Re: [A/S] Re:new to trailers and Airstream

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hunter, you're right, Cindy and Carl's center bed is permanent. Ours was that way until I found an
older model (in a bone yard) with the slide-in gaucho. The solid "mattress" has been replaced with
two "mattresses" to have a couch seat and a couch back. Each is suited to our preference for support
while sleeping. We did that just before reupholstering both the center and the front couch. There
was enough material left over to make three shams for storing our sleeping pillows and add a
decorative trim strip along the cornices in the living room. IMHO, it came out really well. 

Where does one find the hardware to do this? Where else but at your favorite Airstream dealer's bone
yard. It was in the third quonset hut back and on the other side of the junk refrigerators he has
laying around out there. Not only did the hardware match, but the wood matched and everything was
coordinated as though it came from the factory. Actually, it did come from the factory but was
stored in Jackson, Mississippi until we found it. Billy Pollard was gracious enough to do an even
swap. Can't beat that. Plus, while I was doing the exchange, one of his men thoughtfully checked on
me periodically to see if I needed anything. What this dealer lacks in showroom neatness was more
than made up for in friendliness and consideration. And, to boot, he provided electric and
encouraged us to stay overnight after I had finished (which we did). 

The reasons for making this exchange was Sandie and I wanted a pedestal table in the center bed
area for daytime use and I wanted more area by the bed's corner so I wouldn't routinely bump my leg
on an edge of the permanent bed, while going to or from the bathroom. With this arrangement, both
needs are satisfied. I no longer bump my leg and we have the third table we wanted. As for the
pedestal table, it was found at a WBCCI flea market. The wood matches perfectly and it looks like a
factory option.

The second table is next to the front credenza (beside the dining table, located opposite our curb
side couch). This table replaced a shallow one-shelf bookcase and was found in an "ex-Airstream"
dealer's storage building of old Airstream parts. The table enables me to have my Mac laptop set up
all the time. The adjacent front credenza is ideal for our printer. With three tables, both of us
can have projects going simultaneously during the day and not have to put anything away at
mealtimes. Years ago, we learned three tables were a large - huge convenience for us.

Hunter, you are correct about the disadvantage of a back bath when having someone sleep over. For
us, the percent of time when that would occur was minuscule in comparison to the percent of time
we'd be using the trailer without anyone else with us and sleeping over. In our opinion, the
disadvantage was a non-issue in comparison to the advantage of having a floor plan that met our
personal daily needs during the vast majority of time we'd be living in it. Like everything else,
each family is different and each has to prioritize their needs. Must be that's why there are so
many variations in floor plans. All are not perfect for everyone, but each is perfect for someone.

Terry
mailto:Tylerbears@airstream.net