Re: [a/s] New guy questions

[John Hilty <jhilty@xxxxxxxx>]

Doug,

I will warn you now, this is long and potentially boring. You will
probably get lots of answers both on and off list, but I will give you
my two cents in answer to your questions. The following is mostly what
I have picked up from listening and reading others comments, etc. I
have only been an Airstreamer since November and I am still learning
myself. If I say anything that is manifestly ignorant or untrue, other
listees can correct me.

> 1. The trend nowdays seems to be towards motorhomes and away from trailers. Do
> they know something I don't?  It seems logical to me to be able to disconnect my
> trailer from my tow-vehicle and toodle around separately, etc.  On the other
> hand, I can see that a motorhome would be easier to maneuver.

Motorhomes are preferred by some. Advantages are use while driving,
maneuverability, on board generator and maybe some others.
Disadvantages are need for a separate vehicle (toad) to get around
when docked, cost (depreciation of both vehicle and living quarters
combined, potentially higher maintenance costs, additional liability
insurance for another vehicle. There is a real trend to the 5th wheel
trailers for full or partial timers. They offer increased living area
via the slide outs as well as washer drier combos etc. Some of these
will weigh up to 16,000 pounds and a diesel truck is mandatory.

> 2. There seems to be a lot of interest in "vintage" Airstreams.  Were they made
> better than recent models?  Does the Thor Corp have too many irons in the fire
> to keep the traditional a/s quality going? Did things change when they bought
> out the a/s company?

There will always be allot of interest in the vintage Airstreams, they
are classic. Just like any antique or classic car, often owners spend
more to purchase and restore than they would if they bought a newer
model which has more amenities. Ownership becomes an ongoing labor of
affection and pride. Just remember the operative word - labor. On the
other part, quality has been a topic recently on the list. Some feel
that quality control has slipped and have expressed concern as well as
some QC complaints. Other who have bought new trailers recently have
had few or no problems. 

> 3. Large vs "regular" refrigerators?

I only have the fridge that came with my Excella. It is about 6 cu.
ft. and does OK for what I use it for. I have not given this issue
much consideration.

> 4.Tow vehicles: Suburbans vs pick-ups vs Caddies vs others? Gas vs diesel?

The appropriate tow vehicle depends on your application. Early model
Airstreams could be towed with a family sedan. Most had Detroit V8s
anyway. Over the years Airstreams gained weight as more options were
added. My 25 ft. Excella weighs 5100 pounds dry and has a gross weight
rating of 6800 lbs. The longer units weight more. In 1996 Airstream
went to the widebody (6" wider) and this increased weight again.
Generally I think that the newer and longer the Airstream - the more
power, longer wheel base and heavier tow vehicle is required.
Suburbans came into vogue during the weight gaining years, early 80's.
Gas engines are fine, but generally use more fuel at similar towing
weights. They also lose power at about 3% per 1,000 ft. elevation so
they are less desirable under heavy load in mountainous terrain.
Diesels generally use less fuel and have higher maintenance costs,
i.e. oil changes, etc. Their power is better for towing applications
and for the heaviest trailers, they are almost mandatory.

As important as the tow vehicle is the consideration of the hitch used
for a standard travel trailer. There is a great deal of debate about
this issue. A weight distributing hitch is a must to keep the rear of
the tow vehicle from dragging. Sway control is a real safety issue and
there are different systems for addressing this. The 5th wheel
trailers do not have this issue and there are aftermarket hitches
which will alleviate it for travel trailers, but they can be
expensive. Two options are the Hensley Arrow hitch and the Pulrite
hitch. There is a thread on the list currently about this. 

> 5. My Mom and Dad had an a/s years ago and took some great trips to the Yucatan,
> Europe, etc.  They're gone now but I still envy their stories and the adventures
> they had on the Wally Byam Caravans.  Are they still popular? Too big? Too
> organized?

The Blue Beret, the WBCCI publication lists all the caravans and meets
which go on every year both regionally and internationally. I have not
been on one yet, but may do it.

> 6. Where do most people park their a/s' when they're at home?  My neighborhood
> has a "rule" against parking in the driveway, etc.

I had mine in the back yard for a few weeks but decided to store it
for a while at a nearby RV storage facility.  Cost a few bucks a month
but not prohibitive. 

> 7. Of the overall a/s owner population, how many are pre-retirement age?  (I'm
> still working but getting tired of it!)

The local WBCCI chapter here is mostly retired people, but I am not
and there are many others who aren't doddering yet. At first my wife
thought I was crazy to consider an Airstream or any RV for that
matter. I dragged her to an RV show and we looked at all of them. They
just blended together after a while. I couldn't tell one from the
next. There was only one Airstream and she went inside looked around
and said, "I like this as well or better than anything we have seen
here." It was a new 25' Safari @$28,500. We bought a used one owner
with identical floor plan, but paid less than half of what the Safari
was priced at even though the new list price in '90 had been over
$37,000. I don't think that it will depreciate to much over the next
five years or so. Some streamers only want new. Others only want old
(vintage). I wanted affordable and practical, so I bought used still
in excellent condition and with all systems go. You will find your own
balance of what you are looking for. Welcome to the hunt.

John H.