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11-26-2010, 03:17 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
Aurora
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
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Is an Airstream right for me?
I'm in the research/planning stages of determining if a full time RV lifestyle is for me. I do not expect to "save money" by living in an RV, I want to do it to be an air-conditioned gypsy. Call it my mid-life crisis. I've read on this forum that cold and Airstreams don't really mix well.
My requirements:
- Travel trailer as opposed to a 5th wheel, to be towed with a full size van. I own a half-ton right now, am looking around for 4x4 1-ton.
- Snow and cold. Lots of snow and lots of cold. Part of my expectations are that I could choose to work seasonally at whatever ski area in North America I wanted. I love to ski and snowboard and this is non-negotiable in my little list of pros and cons.
- Quality construction and durability, the properties that attracted me to the Airstream brand in the first place.
- Ability to be customized. I don't want to live in an "RV" with room for 5 to sleep, I want to create a "home" that can be towed at will. Myself and two dogs.
- A wood stove. This is also non-negotiable in my eyes. I think one designed for boat living would be perfect.
- Boondocking. Must be able to boondock.
My abilities:
- I can buck and gun rivets plus I can form simple aluminum shapes, another reason A/S appeals to me.
- I've built cars and 4x4s down to the bolt.
- I've worked residential and commercial construction my whole life.
- I'm as good with electrical and mechanical systems as any other "handyman".
My reservations:
- Those aluminum ribs. With such a good conductor of heat I worry that even with severe customization I would not be able to get the interior as heat efficient as, say, an Arctic Fox.
- If I don't use an A/S would I be able to achieve the level of customization I desire? (these two play off of each other: Do I burn more fuel or live with a trailer I don't really like?)
- The plumbing and such. I really don't know anything about A/S construction but from what I've gathered reading this forum they have a full belly pan. Can the plumbing be adequately insulated (discounting any shore connections) if the interior is maintained at 55 degrees F? What if I redo the plumbing from scratch?
So:
Could a motivated individual turn an old shell of an Airstream into a viable 4 season platform or should I be looking at the "true" 4 season trailers? I am not afraid of fabrication work if there is some known way to create a dead air space between the skins.
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11-26-2010, 03:42 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
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IMO, Airstreams are really just 3 season trailers...
Sounds like if you haven't already, you might want to read this oldie-but-goodie.
Winter Living
I always get a kick out of it with each read...
Shari
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11-26-2010, 04:43 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Oak View
, California
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,063
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Oh my God, I love that one. I was just about to ask 2air if he knew where it was......
It needs to go in the Hall of Fame.
Carol
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11-26-2010, 05:46 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Burien
, Washington
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 76
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Maybe something like this is more up your alley....
Popomo
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11-26-2010, 08:24 PM
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#6
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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There is also a thread somewhere (can't find it) about how the writer passed his winter in his AS. The notable thing was IMHO that he DID install a very small wood stove.
Anyone remember that thread...?
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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11-26-2010, 09:33 PM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
Aurora
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InsideOut
Sounds like if you haven't already, you might want to read this oldie-but-goodie.
Winter Living
I always get a kick out of it with each read...
Shari
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Hol-eeeee crap. OK, so that's pretty much off the table, thanks. Can you make these things conform to your will though? If the answer is no, that's fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SRoffe
Maybe something like this is more up your alley....
Popomo
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Just... no.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bolerama
I suggest a Bigfoot.
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Well, then. Thanks for that, another brand I hadn't seen yet.
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11-27-2010, 06:06 AM
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#8
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Rot-Roo Rastro!!
2020 30' Flying Cloud
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 109
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I am looking for an Airstream to stay in while I follow the Rodeo Circuit. I got a dodge 2500 diesel for pulling a horse trailer. There are quite of few Rodeo People that have them. They are real nice to live in.
Billy
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