Re: [A/S] Boondocking in an Airstream

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ted,

Take my comments for what they are worth.

I intentionally bought a 25' Tradewind many years ago to provide
accommodations for me, my wife and young son on long and short vacations. We
tried to find the smallest one which would do the job.

This model has a rear bath, and a couch in the middle which pulls out into a
double bed with no seams.  The wardrobe and small vanity are opposite the
couch/bed.  [The side bath/rear bed layout was very appealing  (and new
then), but I don't think a rear double bed was available in a 25 footer. -
We like sleeping together.]

Moving forward, there is a flexible curtain/partition and then the galley
and sofa with fold out dining table across the front.  This sofa also
becomes a double bed.

Our rational for this model may be applicable to your requirements:

1. The trailer length is short enough to get into most any campsite or park.
Since we were interested in traveling to National, State and County Parks,
many of these cannot handle large RVs as the roads(?) often have very sharp
bends and the campsites are remnants of old tent sites.  Maneuverability
with a short wheelbase tow vehicle is exceptional.  We went with a full size
Chevy Blazer (1977).  Today' equivalent would be the slightly longer Chevy
Tahoe/GMC Yukon.  I like the strength and durability of a FULL SIZE truck
for a tow vehicle. his way you get a heavy (strong) frame/chassis and a
solid power train.  Our reliability experience was excellent. Four wheel
drive is also very useful, not so much for the off roading ability, but to
have the two speed transfer case to handle steep roads.  This saved me at
Tehachapi State park, where I had no room to turn around and the road kept
getting steeper and steeper (after dark, and only headlights for
illumination).

2. The 25' trailer is the smallest one which separates the sleeping area
from the dining/kitchen area.  Likewise, the bath is separated from both.
This provides a little more privacy, but most important, does not have you
bathing or sleeping with the dishes.  It also allows one person to make (or
have) a cup of coffee without disturbing the other.

Hope this helps.

Oliver Filippi
'76 25' Tradewind