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Shellyg8r · 08-26-2013, 08:28 AM

Hi guys! We live in Florida and are currently searching for our first Airstream. We have two kids, two dogs, a cat and a fish. I'm a teacher/soapmaker and the hubs is a professor. Being educators, we have a bit of time in the summer to explore (hopefully soon in our soon-to-be trailer!). Looking forward to interacting and learning from this great community!

dkottum · 08-26-2013, 08:37 AM

Welcome aboard!

Take some time to identify your specific needs, then look/ask for the information to tailor a trailer to them. A traveling fish would be an interesting topic, especially with his pal the cat.

doug

Protagonist · 08-26-2013, 08:42 AM

Welcome to the AirForums! Glad to have you with us!

The AirForums Classifieds are a good resource for finding a used trailer.

Dogs and cats are relatively common animal companions for Airstreamers. Have to ask, though, do you plan to travel with the fish? Can't recall anyone adding a fish tank to an Airstream, unless maybe it was an ice chest used as a bait well.

**moosetags** · 08-26-2013, 09:05 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Shellyg8r · 08-26-2013, 03:45 PM

Thanks for the welcome! I have been perusing the classifieds and getting a little overwhelmed by the choices. Not really planning to travel with the fish or cat, LOL!, as we would be quite snug!

But, we are looking for a travel trailer that sleeps at least 4 comfortably. We'd like to it to be no older than the 80's. But, at this point, we truly are still figuring out what we need. Our budget is as close to $30,000 as we can get, lower is always welcome (although you guys will have to let me know if this is even reasonable). Our kids are 12 and 14 and likely to get bigger, so I think we do need to stay in the 25ft. or bigger range. That being said, I don't want something too big, as the kids will be flying the coop soon. Our plan is to do a little two to three week traveling with the kids and then when it's just the two of us, taking more time to roam.

Again, thanks for the welcome and I look forward to learning from all of you!

Protagonist · 08-26-2013, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shellyg8r

Our budget is as close to $30,000 as we can get, lower is always welcome (although you guys will have to let me know if this is even reasonable).

Don't forget to set aside at least some of that money for necessary repairs and modifications; tax, title, and license; and your first insurance payment on it.

And that presumes you already have a tow vehicle that will handle the trailer.

RM66caravel · 08-27-2013, 01:09 AM

First I would shoot for later 70's vintage and there are alot of sources for used airstreams just be careful and remember to ask for an available inspector on the forums. As for cost thats up to your haggeling abilities. 27 footer equals 24 feet of trailer and 3 feet of toung and bumper. If you buy a renovated as FIND an INSPECTOR the quqality and attention to detail is everything. Most as already have fish tanks as long as you put a screen over the outlet valve and keep a few gallons in the fresk water tank!! Good luck and welcome! You are teachers and I can not find a keyboard that can spell for crap so please pardon!
Cliff

JimGolden · 08-27-2013, 06:28 AM

With that many people and animals, 34 footer all the way! You can buy them reasonably, they tow wonderfully, and you have more room in them for the rainy times you get stuck inside.

I have a 34' Avion, which is very similar. I like it a lot.

Remember, these trailers (with very few exceptions) don't have slideouts. So you get room from length.

Find a nice 1990 34 foot triple axle, might need new axles for it as they wear out in 15-20 years. Do a few tweaks to personalize it, and call it good.

Have fun!

Shellyg8r · 08-28-2013, 03:31 PM

Thank you so much for all of the advice!! We are looking at a 31" 2007 Classic Limited tomorrow. Not in a hurry to purchase, but this one looks good. Heading over to look at the archives for inspection hints! Wish us luck!