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gardener · 11-05-2004, 09:26 PM

Leaving tomorrow morning to pick up our long-searched for, even longer-awaited AIRSTREAM! (Decades of dreaming of streaming.) Hubby's been practicing towing, turning and backing with a U-Haul trailer (smart idea of much experienced friend!). Been reading the threads on what to take with you on first trip etc. . . Just packed first 2 issues of Airstream Life to go with us, too!
A bit scared, excited, and (do I have to say it?) tired! A lot of work getting ready for a first-timer.
If you're a praying person, will appreciate your prayers. Will give a full(er) report when we get back.
Thanks for all the help and support of this forum.

eljay · 11-05-2004, 09:33 PM

Here's hoping you have a great, uneventful trip!

MarkE · 11-05-2004, 10:26 PM

I know the emotions you are going through. Here's wishing you a safe and enjoyable 1st experience with your 1st Airstream.
How long a journey will it be?
Good Luck & we'll be waiting for your report.

Silvertwinky · 11-06-2004, 10:53 AM

We wish you the very best on your maiden voyage as well as all the rest of your trips!

gardener · 11-09-2004, 07:34 PM

Made it to New Jersey and back, and look what followed us home! A Yankee lady being transformed into a Southern belle, we hope.
Towed really nicely, and we're almost used to having an object 31'+ behind us! (A friend said, "Now don't get scared when you see something following you really close!")
Won't mourn if we never see that kind of traffic again -- talk about trial by fire!
Thanks for your kind words and wishes. Hopefully we'll see you on the road!
Nancy
P.S. Some kind soul blinked a hello this morning on 81 in Virginia. We're using this means to say hello back -- too busy at the time with trailer and traffic to get hold of the light switch in time! Thanks for the greeting!

**Stefrobrts** · 11-09-2004, 10:05 PM

Congrats on a successful trip! Sounds like any further towing adventures will be 'no sweat'

53flyingcloud · 11-09-2004, 10:57 PM

Glad to hear you made it back home safe and sound..
BTW,
Is this your unit??

1975 Airstream Excella 500 Center Bath With Rear Twins 31'
ciao
53FC

11-10-2004, 04:56 AM

My son and I brought our 31' Sovereign home from 600 miles away. It was my first experience towing anything. It towed like a dream. It was easy to forget it was back there. Throught the PA. mountains at night, raining and surrounded by 18 wheelers, I never once felt that I didn't have complete control. Your going to love the Airstream life.

Jack

eljay · 11-10-2004, 05:50 AM

Glad to hear the trip went well. Can't yet imagine what a long trip will be like. Our nerves were shot after 5 miles!

overlander64 · 11-10-2004, 07:24 AM

Greetings gardener and eljay!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardener

Towed really nicely, and we're almost used to having an object 31'+ behind us! (A friend said, "Now don't get scared when you see something following you really close!")

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

Glad to hear the trip went well. Can't yet imagine what a long trip will be like. Our nerves were shot after 5 miles!

The first few trips will be the most stressful. If you haven't already viewed it, The Long, Long, Trailer featuring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (circa 1954) that recounts a newlywed couple's honeymoon in their brand new New Moon travel trailer will provide some encouragement as well as a few laughs. I know that the first time that I pulled a travel trailer on the Interstate highway system (June, 1980), I felt the same "sinking" feeling that Desi (Nicky) described on his first experience with the New Moon - - only my first experience was with the rig below:

I must admit that the experience isn't complete without the covertible with the top down - - all of those new and unexpected sounds that the hitch makes while underway - - and that object that is constantly tailgating! Even after arriving home after 100 miles on that first trip, I wasn' truly comfortable towing the coach. With a little experience, the coach becomes a natural part of the setup and the normal noises become routine enough that you will only notice a noise that doesn't belong. Today, the two most stressful times for me when towing either of my coaches is when I make the first trip with a different tow vehicle or when towing through an unfamiliar city is necessary.

Good luck with your coaches, and have patience as the towing experience will soon become almost second-nature.

Kevin