So many chioces, so little knowledge

[ArtStream]

Hello Airstream experts,



I have been browsing through this site for a few days.

What a great source of support and knowledge you have here, a testimony to the type of people who own and love Airstreams no doubt!



I have been seriously thinking of joining the Airstream community.

And while I’m sure it has been asked and answered a hundred times before, I have a question.



I currently have been traveling the country as a working

/Exhibiting photographer for the past 5 years in my 94 class A, 33 ft. MH. With a toad (GMC van)



I’m a full timer and travel alone. MH’s, at least the ones I can afford, don’t last very long sidewall construction etc.



I do all my own mechanical work, brakes, tranny flushing, wheel bearing AC and Fridge replacement, timing, tune-ups etc. So I’m handy.



My question is this:

Are there models and or years which are more suited to fulltime living than another’s ?



What are the major differences between Excella’s, Limited, and Internationals.



I’m thinking of about 28 foot or up and between 6 to 9,000 dollars.

Ready to roll would be nice, but I wouldn’t be happy unless I got my hands dirty.



As a tow vehicle, a small box truck or large van. What used vans work?



I’m thinking long term, so selling my MH while it still has some value seems like a good idea to me.



Thank you in advance,



Michael

[norbert]

greetings mike, and welcome...
choice of coach depends on how you look at it...most important is having the right tow vehicle to match to the coach..if you want a large coach, one must have a proper size vehicle...older coaches are lighter in weight than newer models....larger coaches also have larger reefers...so it all depends on what you value most...also using full time, cabin fever a important consideration. as you can see factors will dictate your choice, and im sure other people will also give you their 2 cents worth...good luck to you...
norby

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by artlink

Exhibiting photographer for the past 5 years in my 94 class A, 33 ft. MH. With a toad (GMC van)

Many, perhaps mMost class A motor homes will have more storage than an Airstream - something to keep in mind if you are full timing.

Originally Posted by artlink

Are there models and or years which are more suited to fulltime living than another’s
What are the major differences between Excella’s, Limited, and Internationals.

In the 60's and 70's, "International" denoted an option package - exactly what depended upon the year. There are some threads on this in the archives. In the 80's and maybe into the early 90's "Excella" was the standard upgrade package - better upholstery, better carpet, Moen faucets, fancy stuff mostly. The "Limited" took it as step farther and continues to the present. At some point Airstream started using more (better?) insulation in the Limited models, but I don't know when exactly - probably much too recently to meet your budget anyway.

Originally Posted by artlink

I’m thinking of about 28 foot or up and between 6 to 9,000 dollars.

Ready to roll would be nice, but I wouldn’t be happy unless I got my hands dirty.

For fulltiming, the larger the better. The 34' triple axle goes back to 1982 and sometimes comes up for sale in your price range. In fact, they frequently are sold for no more than a 30' (or 31', or 32', depending upon the year - they are basically the same) and frequently will bring LESS than the much sought after 25' - 28' units.

Ok, up to $9,000 and then you can put how much money in it?

Originally Posted by artlink

As a tow vehicle, a small box truck or large van. What used vans work?

Yes. I'd suggest a one ton, though, as even the larger 60's coaches are going to push 6,000 lbs. with the load you are likely to carry, and you will need some cargo capacity in the van itself. A later model 34', loaded for full timing leaves very little change from 9,000 lbs. You will also need to make the van tow-worthy with a transmission cooler, good brakes, good shocks, capable hitch receiver, etc.

You need to see some of the floorplans you are considering. The best (and most risky -read the archives!!!) buys are the 70's units with rear bath. Some love the size of the rear bath, some hate the location. Early 70's models are frequently priced more agressively as they did not have grey water tanks, but you will likely be always connected to sewer anyway.

Good luck, happy hunting, and come back with questions.

Mark

[ipso_facto]

ebay is full of good options, though sometimes bidding gets crazy.

I would suggest at least a 30'. You can find lots within the budget.