RE: [A/S] Digest Number 1767--reply to Airstream Wannabe

["Jim O'Keefe" <jokeefe@xxxxxxxx>]

Hey Darin!  Great dream!  You can't plan enough, but if your posse is 
good-natured and flexible under extremely stressful conditions, you'll do 
fine.

Some quick thoughts:

Try to get a trailer large enough to have a dedicated dining area in 
addition to the sofa.  It will be nice to have a work/game/eating available 
and a second seating area with four travelers.  Folding and unfolding the 
sofa table will get old quickly.  You'll also want to have some seating even 
after both bedrooms have been readied for night.

Definitely take a series of short trips before the big adventure.  If you've 
got a nearby Wal-Mart which allows overnighters, great.  You can just run 
in and get what you need as you need it; soon you'll be fully provisioned 
(and hopefully not over-provisioned).

If you plan to buy at the last minute and travel immediately, allow time 
for three or more unscheduled stops for repairs.  Most repair shops are 
busy--it may take a week before they can even begin to address your trailer.

On price--before buying our current trailer (used) we made ourselves look 
at new and used SOBs, too.  ICK!  We have spent to acquire (and fix problems 
on) our Airstream about what we would have for a brand new SOB with a 
slide-out and a warrantee.  And we still need to replace awning fabrics, 
upholstery fabrics, and floorings.  If you need more space and more 
reliability, you can't beat a new SOB.

On the other hand, if you wish to arrive in style (and I suppose you do 
since you're at this site) you must find a good, barely used or vintage 
restored, Airstream right away.  Buy it, try it, fix it, and go!

One thing not to do: scrimp on your tow vehicle.  The bigger and newer, the 
better.  Try to get one with the factory tow package, avoid a 1/2 ton with 
some aftermarket add-ons.  Having enough truck or van will also make a huge 
difference in your trip.

Hope to see you and your family on the road next year, and in print the 
year after.

Jim, JR, and Jezebel (the standard poodle)
Palm Springs

'85 Limited 32'
'03 Avalanche 2500