Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-24-2020, 12:28 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Strongsville , Ohio
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 15
General Advice

Hello, everyone! I’m new to the site and to RVing in general. I looking for some input/advice from the community, and I’m hoping some of you wouldn’t mind chiming in.

First the background. I have a wife and two daughters (15 and 8). My plan is to spend more time seeing the parks and natural wonders in this country with the family rather than tourist towns, and I thought an RV might help with that endeavor.

I rented a class A a few weeks ago, and found that it wasn’t to my liking. My plan is to go out with the family for a few days at a time and be as quick and mobile as possible to get from place to place and fit on the backroads when needed. To this end, the class B seems a better fit. I’m considering an Airstream Interstate Lounge.

So here are some of the questions.

1. I know four people would be tight in an Interstate Lounge, but I’m thinking my teenager on an inflatable mattress or the like on the front captain's chairs, and my 8 year old in the fold down bed with us. Is that doable?

2. I’ve been looking at some used Interstate Lounges on RV Trader. Sounds like these things need ongoing maintenance regardless. Sound I start with an older one 2011-2013 to get my feet wet? My other options are 2015-2018. Should I save the money to get started?

3. Can most RV dealers work on the housing part? I’m outside of Cleveland, Ohio and don’t see any Airstream dealers in the area.

4. I know the diesel engines run strong. Any issue getting one with 60-100 thousand miles on it, if it’s been cared for properly?

5. Should I make sure to get an EXT model for the extra storage?

6. I’ve also been looking at the Coachmen Galleria. Any thoughts on comparison?

7. Any Airstream or class B tips in general for a newbie? What am I getting into? LOL

Thank you in advance!

Michael
mpapatonis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 12:44 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Piggy Bank's Avatar
 
2019 27' Flying Cloud
Kansas City , Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,962
As the mother of 2 daughters, here is my advice.
Whatever you buy should fit 4 ADULTS
This is how much room you will need. In a year or two that is how much space your 2 daughters will need.

And they will have their own phone, laptop, duffle bag, etc. As much as your wife would have.

If you cannot imagine yourself and your wife and for example, your sister and sister's husband fitting along with all of their required equipment, food, and gear, then keep looking.

At the minimum, you will probably want the largest Interstate, along with a Hitch /Haul bumper mounted platform for a cooler and generator.

Having enough interior room to actually camp once you store all of your gear will be the biggest challenge.

My personal opinion is that this is too small for what you want to do.
__________________

Piggy Bank
Piggy Bank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 12:48 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
rideair's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,800
Imagine being stuck in the Interstate on rainy weekend with your wife, an 8 year old and the teenager.

I've got a 26' trailer with just a wife and one teenager and it's not easy,

Nuf Said,
__________________
Paul Waddell
rideair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 01:01 PM   #4
3 Rivet Member
 
Ol Bob's Avatar
 
2006 34' Classic S/O
1994 28' Excella
1950 19' Globetrotter
Elgin , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 145
If you continue down the Interstate trail definitely consider getting a 4ft x 8ft box trailer to tow behind hold all your stuff in. In time your going to have lots of stuff for you & your wife and 2 kids (bikes, BBQ pit, spare parts, luggage etc).
On a recent caravan...that's what a couple of guys did. Marvelous idea.
__________________
All The Best...
'Ol Bob
Ol Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 02:32 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Waterloo , Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,598
I think it would get quite old to try to sleep more than 2 in an interstate. I could see doing it for a day or two with one young grandchild. But no more/longer/older than that. The Interstate works great for the two of us and many use them to move multiple people (sleeping in hotels) but I don't think many use them as you intend. Having the kids sleep in tents would work, but I can't see teenagers (esp. girls) wanting to do that. Yes, I know that's sexist.
Titus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 02:59 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Lily&Me's Avatar

 
2007 Interstate
Normal , Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,051
Yep, an Interstate is too small by itself for your family.

Sleeping all of you in there, you would be literally on top of each other.

Get a hitch hauler for the stuff four of you will need, and a nice sized tent with sleeping bags for the kids.

They can pitch it as close as you want them to be, you’ve still got your kitchen and frig, and short trips over weekends should work out just fine.

We’ve done this with grandchildren.

Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
Lily&Me is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 05:16 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Idaho Falls , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 118
Tents have their own issues such as safety etc. What about an interstate pulling a teardrop trailer for the girls to sleep in. They would probably love the privacy, time away from Mom and Dad and it would be safer than a tent. The teardrops are small and the interstate would not even know it is there.

And I would definitely recommend the ext.
Passin Thru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 07:52 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,867
I consider the Interstate Lounge too small for sleeping four. I've tried it once with my daughter and granddaughter joining us on a road trip to Minnesota. The plan was for the younger women to sleep in a tent. On first night stop it was in heavy down pour so we all crammed in to the van. It was not comfortable.

If you want a travel with a B-van best to tow a small teardrop trailer with sleeping for your daughters as "Passin Thru" recommended above.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2020, 09:52 PM   #9
3 Rivet Member
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Indianola , Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 161
It’s all what your family is willing to do to accommodate your overall goals. My family of 4 has traveled - and slept - in our AI Lounge Ext Approximately 15k miles in 4 trips over the last year. We’re a short family, so my 12 and 10 yr old kids have slept in cot bunks (find my post last year on the “Cabbunk”). It’s tight, but we’re a family that enjoys the adventure more than we dislike the confined space. Not sure how much longer the Cabbunk will work for us, but I’ll come up with something else when that time comes.
nateallen80 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2020, 07:58 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Piggy Bank's Avatar
 
2019 27' Flying Cloud
Kansas City , Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,962
One more real world thought based on our experience when we had a smaller trailer.

Your should anticipate that your wife and the 2 daughters will end up sleeping in the big bed together. If you can be satisfied with a different place for you yourself to sleep, then that would be a very likely real world scenario to explore.
__________________

Piggy Bank
Piggy Bank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2020, 04:17 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,867
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piggy Bank View Post
. . . anticipate that your wife and the 2 daughters will end up sleeping in the big bed together. If you can be satisfied with a different place for you yourself to sleep, then that would be a very likely real world scenario to explore.
That is what happened on the one occasion I had four in van overnight. My wife, daughter and granddaughter slept on the large lounge bed. I slept on the floor in cab between the front seats. Granddaughter complained the grandma snored.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2020, 04:21 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
Blog Entries: 1
You want to be mobile, but in a class B a trip to the grocery means everyone has to pack up and go.
I'd be looking to a travel trailer so you park, unhook, and have a separate vehicle to explore with and a camp to come "home" too.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2020, 04:38 PM   #13
Site Team
 
Hans627's Avatar

 
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
You want to be mobile, but in a class B a trip to the grocery means everyone has to pack up and go.
I'd be looking to a travel trailer so you park, unhook, and have a separate vehicle to explore with and a camp to come "home" too.
This was my thought as well. If it was just two of you it might be a different story.

All the best in making the decision that is best for you.
Hans627 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 07:25 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Piggy Bank's Avatar
 
2019 27' Flying Cloud
Kansas City , Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,962
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpapatonis View Post

I rented a class A a few weeks ago, and found that it wasn’t to my liking. My plan is to go out with the family for a few days at a time and be as quick and mobile as possible to get from place to place and fit on the backroads when needed. To this end, the class B seems a better fit. I’m considering an Airstream Interstate Lounge.

Michael
It does bear discussing that safe and recommended highway driving speeds with a unit like an Airstream Interstate are higher/standard MPH speed rates.

When traveling with a trailer towed behind a vehicle, safe and recommended highway driving speeds are basically 60-65 MPH.

For some users, this alone would be a reason to consider the Airstream Interstate over a trailer.
__________________

Piggy Bank
Piggy Bank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 07:50 AM   #15
Rivet Master
 
rodsterinfl's Avatar

 
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine , Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
Images: 10
Some people are quite comfortable in tight spaces and live in vans, cars, tiny houses, etc. I would say, go to a dealer and everyone get in one. maneuver around for 30 minutes or so and keep in mind that it would be hours. The idea of a baggage trailer is great too. I am crowded in my trailer when my family goes with me by all the shuffling of stuff let alone people. I traveled for 10 weeks with a group of six in an extended van years ago and would not do it again.
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
rodsterinfl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 09:11 AM   #16
Contributing Member
 
Pahaska's Avatar
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County) , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
Images: 4
I can understand carrying more people on a day trip, but I feel that the AI, either Lounge or GT (I have had both) is just comfortable for two co-operating adults for more than a day trip. Doing the "aisle dance" takes some practice.

Before I bought my first AI, I had three Airstream trailers, preceded by several SOBs. We had an 8 1/2' wide Classic 28 for 16 years. Before buying the AI, I took my wife to the dealer and we spent several hours in several used AIs, discussing whether we would be happy with the change. I made the mistake (for us) of buying a used Lounge and ended up, after 2 years, trading for a GT.

My one regret is now our three cats must stay home with a cat sitter coming by for a half-hour each day.

Just my personal take on class B's from any manufacturer.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
Pahaska is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 09:21 AM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Polecat1's Avatar
 
1979 29' Ambassador
Las Vegas , New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 21
This is for type catastrophic Tire failure post on the Forum. Tires.


A very slow leak can cause Tire failure because heat builds up in the tire will blow. A big problem with many Tire failures is that when the air pressure is checked, sometimes the bellcore does not see properly and leaks. After about an hour or two the tire is way below safe pressure and would begin to heat and will it blow so make sure when you check your air pressure to put a little soap on the stamp to see if the valve core seated properly. I had that problem with a brand new tire on a brand new truck
__________________
Ted
Polecat1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 11:07 AM   #18
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Strongsville , Ohio
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 15
I appreciate the input. So far, it sounds like I am being overly optimistic to fit all four of us in a Class B.
mpapatonis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 11:18 AM   #19
Rivet Master
 
1969 18' Caravel
Greenville , whereEverIroam
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,409
Images: 20
If you have your heart set on a motorhome with the airstream name, you might want to check what is available in the used classic motorhome marketplace.

Airstream manufactured motorhomes from the late 70s under the Argosy namebrand through the 90s.
skyguyscott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2020, 11:53 AM   #20
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Strongsville , Ohio
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyguyscott View Post
If you have your heart set on a motorhome with the airstream name, you might want to check what is available in the used classic motorhome marketplace.

Airstream manufactured motorhomes from the late 70s under the Argosy namebrand through the 90s.
I’m not necessarily set on an Airstream. They just seemed like one of the nicer Class B, along with Coachmen.
mpapatonis is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
General advice about organizing closets tlsmit1 Cabinets, Counter Tops & Furnishings 3 11-04-2013 10:45 AM
Negative pressures/ fan use/ smells / general advice wanted :) mikeandnora On The Road... 10 08-12-2012 04:32 PM
Newbie looking for some advice on waste tanks and plumbimg in general. Sairaf Plumbing - Systems & Fixtures 2 07-30-2010 04:49 AM
Need advice on best Airstream for me ... and LIFE in general JakeSpoon Our Community 21 06-08-2010 10:06 AM
Solar 12V charging set-up - General Advice tpezzolo Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 6 03-26-2009 04:38 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:17 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.