34 foot Airstream, old, new, ? Why?

[c_lewis77]

I have an '82 34' limited, tow with a V-10 4x4 excursion. I have been very pleased with my setup. It tows very well. I believe 1982 was the first year for the 34'; I have not experienced any structure issues in my rig that were mentioned in another post. I have had the typical minor repairs, but for the most part, no major issues. I have not found the size to be an issue, this is the smallest AS that I have owned. I was able to get my unit at a very reasonable price with meticulous records and manuals from the PO's.
I have the two gouchos in the front with the twins in the rear. I believe all the 34's have the large wardrobe and dinette.
I vote for the 34'!

[HiHoAgRV]

We 'upsized' from a 29' to a 34' and haven't had an issue finding spots to camp. Covering 24 states, the 34' has fit anywhere the 29' would have with one exception...a friends private camp has a 90 degree turn on a single lane levee...I'm pretty sure I could make it but the trees have grown and I would leave marks on the skin.

We love the extra room, the thing tows just as good as the 29' with one difference...an extra 2,000 lbs knocked down the MPG by about 1.5.

[Air Apparent]

Originally Posted by Jammer

The 34' floorplan doesn't make as efficient use of space due to the bathroom layout and so the net benefit is just a couple more feet in the lounge area, and while that's welcome if you travel with a larger group, I don't think it's necessary.

I don't agree with the above statement. I owned a 2005 Airstream 30 and then moved up to a 2008 Airstream 34. I was amazed at the difference that four feet makes. I wasn't sure if I would like the side bath since I liked the walk through bath in the 30. I found that I do like the side bath because it gives privacy in using the bath room without stopping access to the bedroom. When we use the shower we use the accordian door to give more changing space. Besides a side bath, you get a much larger closet with sliding doors.

The 30 felt like one big room. The 34 feels like two = the front lounge and kitchen and then the rear quarter with bedroom, bath, and changing area. The reason the 30 felt like one big room is that the center walkway goes from the couch in a straight line to the bed. In the 34 there is a jog by the refrigerator. (I'm talking about 34s from 1996 to 2012.)

We are planning on eventually fulltimng or extended timing and believe that the 34 will be much more comfortable. This is just my opinion. However, some people find a 34 too small and need a 40' motorhome. Others prefer a truck camper.

Regarding the choice of truck - I chose a dodge not because I am a dodge fan but because I would have bought whatever truck surrounded the Cummins diesel. The 2004 Cummins engine is much quieter than prior year Cummins. The 2012 Cummins are even quieter that the 2004. The Cummins give off very little diesel fumes which was an issue for my wife. I believe that all the diesels today offered by Dodge, GM, and Ford are good. Just a matter of preference. The best truck out there is the DodChevFord - that is the truck with the Dodge Cummins, the Chevy ride, and the Ford interior. Unfortunately this truck isn't made.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

[c_lewis77]

Here is the brochure from 1982 showing all of the floor plan options including the 34'.

[nilesrob]

Originally Posted by TomR

How does the 27'FB compare with your 34' w/o slide...on a day-to-day liviability scale? I wonder how "livable" the "lounge" seating is? Also seems a bit light on storage? Thanks...Tom R

When we unloaded our 34' to trade in, we found we had stuff stored in duplicate, triplicate - and stuff we didn't know we had - or need. We have not missed storage - albeit we do not full-time.

We don't typically spend a lot of time in our trailer, and while pure creature comforts in the 27 vs the 34 might not quite so luxurious, we really love our 27 FB - looking out the panorama windows - it doesn't get much better than that. We don't tend to entertain in our trailer (regardless of size) - I tell people who ask that our trailer sleeps (and seats) 2! At this point, our kids would rather stick pins in their eyes than travel with us so everything we do is simple and geared for two.

[sandlapper]

We all carry more than we need. I try to go through ours regularly and take out those things that accumulate. Ours seats 6, feeds 4, sleeps only 2. Brad, ready to play Wipeout for us? John

[slowmover]

I like the 34' size, no matter the make. It is the longest one can go and still meet the 65' rig length present in most states. Rear bedroom and front lounge make two living areas for a lot of people. (Storage will depend on even more factors).

As to the "cost" of the third axle (six tires/wheels) don't forget that the load (weight) on each is lower than with a 31' (potentially fewer tire problems), and that they provide more rubber with more brake surface area to bring down the speed in a hurry. While the third axle tends to "unload" during heavy braking, the best hitch rigging -- as with any trailer -- helps to alleviate this tendency. A 34' with discs will definitely stop the rig faster than the truck solo.

A manual transmission turbodiesel truck with 8' bed hitched with a Pro Pride to a 34' equipped with disc brakes and top brake controller . . it doesn't get much better than that to run the roads (OK, it doesn't).

.

[DEWASSINC]

We purchased our 1990 34' Excella last spring, and have been touring with it for 1 1/2 seasons. We have pulled from Ontario throughout Michigan; around Ontario; from Ontario to New Jersey; and from Ontario to Florida. My wife and I love the room it provides, and we will be taking it to Florida to spend a few months this winter.

Now, as for towing; I pull our 34 with a 1/2 ton Dodge Dakota with 4.7l V8. I went to CanAm in London Ontario and had Andy beef up the hitch. But we pull pretty good - going uphill slows us down, but pulling on the level is great (1700 RPM in O/D if I want). This beauty tows like a charm, virtually no sway (I have a Reese hitch with equalizer and anti sway).

I don't believe you need a huge truck; but just the right combination. Some smaller trucks actually are better TV's than larger ones. Talk with Andy from CanAm, you will be surprised.

[Sonia]

We have a 2006 75th Edition with the slide. We upgraded from a 30 footer and I love the 34. It has room for our family of 3 and it is great on rainy days...we are not in each others way. We have solar panel (factory installed) and 2 AC units. It pulls like a charm.

[DEM123]

Man, I d ahve to ageee with you o that..those34s are super fine looking and I'll bet that length makes them really slimstream down the road.... NIcely!!

I'd love to have a 34 S/O with a International Serenity interior!!!
The Pleasure Palace!!!

Got my new one ton Longhorn ready to go!

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

The 34's are the coolest looking TT ever made. Bar none. IMHO. Luv to have one!

[DEM123]

DO they only come in Hickory Cabinets?? OR s the Wenge wood available...

\

Originally Posted by TomR

Al...that somewhat describes me also I am quite taken by the 34'...and I think my wife would like the room...as well as the hickory cabinets in the newer units.

Couple of things you probably know...

1) MSRP $100K+

2) Not currently available for 2012...AS manufactured 25 in 2011...and my dealer said they have no plans to produce any in 2012. They had not produced for a couple (?) of years prior to 2011 "special" run of 25.

Other than that I join you in your admiration!

Tom R in Two Harbors, Mn

[cms4140]

Check out the following thread - and in particular - post #17. I found it very informative when I was considering a 34'er earlier this year.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...eam-66923.html


-Chris

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by cms4140

Check out the following thread - and in particular - post #17. I found it very informative when I was considering a 34'er earlier this year.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...eam-66923.html


-Chris

No one, but no one has this site so well mentally organized as did/does 2Air (why he's missed). One will always do well to follow his many posts and thread on any subject herein. (Well, except for Ford trucks . . . . )

.

[cms4140]

Originally Posted by REDNAX

No one, but no one has this site so well mentally organized as did/does 2Air (why he's missed). One will always do well to follow his many posts and thread on any subject herein. (Well, except for Ford trucks . . . . )

.

I completely agree - I miss his contributions and insights greatly.

-Chris

[Alumaholic]

As has been mentioned, you can fake it with a 27' but there ain't no sneaking a 34' into state parks that restrict travel trailers to 25.' We found we could take our 23' anywhere, and our 27' just about anywhere. In a caravan to the Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) the 34' found a nice space to camp, but he couldn't make it through the dump station at the end; even the 31' had trouble.

There is a beautiful stretch of scenic highway up the eastern border of AZ that allows no travel trailers over 25.'

We recently purchased a 2007 Classic 30' (really 31') knowing it would exclude us from some NM State Parks.

So, it all depend where you intend to wander and where you intend to stay when you get there.

The longer trailers are a dream to pull and back up, so I wouldn't worry about towing once you choose the right tow vehicle.

[cms4140]

Originally Posted by klevan

The longer trailers are a dream to pull and back up, so I wouldn't worry about towing once you choose the right tow vehicle.

As I was told in the aforementioned thread...
"they are all the same size in the rear view mirrors...".

[Mike Leary]

If I was considering a 34, there's that guy in Ontario, I think, that builds the coolest hitches I've ever seen. We had a 34' towed by a little Subaru-type rig come into our camp; they loved it!

[Elf1]

Morning All-
Feeling the need to chime in here…… We have owned a few A/S trailers, (24ft, than 28ft) last stop…a 34’ Limited-
There is much truth in the previous posts, the benefits are as follows:
1. Larger bedroom area, we are a modified rear full size queen.
2. Larger area to relax up front, dedicated dinette for computer work or just chatting over dinner
3. Writing tables
4. LOADS of storage…….you need to watch what you pack...and really be critical to determine if you NEED it.....and on that note, as we travel close to 20k a year…..( weight=fuel) you WILL need a hoss of a truck to pull her a ¾ ton might be fine in the east or south…think nothing less of a 1T dually Duramaxx for any mtns in the west or grades to hold her back, as these engines have a tow option to allow braking while in tow haul mode….

As for the truth be told part in NF or NP, we stay at these 99% of the time. It is true, there are SOME State parks that are difficult to get into, not impossible…just difficult. We have only had to pull out of one NF campground “Cub River” on the UT ID boarder....that had 12 sites, almost got her in but not worth the risk. Never had any issues otherwise….

On that note, a HA hitch will limit your access to hitching and unhitching in many of the tight spots do to the need to hitch straight on..., we run woth a Reese Dual Cam with an additional friction bar, she doesn’t even budge an inch with a semi rolling past at 80mph. Handled the Mtns in Alaska as well as BC and the Yukon just fine….. pulling one of these is a joy, they track like a dream…I will mention ONE drawback, you do need a bit of experience under your belt to maneuver one….BUT there is one way to get that experience now isn’t there?.....enjoy your search…..and welcome

[Bill M.]

I drive a Dodge diesel. Both the GMC and the Ford ride better on rough roads. Dodge rides fine on smooth roads. Rides like a truck on rough roads.

[slowmover]

we run woth a Reese Dual Cam with an additional friction bar, she doesn’t even budge an inch with a semi rolling past at 80mph.

A video camera will reveal otherwise (not that you haven't your combination well done). There's a gulf between sway-resisting and sway-eliminating not well appreciated until bridged.

Let's not forget the PULLRITE Travel Trailer Hitch as a somewhat better alternative to a Hensley (the least desirable of the sway-eliminating hitches) for backing maneuverability.

(Have I missed other posts/threads/blogs of yours, eglisems, on your travels or what your rig is like in general; here or elsewhere? 20k miles annually raises a flag of interest on many issues, not just the usual partisanship about hitch rigging. Your experiences, etc, are of real interest as my previous and future rig is so similar, not to mention the desire to travel as much. Thanks.)

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