2013 International CCD

[WildmanInLA]

Just took delivery of my new Airstream! Can't wait for our first trip.... Perhaps to Idyllwylde above Palm Springs or Carpenteria near Santa Barbara.

[robert claus]

Yeah! The first trip is always a learning experience, so just take your time with everything you do and pretty soon it all will be second nature. Opening the awning, dumping the tanks, and backing up are all things you don't want to rush - so don't let anyone hurry you. Have a great trip!

[daveswenson]

+1 on what Robert said. If you have an iPad you can search online and find all your manuals to download. I use GoodReader. Makes it easy to reference stuff, and be assured you will need to reference stuff.

Have fun.

[WildmanInLA]

Thx! My partner has all the manuals for both the Airstream and truck downloaded onto iPad. We've been studying them.

[xrvr]

Take your time, relax. If anything happens step back and think, be cool. Do not let a little problem ruin your trip, continue camping. Jim

[BAB]

As a relatively new A/S owner, I can remember my first trip (it was only 18 months ago), and it was a little nerve wracking. Now, after about 10 trips and around 11,000 miles, I can tell you that you are beginning a GREAT adventure. It is very easy to get hooked, and the only way to deal with it is to HITCH UP AND MOVE!

[switz]

There are some good check lists on the forum.

When I got the trailer home, I did a slow walk around looking up and down at every thing that was external to the skin and made a list of the things that I saw that should be checked. I printed it out and placed it into a clear plastic sleeve so I would not forget to check things. I also did a checklist for the truck and hitch.

I also am not in a hurry when backing the unit into the storage parking space, which I usually do alone.

This trailer is a lot like moving a boat around. Slow speed is better!

[wncrasher]

I gave up trying to do any "precision" backing up long ago. Bought a powered trailer dolly so I could easily move it to exactly where I want it in my storage building. Lot less stress at the end of a long day of towing.

[WildmanInLA]

Thanks for all the feedback! I've hauled horses around the country so maneuvering a trailer isn't an unfamiliar experience. Gonna have to change our plans for the maiden voyage tho. The fire in Idyllwilde is where we were planning to go. Guess we'll head to the coast instead.

[switz]

My youth was spent on a working farm, so tractors and hay wagons were very familiar vehicle combinations to back into the barn. I understand the dynamics of reverse, but speed is not one of them. If I did a backup job every day like the semi-truck drivers get to do, then there could be more precision in the exercise.

A few extra minutes to ensure location and trajectory accuracy are less expensive than a misjudgment and backing up my rig into a solid object and/or someone else's rig as well.

[gtc6452]

Welcome, if you have had horse trailers, you will have not problems. you will learn fast. enjoy.

[danjoe91]

Welcome WildmaninLA! A brand new Airstream! We are just finishing a remodel of the interior of ours (but staying true to Airstream), and started with the clearcoat removal on the outside. Our first trip will be in Sept., and will probably be the same places your considering, since we also live in LA. Let us know how it goes!

[amazongb]

Congrats! I just made my first trip in my International 25FB last week, spent a week camping at San Clemente State Beach. Having owned a 5th wheel before, the Airstream maiden voyage experience is much, much better! Everything worked! I didn't have one problem the entire trip! I can't say that for my last trailer. Good luck, and enjoy!

[WildmanInLA]

The trip to Idyllwild was a success. Didn't break or damage any thing and the CCD was quite comfortable. Next trip, Mammoth Lakes in September. Can't wait!

[danjoe91]

Yay! We have not met, but I am very excited for you! I am soooo ready to take ours out for 'the first trip'. Since we live in the same area, my choices of where to go are the same. I would love to know more details on the Idyllwild location you went to.