Hello from Austin - Overwhelmed and Happy!

[kmsawyer7]

I just purchased my 2020 Caravel a week ago. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to learn all there is to know myself, but I know I can do it. It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I did it!

I ordered a new mattress and as soon as I get that and some bedding, I'm going to take it out for an overnight close to home. Until then, I've been working on hitching and un-hitching and BACKING UP. Backing up is crucial for me, because it's parked in a RV parking space that only allows back-in.

Yesterday I did back up practice for about 3 hours. Oh my. I am all over the place, but I got it back in the parking spot one inch at a time, albeit crooked. i can't wait to get out overnight! I'm nervous about hooking up water and electric, but can only learn by doing. Anyway I'm happy to be here and will be spending a lot of time here learning from you all

[Bearstream01]

Welcome kmsawyer! It sounds like you back up a lot like me!!! Hehehehe. Wandering Wagners on YT has a video on backing up. Prob the most comprehensive Ive ever seen. He teaches truck driving so I find him to be a good resource. I like his instruction to “turn towards the problem”. That helps me a lot. You will get it!!!
Rich Luhr is another amazing resource on AS maintenance. Go to airgear.store and look under Learning Hub.
And of course your friendly forum members are always happy to help. Have fun!

[Hans627]

Hello KM and welcome to the forum. It is a great place to learn and share. We are here to help so if you have any questions please just ask. We were all newbies at one time.

And don't beat yourself up too much about backing up. A single axle trailer is the most difficult to learn.

You might want to consider visiting and/or joining a local unit of the Airstream Club (airstreamclub.org). There you will find many folks with lots of experience who would be willing to help.

All the best!

[Bubba L]

Welcome to the Airstream neighborhood. Things you’re nervous about now will become commonplace in the near future. As far as hooking up at a campground, if you have reservations you can ask a park host for input. They are helpful. There are plenty of state parks near you to try out close to home. Be safe and ask the questions if needed.

[overlander64]

Greetings kmsawyer! Welcome to the Forums and thw world of Airstream ownership!!

Originally Posted by kmsawyer7

I just purchased my 2020 Caravel a week ago. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to learn all there is to know myself, but I know I can do it. It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I did it!

I ordered a new mattress and as soon as I get that and some bedding, I'm going to take it out for an overnight close to home. Until then, I've been working on hitching and un-hitching and BACKING UP. Backing up is crucial for me, because it's parked in a RV parking space that only allows back-in.

Yesterday I did back up practice for about 3 hours. Oh my. I am all over the place, but I got it back in the parking spot one inch at a time, albeit crooked. i can't wait to get out overnight! I'm nervous about hooking up water and electric, but can only learn by doing. Anyway I'm happy to be here and will be spending a lot of time here learning from you all

I have been a solo traveler all of my life, and have towed my Airstream travel trailer since 1995, a 1964 Airstream Overlander Land Yacht International (26-feet) as well as a 1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre (20-feet) that I have towed since 2002. You are correct, as my experience has been that the best way to learn to back up one of these rigs is practice. Surprisingly, my tandem axle, 26-foot Overlander is a bit easier to back up as it responds more slowly and predictably to steering inputs than the much shorter single axle, 20-foot Argosy. I always have to remind myself with the Argosy --slow and steady with no quick corrections.

As a solo owner, you may find the need of a tool to assist with hitching. I searched for several years, and discovered a tool with two mirrors that is remarkable. It can be temporarily or permanently attached to your trailer's hitch, and you can see both the tongue and ball as you back up to align the hitch with the ball. The device is called the One Shot Trailer Hitch Viewing Mirror, and I have used one or another version of this device for more than 25 years. It simplifies the hitching process even if your vehicle has a backup camera -- at least if it is like the camera in my car that just does not show the ball well enough to judge alignment.



I might suggest that you consider joining the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI)/Airstream Club International (ACI) as this is a good way to learn about your Airstream quickly from those with years of Airstreaming experience. You may even find that there are also a number of solo travelers in your Local Unit as well. When joining, you have the choice to join as an "At Large" member which means that you do not join local Unit (the annual dues are higher for this status), or you may join both the International and a Unit in which case you pay International as well as Unit dues (each Unit sets its own dues). Personally, I have always been a member of a Local Unit, in fact, the same one since I purchased my Airstream in 1995, the Wisconsin Unit (now the Wisconsin--UP Unit). Each local Unit has its own slate of activities, and there is generally something scheduled every month, and during the travel season, there are often several choices each month. In addition, you will be asked if you wish to join any of the Intra-Clubs that are sub-clubs of the International, and there are several -- there is one particularly for solo travelers, and that is the Indie Streamers.

Good luck with your Caravel, and Safe Travels!

Kevin

[BikeCamper]

Originally Posted by kmsawyer7

I just purchased my 2020 Caravel a week ago. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to learn all there is to know myself, but I know I can do it. It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I did it!

I ordered a new mattress and as soon as I get that and some bedding, I'm going to take it out for an overnight close to home. Until then, I've been working on hitching and un-hitching and BACKING UP. Backing up is crucial for me, because it's parked in a RV parking space that only allows back-in.

Yesterday I did back up practice for about 3 hours. Oh my. I am all over the place, but I got it back in the parking spot one inch at a time, albeit crooked. i can't wait to get out overnight! I'm nervous about hooking up water and electric, but can only learn by doing. Anyway I'm happy to be here and will be spending a lot of time here learning from you all

Greetings, welcome, and congrats.

We own a 19’ as well (an earlier 2017 model). It has been a great trailer for us so far. You’ll love it.

The systems are fairly straightforward and not overly complex. Take your time and it will all make sense. Just do not confuse the city-water inlet and the black-tank flush inlet - - which is easy to do given their proximity to each other and rather poor labelling.

As for reversing, yes practice helps and you will improve with time. One pointer I can offer is - - whenever possible - - to plan your approach to the campsite such that any target or obstacle you are backing toward is on the inside of your turn where you can see it. And always try to arrive with plenty of daylight remaining.

What is your tow vehicle?

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by overlander64

Greetings kmsawyer! Welcome to the Forums and thw world of Airstream ownership!!



I have been a solo traveler all of my life, and have towed my Airstream travel trailer since 1995, a 1964 Airstream Overlander Land Yacht International (26-feet) as well as a 1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre (20-feet) that I have towed since 2002. You are correct, as my experience has been that the best way to learn to back up one of these rigs is practice. Surprisingly, my tandem axle, 26-foot Overlander is a bit easier to back up as it responds more slowly and predictably to steering inputs than the much shorter single axle, 20-foot Argosy. I always have to remind myself with the Argosy --slow and steady with no quick corrections.

As a solo owner, you may find the need of a tool to assist with hitching. I searched for several years, and discovered a tool with two mirrors that is remarkable. It can be temporarily or permanently attached to your trailer's hitch, and you can see both the tongue and ball as you back up to align the hitch with the ball. The device is called the One Shot Trailer Hitch Viewing Mirror, and I have used one or another version of this device for more than 25 years. It simplifies the hitching process even if your vehicle has a backup camera -- at least if it is like the camera in my car that just does not show the ball well enough to judge alignment.



I might suggest that you consider joining the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI)/Airstream Club International (ACI) as this is a good way to learn about your Airstream quickly from those with years of Airstreaming experience. You may even find that there are also a number of solo travelers in your Local Unit as well. When joining, you have the choice to join as an "At Large" member which means that you do not join local Unit (the annual dues are higher for this status), or you may join both the International and a Unit in which case you pay International as well as Unit dues (each Unit sets its own dues). Personally, I have always been a member of a Local Unit, in fact, the same one since I purchased my Airstream in 1995, the Wisconsin Unit (now the Wisconsin--UP Unit). Each local Unit has its own slate of activities, and there is generally something scheduled every month, and during the travel season, there are often several choices each month. In addition, you will be asked if you wish to join any of the Intra-Clubs that are sub-clubs of the International, and there are several -- there is one particularly for solo travelers, and that is the Indie Streamers.

Good luck with your Caravel, and Safe Travels!

Kevin

Yes, a good reminder about the Intra-Clubs and the one dedicated to solo travelers!

[Fungus]

Howdy neighbor. (From West Lake Hills, TX).

[farafield]

Welcome and congratulations! There is A LOT to learn, especially if you are not used to dealing with systems or a regular handy person. The owner's manual and Rich Luhr's books are essential reading. There is much to maintain on an Airstream, sealing/caulking, tires, propane hose, appliances, plumbing, cleaning, leaks, etc. But hopefully, you will occupy yourself with just learninn how to run things and backing up in the first season. NO ONE is an expert at backing up until they have done a lot of it! Practice. We have all been there, so take a deep breath, don't worry about others watching you, just focus on the task at hand. before you know it, you'll be pretty good at it! I put items like cones on the ground to help guide, especially if there are things like culverts or picnic tables I need to avoid. If you aren't already adept at using your side mirrors for backing, work on that. Most of all, enjoy yourself! Lots of knowledgeable people here to help. I've learned so much thanks to the kind folks here.

[dbj216]

Welcome from Colorado: You're going to enjoy your Airstream and all your travel adventures. I have a 1969 Globetrotter 21' that I renovated. And like you, I find backing up the shorter trailers is more "sensitive" that the longer ones. Try backing up a log splitter. When my father in law was teaching me to handle their Airstream, one tip he told me and I still use. He said put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, and move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. You are trying to put a little "kink" between the vehicle and the trailer to start the direction you want the trailer to go. Once the trailer is heading backwards in the right direction, you crank the steering wheel the opposite direction to "push" the trailer around the arc. Be patient, it takes practice, but soon you will be able to do it well.

David

[Rickeyt]

There are many resources to help you in your area. We are members of Wally Byam Airstream Club the Texas Highland Lakes Club. You will find that the Airstream community is great at providing help and information. Even new owners clinics. There is also a facebook community for your Caravel. Many memories to be made in your future! Again Welcome.

[Mtbyland]

Originally Posted by kmsawyer7

I just purchased my 2020 Caravel a week ago. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to learn all there is to know myself, but I know I can do it. It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I did it!

I ordered a new mattress and as soon as I get that and some bedding, I'm going to take it out for an overnight close to home. Until then, I've been working on hitching and un-hitching and BACKING UP. Backing up is crucial for me, because it's parked in a RV parking space that only allows back-in.

Yesterday I did back up practice for about 3 hours. Oh my. I am all over the place, but I got it back in the parking spot one inch at a time, albeit crooked. i can't wait to get out overnight! I'm nervous about hooking up water and electric, but can only learn by doing. Anyway I'm happy to be here and will be spending a lot of time here learning from you all

You are right where I was about a year ago. Don’t hesitate to leave your comfort zone and ask somebody a question when you’re at an RV site. almost everyone is willing to give you more of advice than you can stand. if you have any questions about your equipment or how to hook up things or do things with an RV. Relax take your time and have lots of fun and no time at all. You’ll be a pro like everyone else.

[ColoradoGlen]

Welcome KS7, All good advice here. I will only add GOAL, get out and look. Happy travels.

[D-Rod]

Originally Posted by kmsawyer7

I just purchased my 2020 Caravel a week ago. I'm a solo traveler, so I have to learn all there is to know myself, but I know I can do it. It was a scary decision, but I'm so happy I did it!

I ordered a new mattress and as soon as I get that and some bedding, I'm going to take it out for an overnight close to home. Until then, I've been working on hitching and un-hitching and BACKING UP. Backing up is crucial for me, because it's parked in a RV parking space that only allows back-in.

Yesterday I did back up practice for about 3 hours. Oh my. I am all over the place, but I got it back in the parking spot one inch at a time, albeit crooked. i can't wait to get out overnight! I'm nervous about hooking up water and electric, but can only learn by doing. Anyway I'm happy to be here and will be spending a lot of time here learning from you all

Welcome to the club😎 I’m actually in Austin, TX now and traveling in our 33’ Classic. We belong to an AS club called NTAC (North Tx. Airstream Club) it’s great being part of a group for networking and problem solving or just to meet and greet other Aitstreamers. Attend some meetings or Rally’s. Newbie’s really benefit from the Rally’s while attending seminars and work shops.

[kmsawyer7]

Originally Posted by Rickeyt

There are many resources to help you in your area. We are members of Wally Byam Airstream Club the Texas Highland Lakes Club. You will find that the Airstream community is great at providing help and information. Even new owners clinics. There is also a facebook community for your Caravel. Many memories to be made in your future! Again Welcome.

I met some folks from there yesterday at the New Owners Workshop and I'm really excited to learn from everyone. I'm joining the New Orleans Caravan next March. Can't wait, hopefully I'll be more versed in what I'm doing by then

[patandcole]

Originally Posted by dbj216

Welcome from Colorado: You're going to enjoy your Airstream and all your travel adventures. I have a 1969 Globetrotter 21' that I renovated. And like you, I find backing up the shorter trailers is more "sensitive" that the longer ones. Try backing up a log splitter. When my father in law was teaching me to handle their Airstream, one tip he told me and I still use. He said put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, and move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. You are trying to put a little "kink" between the vehicle and the trailer to start the direction you want the trailer to go. Once the trailer is heading backwards in the right direction, you crank the steering wheel the opposite direction to "push" the trailer around the arc. Be patient, it takes practice, but soon you will be able to do it well.

David

Great feedback that still helps me in backing in. Hands on the bottom of the steering wheel palms up! Left is left and right is right when considering the rear of the trailer!! You will get used to all of this…Enjoy!!