Airstream Advice and Suggestions

[Dick tracy]

AS are great...... for travel, not so great full time in the changing elements of North Idaho.
Unless you are buying an old one, For about the same money you can get a prefab, built offsite tiny house with double the sq ft and it is actually built for all weather conditions. For $50k more you can add solar and rain collection systems. And not worry about little insulation for below freezing temps and mold and freezing pipes and tanks.

Im adding one of these and a couple studio types to my West MT property

https://zennihome.com my favorite
https://www.kongacph.com/off-grid
https://loftypods.com/
https://www.ilumhouse.com/
https://www.masayahomes.com/
400 sqft $125,000 with deck and appliances, solar option - great guest house

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Mikemdd

Greetings,
We have some lake property in N. Idaho that we want to use for a "permanent" Airstream location. I think some call it glamping but we are looking to place an Airstream on the site to use for guests and overflow from our Lakefront home. We have no plans to ever move it and would like to surround it with improvements to make it feel like a guest house. I'm looking for collective advice on what to consider from those of this community who have done something similar. To start, here are some basic questions:

1) There are lots of floor plans and sizes, but what should be our top few considerations for which model to put on the site for our purpose? I'm thinking there might be some models that would fit better than others.

2) Given the trailer will be "permanent" at this location, what things should be done to prepare it for this purpose?

3) What other things should we consider?

Thanks for your constructive thoughts.

Personally, I would get a Park Model "home". Less expensive, they will deliver and set up, and more "room" to move around. An Airstream can get small for long term stays. Plus it is likely more expensive than a Park Model.(we have owned 4 AS's now; 3-25's and our 28'.) Advantage to having it delivered and set up because they are on a removable chassis, its considered a mobile home. Many RV parks have these, along side 5th wheels, MH's, and other Travel trailers. Can be set on gravel or concrete. They can be hooked up just like an RV or permanent with power, water, and dump hose. Just saying, they are pretty nice, better insulated, and less expensive than a new 25' for sure! Snow load included in some models along with a nice porch on front and also around the sides...we have toured several here at Star Valle Rancy...and after living in our "28" full time this past 2 summers, the Park Model is much nicer living space for long stays. If you want/need to move it, the wheels and chassis are typically stored under the unit, once it is set up. Again, the folks who bring it in, will set it up for you in a day assuming you have the "hookup" there.

[foobar]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Personally, I would get a Park Model "home". Less expensive, they will deliver and set up, and more "room" to move around. An Airstream can get small for long term stays. Plus it is likely more expensive than a Park Model.(we have owned 4 AS's now; 3-25's and our 28'.) Advantage to having it delivered and set up because they are on a removable chassis, its considered a mobile home. Many RV parks have these, along side 5th wheels, MH's, and other Travel trailers. Can be set on gravel or concrete. They can be hooked up just like an RV or permanent with power, water, and dump hose. Just saying, they are pretty nice, better insulated, and less expensive than a new 25' for sure! Snow load included in some models along with a nice porch on front and also around the sides...we have toured several here at Star Valle Rancy...and after living in our "28" full time this past 2 summers, the Park Model is much nicer living space for long stays. If you want/need to move it, the wheels and chassis are typically stored under the unit, once it is set up. Again, the folks who bring it in, will set it up for you in a day assuming you have the "hookup" there.

Hi Gypsydad, where can I learn about lots that are for sale in Star Valley Ranch, typical season start and end dates, all annual fees, future lot sales, etc. I sent a request for this information to Star Valley Ranch via their website a week or more ago and I have yet to receive a response.

[DotsDad]

We are on our 3rd Airstream and as much as we love them, we find them uncomfortable below about 40º-45ºF.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by foobar

Hi Gypsydad, where can I learn about lots that are for sale in Star Valley Ranch, typical season start and end dates, all annual fees, future lot sales, etc. I sent a request for this information to Star Valley Ranch via their website a week or more ago and I have yet to receive a response.

The private owner sale lots are typically on Face Book Marketplace in Thayne, WY, or Star Valley Resort Owners group on Face Book, or sometimes on Zillow. The website below has all the info on new lots, however they go fast and looks like they are all gone, so resale's are in demand. Currently, I see a few private sale lots for sale, with several having "park model" already on them. Some in the $60K and up range, concrete pads, storage sheds, (some with washer/dryer). Location kind of drives the price in owners minds...views and size of lot 65 deep vs 75 deep or corner lots, as an example. Many have mature trees. Season is from mid-May thru mid-October, weather permitting. They have maintenance guys who live here year around that come around and do work on all the Park Models and RV's as needed. They also winterize for you and open up in the spring. All for a price, of course.

I just got a 5th wheel couple weeks ago, and am storing my AS across the street from me on a friends lot. Next season, I will store in a storage facility near by.

https://starvalleyranchresort.com/?p=388

Here is the FB listing site I mentioned:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/805288213182620

Note this is an example of a developed lot add on the SVR FB page:

Barbie Patrick

943 Buckboard Dr is for sale
Lot - 45’x65’
Shed 10’x12’
Gazebo 10’x16’
Entire lot is concrete
100 amp
Serious inquiries only. PM if interested asking $125,000.00

You may find these lots on other real estate sites also. Most folks list with a "for sale" sign in front of their lots and by "word of mouth".

Here is the main contact information:
STAR VALLEY RANCH RESORT
3522 Muddy String Road
Thayne, Wyoming 83127
307-883-2425

Reservations can only be made by phone,
please call 307-883-2425
on their website, (above) they also have a form you can request more info.
Hope this helps.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by DotsDad

We are on our 3rd Airstream and as much as we love them, we find them uncomfortable below about 40º-45ºF.

Don't think you have to worry about those temps for a few months yet in Dallas, right? When camping in colder weather (woke up to 48 this morning here in WY), if we have electric, we use our space heater to augment cold weather. If it gets real cold, we use the furnace...have camped in 28 degree cold weather few times...the AS is not a 4 season camper for sure!

[DotsDad]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Don't think you have to worry about those temps for a few months yet in Dallas, right? When camping in colder weather (woke up to 48 this morning here in WY), if we have electric, we use our space heater to augment cold weather. If it gets real cold, we use the furnace...have camped in 28 degree cold weather few times...the AS is not a 4 season camper for sure!

For sure! Scorching hot right now. We usually stay in the Rockies during the summer but had to come home early this year.