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Y2k_Knight · 04-28-2009, 06:06 PM

I've been looking at Airstreams for about 3 months. I've settled on Overlander, Ambassador, Excella, or Sovereign from 1097 thru 1079. I selected these years because they most often had vista and stacked windows.

A friend of mine that owns SOB warned me to get something smaller than 30' because "there are a lot of parks (assuming he means state and federal) that have size restrictions and won't let me in.

Is that true?

I'm hoping you all tell me he's full of hogwash because I really like a particular 73' Sovereign.

I appreciate your input.

Rick

**Kevin245** · 04-28-2009, 06:27 PM

Hey Rick,

30' is not considered too long here in the Southeast, and I don't know of any parks where we would be denied.

Many who buy small...end up buying longer. Forget what anybody else says...the decision ultimately belongs to you

memgrove2000 · 04-28-2009, 06:59 PM

Hi Rick,

Here in Indiana and Michigan the state parks do allow us to reserve sites up to six months in advance. With some hunting you can use their reservation sites to see the size of the site. The big ones do book faster but are not "restricted". We have a 72 , 31 foot sov. and we have only had to switch sites one time because of length. ( I think I booked the wrong one). You wont be disappointed in a bigger trailer! Good luck with your search. Mike

Cantrell · 04-28-2009, 07:45 PM

Rick,
Total hogwash. You will have to make sure the site you are booking will accomodate a 31' trailer but have never heard of any park forbidding larger trailers. Even if so, would you really want to camp at any park that wouldn't let an Airstream in anyway? You will like the 73 Sovereign--please post some pics if it ends up in your driveway.
Good luck.
Bill

Maryw164 · 05-18-2009, 10:55 PM

We have a "72 Sovereign that we bought about 1 year ago. This is our 1st AS, and our 1st trailer. We took it on vacation last year and had no problem parking at the various sites. Granted we didn't stay at any state/federal campgrounds. The PO told us that if a campground states max length shorter that 31, he would just tell them it was 28Ft long (actual trailer length, because the tongue adds 3ft.). They stayed at state/federal type sites a lot. Now this was in Calif. mostly, but they never had any problems. We found most people park in a "T" fashion, with their tow vehicle being the top of the "T", when length was an issue.

I hope this helps,

Mary

TBRich · 05-18-2009, 11:13 PM

Some public parks do have length restrictions in certain parts/loops of the park, but there is usually not a problem for longer rigs to find a space. Some spaces will be tight in older parks... Having said that, we agree that you should not make your decision based on that. We have a shorty, sure, but we are usually among the smallest in parks, even public parks...we have camped in plenty of public parks that seem to always have room for huge 5th wheels, and class motor homes...don't worry about it too much.