I know there are some out there now fulltiming in an Airstream.  We owned one but never did fulltime.  My parents did for 3 years.  They had a 34' Airstream.  Although I know the carrying capacity is much less than a 5th wheel I don't remember them complaining about it.  My mom did say they were not insulated well for winter but they loved it.  We own a 5th wheel now and DH talks about going back to an Airstream.  I don't think we will for fulltiming but they are great trailers.  We owned an older one and had the outside redone.  It looked new.  They last forever. 

My parents full timed (Mom still does) in an Airstream (31’ & 34’) for over 30 years.  In fact, my mother is in a 34’ right now about 200 feet from me in Florida.

Now, that said, here are two points and I have years of experience to backup this opinion: 

1-You need a truck.  The Airstream is a VERY strong trailer and while you can over load it, frankly, you won’t – there just isn’t enough space to overload it.  But you need a 2500 Chevy pickup or F-250 to pull it.  Diesel is not required but almost always preferred.  Mom and Dad (and I) have towed fully loaded Airstreams all over the US, but you need a 2500 series truck, or a 2500 Suburban, properly equipped, which is what we used.  Regardless, a “car won’t do it” if it is a full size Airstream (31 / (34’) and you will need the space in the truck (or Suburban) for your stuff anyway.

2-There isn’t a lot of storage space in an Airstream for stuff. I am in an Airstream park right now.  The people who do full time in them usually have a home base of some type to put their stuff they don’t need when traveling.  In my parents case it was my house. {Grin}  Here, in Florida, there are storage buildings on the lots used for much the same purpose.  Must be 175 Airstreams here. 

I love Airstreams for a lot of reasons.  However, they are not 5^th wheels as to space – inside or out.  But they are, IMO, the best tag trailer ever build and tow better than any other tag trailer on the road; they have a great suspension system.  They are also somewhat expensive if purchased new.  If I were you I would look on-line first.  You will be amazed at the prices compared to new.  But with that suggestion goes a warning to know what you are getting “on-line.”

Dale is correct, they last forever.  You don’t junk them, you rebuild them.  15 years old is nothing to an Airstream. 

If you want more info, I would be pleased to PM about this.

Bill

We have had an Airstream since 2001.  We bought a very used 1974 and camped in it for 5 years.  Did we have problems?  You bet because it was a 1974, but it towed like a dream.  I will say though don't believe you don't need a big truck, wrong.  We towed with a Chevy 1500, but once we got our 2500 it was a noticeable difference and I wouldn't go back to a lighter truck.  In 2006, we bought a 2001 Airstream Excella, 30 foot.  Our 74 was 25 foot.  Huge difference, definitely needed that bigger truck.  Towing across SD in 40 mile winds, I was really glad we had an Airstream and a bigger truck. 

What do I love about my Airstreams:

1. the look, 2. the towability, 3. smart storage spaces, (Airstream has some neat little spaces that are used for storage, but it still isn't enough) When we have been gone for 3 weeks, our longest, we ran out of storage room.  Even if we go for a weekend, I don't feel like I have enough space for the things we need.  And to clarify, I feel I make plenty of compromises on what not to bring.  For weekends or short trips it's great for the first two reasons.  I love the look.  And they retain their value and can be restored and used for years and years.  We are planning on restoring our 74 and using it to attend vintage rallies.  We will get a 5er for other travels, such as long term or if we decide to go full-time.

Now the cons:

1. not enough storage if you want to be gone longer than a couple weeks, 2. no comfortable seating and lack of seating in general, 3. too small a space for 2 people and 2 small dogs for a long time period, I feel claustrophic after 3 weeks in it.  Everyone needs a little alone time and in the Airstream, there isn't much room to get alone. 

Hope this helps a little, again, the look is classic.  I love it!!  They tow great even in high winds, but too small a space for long term at least for us.  We know couples in our area that live in their's, Nov - Apr, but they stay at RV parks, where there are club houses and such, so I don't think they spend as much time in the Airstream except maybe to sleep or eat.  I could be wrong, but it's hard to get comfortable on the couch and there are no chairs.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. 

Candy

I always tell someone that asks, "How long of an RV should I get ?", get the biggest RV you like and can afford.

Most RV'ers start out small thinking that a small RV is easier to handle and more economic. Within a few years, these same RV'ers will move up to a larger RV and usually within a few years move up to an even larger one.

What you find is a larger RV is just as easy to travel in as a smaller one.  You get used to the larger size quickly.  Sure it takes a little more focus when manuvering a larger rig, but again with practice you get used to it.  I pulled a 23 ft travel trailer with the same truck we pull our 37ft fifth wheel with and I averaged 6MPG towing each trailer.

We started with a 10ft camper, then a 23ft Travel Trailer and now have a 37ft fifth wheel.  We plan in the next 5 years to go to a 40- 45ft MH or 5th wheel.

Ideally you want as close to 400 sq ft of living space as possible for fulltiming. So a 32ft with 3 slideouts is great.

Keep in mind Airstreams are usually on the higher end of price for Travel Trailers. You will get much more trailer for your money by looking at higher volume manufacturer's models.

I've always heard people complain about the rounded roofs/ceilings in Airstreams and how it affects the overhead cabinet space. Less space due to the curve of the ceiling.

-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 24th of June 2011 11:12:11 AM