Contemplating...

[famlyman]

I have been fantasizing about an airstream for my young family of three children under 3 and a doberman for some time. I've seen some interesting posts for bunk options and I think this is the way to go for me. I also want to keep the size of the trailer bellow 25', perhaps a 22 or 23'. I own a 2011 Tahoe Z71 off road tow package. My budget is a comfortable 20K. However I might consider financing something a bit more if I found an ideal Airstream. The problem is I don't know what is ideal. Is there a model that is more suited for my purpose? I want a comfortable sleeping area for my wife and I and of course the bunks for the kids. Which model would most efficiently accommodate these needs? Thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Condoluminum]

Airstream hasn't really done bunks for years... Best option within past 20 years is probably going to be one of the 27' front bedroom models or a 28' "Six Sleeper" with front couch and dinette bed and rear queen... Could be pulled by the Tahoe with sway control and patience climbing steep mountains.. Dog may have to settle for dog bed on floor... There are 28's available in price range.. Newer front bedroom models not quite down there yet.. Finding one with bunks from the 70's could mean a lot of work, and bed for you and wife will be couch to convert each evening and morning.. Also limited privacy between bunks on sides ahead of rear bath and front area...

[famlyman]

Thanks for the advice Condoluminum. I imagine that the right path is going to include some modification considering the absence of original bunk options. Its hard to imagine or create a design without the benefit of trial. a bit of a catch 22. I'll keep my nose in the forum and hope to gain some comfort before jumping in. thanks.

[dkottum]

The 25' and up are not only longer, they are wider, have larger storage tanks, larger brakes, and larger tires. They tow beautifully. We just traded from 20' to 25' and the new trailer is more stable and the weight difference is relatively small when considering the whole package, truck, trailer, people, gear, and supplies.

With your family, look at 25' or up to have any sense of comfort. The Tahoe can be equipped to due the job well with stiffer tires and a properly installed weight distribution/ sway control or sway elimination hitch, and good driving habits.

doug k

[Goal15]

What Doug said. We have a 23 ft safari and it's comfortable for DW and myself and we wedge the dog in as well. theoretically we could stick three kids under three on the front sleeper but then the dog would be squeezed in the galley area. We did us and three kids 6, 8 and 2 in popup for a trip to New England 24 years ago and not sure how we did it but i wouldnt want to make the same trip in our 23 despite all the modern conveniences that the AS has over our little pop up. And for the next few years you will be in the camping prime years of kids before they get into all kinds of sports and activities that will fight for time, so consider that as you look as well.

[Skatiero]

We have a 29' and it really is perfect for us! We but bunks in and the whole setup just works marvelously. Remember the lengths "bumper to ball". I really like rear bedroom and mid bath.

[Aviator]

There is a 25' on EBay that might fit your needs.

25' Airstream Safari SS/LS 6 Sleeper, PRISTINE! Loaded! Must See! No Reserve! AZ 25' Airstream Safari SS/LS 6 Sleeper, PRISTINE! Loaded! Must See! No Reserve! AZ | eBay

[Fly at Night]

"I have been fantasizing about...."

When you started out with that, I was worried because this site is PG rated.

Whew!

[Fly at Night]

....and we're back to sway bars and hitches, 25' vs. 27' etc.


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