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KariM · 03-01-2021, 01:58 PM

So excited to be a part of the AS world! We had two other campers before this. Our kids grew up camping and now they are on their own. Just us. Caravel seemed perfect! And it is!! Love it even more than we thought we would. We ordered it in August and picked it up three days ago! We are in Iowa so it is still a bit chilly for me to pack up and go. We want to stay local for what we consider to be our break in period. How ever long we need to be completely comfortable with how everything runs. We chose the solar package with lithium batteries. Still researching the quietest generators out there. Looking into 3500 watt. Cannot wait to use our Harvest Host membership and also head to some military installations as we are both AF veterans. It’s a big world out there. So excited!

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dbj216 · 03-01-2021, 06:29 PM

Welcome from Colorado: And welcome to the Airstream owner's community. I was born, raised and lived in Iowa 40 years before moving to Minnesota, and now Colorado in retirement. But Iowa sure seems like home to me. My wife's folks bought a new Airstream in 1986 just after their retirement and traveled all over with it. They were "snowbirds" and migrated to Texas after the holidays for the rest of the winter. The trailer was handed to us in 2005 and we have enjoyed it. We did no traveling this year due to the pandemic, but we are now both vaccinated and hope to get out this late spring. So many folks have taken to RV travel that finding a place to stay may be a challenge. Here we are out traveling several years ago under a lemon tree. It is a 86 Limited 34'. A big Airstream.

I have a Honda 3000i generator that will run the air conditioner. It is quiet but the thing weighs 130 pounds. It is too much to get in and out of the pickup for me. I built a ramp, but it is still rather difficult. Many folks daisy chain two 2000 watt generators together for more power when needed. The smaller generators are easy for me to carry, and unless the AC needs to run, one generator will power the trailer nicely. It is common to see campground restrictions on generators so check the rules.

David

KariM · 03-02-2021, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbj216

Welcome from Colorado: And welcome to the Airstream owner's community. I was born, raised and lived in Iowa 40 years before moving to Minnesota, and now Colorado in retirement. But Iowa sure seems like home to me. My wife's folks bought a new Airstream in 1986 just after their retirement and traveled all over with it. They were "snowbirds" and migrated to Texas after the holidays for the rest of the winter. The trailer was handed to us in 2005 and we have enjoyed it. We did no traveling this year due to the pandemic, but we are now both vaccinated and hope to get out this late spring. So many folks have taken to RV travel that finding a place to stay may be a challenge. Here we are out traveling several years ago under a lemon tree. It is a 86 Limited 34'. A big Airstream.

I have a Honda 3000i generator that will run the air conditioner. It is quiet but the thing weighs 130 pounds. It is too much to get in and out of the pickup for me. I built a ramp, but it is still rather difficult. Many folks daisy chain two 2000 watt generators together for more power when needed. The smaller generators are easy for me to carry, and unless the AC needs to run, one generator will power the trailer nicely. It is common to see campground restrictions on generators so check the rules.

David

What a beautiful Airstream! Thank you for the advice on the two generators.

dbj216 · 03-02-2021, 06:24 PM

Thanks. It looks okay from a distance, but like me, it has blemishes here and there. It is still going strong after 35 years. My 75 Overlander 27' is 45 years old and now all fixed up and ready to travel. Your new Airstream will last a very long time.

David

JAllbee · 03-10-2021, 03:26 PM

Congratulations! We are born and raised Iowans! We have been dreaming of this for 10 years, and finally have a 19 on order! Would you mind giving us the dimensions of the cooktop? We are wanting to figure out a cutting board cover to expand the usable countertop space. Thanks!

OutdoorIdaho · 03-10-2021, 06:07 PM

I have the 2020 and after the first year I am very pleased with my choice. The 19' is just the right size for me and my wife and it fits nicely in about any site you may want to park it.
Here's to many new adventures.

OutdoorIdaho · 03-10-2021, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAllbee

Would you mind giving us the dimensions of the cooktop? We are wanting to figure out a cutting board cover to expand the usable countertop space. Thanks!

The two burner area is 10" x 15". The entire stove unit is 11.25" x 19.5". The max height is 2".
I just noticed the warning sticker is peeling, I need to take care of that...