Fw: [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