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Just RVing · 03-28-2021, 01:12 PM

30 foot Classic has pin stripping from off-road travel in winter elk hunting. With plumbing in AS the heater vents keep pipes from freezing. I carry two extra propane tanks with access to refill when needed. Caring an external dump tank also helps. Boils down to what you want inside TT while off-road!

anthonyk · 03-28-2021, 02:54 PM

I was torn between an Airstream and a camper with a slide out that would offer more room but staying under 25 feet and around 5000#. We went with a Lance and never regretted it. Airstreams still turn my head but we enjoy the comfort, roomy space, and compact size of our Lance. Tow vehicle 2019 Tundra

farvernugen · 03-28-2021, 05:00 PM

Perhaps a very close to 4 seasons 80's Avion? Good frame, sprayed in place insulation, insulated floor and water system..... windows are not thermopane, but there are plenty of people that have wintered in these things. The bonus is, they won't break the bank. A 25' model may work for you, but think it is outside of jeep territory for towing. The search is half the fun of whatever you pick.... Cheers, Scott

brokeboater · 03-28-2021, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthonyk

We went with a Lance and never regretted it.

What model?

H.P. Inxs · 03-28-2021, 05:24 PM

Remember, an Airstream is more a way of life. If you want an Airstream then by all means buy an Airstream.

blkmagikca · 03-28-2021, 06:00 PM

Back in the late 1980's Airstream had an option to order a build for cold weather. This included better insulation and "thermopane" (double) windows. The window mechanism was much more robust to handle the increased weight. If you are considering new, you may want to enquire if this option is available.

A couple of years ago I was caught in some nasty cold weather when I stopped for service at JC on my way south to AZ. The temperature dropped to 4F over that night. My AS has an upgraded forced hot air furnace which kept the inside comfortable and also kept the plumbing from freezing as hot air is circulated between the freshwater and gray water tanks.

spiderman13 · 03-28-2021, 06:33 PM

We were in the same boat. Loved the look of AS but wanted to camp four seasons and get into back country. We decided to do our own van conversion. Other alternative we considered was an Oliver. After extensive research IMHO best four season and boondocking trailer.

fastrob · 03-28-2021, 07:11 PM

Had my Tradewind Landyacht or is it Landyacht Tradewind, whatever, almost 22 years, always thought it was build like an airplane not a boat, misnamed.
She makes me feel good, looking at it or being inside. My kids can get rid of it or not when I die.
If you have the money, no doubt there are better built, equipped rigs out there.
So much riff raff out there nowadays, sniff.
Wally Byam would have had a pithy remark, but he is dead, ask your ol' lady, she will tell you what to get. Ha.

fastrob · 03-28-2021, 08:32 PM

Built

ElDub · 03-28-2021, 09:17 PM

My first trailer was an AS. I had always wanted one and I really liked it. But I often use the trailer in colder weather. So I bought a high quality 4 season trailer (white box) and it was the right decision. I love all the 4 season features, the Xtra storage and the slide out. The slide out is a huge benefit. If it's real cold I just bring the slide out in at bedtime. Lance is a great choice for your needs, including your tow vehicle.

RosenBob · 03-29-2021, 04:50 AM

I’m very curious to know what you end up doing, whether it’s AS or not. Please let us know your decision when you finally decide.

Halford1 · 03-29-2021, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sqez435

After taking Airstream Factory Tour in 2014 I was so impressed I wanted one. New was out of the question. After research and many “almost” purchases I ended up buying a well maintained 1989 Avion 34XB. I am 3rd owner. I did my own repairs to water system, installed solar system, replaced fabric on patio awning and had 3 new axle systems fabricated and installed. My stick & Bricks is closing Escrow in a month and I’m set to RV full time for the foreseeable future. The craftsmanship in the Avion is awe inspiring and the storage is far more than any Airstream. How many RVs can boast a real bathtub/shower combination? See y’all on the road.

What happened to Avion?

WWHorizon · 03-30-2021, 07:13 AM

Well ok then. Sounds like an Airstream just isn’t what will suit my needs. Appreciate the replies.

farvernugen · 03-30-2021, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halford1

What happened to Avion?

It was bought by Fleetwood, then the silver bodies were finished in 89......Fleetwood eventually died.

The Avion is still one of the best built trailers out there.....even today, they are just as solid. Some are showing their age, some need flooring work, the mid to late 70's and most 80's models are the best in my opinion.

Cheers, Scott

Halford1 · 03-30-2021, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WWHorizon

Well ok then. Sounds like an Airstream just isn’t what will suit my needs. Appreciate the replies.

I would say that most people go online to vent out, very few sent their appreciations, some post out of their love for Airstream, some post out of their hatred for Airstream.

It is important not to let people influence your decision but you decide for yourself.

I am glad that I bought Airstream without high expectations. Sure there were a few broken pieces when I bought the Flying Cloud. I never expect perfection. the problem I have is that I adapt.

Maybe the key here is "Adaption". I have been camping all my life with 17 tents, without tent, 4 popup campers, and finally 2 Airstreams. Right now my Flying Cloud does not have any problem (only that I know of) and I read all the manuals over and over.

One thing the Airstream company needs to do is to hire a couple specialists in Quality Control. They need to test all appliances for one day before letting each Airstream go. They need to test everything I mean everything. I believe that it is cheaper to hire someone to do Quality Control than to send Airstreams back to dealers or Jackson Center. A lot of problems are related to appliances that are not made by Airstream. I wish there is a better brand for all the appliances. There are great appliances out there but not sure exactly why Airstream did not pick these. I suppose a tour at Jackson Center is needed before I say more. I could ask these questions while I'm at the tour.

WWHorizon · 03-30-2021, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halford1

I would say that most people go online to vent out, very few sent their appreciations, some post out of their love for Airstream, some post out of their hatred for Airstream.

It is important not to let people influence your decision but you decide for yourself.

I am glad that I bought Airstream without high expectations. Sure there were a few broken pieces when I bought the Flying Cloud. I never expect perfection. the problem I have is that I adapt.

Maybe the key here is "Adaption". I have been camping all my life with 17 tents, without tent, 4 popup campers, and finally 2 Airstreams. Right now my Flying Cloud does not have any problem (only that I know of) and I read all the manuals over and over.

One thing the Airstream company needs to do is to hire a couple specialists in Quality Control. They need to test all appliances for one day before letting each Airstream go. They need to test everything I mean everything. I believe that it is cheaper to hire someone to do Quality Control than to send Airstreams back to dealers or Jackson Center. A lot of problems are related to appliances that are not made by Airstream. I wish there is a better brand for all the appliances. There are great appliances out there but not sure exactly why Airstream did not pick these. I suppose a tour at Jackson Center is needed before I say more. I could ask these questions while I'm at the tour.

I understand that many do vent on forums. However, some of the very basic requirements that I need just aren’t natural for an older AS to work in. The lack of any reasonable insulation being a big issue in the long run. The Basecamp, while more suited, is just too small for me. Some PM’s that were sent to me broke down my questions one by one with their own personal experiences. Very insightful. I’d post it here if given permission by the member who sent it as it could be helpful to others considering one as well. I’m currently considering upping my budget a bit and taking a serious look at Lance again. Specifically the 1985 series. I’m also spending time looking at aftermarket upgrades available to build out an AS to accomplish the same thing, though I’m starting to lean away from AS given my short term goals. Having to immediately upgrade suspension, while we’ll within my diy capabilities, may be more than I want to get into at the moment. Not to mention armor to protect the exterior. Still love the look of an AS but reasonable sense dictates that in many endeavors, form must follow function.

SouthForkAS · 03-31-2021, 12:21 AM

Before you go, check this ( saw it on the road today)
https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/trave...ckwood-geo-pro

WWHorizon · 03-31-2021, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthForkAS

Before you go, check this ( saw it on the road today)
https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/trave...ckwood-geo-pro

Function wise that’s exactly what would work. I do question the long term quality though based on price. It’s 10-15k less than a comparable Lance.

fastrob · 03-31-2021, 07:13 AM

RV manufacture is done mostly by migrating craftsmen (gypsy, American not Romanian) The whole industry is shifting constantly. No security, no long term commitments, just the latest fad, style or features.
Quality is nebulous and transitory.
Maybe some brands like Lance are maybe different but I doubt it.
My old Airstream is good, although it has ridiculous flaws.
I do enjoy seeing the frequent new multi hundred thousand dollar rig blowing down the road just about falling apart and I know the wiring is just a mess stashed behind a panel.
Just my opinion of course..