to paste the link here) Airstream sheets - $$$, alterations, and garters are viable options. We have the garters and find them do-able.

Good luck with the search for your a/s and be sure to use the forums for Q & A and research before you buy.

sue

jrussell · 10-04-2007, 04:44 PM

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone knows if there is a video or CD available on buffing techniques. I am buffing my 28' ambassador airstream and wish there was something that showed techniques in the buffing process. I have stripped all the plastic coat and have started using variouse Nuvite compounds but am having problems understanding the actual technique as I seem to have alot of small scratches. Any help would be appreciated. thanks. russ

Jared129 · 10-09-2007, 08:46 PM

Ok, here is my introduction, lets see if this works.....
I have a 1976 31' Sovereign. It has been a long time coming- I have salivated over this trailer for years until finally buying it off of my father this spring. He in turn bought it off of my father-in law (I convinced him to keep it in the family even thouigh he did not want it) in 2004 who was selling it after it sat for 17 years after the death of my wife's grandparents who purchased it new in '76. Have I lost anyone yet? It is in remakably decent shape for as long as it sat, I hope to improve it as time permits.

Thanks!

SRW · 11-10-2007, 08:25 PM

My wife and I have a new 28 ft International Ocean Breeze. We love it. We tow it with a 2007, Toyota Tundra, 5.7L. To date we have been on one rally that we enjoyed a great deal, and are looking forward to future rallies and caravans.

nypatnva · 11-11-2007, 07:37 AM

Hey
After lercking(?) on here for the past six years, I guess it's time to join in. We have a 1965 Safari we bought in 2000 for $1000 and restored with new appliances, pergo floor, upholstery and Carrier 13.5 AC. Have about $6000 in it and a lot of elbow grease. Tow with a 2000 silverado with 5.3. The trailer is mainly set up for Boondocking and I have a 2800 watt yamaha genny for power. We stay mostly at COE's, NPs' and NF. (Golden Age Pass). Haven't been in a private campground in 5 years.
Tried the Wally club and the Vac but they did not work for us. We try to camp at least 10 days/month year around.