Hello from a future owner

[jbjuices]

I signed up to learn as much as I can so I can make a sound decision. My kids are getting older, and we're getting closer to making our decision on either an Airstream or 5th wheel. We're looking at the 33' Classic or an Elite Suite 5th Wheel. Leaning towards the Air Stream for several reasons, 1) style, 2) ease of towing, 3) Happy Wife, Happy Life, 4) Resale & 5) durability.

Questions to the group: 1) Do you ever miss the slides? 2) How do you store? I need to consider the cost of inside storage, since now I have a cover and outside storage.

Thanks...I'll be visiting this site often for learning since the 33' is a basically a house payment.

[Jugadorone]

We went from a really nice 5th wheel to a 30' Flying Cloud. The 5th wheel is great if you plan to sit around 6 months at a time. But if you plan on being on the move the airstream is the way to go. Way less moving parts,,We had 3 slides , the hydraulic auto level jacks, the whole 9 yards and every time we got ready to set up or rig down we hoped that everything worked liked it was supposed to. Everyday it seemed like someone was on the 5th wheel group asking for help because of slide wont go in or jack wont go down or whatever.. With the airstream as long as the tires have air nothing is really gonna keep you from getting underway the next morning. We have manual jacks,, I don't know if the auto jacks on the Classic have a manual mode or not,, I would hope so.

[skyguyscott]

No question the slides will give you more interior space, but is that why you want a travel trailer, to take a house with you as you go explore the grand canyon or Yosemite, or Yellowstone? There is a curious and unexpected joy that comes from cutting away the excess and living more simply.

When we are young, we set out to acquire things, the more things we own, we think, surely the happier we'll be. But as we get older we discover that in fact, these things start to own us; we have to have a bigger house to store them all, we have to insure them, we have to clean and maintain them, we have to update them, we have to repair them, we have to find time to use them...

Not that an Airstream is exactly cutting everything away, but you get the idea.

And, if you really want one, you could always buy a used Airstream Slide out, that gives you 2-3 more feet or so at the couch or dinette. Those slide out owners love them, but still, it's telling that AS no longer makes them.

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: My folks retired in Eureka Springs and did their shopping in Rogers. NW Arkansas is beautiful country. It was the best 15 years of their lives. We traveled there often to visit.

An Airstream is a different animal for sure. They are not about floor space. I liken them to camping in a business jet. Comfortable, but not a lot of room to square dance. I always find it odd that having a bunch of open floor space in the middle of the camper was desirable. What is the space used for? Once I'm seated, or tucked in bed, I don't need a lot of floor space.

Airstreams are expensive due to their aluminum construction. They will last a long time. Our 86 Limited is going strong (see photo), and I'm renovating a 1975 Overlander this winter. My son has a 1969 Globetrotter, and I renovated and sold a 1966 Trade Wind several years ago. I know the Airstream trailer pretty well and feel they are very well built, especially the newer ones.

Airstreams hold their value pretty well compared to other brands of trailers. And they are famous for easier towing in cross winds and the like.

Do plan on bonking your head on the top of the door getting in and out of the trailer. And do plan on traveling light, taking what you need. But no use in taking winter parkas when traveling to Texas in the summer, or two gallon jugs of cream rinse, or place settings for 12, or several six packs of paper towels, or 10 pair of shoes.

David

[Eagle Keeper]

Welcome! Wife and I just went through the same process. We thought a Grand Design 5th wheel was it. Then we started looking at the campgrounds we want to visit and realized it wouldn’t fit! Then I noticed how many people have problems with slides, auto level, and delamination. We determined that the Airstream fit what we want to do better than any fifth wheel. Easy to tow, easy to set up and easy to tear down. RVing is about getting outside not sitting in a recliner watching football on a 55” tv! I can do that at home, I can’t go see our national parks at home!