Forum Discussion
westend
Aug 03, 2015Explorer
Some things observed after watching your video series: Bikes--to have storage as a major part of your priority for purchase is misplaced, you can buy any manner of quality bike rack and install it pretty much wherever you want.
Dealer affection--I'm sure Airstream is one of the better franchises with quality people but after you hit the road, how much influence is that sales guy going to have in your living experience, probably zero.
Airstream, in general---One of the most iconic rigs on the road and, IMO, have earned some respect. THere are a lot of pluses and few minuses with Airstream.
Pluses--easy to tow and affords good fuel mileage. Monocoque hull affords durability and minimal upkeep. Material fit and finish is good in the interior with many easy to clean surfaces. Has wonderful window space and light into the interior. Airstream dealers across the US so getting replacement parts should be less problematic than others.
Minuses--chassis low to the ground so allowing for ground clearance, off road, will be a consideration. Those gleaming bathroom surfaces won't be so gleaming after you both shower up in a bath that doesn't have a separate stall. All those big window spaces don't afford very good heating and cooling efficiency. Personally, I don't like the layout for a full-timer, too limited for full-time living.
Suggestions--keep looking and learning. This purchase decision should be more like buying a house than a vehicle, take your time. Get your priorities straight. You don't need a composting toilet and big bike storage, huge windows to sit inside. Most of us use our trailers to camp, that means getting outside. Think about how you will store everything you want to take, cut it in half.
For options--I custom built my trailer. Look in the build thread linked in my signature line, "the Cowboy/Hilton". It may show you what's possible, not that you like my design decisions. I did end up with a separate shower stall, a bathroom that fits two at once, and more countertop space X2 than the Airstream.
Good luck on your hunt and take all the time you can.
Dealer affection--I'm sure Airstream is one of the better franchises with quality people but after you hit the road, how much influence is that sales guy going to have in your living experience, probably zero.
Airstream, in general---One of the most iconic rigs on the road and, IMO, have earned some respect. THere are a lot of pluses and few minuses with Airstream.
Pluses--easy to tow and affords good fuel mileage. Monocoque hull affords durability and minimal upkeep. Material fit and finish is good in the interior with many easy to clean surfaces. Has wonderful window space and light into the interior. Airstream dealers across the US so getting replacement parts should be less problematic than others.
Minuses--chassis low to the ground so allowing for ground clearance, off road, will be a consideration. Those gleaming bathroom surfaces won't be so gleaming after you both shower up in a bath that doesn't have a separate stall. All those big window spaces don't afford very good heating and cooling efficiency. Personally, I don't like the layout for a full-timer, too limited for full-time living.
Suggestions--keep looking and learning. This purchase decision should be more like buying a house than a vehicle, take your time. Get your priorities straight. You don't need a composting toilet and big bike storage, huge windows to sit inside. Most of us use our trailers to camp, that means getting outside. Think about how you will store everything you want to take, cut it in half.
For options--I custom built my trailer. Look in the build thread linked in my signature line, "the Cowboy/Hilton". It may show you what's possible, not that you like my design decisions. I did end up with a separate shower stall, a bathroom that fits two at once, and more countertop space X2 than the Airstream.
Good luck on your hunt and take all the time you can.
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