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JakeSpoon · 06-05-2010, 05:36 PM

I'm currently in my mid-30's and a professional in Dallas, TX. I own a home and live full-time in Dallas. I am fortunate to be in a position where my my career only requires me to be in Dallas 2 weeks out of the month, if that. I grew up in Southern California and would like to start spending about 2 weeks per month back there. I'm an avid surfer so I want to be in the beach communities, preferably Malibu. I am considering purchasing an Airstream and parking it at one of the RV parks along the coast in SoCal. Of course, I would like to visit other places with the AS, but the beach would be its primary function.

I would like a modern trailer and I think 25' would be the smallest I would want. There would rarely, if ever, be more than 2 people sharing the space. I would prefer not to buy a new one, but I would if I had to. The FB floor plans seem optimal for the beach parks, but I realize the FB models are only a couple of years old.

Now for some general advice. My tentative plan is to park the trailer in a SoCal beach park and live there, then fly back to Dallas for the 2 weeks that I need to be here, then back to SoCal. For those who have traveled a lot, can you think of a more efficient or effective way to proceed with this plan than the Airstream? Since rent in SoCal is so outrageous, particularly in Malibu, I can't think of a better way to achieve my goal of spending half the month there.

Ganaraska · 06-05-2010, 06:05 PM

For your purpose an Airstream would be a waste of money. Any of the white box brands will give you a lot more interior room for a lot less money.

Airstream's unique design pays off when towing but is actually a disadvantage when stopping for long periods in the same place.

TBRich · 06-05-2010, 06:07 PM

Jake... That sounds like a wonderful plan...hope you can work it out! Good luck with it! My only comment would be to make sure you are putting your Airstream where it will be safe while it's unoccupied...and make sure the proprietors know your plans so they can keep an eye on it while you are not there...a well-run private RV park might be just the ticket ... public parks would not be a good option becaue they are not watched as closely, are open to anyone who happens by ... which might make you an easy target for break-ins, etc...

And my guess is that eventually you will want to do more traveling in the Airstream...and see other place...with the Airstream you'll be all set!

AZ-JH · 06-05-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

I would like a modern trailer and I think 25' would be the smallest I would want. There would rarely, if ever, be more than 2 people sharing the space. I would prefer not to buy a new one, but I would if I had to. The FB floor plans seem optimal for the beach parks, but I realize the FB models are only a couple of years old.

No need to buy new. I think the FBs came out in 2005. There's a couple in the Classifieds here: One in San Diego and one in Walnut Creek. The PO of our 25FB lives in Malibu where we picked it up.

Our 25FB is kind of like a beach cabana when we open up all the windows and curtains on a beautiful day. Those fully-opening windows really let the outdoors in! We don't even use all the storage.

Aage · 06-05-2010, 08:16 PM

Good luck with your plan, Jake, it sounds idyllic.

And hey, it's not only rents that are high in Malibu, get a load of the 4-week stay (maxi length) at this RV park on the ocean:

https://www.maliburv.com/reservations.asp

JakeSpoon · 06-05-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

And hey, it's not only rents that are high in Malibu, get a load of the 4-week stay (maxi length) at this RV park on the ocean:

https://www.maliburv.com/reservations.asp

$2260/mo. for ocean view, which is what I would want. I realize that's probably high, but how does it compare to other RV parks in prime locations?

Aage · 06-05-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

$2260/mo. for ocean view, which is what I would want. I realize that's probably high, but how does it compare to other RV parks in prime locations?

Well, maybe it doesn't compare for you, but we spent $330 a week to have a beachside place in a nice camp in Navarre, FL (on the panhandle).

So, if everything in CA is times two or three, I guess that's a good deal!

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-05-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

$2260/mo. for ocean view, which is what I would want. I realize that's probably high, but how does it compare to other RV parks in prime locations?

Hi, I read $2020.00 for 30 amp service, you most likely wouldn't need 50 amp service unless you buy a Prevost which would be more fitting at that price. [my opinion], That's a lot of money just to park your trailer near the ocean. Buy a real house and drive a few miles to see the view.

AZ-JH · 06-06-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

$2260/mo. for ocean view, which is what I would want.

Imagine that ocean view and sea air coming in the windows from the living area of your 25FB or 27FB cabana. Some things in life are just worth the splurge, though long-term it would get expensive.

SSChanger · 06-06-2010, 12:20 PM

If you can live without the FB, you can get a lot of Airstream for something after 1994 or so. That's when they went to the wider-taller frame, and for ~$15K you may be able to find a really good one. I wouldn't go smaller than 30' personally, since that's a really cool way to go.

Probably right that you could get SOB box trailer for less, but you're going to get your money back on the AS down the road, less-likely on the SOB Box, in my humble opinion.

Good luck and have fun no matter what!

Aage · 06-06-2010, 12:32 PM

Say, wait a minute: if that AS is going to sit on the salty sea-air shore on a more or less permanent basis, isn't that going to accellerate any corrosion problems...?

chiefneon · 06-06-2010, 12:33 PM

Howdy!

Don't know if you have considered this but you may need a place to store your surf board(s). Have you though about a Pan American AS Toyhauler. It would be nice to secure your thing inside the As while your not there and when you decide to travel. Last time I checked there was a dealer in Cal. that had a 2009 on the lot for a reduced price.

"Happy Trails"
chiefenon

JakeSpoon · 06-06-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSChanger

If you can live without the FB, you can get a lot of Airstream for something after 1994 or so. That's when they went to the wider-taller frame...

Good info. I didn't know that.

JakeSpoon · 06-06-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefneon

Don't know if you have considered this but you may need a place to store your surf board(s). Have you though about a Pan American AS Toyhauler. It would be nice to secure your thing inside the As while your not there and when you decide to travel.

I've thought about that, but a 34' trailer seems a bit intimidating, although I wouldn't be dragging it all over the country.

mutcth · 06-06-2010, 01:43 PM

You mentioned that you wanted "modern." Does that mean you want the modern interior styling of the later models, or just that you don't want to restore a vintage trailer?

If it's the latter, I think something like this trailer in the Classifieds would be the sort of thing you want. It's basically what SSchanger above suggested. Like the newer FB models, they have a center bath and you get at least one set (instead of two) of panoramic windows. This is also about 1/2 the price of a (well-priced) used 25FB.

That said, the 25FB's combination of a dinette and couch along the side, plus the vista views, make it mighty nice...

JakeSpoon · 06-06-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mutcth

You mentioned that you wanted "modern." Does that mean you want the modern interior styling of the later models, or just that you don't want to restore a vintage trailer?

If it's the latter, I think something like this trailer in the Classifieds would be the sort of thing you want.

It's the latter. I just meant non-vintage, not necessarily modern interior styling.

The problem with that particular trailer is the small window in the rear. It wouldn't be ideal for backing into an ocean view spot on the beach.

What year did AS start putting the large panoramic windows in the rear?

mutcth · 06-06-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

What year did AS start putting the large panoramic windows in the rear?

I think it was 2005, along with the arrival of front-bedroom floorplan units. It also started in 2004 on 16' Bambi CCDs.

There are also a handful of mid-70s Argosy 28' and 30' trailers with rear panoramics, but they're likely to need a restoration...

Tom

Mikethefixit · 06-06-2010, 06:53 PM

JakeSpoon
You are kidding rite??? The small window in the rear of the trailer for backing,I DONT THINK SO. You can not even see that window from a TV. In evidence you have never towed,if you think that's what that window in the rear of the trailer is for.
GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE

mutcth · 06-06-2010, 06:59 PM

I think Jakespoon wants to have a sweeping view of the ocean out of the rear of his parked trailer when it is backed into a spot.

Tom

JakeSpoon · 06-06-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

JakeSpoon
You are kidding rite??? The small window in the rear of the trailer for backing,I DONT THINK SO. You can not even see that window from a TV. In evidence you have never towed,if you think that's what that window in the rear of the trailer is for.
GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE

Uhhhm, see mutcth's response above.