as mine's a 23', no pets, and I don't watch tv. But I do have some ideas regarding storage.
- look for squarish containers ala Tupperware, etc., as they tend to fit better in Airstreams' rectinlinear spaces and in fridge, etc. I seal up anything I don't want spilled ... no problems so far, and don't want any in the future! [But DO label ... I once heard of a guy who confused laundry detergent with powdered milk ... blech!]
- consider shower floor as good storage for light things or water jugs when en route (I don't drink tank water despite sanitizing the fresh water tank ...) And yes, the quick-dry towels are very useful. Especially when they're wet on a rainy day and you don't have much of any place inside to put them except in the shower, where they'll never dry. Lots of backpacker ideas will save you room.
- consider cookware needs ... do you really need the twelve quart boiler, or do you really need a smallish skillet, a couple of small sauce pans, etc.? Think about cooking for two people, and think compact. Go simple here and you'll save a lot of space. I've been a backpacker for decades, so my real "needs" are pretty minimal ... just add a FEW luxuries.
- WHERE you put things is important. I try to put heavy things in the pickup bed, and only light stuff in rear storage in the A/S, to help keep hitch weight relatively high and to prevent wear/tear/sag on rear of trailer. Most heavy things inside get stored mid-ships as much as possible and as low as possible for low center of gravity. High cabinets get used for pillows, extra blankets, games, and other relatively light things. For same reason low C/G, I almost always tow with fresh water tank as full as I can get it.
- If I had a cat, I'd probably put the kitty litter tray in the bed of the tow vehicle
whenever I could (maybe anchor it with a little velcro so it wouldn't slide?), under the trailer when parked, etc. That is, as far away from ME as I could get it. I'll bet you can find some sort of tray with a snap-on lid to help prevent self-emptying when you hit a bump.
- Don't overlook the fact that you can store things inside other things ... when not using e.g. the stove, microwave, shower, sinks, etc., they can hold a lot of stuff, especially en route.
- Last idea: pre-cook or pre-prepare as much food as you can in advance at home ... a pint of homemade spaghetti sauce in a square container takes up a lot less room than a frozen package of meat with its associated packaging, a can or two of tomato sauce, a bulb of garlic and a garlic press, an onion, several bottles of spices like oregano and bay leaves, etc. And if you only take "meals" made up in advance, you can size portions so you have no leftovers to store. Unless, like me, you like leftovers!
You'll be surprised at how much you can get into the trays that Airstream provides for storage spaces. They hold a lot if you're careful.
Good luck; bet you are really excited to get out there on the road. You will have a ball! Please report back on how it goes!
Ryanh
Linear Mode
