[a/s] Introduction

[John Callahan <johnc@xxxxxxx>]

Greetings,

I found out about this list by accident, the way I discover many
things on the net.

I have a 20' Airstream Caravelle. The model year is 1980. This is a
single axle trailer with a GVWR of 3,500 pounds.

I bought this particular model because I could tow it with my
existing vehicle, a 1987 Jeep Cherokee. So far the Cherokee, which
has a 4.0 liter six cylinder engine and is rated to tow 5,000 pounds,
tows the Caravelle just fine -- but I haven't tried any long, steep,
mountain grades yet.

I found a used Hensley Arrow hitch through a search on the Internet,
the way I find many good things. When I picked it the Hensley Arrow,
I paid for it with $1,000 in cash in a plain white envelope. It felt
like I was buying an illegal substance or arranging for a political
favor in my native Chicago.

The interior of my Airstream is modified, which I understand is
common practice. The modifications were done before I purchased the
trailer. 

The dinette booth, which was in the front, has been removed. In its
place is a foam mattress 54" wide at its widest point and 84" long at
the longest point. This modification was a big selling point for me.
This is a bed that I can actually stretch out on. After spending my
first night in the trailer, my hips told me I needed a new mattress.
I replaced the old mattress with a custom cut block of 5"
high-density foam.

Along the street side, where the settee was originally, is a cabinet
about 60" long by 16" deep. This provides plenty of storage. I
haven't even filled it up yet! Also on the street side is a 24" wide
closet, quite generous for an RV.

The galley fills the entire curb side from aft of the entrance door
to the rear bath. The entire area, including the sink and stove, is a
total of about seven feet long by about 24" deep. (Since I don't have
the trailer nearby, my measurements are approximate.) A Dometic
refrigerator is under the galley counter.

The rear bath is larger than it looks. Much to my surprise, I can
actually stand up in the shower. The bathroom also had a small
hanging closet about 12" wide.

The longest time I've spent in my Airstream is one week at Washington
Land Yacht Harbor, a really friendly Airstream park in Lacey, WA. I
am spending the summer in the Northwest on my boat. I plan to go
south this winter, spending most of my time in Arizona and on the
Gulf Coast of Texas.

I would appreciate any suggestions of places to stay on my southern
journey.


-----
John Callahan
 WBCCI #3096
 1980 Airstream Caravelle
 Hensley Arrow Hitch
 1987 Jeep Cherokee