We've just started the RV shopping process, and we're leaning heavily toward airstreams. There are 2 things we LOVE about airstreams:1) the build quality (especially cabinets)2) the windows and how inviting the interior is.Since we're still in the researching stage, are there any other TTs we should check out that have a similar build quality and huge windows in the bedroom? We're pretty smitten with airstream, but being a big ol' hunk of aluminum with little insulation, we worry about getting chilly in the winter.We'll be living in it full time, towing it behind a diesel E350 Ford Econoline van. We'd like something in the 23-28 foot range. Ground clearance is a plus, storage for batteries and solar is a plus as well.Is there anything else out there with a similar build quality and gorgeous wide-open windows in the bedroom like the AS?

We heat our Airstream on the coldest of nights with two small electric heaters. Tank heaters are used when teens hit. Airstreams compare favorably with other RVs concerning insulation. The 27 ft. model is a good size for two.

What you will notice in ASs is the lack of storage. Yea, they have gotten better over the years, but still lack storage space compared to other brands in the same size.

agreed, definitely a lack of storage. That's a big reason we'll be towing it with a van; so we can store the non day-to-day items in the van.

Is there anything else out there with a similar build quality and gorgeous wide-open windows in the bedroom like the AS? If you want an Airstream get an Airstream. There are really in a class of their own. They are more of a luxury item that also happens to be an RV. They also have an active social life if you are into that kind of thing and Alumnapalooza at the factory every year. Fun events. If you want a standard box TT with serious insulation, storage and well built then look at something made by Northwoods Mfg. like the Arctic Fox. Arctic fox products are reasonably priced, well insulated, nicely built, but heavy. However, they are not Airstream.

We're 98% sold on an airstream, but i'm trying to do my due diligence and make sure I haven't overlooked anything.The social life definitely appeals.

Alternative to an Airstream's quality and beautiful windows?

themoreweexplor
Explorer
Jun 27, 2016
Here's our reasoning why we purchased an Airstream for our full-time tiny house.

Why we decided on an Airstream
John___Angela
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016
themoreweexplore wrote:
We put together a little video highlighting the non-Airstream trailer companies we like and ALMOST purchased. We sure appreciate the advice in this thread, it really helped us discover brands outside of Airstream.

Video - The Trailers we ALMOST Bought

Thank you.
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016
We put together a little video highlighting the non-Airstream trailer companies we like and ALMOST purchased. We sure appreciate the advice in this thread, it really helped us discover brands outside of Airstream.

Video - The Trailers we ALMOST Bought
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Feb 14, 2016
Thanks everyone. We have a LOT of learning to do. Don't worry, we will record all our novice mistakes we make. We had some interesting experiences driving back home through a snowstorm. Video to come soon.
TurnThePage
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
Like many, I will eagerly await your reports of how the trailer performs, in extreme temperatures for instance. Enjoy!
Donnoh
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
Congrats on the new trailer and starting the full time RV lifestyle. I wish I had the courage to do what you're about to do when I was your age. I've been watching your YouTube videos since you starting posting on here and always enjoy them, you have talent.

I look forward to more videos when you start traveling and learning about the "fun" things that can go wrong, like the sewer pipe leak on your rental.

Enjoy the adventure!
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
Thank you, we couldn't be happier.
westend
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
Congrats on the new trailer!
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
Well... after lots of looking and researching and reading... we finally bought a trailer. We tried finding a clean Avion that met our criteria, but we weren't able to. So, we opted for a 2010 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 and we couldn't be happier.

Picking it up was an exciting day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mszsvyW7QI8
goducks10
Explorer
Jan 24, 2016
I would seriously think abut the insulation in an AS. Have you ever touched an aluminum canoe that's sat out in the sun? You can't without almost getting burned. How hot will an AS get in the sun? How warm will it be when temps drop? Lots of good reading about hot and cold conditions with AS. No dual pane windows offered?

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Alternative to an Airstream's quality and beautiful windows?

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