My husband and I recently returned from a 12-week trip in our 25-foot 2003 Airstream Classic (with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/Duramax as our tow vehicle).
We traveled the western US for a total of 9,500 miles (towing and non-towing – with an average of 16.5 mpg diesel). Starting from our home town of Las Cruces, NM, we were in 9 states, and went as far north as Anacortes, WA (about 90 miles south of the Canadian border).
By way of a "trip report," we recently completed a personal website – click on "Airstream Trip through the West – Summer 2007" on the home page. The website address is geoandpat.com (or click here:
Home)
Would we do it again? In a "New York minute"! And, in fact, we are already thinking about a 16-week trip for next summer….
What did we learn? First, the 25-foot size is good for the two of us (no pets, no kids, and only 1 plant – mint for mojitos!). Here is a list of "what worked" – in other words, what were those things that made living in 200 sq. ft. workable for three months:
- Sewer Solution – this is definitely at the TOP of the list; no more "stinky slinky"! The system really seems to clean out the tank better. The process does take longer than the 3-inch hose, but is well worth the additional 10 or 15 minutes. The system can be purchased at Camping World, and is described here: Sewer Solution
- Rear view camera (mounted on back bumper of Airstream) with a DVD player for a monitor – a DIY project using a camera from Harbor Freight and the player from Costco. This allows us to see traffic in back of us. Great for passing and allowing others to pass on 2-lane roads.
- Cell phone amplifier to boost the signal (at least 1-2 bars); Wi-Ex Car Extender (model # YX200-CEL/PCS). This is wireless (DC power plugged in only when we need it, and we keep the amplifier under the back seat); it does NOT tether to your cell phone. It's possible for more than one cell phone at a time to use it – or stand right next to your truck and get a better signal. Basically, it broadcasts an amplified signal in the truck.
- Added shelving to the overhead lockers in the bedroom, over the sofa, and above the sink (ideas from "Pahaska" – see his posts for details – thanks, John!)
- Ottoman / liquor cabinet / serving table – we originally wanted a light-weight ottoman, but this $40 purchase from Wal-Mart included a serving table on the underside of the lid (ie, flip it over, and instant coffee table!). George added partitions out of foam board so that it can safely hold 9 bottles of whatever, and it stores under the dining table while underway. It's described in a thread with pictures he posted on 6/16/07: Airstream Forums - View Single Post - Inexpensive ottoman, liquor cabinet and coffee table
- Clothes in the hanging closets should be kept in plastic bags like those from a dry cleaner – we use 13-gallon kitchen garbage bags, with a hole cut for hangers (usually 2-4 hangers per bag). This kept the hangers from falling off the rods while underway and kept the clothes on the hangers.
- No (or lousy) wireless access in the RV park? No problem. We use Verizon and purchased the "mobile office kit" for about $40 – it includes software for the laptop and a tether to the cell phone (our model is an LG VX8300). The cable uses a USB connection on the laptop and the charger port on the cell phone. We opted NOT to purchase an "aircard" since that entailed a two-year commitment at $60 a month for unlimited internet access (which is separate from the voice minutes). By using the mobile office kit (and having a voice plan already with Verizon), we simply call Verizon and ask to be connected to the broadband service at a daily pro-rated rate. It's the same plan as the aircard (the $60/month fee is prorated to $2/day of actual use). Again, it's with unlimited access that does not count against the minutes of our voice plan. After a few days, when we no longer need the access (for example, we've moved on to a new RV park with excellent wi-fi), we call Verizon to disconnect the broadband service. We're only billed $2/day for those few days we connected. We did this several times during the 12-week trip. The LG VX8300 is not an expensive/flashy phone (it was free when we renewed our plan), but it does have EVDO capability for the broadband service, which is MUCH faster than dial-up.
- We have a small (15-inch) Vizio flat screen HD television we purchased from Costco a few years ago. It fits in the streetside arm of the sofa while underway – no need for unsightly mounting on the wall. On our website, there's a page of photos of the interior, including the TV: Airstream Classic 25
- A fire-safe security chest provided security for small valuables and documents, and a small measure of fire resistance. It's stored in the curbside arm of the sofa and cabled with a lock to the sofa frame. Here's the item at Lowes: Fire-Safe® Security Chest
- Pressure Pro tire monitor for the trailer tires – this truly provides peace of mind through real-time monitoring. We know that the alarm will sound when there's a 25% drop in pressure in any of the 4 trailer tires. Overall it functioned well, but there were a few false alarms. The company is very helpful if problems develop.
- The Weber Baby-Q (model 100) is an outstanding barbecue grill – easy to use/clean, fast to light, and easy to store. A simple modification allows it to use the LPG tanks.
- Bedlocker is a retractable hard cover for the pickup bed. Combined with an electronic lock on the tailgate, it provides good security for items stored in the pickup bed. We did have some problems with it (would not automatically stop when closing), but it is being replaced by the company that installed it. Here's a picture on the website of a dealer: AZ Truck Accessories | Pace Edwards*BedLocker Electric Roll Top Cover*
- George built some plywood boxes for storage of certain items in the pickup truck bed (e.g., satellite TV antenna tripod, hydraulic jack, BBQ). These worked well to keep items organized. We also used a number of plastic boxes we found at the Home Depot.
Feel free to email or PM if you have questions.
Pat and George
Quick Links
Threaded Mode
