Need some (much) advice!

[Hans627]

Hello,

New member here (as of several days ago). We do not have an AS but are considering a purchase. We are thinking of something in the 23' or 25' range. We really like the International models but according to the catalog there is no twin bed options available. The same catalog shows twin beds in the FC. Is that correct as it seems as though twins would work in the Int. 25FB. Am I missing something?

We plan to use the AS primarily for short trip traveling (not to live in for an extended period) and it seems as though the length would be about right. Am I overlooking anything?

Thanks for any thoughts!

Bob

[HowieE]

If you are looking at a catalog I assume you are considering buying New.

Unless you have trailered before I tell people Never buy new as your first rig. It is highly unlikely you will even satisfy you true wants with your first purchase so the hit on new equipment can be costly. The after market in used Airstreams is very active so if you buy a used rig and test things out it will be easy to resell it.

[SteveH]

I agree with HowieE 100%, look around and buy a nice clean used trailer that you like, and avoid the big depreciation. Then, IF you decide travel trailering is something you really want to do, AND want a new one, you will have a lot more knowledge, and a much better idea of what you really want in a trailer. You can't go wrong buying a good clean used Airstream, but turning a new one in a few years, you WILL take a big hit.

[Ag&Au]

Welcome to Airforums, you will find a lot of info here.

I don't agree with Howie and Steve. If your looking at new ones and like them, you have many more options to choose from. You don't have to redo what someone else messed up. The dirt in the trailer will be own. Here's a big one: you will have a warranty. I don't see any reason buying a used trailer make any more sense than buying a used car. There is a definite possibility you will inherit someone else's problems and have to pay to set them straight yourself. Don't assume that because a given set up is not shown, that is is not available. Airstream does do custom orders, you just have to pay more for them. If you don't find something to your liking on a dealer's lot, have them check with the factory and see what they can do.

Ken

[SteveSueMac]

Hi Bob and welcome!


As you can see, ask 5 people, you'll get 10 opinions :-)

Valid reasons for both approaches (used vs new) but that wasn't your question.

On the Airstream website you can find configurations for every model and for some reason, flying clouds seem to be your best option for size/configuration you want (twins). But I only spent 10 seconds there so I could have missed something.

If you're local to a dealer, stop on in and tour everything on the lot. You may find you like smaller or larger, you may find twin configurations you like or don't. And if interested in used, a dealer might know of some inventory somewhere that matches your needs.

It's out there. You'll find it! Enjoy!!

[Del Gurney]

Everyone above is wrong :-) because no one answered your core question IE: Difference between 23 and 25 footers. To me I don't like the bath room next to the bed so I would'ent get one of those. For simple week ends and short trips though the 23' would probably be more than enough especially if you are going to camp sites with full "shore side" bath rooms/showers etc. It's your money, the economy is picking up....go for it.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Del Gurney

Everyone above is wrong :-) because no one answered your core question IE: Difference between 23 and 25 footers. To me I don't like the bath room next to the bed so I would'ent get one of those. For simple week ends and short trips though the 23' would probably be more than enough especially if you are going to camp sites with full "shore side" bath rooms/showers etc. It's your money, the economy is picking up....go for it.

Actually his two questions were:

Am I missing something?

Am I overlooking anything?

Those open up a lot for discussion.

Therefor, I think you are wrong for thinking the rest of us are wrong.

If I was to try to define his core question (which I won't), I would say it was: Why can't he get twin beds in 25 International, or can he?

So there,

Ken

[urnmor]

We have the 25 ft FC but with queen bed. Our shower and bath are separate and have no problem with their location.
as to new vs used we chose new. We have no regrets. Why new. Our age played a role. As a retiree in my mid sixties I did not want to drive all over looking for one and We looked for a used one but I did not want to drive all over looking for one and I wanted the warranty.

As mention above new Also gave us more options to chose from.

Best of luck in your search

[Hans627]

Thank you all for your input.

Regarding the purchase of new or used I am not opposed to used if I could find what I want fairly close to home. We are in our mid sixties so we are kind of at the point in life where we want want we want. And I don't want to settle for something that might be OK but decide two to three years later that I really wanted something else only to start the entire search process all over again. So that is why we are leaning toward a new AS.

So what we want (at least what I think we want) is an International series at 23' or 25' with twin beds. I know I can contact a dealer (most likely Colonial) but we are currently in FL and will not be back in PA till April, plus I want to be somewhat informed when I contact them.

I sincerely appreciate all thoughts as everything I read and hear helps build the knowledge base which helps to make informed decisions.

[John&Vicki]

Hans...

My wife and I have a 25 footer with twin beds and we feel it's ideal for us. It will be just about perfect when I remove the front gaucho and install two recliners.

New/Used - Whatever floats your boat. You're going to love the Airstream lifestyle.

Poppy

[Foiled Again]

You're not impossibly far from Colonial Airstream in NJ. It's a great place to look at virtually everything Airstream has to sell.

Now if you're looking for a bargain, they have a 25' Sterling for sale. It's not everyone's perfect Airstream, but I'm betting they'll play "lets make a deal!" on it.

Paula

[Luigi123]

After four years of looking at used, we ordered a new 30ft, and never looked back. Sure, we will take a hit if we trade up--not too many options in "trading up", so we bought more than we anticipated we needed, but only wanted it to "hurt once". Just listen to that voice in your head and jump in. Join WBCCI and attend Rally's.

[m.hony]

What he said...
The 30 is still my favorite layout/floor plan.
I only wish we had gotten twin beds instead of the island queen bed.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Luigi123

After four years of looking at used, we ordered a new 30ft, and never looked back. Sure, we will take a hit if we trade up--not too many options in "trading up", so we bought more than we anticipated we needed, but only wanted it to "hurt once". Just listen to that voice in your head and jump in. Join WBCCI and attend Rally's.

I'm not familiar with WBCCI nor Rally's. I can guess what a Rally is but what is WBCCI?

Thanks!

[m.hony]

Wally Byam Caravan Club International-
Am exclusive all Airstream RV club.
You don't have to be a member to enjoy traveling with your Airstream, but it is handy if you are retired and plan to caravan with them.

[tvketchum]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Wally Byam Caravan Club International-
Am exclusive all Airstream RV club.
You don't have to be a member to enjoy traveling with your Airstream, but it is handy if you are retired and plan to caravan with them.

Joining WBCCI gives you face to face access to the same kind of people you are, who can answer questions you have because they have travelled the same road you have. Yes, this forum has much of this as well, but joining a local WBCCI unit puts you in good company locally, and you can talk face to face. Good friends you have not met yet. Buy new, and you will get the info about joining, and it is well worth the few dollars annual dues. Buyused, you can look online for info. Either way, before you buy, make a call and get the names and contact info for your area's unit. They will love to talk with youand share their memories.