Stupid Newbie - what to read / Look up

[Anders79]

I will be getting a 2010 25FB Flying cloud next week. I have never owned a Trailer before more less an Airstream, and know nothing about how to operate them (except have researched hitches). Can people advise me on what to look-up on the internet or read to start getting up to speed. Also - any tidbits on things to be careful of would be great as well. Thanks, Ed (excited in Washington state)

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

There is a lot of information here on the Forums on virtually every topic related to Airstream use and travel.

I would start by Googling topics relating to using an RV. The systems on all RVs are pretty much the same. There are YouTube videos on dumping RV tanks, setting up a travel trailer, and using other RV systems.

Read some of these, and then come back here if you have any questions. If you would like to discuss any items, please feel free to give me a call or email. Shoot me a Private Message, and I will send you my direct email and cell number.

I have had two 25FB's, a 2005 and a 2015. This is a great floor plan, and I know you will really enjoy it.

Brian

[HowieE]

You have found he place to read.

Just open the Forum and go to the upper left corner and click on the gray tab marked Forum. The drop down menu will list the topics and pick you poison. Just about every question has been answered at least once.

Considering the time of year I would start with winterizing to insure you don't lose it before you get to use it.

Welcome aboard and don' be afraid to ask questions.

[BearScream]

I'm in the same boat, currently looking.
I have Rich Luhr's (of Airstream Life magazine) "Newbies Guide to Airstreaming."
A nice little handbook with the essentials. See. airstreamlife.com

[Frank&Mike]

The best advice I can offer is to take your Airstream to a large empty parking lot, practice turning (learning how quickly your Airstream will cut off into those "pretend" ditches), backing up (learning how to turn your steering wheel the opposite direction you want your Airstream to navigate), putting obstacles (of course nothing that will damage your Airstream, for example blow up pool floats that will incur the damage and not your Airstream) in the parking lot and navigating around them, learning how your brakes respond, experiencing viewing those obstacles that will appear in your view and disappear as you approach them, experiencing how those obstacles will disappear in your view in your mirrors.

[Woosch]

Definitely get "The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming". Download the Owners manual on the Airstream site and start getting familiar. It will help that you know how most of the systems work when you do the walkthrough. Good advice about Googling different topics.

[Anders79]

Thanks, just ordered the Newbies guide to Airstreaming. (I am so excited)! Now i guess i need to go buy a bottle of champagne so i can christen it when it arrives.

[jgerardi]

Starting as a total novice…..
1) read "Newbies guide to Airstreaming"
2) cruse around the forum for a half hour a day (I did it over my morning cup of Joe)
3) accept that you will make a few mistakes. As long as no one gets hurt, its all part of the adventure and you will one day laugh about it.
4) The long Long honeymoon has some excellent informative videos

The first time you come upon a problem, and know how to solve it based on your reading, you will be rightfully proud.
Let the fun begin

[AWCHIEF]

In case you have not done so you can find the owners manual here.
Manuals, Airstream Travel Trailers, Touring Coaches | Airstream

[m.hony]

When you get your trailer, it will have a very large satchel (resembles a laptop case) of literature- owner's manuals for all the appliances and electronics-
Included in my satchel was a DVD guide to RV safety and a book, "The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming".
There is a lot of useful information in that satchel, and I find myself still referencing it 2+ years later-
It also should include a manual for your specific model with very useful information like how to winterize your trailer-

[Nomad518]

You're me about 14 years ago. I had never owned a trailer before and bought a new AS. But, I did have some towing experience with a small sailboat I owned many years earlier. My inlaws were RV owners and I learned a lot talking to my wife's dad. Talk to your friends, neighbors, or co-workers who own RVs. Ask for tips and advice from them in addition to the AS specific information available as mentioned in previous posts. Have fun! Being a new owner is a blast! Just don't be afraid to ask questions. This is a great group with tremendous experience to share.

[paiceman]

The Airstream Forum is an excellent source for information and importantly places to secure the facts are often referred to in posts.

Practice in an open lot, get comfortable with maneuvering and backing up, learn the basic operation of the various components (I've always found the TV to be the most troublesome on the newer units). But most important GET OUT AND ENJOY.

Travel Safe

[Owengarrett]

I am also new to owning an AS however we have always owned some form of RV so I would just add and recommend joining WBCCI or a similar club. Being exposed to other AS "addicts" is always a positive thing and you will find the silver addiction gets into your bloodstream like no other RV.....LOVE the quality of these beauties!!

[smlbob]

Make your first trip one to one of the Airstream-exclusive campgrounds scattered around the country. People there will overwhelm you with info and advice...

[Tltulsa]

You'll find it here...endless hours of reading pleasure. Some good, some bad, some happy, some sad.

Enjoy!