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Doc Foster · 10-20-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HASANCHEZ

Hello.....I am new here. I am just beginning to "research" this life style. My wife and I will be retiring in about 3-1/2 years from now. The idea of traveling around the country with an Airstream trailer is very appealing to both of us. However, of course, we have never done this before. Any suggestions as a first step?

Thank you for your time.

Henry
Sacramento, CA

This might be an option:
https://airstream2go.com/about
Sometimes local dealers will rent out a used trailer.

HASANCHEZ · 10-20-2014, 05:21 PM

gypsydad: Other than the obvious........is there ANY significant difference between making the decision to choose a 27' AS versus a 30' AS. Do most camping sites across the country accommodate 30 footers? Or is it best to stick with a 27' AS without having to worry about whether or not the 30' is going to become more of a problem in the long run? Still doing a lot of research......Just getting started in essence.

Henry

Photobum · 10-21-2014, 06:03 AM

same....

I have finally learned it will all be on the floor....

Camped for a month on the Green River in southern Utah....very nice....

gypsydad · 10-21-2014, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HASANCHEZ

gypsydad: Other than the obvious........is there ANY significant difference between making the decision to choose a 27' AS versus a 30' AS. Do most camping sites across the country accommodate 30 footers? Or is it best to stick with a 27' AS without having to worry about whether or not the 30' is going to become more of a problem in the long run? Still doing a lot of research......Just getting started in essence.

Henry

Henry- 27' is actually longer than 28' by 1". 25' is actually 25'11". Storage in 27 and 28 is what we think you gain over 25'. I like the layout of the 28 with twin with L shaped couch and separate dining. Wife thinks the 27 twin is nice with storage. The twin models have more outside storage (3 compartments) than the queen bed models. The new 25' rear bed twin actually has 4 outside compartments!

Now, 27 vs 30; take into account length of TV also here...I have not owned a 30. I do know some parks have length limits as do some roads in parks. I also have vehicle storage concerns for our situation, so 25-27' would be about all I can move around comfortably at present. I say get what your comfortable with for the type use you have in mind. Driving down the road, with right TV, I doubt you will know which one is behind you, until you need to maneuver in tight areas. One thing about an AS is we have found we can use for a year or 2 and usually recap our investment when we have sold.

**moosetags** · 10-21-2014, 08:04 AM

New Lucy made the trip from Jacksonville back to Santa Rosa Beach yesterday without any issues or problems. Her refrigerator worked well in the gas mode with the outside temperature in the low 80's.

Here's a shot of Lucy all hooked-up in Jacksonville, ready to head home.

Brian

dbj216 · 10-21-2014, 08:30 AM

New Lucy is pretty! I'm sure you'll get her all adjusted to your liking. It is interesting to read about the discrepancies you noted, cabinet door with out a stay, non level bed frames, etc. Maybe the folks at Jackson Center are taking notes. "Don't make changes, make improvements" says Wally. Little things make a difference.

David

HASANCHEZ · 10-21-2014, 08:34 AM

gypsydad: Thank you very much for your insight and advice. I guess, aside from actually going to a AS Dealership (which the closest one to me is in Fairfield, CA....not from from Napa!)......is to actually "Rent" an Airstream 2 or 3 times and get the feel of it. Getting pretty excited about full retirement.......I (we) want to make sure we have a fairly good idea about what we want to do with our extra time (like traveling around our own country). 27' AS might be the way to go. I'll have to take a look at the twin model as you suggested. I am 5'10" tall. Don't think I would have any problems with the size of the twin bed (from what I have read)......but, I don't mind sleeping the Queen size bed either. Guess it's all about storage space as you pointed out.

So........I'm constantly reading many of the Threads in AirForum which I have found to be extremely helpful in my thought process regarding AS.

If you don't mind.......I will be more than likely to ask you additional questions. I live in Sacramento (again, not far from Napa.....maybe someday we'll meet).

Again, Thank you.

Henry

HASANCHEZ · 10-21-2014, 09:26 AM

gypsydad: Opps!! Sorry.....I see that you reside in San Diego and not Napa. Guess I was reading Photobum's thread at the time.

Apologies !

Henry

xrvr · 10-21-2014, 09:43 AM

Back to the beds tilting to the center. My fifty year old Avion twins do the same. I figure it's just designed to make one feel less trapped. Jim

gypsydad · 10-21-2014, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

All the cushions in mine (2014 rear twin) are anchored by a snap or Velcro. Except, that is, for the small one against the wall under the television. It always falls when we travel. Did they forget the Velcro on mine or is it the same for everybody?

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

I think they are all like that. Ours flys all over too. A simple fastener (adhesive Velcro perhaps) on the panel under the TV would work. We have had occasions where ALL the cushions end up on the floor including the sink cover! Some times the road gets rough!

Antique Pedaler · 10-21-2014, 11:23 AM

Having refurbished our Bambi I can say nothing in an Airstream is square with the world, vertically or horizontally. Nor are two matching trailers exactly alike....the hand made factor, I'd say.

KJRitchie · 10-21-2014, 12:57 PM

Isn't the living area of a 27' the same as a 25FB/twin? The length of the 27 gains you a larger hall closet, larger pantry but some of its taken up by the slide out microwave and a little more kitchen counter space. Is the 27 hall closet wider than the two closests in a 25fb/twin? The 28 doesn't have a pantry but its got overhead cabiinets over the dinette which the 25/27 doesn't have over the side gaucho and the two wardrobes on each side of the 28 bed curve to the top so how much can you put in those closets?

Kelvin

Kelvin

Gene · 10-21-2014, 05:57 PM

Henry,

One difference between the 25, 27 and 28 vs. the 30 is whether a half ton truck can tow them. Bigger means heavier and heavier means issues with payload on a 1/2 ton plus, depending on the truck, strain on the drive train. Looks like you are reading and you will find discussions of the proper truck for different trailers. Note that whatever truck an individual has is, in his or her (usually his) estimation the best truck in the world. I don't have to worry about which is the best truck because we already own it. Look up those threads and read and read and read.

Gene

dkottum · 10-21-2014, 06:56 PM

My greater concern about a longer trailer and truck is not about fitting in campsites but maneuverability as we tour the country. State/Nat'l parks, historic sites, old towns, things we like to see as we move along as well as gas stations.

If we traveled down the interstate from point A to B no big deal, but we don't. We're tourists, sightseers, explorers. The long rigs limit you.

There are times we would like more space inside, but to go from 25' to 30' is mostly storage and counter space. Both have comfortable beds and good lounging, and dining space. We may need a larger truck than a 1/2 ton, maybe not. It's a trade-off to think about.

gypsydad · 10-21-2014, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Isn't the living area of a 27' the same as a 25FB/twin? The length of the 27 gains you a larger hall closet, larger pantry but some of its taken up by the slide out microwave and a little more kitchen counter space. Is the 27 hall closet wider than the two closests in a 25fb/twin? The 28 doesn't have a pantry but its got overhead cabiinets over the dinette which the 25/27 doesn't have over the side gaucho and the two wardrobes on each side of the 28 bed curve to the top so how much can you put in those closets?

Kelvin

Kelvin

27 has same size lounge area as 25 FB Twin I believe; you gain closet space (about 2X wider; 2 doors) mid ship and some kitchen counter space also. The 28 does not have pantry, just more cupboards with additional storage under galley seats, some storage under couch and behind below large window is drop storage. As for storage in bed area with 2 shirt closets and overhead, not sure. Queen lifts, I believe for additional storage; we have enough storage in our 25 twin for our needs, but we are not full timing. We keep our trailer ready to roll, however, so other than food, we don't need any clothing of any kind. I would think most folks can make due with what is standard for that storage and as I am a fan of the twin model, you also get the extra night stand drawer. (which my wife hogs)

gypsydad · 10-21-2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HASANCHEZ

gypsydad: Thank you very much for your insight and advice. I guess, aside from actually going to a AS Dealership (which the closest one to me is in Fairfield, CA....not from from Napa!)......is to actually "Rent" an Airstream 2 or 3 times and get the feel of it. Getting pretty excited about full retirement.......I (we) want to make sure we have a fairly good idea about what we want to do with our extra time (like traveling around our own country). 27' AS might be the way to go. I'll have to take a look at the twin model as you suggested. I am 5'10" tall. Don't think I would have any problems with the size of the twin bed (from what I have read)......but, I don't mind sleeping the Queen size bed either. Guess it's all about storage space as you pointed out.

So........I'm constantly reading many of the Threads in AirForum which I have found to be extremely helpful in my thought process regarding AS.

If you don't mind.......I will be more than likely to ask you additional questions. I live in Sacramento (again, not far from Napa.....maybe someday we'll meet).

Again, Thank you.

Henry

Henry- my advise: go visit Bay Area Airstream Adventures in Fairfield-they have multiple models of each size....(you can stop by the Budweiser plant and also the Jelly Belly plant while there!) Anyway, plan a couple hours at least. Lay on the beds both twin and queen (both of you)...imagine dressing, step into the shower and bathroom; stand in front of stove and sink...think about cooking and cleaning (round sink; need to think about round rinsing pan that fits inside....start looking at difference in Flying Cloud vs International vs Classic models- then look real close at 25' front bed/rear bed, 27 and 28; Ask them to show you the manual awning set up vs power awning. All this takes a little time and if your like us, you may come back again and again...take notes and pictures...they equip their models with 1000W inverter and awnings on all the windows which is nice...if I can help, let me know.

**moosetags** · 10-21-2014, 09:27 PM

I think that I have the bathroom mirror problem solved. While we were in Jacksonville, the piano bench top holders arrived. I installed one today on the bathroom mirror. One seems to do the job. I had ordered two, so I put the other one on the cabinet door over the refrigerator. Both seem to do the job.

Here are a few pictures.

Brian

gandttimes · 10-21-2014, 09:46 PM

Moosetags, are these actually listed as piano bench hinges? I need to do exactly the same thing, but I have been to all the hardware stores on my area and nothing.
Where did you find them?

George

**moosetags** · 10-22-2014, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmeikle

Moosetags, are these actually listed as piano bench hinges? I need to do exactly the same thing, but I have been to all the hardware stores on my area and nothing.
Where did you find them?

George

Good Morning George,

I found this hardware on Amazon by querying "Piano Bench Lid Support Hinge". The cost was $5.99 each plus shipping. These items were not on Amazon Prime.

I knew what I wanted as this was the type of prop that came from the factory on my 2005 Safari 25FB. I could not find these at Lowes, Home Depot, or other local hardware stores.

I purchased two of these as I was concerned that one would not be sufficient to support the heavy mirror door in Lucy's bathroom.

After I installed one of these supports on the left side of the door, I decided that it was sufficient to support the weight of the door. I decided to use the second one on the little cabinet over the refrigerator.

Brian

Airtandem · 10-22-2014, 07:37 AM

My 10 FC came with the same piano bench support as pictured. A problem to watch is that the screws that hold the mirror to the cabinet are working loose all the time and I have to watch them. It is difficult to get a screwdriver into that location to tighten them.
mike 27937 AF/WBCCI