Week Enders, 11 Years Till Retirement - Page 3

Astrodokk · 02-03-2004, 08:32 PM

Yet, to each his own.

I know this thread is more about trailers, but the topic is about retirement and age. So I wanted to say that I will be retiring in about 11 years or so, and I will upgrade from my 28 footer (MH) to possibly a 310 or so. I don't want tag axles, so if I get the older classic, the 310 is it. I kind of wish I already had it, but my current one has the mid twins for my kids, and the sleeper for me. In 11 years, once they are in college, I will trade for a rear queen, and more space.

BTW, in 11 years, I'll be 59. OK, maybe I'll wait one more to get my military retirement to help out at 60. But then it's Ciao, baby! Sell everything and take off. I think something in the 30+' range is perfect.

85MH325 · 02-03-2004, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jcanavera

Wow that's a good term....hmmm.... galaxy class starship. Do I see a Star Trek name in its future? Scotty, give me more power!

Jack

"I'm sorry Captain, but I'm givin' ya all she's got... If I give ya any more, she'll blow!" Mr. Scott, Star Trek... most episodes...

Actually, Jack...

The NCC 3021-A is the U.S.S. Cygnus, and the NCC 3021-B is listed as the U.S.S Ulanway, according to Internet sources... don't think I haven't considered Star Trek graphics for the side of the Behemoth... Just don't think Laurie (my wife) would be too excited about it!

Roger

WayWard Wind · 02-03-2004, 09:07 PM

We have a 19' Bambi & for now it's just what fits. The wife will retire in another year so------ however a few of the things that made us decide on the Bambi--We like to travel the back roads & just are never sure of the conditions we may encounter. Ex. was to W. Virginia & traveled the back roads of the coal country mountains--some places wouldn't have been able to even fit the Bambi. Easy on the Gas $. But probably one of the most important was the wife would feel better pulling the shorter trailer, if I was unable. We traveled for 3 weeks & was very comfortable, for a long stay, well that could be another story. Someone on the forum once said --you want a shorter unit when towing & a longer one when you get there. I find that to be true. Along the way we have met some A/S owners that use two streamers --one for short trips, week-ends, etc & one for the long haul. We're just happy to have one. One thing if you buy one size & want to go up or down, if it's A/S you'll get top $. I'd suggest that you find the one that has the most pluses for you & go for it.
Best.

**Stefrobrts** · 02-03-2004, 09:31 PM

I just have to chime in with praises for the flexability of a small coach. We had two trips last summer where we got a spot with the tenters because the campground was full, but our Caravel was small enough to fit into a car-camping spot. If we'd had a bigger rig we probably would have been turned away. We also found ourselves stopping in parking lots where the Caravel and van together fit into two parking spots end to end, no problem. And once we got stuck down a dead end road and had to do a tricky backing up to turn around manuever, which I'm sure would have been way more difficult with a bigger trailer. My husband insists ours is the perfect size, and he'll never want anything bigger!

However, I don't know how you could ever get used to such a tiny rig after having a big one to rattle around in. But I just had to say, we've really enjoyed having our 'little' guy. I think it's the perfect weekender for the two of us and our two dogs (and sometimes the cat).

DreamStream · 02-04-2004, 06:44 AM

Miriam & I would like to thank you all very much for your input. We tend to agree with what Stephanie & A.E. Milliman had to say about all the benefits and flexibility of the smaller unit.

We know there are a lot of tasks that are just the same whether you have a big trailer or a small one. Since we could pull the 19' Bambi with our 1 ton truck, it has to be easier to get away not having to unlock the storage compartment and drag the big heavy Hensley "stinger" out and go through the frustration of a Hensley hookup at about a 30 degree angle from straight in. Just hitch and go like we do with our boat or our motorcycle trailer. Then, the shorter overall length where you can fit the whole rig in two back-to-back spaces really opens up the possibilities for shopping (yes, Miriam is a "world class" shopper). Then, there's the "that road's really calling out my name" phenomenon. We often see a "road that's really calling out our name" while pulling the 30 footer and end up just making a mental note to come back to the area on the motorcycle. How great it would be to just take it and see where it goes, confident that you are short and nimble enough to be able to handle whatever lies ahead. The other thing we hope to accomplish is the "dead" time due to check in and check out at the campsite. So often we get to the camsite at 10:00 or so in the morning and are unable to do much of anything till check in is allowed. Then, when we check out on Sunday, about all we are able to do is head on home.

Not going to rush the decision though ... too old and wise? to do that. Thanks again.

Davydd · 02-04-2004, 06:52 AM

We have the 25 foot size, not by any grand plan but by what came available to tinker with. Retirement is not on the immediate horizon even though I could do it at the drop of a hat if I decided. Since I have never slept once in a trailer I really can't respond with an opinion. To top it off our major vacations are planned out of the country for the next two years so Airstreaming opportunities may be few and probably only for extended weekends. I probably should have been looking for a Bambi or Caravel under this scenario with the idea of trading up in size if Airstreaming became very addictive. The 25 footer is only giving me pause in one area--my tow vehicle. Supposedly it is rated to haul it but...

gklott · 02-15-2004, 09:57 PM

Mary and I are both in our 40's, working full time now.

We use our 30' Classic for weekend trips, week long trips, and cross country multi-week working trips. We stay at state parks to RV resorts.

We're 55' overall length with our GMS 3/4 ton.

We got ours so we would enjoy the RV lifestyle, learn how to enjoy it, and encourage us to retire early. We will have it paid off in 7 years.

Loading and hitching for an quick get away can take 1 hr to several hours. Just have to go with the flow. So even a 30 ft is a weekend size.

Buy and enjoy now - a comfortable fit, not cramped. Pre-owned unit may fit the bill.

73/gus

DreamStream · 02-19-2004, 08:50 AM

Ahhhh the 30' Classic. It's always been such a temptation to me with the big shower on the other side of the hall, the dinette, and the sofa where God meant it to be, all along the front end wall. But, I really didn't want to go a foot bigger than what I've got now. My problem is I can see the benefits of the super small and I can see the benefits of the large and comfortable. I think it'll be one or the other, nothin' in between.

**jcanavera** · 02-19-2004, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DreamStream
Ahhhh the 30' Classic. It's always been such a temptation to me with the big shower on the other side of the hall, the dinette,

The dinette was the gotcha for us. If you haven't looked the 30' and 31' Classic are both 31' long. The difference is the 30' unit has the dinette and curb side shower. The 31' unit has two front folding tables and a street side bathroom. FYI that street side bathroom shower is larger the the curb side shower in the 30' unit.

If you are of the larger persuasion and use the shower, this could be a point of concern. My advice is to step into both and see for yourself.

Jack

gklott · 02-19-2004, 09:49 AM

I am 6'3", and both showers are "tight". All Airstream showers are "tight". I agree with Jack's recommendation - step in first.

We looked carefully at the 30' and 31' versions. The dinette works best for us. We spend time there eating, reading, etc, and we normally set up our computers on the tables at the sofa, using both tables.

That is works if our dog allows us to share the sofa with her!

Would have liked the larget closet found in the 31'er. We didn't see much functionality for us with the larger credenza.

When we have family or friends with us, we commonly leave the sofa down as a bed during the day. The dinette allows us to do that.

So many things to consider!

73/gus

**jcanavera** · 02-19-2004, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gklott
Would have liked the larget closet found in the 31'er. We didn't see much functionality for us with the larger credenza.
73/gus

I forgot about that big double closet! That was one of the things we had to compromise on when we chose the 30' model. Our '01 27' Safari had the double closet and we considered that a big plus. The real issue for us was to take fewer hanging clothes and get the dinette.

Jack