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

katoomer
Explorer
Explorer
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!
2009 Newmar Ventana 3942
2010 Pace Shadow 18ft
2010 KTM 450 XCW six days
2010 Can Am Outlander 650 XT
2014 Can Am Outlander 500
2007 Yamaha YZ250F
1989 Douglas Skater 21' Twin 2.5s
30 REPLIES 30

GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Explorer II
dodge guy wrote:
IB853347201 wrote:
gemsworld wrote:
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.

X2. Remember, Happy Wife, Happy ....


I hate this comment. It`s never made any sense! I`ve seen it used to the point where safety was involved! And "happy wife happy life" and traveling unhappy because she is happy. If someone always has to give in that much, then it`s not a happy life!!!

Agree 100%. My wife wants me to be happy and I want her to be happy. We figure out how to make it all happen. So far, so good.
Kip
2015 Skyline Dart 214RB
2018 Silverado Double Cab 4x4
Andersen Hitch

wannavolunteerF
Explorer
Explorer
My parents had Class C's of various sizes for years. At some point around Dad turning 70, he decided the MH they had was too big and that a Travel Trailer would be simpler. It didn't take but a year, before he decided the TT was too much work. It was easier to store in driveway, but much more difficult to set up on site. The MH could be used without hooking up, disconnecting, or anything much more than putting in park and hitting the button for the generator.


My mom convinced him to sell me the TT and they bought a smaller MH than what they had previously. They got a car that could be towed four down and were back traveling much easier. In fact, they kept that one until Dad was 89, and his health didn't allow him to travel anymore. I just bought a Class A after several TT's and am loving how much easier the Class A is to set up.
2015 FR Georgetown 378TS

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Explorer II
IB853347201 wrote:
gemsworld wrote:
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.

X2. Remember, Happy Wife, Happy ....


I hate this comment. It`s never made any sense! I`ve seen it used to the point where safety was involved! And "happy wife happy life" and traveling unhappy because she is happy. If someone always has to give in that much, then it`s not a happy life!!!
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Explorer II
You wont be happy going from a 40ft DP to an airstream! I would never do it. maybe find a 30? footer and tow a Jeep!
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!

IB853347201
Nomad
Nomad
gemsworld wrote:
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.

X2. Remember, Happy Wife, Happy ....
2010 Suncruiser

tragusa3
Explorer
Explorer
We've had a 15' TT, 25' TT and now shopping Class "A" in a 30-34' range. It seems to me that a smaller "A" would meet your requirements while keeping your wife in something she is more familiar with. There are many differences (as you know) between traveling with a towed trailer and a motorhome. We're making the move to improve on a few of those and I don't think I would ever want to give them up. Security when boon docking, well integrated generator, CCC, conveniences while driving.
New to us 2011 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34TGA
Join us on the road at Rolling Ragu on YouTube!

2chiefsRus
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Dave & Kathy
2007 Monaco Knight 40PDQ towing 2018 Ford F-150 & 2017 Harley Trike
Fulltime 2007 to 2016, now halftimers
Before you give someone a piece of your mind, make sure you can get by with what will be left.
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sgfrye
Explorer
Explorer
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

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
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
Not applicable
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.

NWnative
Explorer
Explorer
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.
2019 Ford F250 Lariat CrewCab Short Bed 4x4 - 6.2 Gas w/4.30 Axle
2016 Airstream Flying Cloud 30RB / Blue Ox Sway Pro / Rock Tamers
2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

katoomer
Explorer
Explorer
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.
2009 Newmar Ventana 3942
2010 Pace Shadow 18ft
2010 KTM 450 XCW six days
2010 Can Am Outlander 650 XT
2014 Can Am Outlander 500
2007 Yamaha YZ250F
1989 Douglas Skater 21' Twin 2.5s

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
40' will fit in many places if you lose the trailer.

Ivylog
Explorer III
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.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45’...

RedRocket204
Explorer
Explorer
What's your plan for the ATVs and/or dirt bikes while towing an Airstream?
I love me some land yachting