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NC Camper · 01-30-2016, 04:48 PM

Thanks again one and all for sharing all your personal experiences and knowledge! This has been a very fruitful discussion for us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAB

If you do go out there and talk with the sales guys, you can tell Jason that you've been following Barry's posts on AirForums. He'll probably tell you some funny stories!

Thanks Barry, I'll be sure to do that. We have dealt with Jason a couple of times and he has been very helpful.

rodsterinfl · 01-30-2016, 08:05 PM

Just read through the thread to catch up and see if you made a decision. It is not easy. Now you have those saying that it is better to travel with less and that the L lounge is not comfortable.

If you take it from the two foot principle, and what you gain for the extra $$$ over the 25 consider the value to you and your camping. One thing I did not mention on counter space is the flip up foot of counter the 25 has which gives close to the same amount of counter space. They are both nice layouts. If I remember correctly the bedroom and bathroom are the same size. So if you focus on the front and galley area and your needs/likes it should help.

IanPoulin · 01-30-2016, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

Just read through the thread to catch up and see if you made a decision. It is not easy. Now you have those saying that it is better to travel with less and that the L lounge is not comfortable.

Though the issue some have with comfort of a cushion is easily solved -- change out the cushion material; or add a 3" topper surface below the cushions for that extra layer of "aaaaahhhh!"

I do the topper method; cost me about $40 to solve. I am however waiting to see if a 2016 28 carries the same cushions they put in the 26U; and if so, I am just going order a new set directly from the factory.

John&Vicki · 01-30-2016, 09:42 PM

While ours is an older 25er, we also converted it to a two person trailer. The gaucho in our trailer was impossibly uncomfortable - terrible as a couch and even worse as a bed. Which turned out to be a good thing as it motivated us to remove it and install instead twin leather recliners that we stole from our home theater. What an imorovement! I have a lousy back and having the recliner has made all the difference in the world as to how much I enjoy our outings.

Cheers,
John

rodsterinfl · 01-31-2016, 06:21 AM

Quote:

The gaucho in our trailer was impossibly uncomfortable - terrible as a couch and even worse as a bed. Which turned out to be a good thing as it motivated us to remove it and install instead twin leather recliners that we stole from our home theater.

Though the issue some have with comfort of a cushion is easily solved -- change out the cushion material; or add a 3" topper surface below the cushions for that extra layer of "aaaaahhhh!"

Yes, there are work-arounds but it can be costly (good for NC Camper to consider) My Jackknife or gaucho is uncomfortable to sit on for long but I solved the bed issue with a blow-up topper that makes a very comfortable bed. Now I am looking at replacing the sofa and the current choice is Villa International's Airstream Classic sofa and it is $2700 but comfortable. Flex steel seems to not make one the correct length anymore.

IanPoulin · 01-31-2016, 06:34 PM

Try a 3" foam topper beneath the cushions; cut to fit. $40; same still you would use for the mattress.

John&Vicki · 01-31-2016, 06:49 PM

If you're interested in a bargain on an almost new 25 footer I have a friend who has just decided to sell his:

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...oud-25-oregon/

No business affiliation - just seems like a great deal.

Cheers,
John

SCOTTinNJ · 01-31-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanPoulin

Try a 3" foam topper beneath the cushions; cut to fit. $40; same still you would use for the mattress.

Did you just cut it and shove it in the cushion? Or did you remove some original material?

NC Camper · 02-01-2016, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

If you're interested in a bargain on an almost new 25 footer I have a friend who has just decided to sell his:

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...oud-25-oregon/

No business affiliation - just seems like a great deal.

Cheers,
John

Wow, this looks like a nice deal, although a buyer always wants a lower price. LOL Will have to talk to DH. The climate in the Bend area would be a plus for condition as well. Any idea why they are selling after only 6 mo?

Thanks for the tip!

IanPoulin · 02-01-2016, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

Did you just cut it and shove it in the cushion? Or did you remove some original material?

I cut it and placed it <>underneath<> the current cushions; leaving their content and use unchanged. But yes, if the 2016 year 28W cushions are identical to what I experienced in reviewing a 26U Flying Cloud, I may look at a wholesale replacement; but for on-the-cheap effects its quite good.

IanPoulin · 02-01-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC Camper

Wow, this looks like a nice deal, although a buyer always wants a lower price. LOL Will have to talk to DH. The climate in the Bend area would be a plus for condition as well. Any idea why they are selling after only 6 mo?

Thanks for the tip!

selling after six months happens ALOT.

Generally it's one of two things:

(A) a retiree or retired couple buys a trailer with the dreams of traveling and soon thereafter realizing the lifestyle is not for them; so they sell off the unit.

- or -

(B) a retiree or retired couple buys a trailer with the dreams of small-form living, with intention to downsize their life; only to realize the said trailer doesn't fit the moose-head display, air hockey table and three racks of evening wear that was indispensable to their lifestyle; so they sell off the unit and upgrade to a larger one.

-=-=-=-

For me, it's how I obtained my 2011 Airstream International Serenity 28W (queen.) The original owners paid MSRP +extended warrantee for it, towed it all of 400 miles to their newly purchased home campsite, slept in it three nights, never used the shower, stove, convection oven or fridge, wheels covered appropriately, all systems maintained.

I bought it in 2013; nearly all-new items, still under an extended warrantee for $45k. The only thing I didn't get was the depreciation.

And I got a great group of Airstream fanatics here in the forums helping me through everything -- from finding the unit in the first place (Thanks Paula!) to the introductory rally and folks from all over showing up, the convos and help/hints all along the way.

NC Camper · 02-01-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanPoulin

selling after six months happens ALOT.

Generally it's one of two things:

(A) a retiree or retired couple buys a trailer with the dreams of traveling and soon thereafter realizing the lifestyle is not for them; so they sell off the unit.

- or -

(B) a retiree or retired couple buys a trailer with the dreams of small-form living, with intention to downsize their life; only to realize the said trailer doesn't fit the moose-head display, air hockey table and three racks of evening wear that was indispensable to their lifestyle; so they sell off the unit and upgrade to a larger one.

-=-=-=-

For me, it's how I obtained my 2011 Airstream International Serenity 28W (queen.) The original owners paid MSRP +extended warrantee for it, towed it all of 400 miles to their newly purchased home campsite, slept in it three nights, never used the shower, stove, convection oven or fridge, wheels covered appropriately, all systems maintained.

I bought it in 2013; nearly all-new items, still under an extended warrantee for $45k. The only thing I didn't get was the depreciation.

And I got a great group of Airstream fanatics here in the forums helping me through everything -- from finding the unit in the first place (Thanks Paula!) to the introductory rally and folks from all over showing up, the convos and help/hints all along the way.

Amazing! I'm going for Plan C: A retiree and a half (I'm not quite ready to quit teaching entirely) buy the trailer of their dreams and drive happily off into the sunset to new locales and adventures. Although we are not going to be fulltiming, I hope we are going to be doing "a lotta timing."

With that said, I showed my husband the ad on your friends trailer and he said, "I thought we had decided on the 28'." I guess that put an end to my dithering days! It seems like more trailer than we need, but I can't imagine we will end up with 2ftitis 6 months later.

Thanks for all the great input! This has been a very enlightening and entertaining thread.

IanPoulin · 02-02-2016, 05:51 AM

*cough*

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...d-30-kentucky/

IanPoulin · 02-02-2016, 05:53 AM

HOLY *cough* !!!!

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...-25-tennessee/

NC Camper · 02-02-2016, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanPoulin

*cough*

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...d-30-kentucky/

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanPoulin

HOLY *cough* !!!!

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...-25-tennessee/

OMG! I guess winter is a buyers market!

MaineStreamer · 02-02-2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanB

If Airstream would make a 60'er, I would buy it. I know everyone has their correct opinion, but for the life of me, I do not see the appeal of a smaller trailer.

It is virtually the same towing. I've only once not been able to fit in a campground and that's cause it was almost sold-out.

Still waiting for the two-floor model!

Beware of underpasses, power lines, and trees if they ever come out with a two-storey Airstream trailer.