Airstream Model with a Rear Dinette/Living Area?

[ClassCLass]

Hey Folks,

I'm a big fan of motorhomes (ie:not trailers/campers) that have panoramic windows & a dinette/living area in the back. Airstream has so many models going back decades it's fairly overwhelming to wade through. Where does one start?

This post is not necessarily Airstream specific either. I'm interested in checking out any other motorhome model from any other manufacturer that has done a big back windows/ rear dinette~living area floorplan. There's Lazy Daze of course, but wanted to know of any others, old or newer.

If anyone can steer me in the right direction Airstream or otherwise, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks for listening

[martin300662]

Welcome to the forum

I'm not sure what you are asking for? Airstream made aluminum bodied motorhome for twenty years, and each year sold a rear bed and rear bath models. Literally they are available in all model years and so all lengths from 20ft Argosy to 370 (37ft) Classic.

However they are more desirable (based on higher pricing) and come up for sale less frequently.

If you want more back ground I suggest you take a look at ViewRvs (http://www.viewrvs.com/motorhome.php), the website owner is a member here and it is full of really useful information (not only on Airstream motorhomes).

[kidjedi]

I think the OP is looking for vehicles with a dinette in the rear (not bath or bed). To my knowledge, Airstream has never made a motorhome with that configuration (though there are obviously Airstream trailers with this set up).

My Argosy 24 is a mid bath, and the main "bedroom" in the back converts to a lounge. It may be the closest thing to what you seek in the Airstream motorhome family (and I love this set up). You might need to add a table for proper "dining area" use, but mine is glass all around back there (super pano plus two more regular windows).

All that said, a lot of people buying vintage motorhomes are gutting them and starting from scratch, so you can pretty much do whatever you want in this regard.

Also, now that I think about it, the GMC Motorhome (1973-78 and my favorite of all vintage motorhomes) had a rear dinette in a couple of their configurations. Front wheel drive, and no axels in the rear (twin bogie configuration with airbags).

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

I think the OP is looking for vehicles with a dinette in the rear (not bath or bed). To my knowledge, Airstream has never made a motorhome with that configuration (though there are obviously Airstream trailers with this set up).

My Argosy 24 is a mid bath, and the main "bedroom" in the back converts to a lounge. It may be the closest thing to what you seek in the Airstream motorhome family (and I love this set up). You might need to add a table for proper "dining area" use, but mine is glass all around back there (super pano plus two more regular windows).

All that said, a lot of people buying vintage motorhomes are gutting them and starting from scratch, so you can pretty much do whatever you want in this regard.

Also, now that I think about it, the GMC Motorhome (1973-78 and my favorite of all vintage motorhomes) had a rear dinette in a couple of their configurations. Front wheel drive, and no axels in the rear (twin bogie configuration with airbags).

All the rear twins double up as living areas (as requested by the OP).

[ClassCLass]

Thank you, KidJedi & Martin,

Yep, that's exactly what I mean, a rear dining/lounge area floorplan. Your mid-bath Argosy must be awesome, I'd love to see pics if you have it posted anywhere here. I'm all for trying to find the most "recent" version of that floorplan, so if it existed in the 80's that would be wonderful. If not, hopefully there's a 78-9 model?

Yes, funny you mentioned GMC. I was looking at an Avion 23' that actually has a dinette in back. It's in CT, & I'm on the wrong coast to get it. Couldn't buy it anyway until I sell my house, which is years into the future. Doing the search now so when the time comes, I already know what I want. Ideally the RV is also no longer than 27.' Shorter is better. 24'-26' is Aces.

Thanks for the motorhome link, Martin. I'll be sure to check that out.

[martin300662]

23 windows in 20ft length, definitely not an original layout though.

[ClassCLass]

Originally Posted by martin300662

23 windows in 20ft length, definitely not an original layout though.

Attachment 391940

Twins in back are great too for being instant couch seats.
Just put a short table between them & I'm all set!

[martin300662]

The table is built into the nightstand so we have a 4 person dinette once pulled out.

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by ClassCLass

Yep, that's exactly what I mean, a rear dining/lounge area floorplan. Your mid-bath Argosy must be awesome, I'd love to see pics if you have it posted anywhere here.

It's the Argosy 24 thread marked Diskotrek, but I haven't posted any interior shots yet. I want it to be ready for the "grand reveal." Right now it's a mismatch of what the previous owner did to the upholstery everywhere and carpet in the cockpit, and the updates that I've made so far.

Originally Posted by ClassCLass

I'm all for trying to find the most "recent" version of that floorplan, so if it existed in the 80's that would be wonderful. If not, hopefully there's a 78-9 model?

I feel like there was a lot of garbage made in the 80's and 90's (I grew up in a GM town), so just because it's something more recent, doesn't necessarily mean it will be better for you. I think there are quite a few people who might agree that the less "tech" involved, the longer your machine will run and the easier it will be to maintain. Then there are others who like to make all kinds of "upgrades" to vintage beasts, chasing fuel economy and power (but it never seems like they get much further than where the vehicle started).

Originally Posted by ClassCLass

Yes, funny you mentioned GMC. I was looking at an Avion 23' that actually has a dinette in back. It's in CT, & I'm on the wrong coast to get it. Couldn't buy it anyway until I sell my house, which is years into the future.

Lemme know if you come across any 23 footers (most are 26') that are good candidates for gutting. Eventually I plan on creating an all electric motorhome, but for now it would be great if it was a good runner with a horrible inside (so it's cheap and ready for a complete interior overhaul... I plan on creating a living area and film editing bay).

[ClassCLass]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

Lemme know if you come across any 23 footers (most are 26') that are good candidates for gutting. Eventually I plan on creating an all electric motorhome, but for now it would be great if it was a good runner with a horrible inside (so it's cheap and ready for a complete interior overhaul... I plan on creating a living area and film editing bay).

Well this shouldn't be gutted but here's the one I was drooling over:

https://www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com/ForSale/wasik/

If you get it you owe me an invite to Colorado.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

23 windows in 20ft length, definitely not an original layout though.

Attachment 391940

Attachment 391941

Yep, Martin buys Windex by the case.....!

[PeterH-350LE]

so many things to consider and be aware of, when wanting to get into Airstream Classic MH, the presence of a dinette in the rear, would be last on my list. Rear and mid Bedrooms without day use are a huge blunder of space.
I have modified every Motorhome and trailer to allow for day use and have come up with a variety of options over the years. All the mods you see in the pictures allow for twins, queen and day use.

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Rear and mid Bedrooms without day use are a huge blunder of space.

Man... for my personal use, I love having a bedroom area in something as small as a 24 that I don't have to convert back to "day use" when I wake up. I have really been loving the Argosy 24 setup: rear lounge that mostly stays set up as the main bed, with a mid bath, and the galley/dinette and cockpit area for day use.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

Man... for my personal use, I love having a bedroom area in something as small as a 24 that I don't have to convert back to "day use" when I wake up. I have really been loving the Argosy 24 setup: rear lounge that mostly stays set up as the main bed, with a mid bath, and the galley/dinette and cockpit area for day use.

Sure, to each his own. We do out of town historical restoration work and need to have as much multi use space one can squeeze out of a trailer or Motor home. Both my trailer and motor home are equipped with 2 Television sets, two laptops and a couple of doors to make rooms. Good fences make good neighbors, right ?

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Both my trailer and motor home are equipped with 2 Television sets, two laptops and a couple of doors to make rooms. Good fences make good neighbors, right ?

Mine too, but luckily it's just me, the kiddo, and the dogs. Once I do the GMC, it will have a server rack and four monitors though.

I've been tinkering with the idea of doing a tour with another musician once Covid is over (whatever that means), but I can't really wrap my brain around sharing the space with an independent adult.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

Mine too, but luckily it's just me, the kiddo, and the dogs. Once I do the GMC, it will have a server rack and four monitors though.

I've been tinkering with the idea of doing a tour with another musician once Covid is over (whatever that means), but I can't really wrap my brain around sharing the space with an independent adult.

That's easy.....

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by martin300662

That's easy.....

Attachment 392015

I'm having a hard enough time adjusting my roll to 55mph, I can't imagine what that would be like going uphill. I am curious to see what towing is like with this thing once I get a couple little trips under my belt. I pulled a 1965 Powercat boat out of a barn last summer, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the two pair for travel, especially since their paint matches!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by martin300662

23 windows in 20ft length, definitely not an original layout though.

Attachment 391940

Attachment 391941

Let it be known that Martin installed 23 Windows only to outdo the classic 21 Window VW Microbus

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by PeterH-350LE

Let it be known that Martin installed 23 Windows only to outdo the classic 21 Window VW Microbus

Hmmm.... safari windows, now that is an idea!

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Hmmm.... safari windows, now that is an idea!

I may have a couple vista vues laying around if you want to go for that look.