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Tomboy · 06-24-2016, 08:12 PM

My brother lived full time in his '63 Caravel (I think it's 17') with his 75 pound dog and my other brother for a while. They traveled from Florida to San Francisco the long way, then lived for a year or more in an RV park in Novato. He eventually moved into his boat before coming back on land. Now the boat and Airstream are guest rooms. I think the worst part for him was having to make the bed up every day to get around inside, but a slightly larger trailer (or smaller dog) would ease that.

Tampatomgirl · 06-24-2016, 09:28 PM

I'm living full time in my '90 Excella with my big Shepherd puppy. We love it! As soon as it's sild, we'll be moving into a '73 Sovereign. 3' shorter, but bigger bathroom. I think it'll be great. Do it!!!

cameront120 · 06-24-2016, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HCR

I would imagine my 2006 has better insulation than older models

Same thickness of pink fibreglass, just newer.

$hide · 06-24-2016, 11:58 PM

We have spent the past ten years in our 1986 Avion and an older Airstream for three years before that full time but mostly stationary especially the later years. Obviously living in a metal can does present some problems with climate comfort especially when you aren't following the 70 degree weather. We have been as low as 0 degrees and as high as 105 degrees. Not the best days but they don't last forever. But you will need a can opener to pry me out! We will stay in ours until our health requires otherwise. With the right attitude and a desire for few possessions (other than a big chunk of aluminum) it can be your home, sweet home.

LiLNomad · 06-25-2016, 01:33 AM

You might want to check out:www.asmalllife.com.
LilNomad

wahoonc · 06-25-2016, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HCR

I would imagine my 2006 has better insulation than older models, and agree with comments that the AS is certainly not a 4 season trailer for camping in either 100 degree heat or 0 degree cold. I have had mine at -3 F and the furnace ran continuously.

Nope... that is one thing (among others) that Airstream has never really improved on. Aluminum is a very poor insulator and the ribs make great thermal bridges.

Aaron

fairtheewell · 06-25-2016, 10:08 AM

Doesn't whether one would find it acceptable to live it depend of what one find acceptable to live in? The person I bought mine from lived in it, year round in temp. between 115 and 15. I doubt it got below zero often (high desert, West Texas) but it could have. He didn't have a furnace or any source of heating or cooling. He loved it.

I like the cold and would be fine in temps. above 45 but the heat would get to me, quickly.

lizcarmel · 06-26-2016, 09:33 AM

Thank you to everyone who commented. I have read each of your replies carefully and more than once.

I will continue to look for "my" new (or vintage) Airstream home. I just started researching and searching a few weeks ago. There is so much to learn! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

And, I have a dollar amount in mind to spend which makes things tricky.

Plus, the issue of selling my current home. I can't sell my Class A until I have someplace else to live. I'm currently in Deming, NM trying to put all the pieces together.

Anyway, thank you all again for your wonderful and useful information.

Liz

lizcarmel · 06-26-2016, 09:34 AM

Why are you going from a '90 Excella to a '73 Sovereign?

Thanks.

Liz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampatomgirl

I'm living full time in my '90 Excella with my big Shepherd puppy. We love it! As soon as it's sild, we'll be moving into a '73 Sovereign. 3' shorter, but bigger bathroom. I think it'll be great. Do it!!!

Tampatomgirl · 06-27-2016, 10:18 AM

Hi Liz--

I need to invest in one of them and i think ultimately the '73 will have more value. I need to sell one to put money into the other. I bought them to renovate & sell. I've made some improvements to the Excella and it was in awesome condition to begin with I'll make a fair amount of money on it. I got a very good deal on it.

Michele

lizcarmel · 06-28-2016, 09:22 AM

Wow! That sounds awesome.

Unfortunately I don't have the resources or know-how to do what you did.

Cool.

Liz

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigButtUgly

lizcarmel; In my 1958 Caravanner 22' it would have impossible to live in it full time, so I gutted it and spent $6,000 on retrofits. Now capable of 100% off grid 100% of the time, 40 below to 125 degree temps, and with my independent air ride suspension at full "up" I have 11" unobstructed under belly clearance = go pretty much anywhere.