ignorant novice seeking advice

[wbcamper]

I love airstreams, and bought a 1969 21 foot landyacht last year for $4000; I thought I'd use it as a work shop but it's too cold half the time in WV.

We just visited the Grand Canyon, and I fell in love. I need help in selecting and buying a small airstream trailer that can sleed one adult and two young children, has at least a toilet, is hopefully light enough to be pulled by a honda CRV, has a/c, a dual refrigerator, and is in good enough condition so that I don't have to do any major repairs. I actually prefer vintage, which also fits my budget better, but I would make an investment as I think we will enjoy this for many years.

I love the bambis, but could you give me your advice and pointers to price v/s value.

Thank you.

[Stefrobrts]

I don't think there are any AS that fit within your vehicles tow capacity. I always advise people to find the right trailer, and then upgrade their vehicle to suit it. Vehicles come and go, but you could have your AS a long time!

[azflycaster]

Smaller Airstreams like the Bambi are very much in demand and go for high dollar amounts. The requirements you list should be found in any Airstream you look at. The problem is your Honda CRV. It has a max tow rating of 1500 pounds. I am not aware of any trailer made by Airstream that are under that amount. A Bambi with no options (awning or Air Conditioner)and no water, propane or personal items weighs 1875 pounds.

[Foiled Again]

What Stef said about the vehicle. Go to the classifieds. There might be several there that fit your bill right now. I'd go with a gently used newer one if your goal is to travel this summer. Yep I know about Air-azona! Going there this fall with my sister.

Taking the 25 FB.

Welcome - go to a forum rally or even though it's a bit of a ride from Beckley - go to the factory in Jackson Center. There's nothing to compare with seeing them in person to help you find the perfect ONE.

Paula - and see you down the road!

[Ganaraska]

What's wrong with your Land Yacht???? Why not keep it and get a larger tow vehicle?

Your Honda won't draw anything. So you need a bigger tow vehicle anyway.

The Land Yacht will tow as easily as a new 17 footer.

[easyride]

Welcome to the forum,I think you should go with the Gt.Or I have a Uhaul camper for sell will sleep 4 and your CRV will tow it. Dave

[wbcamper]

I was worried that I would have difficulty turning and backing up with such a long trailer; I've only towed a Uhaul trailer once and found it very hard. If I do find a bambi which sounds like it would be easier to handle, even if I need a better tow vehicle, someone told me I could buy a refinished one (without a working bathroom)and then purchase a separate porta-potty to go inside it. I could live with that.

Thanks for the suggestion of going to the factory; that will be our next trip.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by wbcamper

I was worried that I would have difficulty turning and backing up with such a long trailer; I've only towed a Uhaul trailer once and found it very hard. If I do find a bambi which sounds like it would be easier to handle, even if I need a better tow vehicle, someone told me I could buy a refinished one (without a working bathroom)and then purchase a separate porta-potty to go inside it. I could live with that.

Thanks for the suggestion of going to the factory; that will be our next trip.

Welcome wbcamper,

You'd be surprised to know that longer trailers are generally easier to back. Best of luck,

Kevin

[Stefrobrts]

Bambies are the smallest trailer, but they are also one of the most expensive to get your hands on. The GT isn't that big, I'd say get something you can tow it with and start fixing it up. It's actually a very nice size trailer for what you want.

I have only towed my own trailer and a horse trailer, so I can't say myself, but people have told me that the bigger the trailer, the easier it is to back up and stuff like that. Our little trailer follows our van perfectly, we don't even have to swing wide around corners. Anywhere the van can go, it can go.

[JimGolden]

I agree with the others. Fix up what you've got. Or go longer. 21' is still a little one.

I pull a 34' triple axle. After having that, no going shorter for me. I like the long ones

But the CRV is too small to pull anything over a Coleman pop up. Fix up your 21 footer and get you a Durango or something a little beefier to tow with. You'll be a "Happy Camper!"

PS I'm from WV too. Montani Semper Liberi!