Hellow from SW Georgia

[Stick Miller]

I primarily interested in the classic motor home series although I could be talked into something else. For several years I've been a wannabe on the Blue Bird Sites and have considered nothing but Wanderlodges and (perhaps) Prevosts.

The older I get the more I am overwhelmed by these beasts, and I was talking with a guy the other night who had a diesel pusher and traded it for an old GMC. He has now become active in the GMC clubs and is somewhat of an expert.

That got me to thinking that maybe I don't need a 50,000 bus to maintain and drive. I'm not sure I can afford it and I'm not sure how much use it woudl get.

That line of thought progressed until I included Airstream in my studies. My dad, as I've mentioned before, had a 4 digit WBCC number of which he was very proud. His last one was a triple axle thing with white sidewall tires! We also owned a GMC Motorhome.

Anyway, I'm looking right now. I realize these are not cheap to own and operate and I might be temped by a nice trailer, although I'm not sure a 350 Suburban would pull much of a trailer.

As a point of reference, I am 61, Married, With grown children. I am the Executive Director of a College Foundation. I write a bi-weekly humor column for the Americus Times Recorder.

[flyfshr]

Welcome to the forums Stick. May we call you Stick? My 305 GMC Sierra has no trouble pulling my 3200 lb. TradeWind. Just remember, the older the unit, the less it weighs. What is the tow rating for your 350 Suburban? Whatever it is, do not exceed 80% of that rating to remain safe on the hiways.

Again, welcome.

Brad
FF

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums, Stick. We're glad to have you with us. You have found the right place for all things Airstream.

We are also both 61. We got into this RV thing about 4 years ago. We have a 25FB trailer named Lucy. We have pulled Lucy over 50,000 miles and have spent almost 600 nights in her. We pull her with a 2500 Suburban.

[kposey]

I pull my 31 footer with a 3/4 ton Burb. You should have no problem. We have recently bought an Airstream motorhome and have the trailer up for sale. But I am having doubts everyday. I do like the trailer!

Good luck in your search. You will find the right one for you.

[Stick Miller]

Thanks to you for your replies. My suburban is a '99 1/2 ton with a 350 CID engine. 135,000 miles.

I had a great old 6.2 liter diesel Suburban that would pull "hell off its hinges". Worn out, though, at 400,000 miles.

I'm still primarily interested in the motor homes.

BTW - what is with all this polishing? I really like the look, but I really thought the classic AS look was a soft aluminum look. Not complaining - just curious.

I have also corrected the "Hellow" - I really don't know where that came from...and when referring to Blue Bird, I meant to say 50,000 lbs. although a $ in front would have conveyed the same message

[Minnie's Mate]

Welcome to the forums. The soft aluminum look is a recent change (relatively speaking) in the alloy used in the panels. For many years, a clear coat was applied that sometimes turns milky. All of the newer units have the clear coat and it can be stripped and polished...but I can't imagine wanting that much upkeep unless it starts to peel. This usually doesn't happen until the unit is many years old.