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GreggH · 01-28-2006, 10:05 PM

Hi everyone, We just purchased a 2005 31" classic this past Wednesday and are so happy. We feel we did well and got out from under a mh that has been to say the least very demanding. Seemed to be in the shop several times a year and the last few years became quite a struggle to keep it going. We have not towed a trailer before, had to trade in our jeep (wife teared up to let that one go) and purchased a Ford F250 turbo diesel. Have a Hensley hitch on the way and the trailer is to be delivered on Wednesday. We spent many hours sitting in AS after AS during the past few weeks before we decided on the one that we know would work for us. Looking forward to visiting the board.

Buttercup · 01-28-2006, 10:10 PM

Welcome to the forums and as a fellow Hensley owner, congrats on getting that straight away.

Towing an Airstream is a dream. i remember when we first towed ours home. It's a 77 that had been sitting for 13 years. We had no brakes working on the trailer so we were really white knuckled coming home. But we were surprised to find that we couldn't tell she was even behind us.

ZoominC6 · 01-29-2006, 07:00 AM

Gongrats on the new CLASSIC Greg! You're going to love your new Airstream and tow vehicle combo. We too got out from under a MH to come into the world of Streamin' and have never looked back. Enjoy.

Chaplain Kent · 01-29-2006, 08:30 AM

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your new Airstream. I love to travel in your state so watch out for Chummy riding down the roads.

uwe · 01-29-2006, 08:45 AM

Exciting! Welcome to the forums from California!

Boondocker · 01-29-2006, 09:26 AM

Hi and welcome to the forums! Im not sure where Castalain springs is, however, if you are close to the west end of the state we are working on a rally at land between the lakes in mid March. On the other hand, if you are more to the east end there is one, I think in April, in Georgia just across the line from Chatanoga (more or less) at Fort Mountian State Park. This is the link to the second rally: http://www.airforums.com/forum...ing-19785.html Maybe you can make one or both. Anyway, congratulations on the new coach and powerstroke.

bill benton · 01-29-2006, 10:16 AM

Welcome from Texas. I'm sure you will love your classic. There beautiful rigs.

davidz71 · 01-29-2006, 10:33 AM

Gregg,
I see that you are just north of Lebanon, TN. I'm down in Tullahoma. Did you go to the RV show in Nashville last weekend? Middle TN. Airstream had a Classic, a Safari and a 19' Bambi CCD on display. I've been to RV shows in Nashville and Huntsville before but this was the first time I have seen any dealer bring an Airstream. It is about time.

I hope you will consider bringing your new trailer to the informal rally in Chattsworth, GA. just south of Chattanooga April 21, 22 and 23. I'm leaving on April 20 to get there by checkin at 1 p.m. I think you would have a wonderful time. Do a forum search for Georgia Mountain area Spring Fling. This group has met for at least 4 rallys of which I have made it to 2. I had a great time both times.

You will enjoy your new trailer especially with the Hensley. I sold a '77 Excella 500 31' after purchasing an '86 Sovereign 25' that came with a Hensley. It has been a neat setup.

Foiled Again · 01-29-2006, 10:58 AM

I'm sure you'll love your new Classic. Moving down from a moho will only require two adjustments.

First, use the mantra "less is more" with everything you put into the Airstream. Less is good, there is less to clean, less to maintain, less to set up and take down every time you break camp... but you will have to make choices.

Second, even with a 31 footer you'll still be able to FIT down most two lane roads and you won't always have to buy fuel at a truck stop... Although even with a 22' I'm selective about that.

Make sure you spend your first night or two camped AT the dealer, or if they don't offer hookups, find the closest campground and check out EVERY system. Also take a hose and hose down your A/S - every window, around the door, completely over the top. Then check your inside walls carefully. A few come with leaks right from the factory. My A/C had to be reset, and ditto the door. Even with a few problems, every time I look at Lizzie I smile, and it's going on a year now.

Tin Lizzie

razorback · 01-29-2006, 11:22 AM

Congratulations on your new AS. We have been on the road in our Classic 30 for two months now and couldn't be more pleased. We love it! You won't regret spending the money on a Hensley, they work! One thing we have learned is not to get in a hurry when driving, turning corners, parking, setting up and tearing down, etc. Bad things can happen to your pride and joy when you get in a hurry and forget something. (And besides that, it gives everyone else a little more time to ogle and be a bit envious!)

CaptainJones · 01-29-2006, 01:35 PM

From one Greg to another, congratulations on your purchase. As Rodney said we are looking at starting a mini-rally at Hillmans Ferry campground in the north end of LBL in Western Kentucky just a ways off I-24 on March 25-26th this year. This will probably be just a small get together of airstream people enjoying camping and company. We have about 6 forum members expressing interest and we have not even listed it yet. We would be glad to have you join us.

Dbraw · 01-29-2006, 02:08 PM

Welcome also to the Forum. You will find it to be loads of information.
We live just north of Lebanon, Tn and belong to the Nashville Music City Unit of WBCCI and would love to have youall join us for some fun and friendship.
Our unit president lives in Gallatin. (Sam Massey)
Dan

dscluchfc · 01-30-2006, 11:44 PM

Fall Creek Falls is nearby.....run on down and enjoy yourself before the summer crowds take it over.
Of course, if you go in the summer, and you play golf....it is a wonderful course. I was there over Christmas....quiet and peaceful, and the waterfalls were beautiful in the winter setting of the bare trees.

davidz71 · 02-03-2006, 08:44 PM

Gregg,
Tims Ford State Park is a nice place to camp. I have visited there numerous times, used their bike riding trails, fished, etc. They also have an Olympic size pool that is really nice and a clubhouse. Also check out www.reserveusa.com and look up Cheatham Dam, Lock A. I stay there 3 days in either May, June or July each year with a number of my turkey/deer hunting friends. There is a boat launch at the end of a large parking lot adjacent to all the camp sites. Cheatham Dam, Lock A pics below.

davidz71 · 02-03-2006, 08:51 PM

Tims Ford pics below:

nilesrob · 02-03-2006, 09:16 PM

Welcome to the club from not so far away - Marietta, GA. The Classic/Hensley/Ford Diesel is a perfect combination. I know - it's our setup as well. I was intrigued by the discussion of a rally in the north Georgia mountains in April. We have never attended an AS rally or event, with the one exception - Homecoming in Jackson Center last year. Maybe we'll have to give a rally a try!

Someone mentioned Tim's Ford - very nice. You might also consider heading north to Mammouth Cave Natl Forest and Daniel Boone Natl Forest in KY - both great places.

Best of luck!

hookedonclassic · 02-03-2006, 09:16 PM

Congratulations on the new Classic. I'm doing the countdown until spring to get ours out and on the road again. Beautiful summers in Wisconsin.

kposey · 02-07-2006, 11:42 AM

Of course, we would love for you to join us at Calhutta in April. But, another one of my favorite places to go is Center Hill Dam. We camp at Long Hollow, which is an Army Corp of Engineers place that you can reserve through usareserve.com. We love to canoe and fish the Caney Fork River and then take the boats out on Center Hill Lake.

I know you will enjoy your Airstream as much as I enjoy mine. She is having some work done at the moment and I feel like I am going through withdrawals. I had to go visit her on Friday! I hope to get her back soon! I can see too much of my neighbors!!!!!

ALANSD · 02-07-2006, 02:25 PM

I welcome you also...we do hope for a good turn out of Airstream enthusiasts to our April get together.If you can join us.....

GreggH · 02-07-2006, 05:35 PM

Thanks all for the welcomes and places to go. Our first trip out will be to Edisto Island State Park in SC, probably our most favorite spot. We spent about 6 weeks there throughout the year in the past in our motorhome and will continue to do the same now with the AS. Figured it would make our first trip out seem more routine as we know the route, stopover, fuel stops and layout of the sites in the park. Never towed a trailer before, looking forward to it actually. We have visited 42 states and 2 Canadian provinces in our motorhome, will redo them now in our AS. Our mh was 37', the shorter 31' AS will allow us to fit in some of the State and National Parks we were exempted from in the past. Right now waiting for our Hensley to be delivered. Ordered it 1/24. Checked last week and was not shipped due to awaiting parts, suppose to be shipped this week. Hope it's worthwhile for the wait. We will begin traveling as soon as the hitch goes on.
Everybody stay safe and healthy with safe travels.
Gregg & Cyndi