I went out the other day and sat in our AS. After looking at some newer models with those dinette and L shaped "lounges" or whatever they call them, I went and sat in our trailer with it's "normal"/old school Flexsteel couch they we had re-foamed and recovered in Ultraleather Brisa (as I understand it, it's better than what is used by Airstream BTW - it breathes more like real leather - you do know that
Ultraleather is not leather but polyurethane, just sayin'), I realized that there was no comparison in comfort. Our couch (like noted by an earlier poster) was wayyyy more comfortable. As a matter of fact I ordered a couple of poufs from Overstock this week to use as foot rests (again southwestern style fabrics).
In the newer trailers the TV (yep, I like to watch a movie or whatever in the evening), is generally too far away from the seating area for decent viewing (IMHO), In some you could sit at the dinette and be closer, but not as comfortable.
Plus while I like the newer "striped down" interiors, I also like our cozy interior. I don't mind the mouse fir or vinyl at all, I also figure it helps the interior "feel" warmer in cold weather. We have updated it with nicer curtains (done in a chino type of fabric and that totally mimic the original pleats etc.) along with valances done in an "southwestern" style fabric. Our interior has lost almost all of the dated look at this point.
However, I do wish we had a pano in the living area (I would prefer not to have one in the bedroom) along with some other larger windows. Of course, less windows, less leaks....
Flip side, we have wayyyy (sorry had to do it again) more storage than most of the newer trailers with a large double closet, a large pantry/microwave cabinet (that's one reason we don't have as many windows). I guess I need to decide what I want more, storage or windows. I will say, one thing I don't like is the cheapo, Hehr knockoff windows that AS used in Safaris of this vintage (see my earlier post about their problems). That company is out of business and you can't get parts.
Basically I think we are going to live with what we have for the TIME BEING. We will be heading out on longer more extend trips soon as my wife is retired next month. We can see how we like it. We are getting into the spring buying season anyway, I figure the deals will start to fade a bit. So if we still have the itch in the fall or winter later this year, we likely can get a better deal, plus the late models that I like will be that much cheaper.
I guess in a perfect world, the best fit is a Classic. But they are too long, and too heavy; I like towing with our EB F150, it does a great job with our Safari (it replaced the 3/4 ton Duramax I used to have - I don't miss it when towing).
We have also tossed around not spending the bucks on a new/newer AS, but instead supplementing our AS with a class B for longer trips with shorter stays. But again, I want to see how I like dragging around what we have first. BTW it won't be an Interstate, too many problems with the DEF EGR Nox sensors limp mode etc. That's one reason I got rid of the Dmax - diesel worries and problems. If we got one it would likely be a Pleasure Way with a Ford Transit/Ecoboost setup. Much better torque and HP than the MB, and I have 6 years of experience with the EB's reliability (knocking wood). PW just came out with that chassis, I think some folks are interested in getting away from the Sprinters that seem to have too many problems (yes I am sure yours has been perfect LOL).
As to the polishing that I am sick of... I can finish the re-polish I started last year (still need to do the curb side), and that will hold me for 2/3 years (we take it to the beach a lot so you know what that salt air does). By the next time it's due, if we haven't purchased something newer, and I don't feel like doing it again, but we want to keep the trailer, then I guess it's off the P&S. Expensive, but mega cheaper than a new trailer. I must admit, I do like it for the oohs and aahs it gets, even from other Airstreamers. Lets admit one big reason we buy these expensive toys is for the shine and "look".
Of course, after saying all of this, if I get that bug....well you know how that works.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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