Forum Discussion

katoomer's avatar
katoomer
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018

I want an Airstream. Wife wants to keep our diesel pusher.

We started Rving about 13 yrs ago. Started with a Dually and a 40" Toyhauler. Then 3 yrs later we got our current RV. 40' diesel pusher with bunks towing a 18' enclosed trailer for the dirt bikes and ATV's. 64' long! Geez. Kids are 18 and 16 and are no longer interested in going Rving. I want something that will allow us to go to the places we couldn't fit in before. State, Provincial, and National Parks. I need help convincing my wonderful wife that we can have a great time in something smaller. Please Help!
  • katoomer wrote:
    We are selling the bikes and ATV's. Won't be doing that anymore. The issue wth keeping to 40' is that we will always need a vehicle to drive once we set up camp. That means a toad. I've driven a lot of narrow twisty 2 lane roads with this set up. Would be nice to not have to deal with all that length and 40,000 lbs.


    If it were me, since I already had the 40 footer, I would get a toad set-up that fit my lifestyle (maybe a jeep) and give that a try for at least a few trips before I would sell the motorhome. I would think it would be cheaper and easier to try the toad route first. You can always sell the motorhome later and go with the airstream.

    If you go your route first, sell the motorhome, get the airstream and THEN end up back in a motorhome because it didn't work out, that will be a lot more expensive.
  • gbopp wrote:
    katoomer wrote:
    I need help convincing my wonderful wife that we can have a great time in something smaller.

    Good luck with that.. :)


    X2 if she is anything like my wife
    Happy wife happy life
  • katoomer wrote:
    I need help convincing my wonderful wife that we can have a great time in something smaller.

    Good luck with that.. :)
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Keep the wife happy and keep the DP. Get a toad to get around. I drove cross country with a 40' DP and toad and it was no big deal.
  • We had a similar path to our AS. Tent Trailer, to TT, to 5'er, to Class C - Settled a few years ago for our 'retirement' rig which is the Airstream in the sig. Good quality, built to last, easy to maintain, handles well on the road. As it ages, will be able to customize / update the interior to our liking. Of all the RV's we have owned, this one is our favorite and will be our last. We no longer have to bring everything we own camping, really enjoying a simpler and more relaxing experience when we are camping. Good luck with your search.
  • We are selling the bikes and ATV's. Won't be doing that anymore. The issue wth keeping to 40' is that we will always need a vehicle to drive once we set up camp. That means a toad. I've driven a lot of narrow twisty 2 lane roads with this set up. Would be nice to not have to deal with all that length and 40,000 lbs.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    RedRocket204 wrote:
    What's your plan for the ATVs and/or dirt bikes while towing an Airstream?

    Probably does not need them anymore so get rid of the trailer and ATVs...replace with a Jeep and keep the DP. 40’ is not to big for public CGs with a little planning and not showing up on Friday. Just went from 42 to 45 and we boondock often without reservations by arriving on Monday when the working folks have left.
  • Let her drive/park it.

    Seriously though, we've had four truck campers, two 38' fifth wheels, built two conversion vans and are about to go to a smallish travel trailer that will probably wind up our RVing adventures. Luckily DW is OK with it. Easier to drive. Easier to park. Less to maintain and keep clean. Also plan to keep it in our driveway. No storage fees and can keep closer eye on it when not in use.
    Good Luck!