Hello Guest!!

[streamer23]

Good luck in your search.Don't forget to keep checking the classified section of this forum.
Also,if you see something online somewhere there may be a forum member in the area who could check it out for you.

[Dharmabum]

Thank you Mike.

[Condoluminum]

Jude-

Welcome to the Forums...

I can highly recommend classifieds here, as well as www.airstream.net and www.rvtraderonline.com for web-based searching....

Surprised nobody answered your question directly yet ("What would you buy for $12,000?").. Thought I would take a try...

Unless your '95 Ford is a monster truck (3/4 ton HD Diesel etc..) you're probably limited to trailers of 25' or less behind a Ford F150.. Really older ones are either pretty rotten ("As Found" condition according to vintageairstream.com ...) or elegantly restored, and if you can find a restored model that could work. In 1995 all Airstreams got wider and heavier, and since it is just you two, you might not need the extra weight and width...

I'd look for classical Excella 25 from 1986 through 1992, with rear bedroom. Some have queen bed on side, others have twin beds. Choose wisely, as they're hard to modify. Prices will run from $11K up, depending on condition.. You might also find a 22' version, which also offers double axles. Bathrooms varied between side bath with separate shower and rear bath with "wet shower" where entire bath area gets wet when shower running...

There's an '89 25' Excella on classifieds here or asking price of $12.5K... Others include earlier Safari's or Trade Winds in range from 23' to 24'...

John McG

[Dharmabum]

Thanks so much John. I'm embarrassed to say, I just found my new member post today...I thought for sure it was somewhere it wasn't!

Anyways, I appreciated your suggestions and knowledge. I always thought I would end up with a classic airstream, with those 13 corn-rows in the front and curved wood inside. But as I do research daily, especially here at this great site, I've started to appreciate the newer ones more!

I know what I like so far:
~Twin beds
~Separate shower, I don't like towelling down the bathroom after showers!
~Front Dinette... not just a couch, but either a wrap-around or two separate seats with table in middle ( folds into bed )

Would like to stay 24' or 22'. No bigger, no smaller.

I'm learning so much here! Thank you everyone, this is one cool place to hang out!

Jude

[Condoluminum]

Jude-

Glad to see all is well.. Your list of wants is good, and you shoudl remain clear about the objective whenver you see another really cute trailer that isn't even close...

For a variety of reasons, Airstream really preferred putting a folding couch and tilt-up table in the front of their trailers, rather than dinettes that convert to beds.. My wife is with you wishing ours had such a setup, but that is not in the classic 25' floorplan, and is one reason the new FB25's and FB27's are selling so well...

Not sure how handy or willing to hire contractors you are, but a number of members here have converted front couch layouts to dinettes, by building one from plywood and table parts and cushions.. While it might be tough to match Uwe's custom woodworking skills, if you found one that met other criteria, you might try for bids to construct a dinette in front.. It might not be too expensive. There is the power converter/charger under the couch to potentially relocate, but the concept is do-able.. Try searching for dinette and conversion or convert...

John McG

[CanoeStream]

There are 431 'guests' viewing the Forums on a Friday evening. I find that quite impressive. Some of you are members. I hope you sign in often. Some guests are browsing about an interesting and sometimes puzzling future with Airstreams. We are very glad to help you out and the membership aims to be open, welcoming & friendly. Come back often and please register to ask how to get started.

It sure has given me way too much to do with my time ... ... but good!

[GlenCoombe]

604 guests just before I post.... We know you've got Aluminitus. There is no cure... join us and accept treatment. It really is painless. We promise. You can quit if you don't get the answers to the questions you need to ask.... come on, what do you have to loose?