Re: [A/S] which size trailer

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 10/19/02 7:53 AM, silvershadow@snet.net wrote:

Hi Richard,

IMHO, stay with what you have until you know it's inadequate. While you
still own it and are using it regularly, do an inventory of storage space.
When we were thinking about a 34' Airstream, the math showed our 31' had
more cubic inch storage space than any 34' we saw.

Secondly, gross storage space isn't the only consideration. We wanted
storage space that would be convenient for our lifestyle preferences.  For
example, our electronic toys are stored in the front credenza of our side
couch floor plan.

This makes those toys immediately accessible at all times. The TV, VCR, DVD
player, AM/FM radio, Satellite Receiver, Switches, Modulator, CB radio,
Weather Radio and all their wiring are permanently installed.  There is no
disassembly or packing up when we move from one campground to another. That
was one of my strong preferences. Obviously, the fact of different floor
plans means everyone doesn't share my thinking.

This Winter, our Printer will find its own spot inside the credenza. And
even with that, there will still be storage space left for the reference
books we routinely use.

This is only one example of many. Each family has to assess their own
preferences. What's perfect for my wife and me may be insufficient for you
and yours. Only you can determine that.

As for not being able to park a 34' in some parks, what else is new? Some
campsites are only big enough for our mountain tent. When we use that
equipment, we use those size sites. That's the name of the game.

As a general rule, we have no difficulty finding a place to park our 31'
Airstream, regardless of what size limits are posted in directories or at
the entrance gate. The advantage taking a risk when it's not recommended is
I get to practice my parking and backing up skills more often than someone
with a smaller rig.  And -- I don't mind eating crow when I have to waltz
the Airstream back out the same way I came in.  I even carry a large
spotlight for occasions when I have to back out in the dark.  It's all part
of the adventure. 

As for having less room in one size or the other, that all depends on who is
using the space. In one of our Airstreams ('67 22'), there is only one
table. In another of our Airstreams ('77 31'), there are three tables and
three places to sit at the tables.

The one table floor plan dictates only one person can have one table project
going at one time.  Simple physics. In the '86 32' Airstream we restored
before selling last year, there were three tables, plus a six foot vanity
surface and additional space available for a built-in folding table in the
bedroom. If we hadn't sold that trailer, I'd have added the fourth table.

Again, it goes back to the above concept. Your lifestyle preferences should
dictate the floor plan that will meet your needs. From my perspective, it's
an over simplification and an unwarranted restriction to narrow your choices
between a 34' and a 31' Airstream.  Other considerations have far more
implications for being satisfied with your Airstream.

As for harder to tow, if you already have an adequate tow vehicle for towing
your 31' Airstream, chances are good it'll suffice for towing a 34'
Airstream. The next time you see a truck stop or moving van company with
"certified scales," go into the office and ask if they'll weigh it for you.
Then, the next time you're at a rally, ask any owner of a 34' Airstream to
show you his "weight slip" from when he used a "certified scale." Do the
math and that will give you some idea of how your present tow vehicle will
perform with a 34' Airstream.

More answer than you may have wanted, but this is only the start of it when
considering a change. All your ducks need to be a row before spending "real"
money and taking a big hit with "depreciation."  You know there is such a
thing as "buyer's remorse" and you don't want any "should-a", "could-a",
"would-a" thoughts after the deed is done.

Suggestion! Obvious. Stand fast until you have a long list of irrefutable
data pointing one way or the other. The data ONLY needs to make sense to
you, no one else.  <grin>

Terry

mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net