Just placed an order for an International 23FB. My previous experience is with a moderate size pop-up. Any suggestions as to guide books, pamphlets, etc to prepare me and my wife for the trailer life. Things like how to pack and the like. Jim Mohle
My only advice is to think like a backpacker: ounces and millimeters matter over the aggregate. Go out a few times and figure out what kind of lifestyle you prefer. Many people go with paper products and instant coffee; we prefer to carry the extra weight of (limited) china and a stovetop espresso maker. (After I said that about backpacking??) But good coffee just seems to taste even better out of china!
It will take time to figure out where you are willing to save weight/space and where the quality of something matters more. Not so many clothes are needed for us; we don't usually go places where dressy is required, except church: we carry one outfit suitable for Sunday mornings.
Don't forget raingear! We live in semi-arid ID (no rain, just snow) and just didn't think of raingear and of course ended up changing a flat in the rain in WA.
Just use your commonsense and WalMart when all else fails! Enjoy your new A/S!
Don't pack anything. Your Airstream is a fully equipped little house. Finish it with the basic kitchenware, bedding and bathing gear, only basic clothing, and leave them in the trailer so you are ready to go at a moments notice.
Do not leave food or soap on the trailer (mice), put the essentials in as you are ready to leave. There are stores along the way if you need more.
Jim and family,
Welcome, and you'll learn a LOT on these pages. I know I did and still am. A few things we've found helpful: 24 of those plastic pads, like "Rambler" from Camping World for leveling and under your stabilizers; at least 30' of while water hose (like 10 and 20); Sewer Solution for waste work plus 10-foot extension hose; many brass hose quick connect fittings from Lee Valley or similar; knee pads; portable electrical management (protection between the shore power and your unit); and one of the good weight distribution/sway elimination hitch systems.
__________________ Greg Heuer, Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club
2011 31' Classic Ltd. - The Silver Otter III
2013 GMC Denali 2500HD 6.6 DuraMax - Sierra Blanca
TAC VA-18 | Life Mbr ACI 1927 - Spirit of Virginia Club | AIR 53869
Welcome to the Forums. I am a Newbie also and started a blog b/c of my love for the AS. I gather as much info. on this site, blogs and other places on the web. But, you can find out everything you need on these forums. And, you will meet the nicest and most gracious people here. I can't wait to own our AS and get out there. Have so much fun.
__________________
Anna
Blog: Glamper~An Airstream Diary www.glamperanairstreamdiary.com
WBCCI #4846, WBCCI DenCO Unit
Air #62992
Just placed an order for an International 23FB. My previous experience is with a moderate size pop-up. Any suggestions as to guide books, pamphlets, etc to prepare me and my wife for the trailer life. Things like how to pack and the like. Jim Mohle
Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Stick around here and do a little reading, and then go out and try out the new Airstream. Before you know it, you'll be an old hand enjoying your Airstream.
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7 2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride 2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian) 2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
The trailer you're getting is well designed for a couple. You've made a great choice!
Many of the previous posters have made great suggestions. A three inch foam topper is about the only thing I could suggest near term (unless you enjoy sleeping on a board).
__________________
2013 25 FC FB (Twin)
2013 Suburban 2500
Welcome to the Forums, Jim! This is a great bunch of happy campers...
The 4CU is going to have a rally up above Silverton, CO in June...would love you to come and join us and check out the 4CU! It'll be here before you know it!
I am a week into the AS habit with getting our "new" 1972 Overlander.... The more I am working on our new baby,, the more I understand the effort the company and owner went to and make things lite.
Keeping that in mind while we transfer our cooking stuff and supplies from our old toothpick and staple wonder,, I will make a pile of dead weight off and outside our new Airstream.
Sodbust
2006 22' International CCD
2007 Base Camp
Elk Valley
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 657
Make your first trip somewhere nearby and close to a Camping World or similar... then when you have your 'aha' moments, you can make a list, go to the store and buy some gadgets.
If you've been out in a pop-up, you've got the general idea. Your 23 is going to feel a lot bigger, but it's a nice length to tow. You might want to invest in a backup-camera for the trailer if you are used to being able to see what's behind you.
Camp in your driveway for a night and give everything a go...
Welcome to the Forums, Jim! This is a great bunch of happy campers...
The 4CU is going to have a rally up above Silverton, CO in June...would love you to come and join us and check out the 4CU! It'll be here before you know it!
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