New owners

[thoreau2104]

We recently bought a 1999 34ft Excella Classic. Our TV is a new GMC Sierra 2500, Diesel and has the Denali package. Thanks to reading this forum I read, and read and read about the trailer, tow vehicles, GVWR, trailering brakes, etc.

So much information so little time. We are currently looking into a professional restoration and are so excited to get the 2 kids, 2 dogs and my wife's overpacking out on the road.

[Kevin245]

Congratulations on the rig, TV, and on making the transition from lurking to posting member.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Congratulations on your new baby! We would love to see pictures of her. May you have many great Airstream Adventures with her.

[Mrjkq]

Welcome & congrats. Great choice of tow vehicle for that big Excella. Have many joyous miles.

[Lumatic]

Congrads Thoreau. I have a 93.

I don't know about you but my front gaucho couch is not comfortable for sitting or sleeping. I want to replace it with an aftermarket fold out couch sleeper. Anybody have any suggestions for us?

[tvketchum]

Welcome to the club. I suggest you look into the Airstream Owners Club, WBCCI, to find people in your area who own similar units. They can offer great ideas on issues you may encounter with your unit, as well as enjoy camping with, sharing great meals, sharing tall tales around the fire, and more! See www.wbcci.org for more info. 5809 will be looking for you on the road!


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Tom
TVKetchum

[thoreau2104]

Thanks for the advice.

[dbj216]

Greetings Thoreau... We have an 86 Limited 34 footer and really enjoy it. It probably has over 200,000 miles on it since new. It has held up well through the years. Ours is a rear twin bed layout. You mention the uncomfortable couch up front, and we share your opinion. I did modify it slightly by moving the backrest back 2". This gave a longer bottom cushion and did help the comfort somewhat. But it won't tumble forward to make into the flat bed anymore. I can switch it back very easily when the time comes.

We were not experienced trailer towers when we started. I find the 34 foot Airstream tows quite well. I've been in some nasty crosswinds on the great plains and appreciated the rounded shape of the trailer. You will become aware you need to make wide turns, be careful at full stops, and take your time backing into campsites. Your tires and axles won't like sharp U turns, lots of tire scrub as you can imagine. We tow ours with a Super Duty because we elect to, but there are other vehicle types that will handle the 8500 pounds. I like my Propride no sway hitch very well. It eliminated any twitching I had back there when a semi passed me on the interstate. It was't bad before, but it is better now and worth the extra cost in my view.

I've done some project on our 86 as the need arises, the last one being a new fridge. (Expensive). I've replaced the furnaces, AC, water heater, water pump, faucets, plumbing, belly pan and subfloor insulation, dump valves, brakes, bearings, and wheels. I find the appliances in Airstreams are similar to other RVs and are not designed for long life. What is anymore? But we keep the old girl in good shape and enjoy traveling with it.

I think you will enjoy the Airstream community. Be prepared to meet new folks when you travel in it. We have met a lot of nice folks who have an Airstream or are curious about it. You will be one of the 1% folks, that is about the percentage of Airstreams I notice in a campground.

David