From time to time I post email queries in this space. Here’s an excerpt from an email we recently received.
Hi Sean and Kristy! Before I introduce myself let me say “thank you” for a wonderful amount of info you guys have provided. My fiance and I have enjoyed watching your videos and reading about your adventures. We are in our 30’s and early 40’s and this will be our 1st RV purchase. We have been looking and educating ourselves over the past three years. Finally we are ready to purchase.
We started out with the idea we just wanted something basic and cheap to use for weekend getaways and small trips during the summer. As we soon learned, cheap looked cheap. We decided that if we were going to invest in an RV we wanted something that would last. So here we are looking at Airstreams! We have both loved the classic and retro look of the Airstream along with the idea of owning an American icon.
Now for our concerns. We are hoping maybe you guys can give some helpful advice.
1) We are currently looking at the 25FB and 27FB Ocean Breeze models of Airstream. We have heard that the 25ft would be better because of size issues in some state/national parks. Have you ever encountered any problems finding a spot?
We’ve never had problems finding a spot with respect to the size of our RV. Our Airstream is a 25-footer — I agree that it’s a good size for the state and national parks. We’ve stayed in the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, the Grand Canyon, etc. without issue. The only problem we’ve had in national parks is the frequent need for a reservation because they are so popular.
I might add that there have been several times we’ve squeezed our Airstream into a parking space and exclaimed, “Whew – we couldn’t have done that with a 34-footer!” This is the persistent trade-off with regard to RV size. At times, inevitably, you will long for more space. But at other times you’ll appreciate having a more nimble rig. The 25-footer is a good compromise.
2) We’ve been reading about filiform corrosion? Have you heard of this or experienced this with your unit?
For the uninitiated, filiform corrosion is corrosion of the aluminum skin of the Airstream. We have a little filiform corrosion on our Airstream. It’s mildly annoying, but ours is a pretty mild case. Personally I think this issue is a little bit overblown on Internet forums. Maybe I just have that perspective because ours is a mild case (only noticeable in minor areas), but I don’t think it’s a big deal.
If you are particularly worried about it, Google the issue, do a little homework, and steer clear of certain model years. If you are looking at a new Airstream, I think they have the issue under control. But by all means, ask the salesman and make certain.
3) We really like to explore when traveling. Have you guys ever had issues such as trying to find a place park your Airstream? Do you guys always plan ahead and make reservations at parks or do you wing it? Do you do a lot of boondocking? We would enjoy boondocking more as we do it now with our SUV and tent. We are just concerned with the length of a truck trailer combo vs a small motorhome. We have been told by a couple of salesmen that if we enjoy moving around more that a motorhome would probably be a better way to go. Expense wise, we would be spending about the same amount of money because if we go the Airstream route, like you, I need a new diesel truck.
We typically “wing it” with regard to our agenda, but if we want a campsite we also call ahead for same day reservations. Our typical plan is to find a site (whether it’s boondocking or paid) and unhitch, then we do the exploring in our truck. We do a lot of exploring when Airstream camping…but not with the trailer hitched.
The truck & Airstream combo is a lot of rig to handle. I mean, our truck & trailer have a combined length of around 45-feet. You won’t be taking it through the local Starbucks drive-thru. When you tow it demands your undivided concentration. And the hitching/unhitching process takes some time. After two years, I can do it blindfolded with the speed of a NASCAR pit crew — but that doesn’t mean I want to do it any more often than necessary.
Since you already do the SUV & tent thing, maybe a camper van like a VW Westfalia (or an Airstream Interstate) would be right for you. That’s a matter of personal preference and your intended uses of the RV. When you think about the ways people RV, there’s a huge range of usage — from weekend camping trips to full-time living. Some people park their RV for months at a time; others are constantly on the go.
Consider the smaller Class B motorhomes, for example. A small motorhome has its own drawbacks as well as advantages. In theory you are “more mobile” in a motorhome, right? But at the same time, what if you are settled into a campsite and have your electricity, water, & sewer attached? What if your stabilizer jacks are down? Your motorhome is literally tethered to the campsite. You will need to detach the water & electricity & sewer before leaving. With an Airstream you set it up once when you arrive, and then you are finished until you depart. You “explore” in your tow vehicle.
And by the way, I love love love having a diesel pickup truck. Yes, I was forced to buy SEEMORE for our Airstream travels, but now we use the truck daily whether we’re camping or not. We often wonder how we got along without it. If you’ve never owned a pickup, I suspect you will feel the same way.
For the extent of time we’ve spent with our RV, I’m glad we chose an Airstream travel trailer. The 25-foot length has served us well, being both mobile and reasonably spacious. And with a little luck, it’ll last forever. But people have traveled around the world in far less. In the end, only you can decide what works best for you.
If I may add to Seans comments.
Alu doesn’t rust… like steel does .. instead it corrodes… Fillform corrosion is where you see little white things that look like worms just under the skin of the metal. Intergranular corrosion is where the two pieces of metal are joined by a rivet and develop a white powder. (reaction with the mag in the alu)
Corrosion can be stopped…
One way is to go to a aircraft supply or auto paint store (now that autos and truck are using more alu parts… they have gotten into the conditioning of alu. )
Get a product called alumaprep. Clean the metal with a good soap and water… don’t use anything that is alkali.. that is deadly on alu… When done and the metal is wet with water.. take a scotch bright or some other light abrasive dipped in the alumaprep.. and paint it on…
What happens is the prep will go into the metal and arrest the corrosion…
but….
then rense with water.. don’t let it dry… while still wet with water.. apply another product called alodine..(can get it in clear or has a yellow/gold tint) Alodine is a salt.. yep your going to have it pre-corrode your metal just a little but… the salt will bond with the alu and once dry will form a barrier so that no more corrosion (chemical salts0 can get to it. Once applied let it set for about 10 min but remember to keep it wet.. and not let it dry just yet…
then when times is up… rinse again with water.. do not scrub the area.. just rinse it.. and then let it dry… 6 hours later its done.. and most of the time you can’t tell its their. unless you used the yellow/gold one.. then if you look across the grain you can see its color just a little. If its left on longer than 10 min it will get darker… in color.. but not what you want necessarily…
Now when ever you get a scratch in the alu metal all you do is take a q tip and re alodine it.
they have been doing this to aircraft for years that were on floats in salt water.. and in those conditions alu would have died the first month.. but some of them float planes are 40 years old now and the metal is looking like the day it came out of the factory…
Airstream pickles its alu metal in a prep bath.. which is about the same as the aluprep and alodine process then coats it with a clear poly to seal it from all water and harmful stuff… in car talk its called clear coat… You go buffing the metal so its nice and shin’n and you took off the protection… and here comes the corrosion…
You can find out more about how to keep alu looking young by going to the web and looking up alu corrosion and how to treat it… lots of aircraft stuff on the subject… after all they are made from alu also…
Oh and may I suggest the 25 footer AS also… we have owned a few and different sizes… 25 makes a nice travel trailer… and they seem to have less problems than the bigger ones do.. anything smaller and you best get simulation training in the closet in the house first… 😀
As to diesel… well that is where Sean and I differ.. I have pulled with diesel… expensive, noisy and smelly While a PU truck is a good tow vehicle… gas engines are cheaper and just as good. (I want to hear Sean’s comments the first time his diesel needs repair and he falls out of the easy chair after he opens the bill.. them parts are not cheap) We had a new truck and got rid of it after we drove it 100,000 miles… went back to the older truck that had 4×4, 460 gas engine . Its a good engine that makes good mileage pulling a heavy load while being cheap to repair… and they all will need repair sometime) Right now ford is pushing their 5.8L engine .. makes 20 mpg… and we know some who have them that pull a 31 ft AS making 15mpg while they do.. We have now heard of several places on hills that diesel pu’s are getting “air pollution” tickets for the black exhaust when under load… sooo… sheriff John is waiting up at the top and only has to look down the hill to see who the next donator to the city coffers is going to be… I heard from one that it cost 175 bux for the ticket and with court cost etc… came out to a even 350 to get out of town… I would expect to see more of this as the small town economy gets to needing bux. they complained to the manufacture and were told .. that’s a diesel for ya.. .. just don’t load it up as heavy for power and it won’t smoke as bad… nice to know…huh. .. guess if you shut it off it won’t smoke either…then again getting up the hill 😉 😉
If you do get a new truck.. get it with the biggest alternator you can … get the trailer tow package… ya you will lose a few mpg but it comes with lots of heavy duty stuff.. then again going to the next grade higher 3/4 t will also…
As to motorhome (MH) vs trailer.. yep I have to agree with your comment. You can pull over into a road side rest and slip into the back for the night… a trailer.. you have to park and then get out in the rain/sleet/snow/wx and go back to get into the trailer.. some places don’t allow over night camping in roadside rests.. and the first ones that sheriff john knocks on is the trailers… to roust ’em out… MH are nice. but….
the have a engine in ’em.. and getting them worked on is a bear… also if you only use it 2 weeks out of the year I can garenteeee you that when you do get it out on the road it will break down from lack of use.
Trailers on the other hand can be hooked up to last years vehicle as easy as this years vehicle…(Trailers go back to the old pioneer days of wagons hooked to the oxen tow …ahhh items…) when the trailer is not in use the vehicle can be used for other things to keep it in good mechanical condition without additional expenses. or as a second car.
That basically is what it comes down to in the MH vs Trailer arguments… and like chefs and soup.. no two are going to change their minds… best advice it to go rent one and try it… then rent a trailer and try it… and the choice be yours.
Enjoy… hope we helped with out two cents worth…
GMAs, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Additional opinions are most welcome and bring great perspective.
Yes, we have some filliform corrosion. I’m happy to hear that it can be treated. To date, our corrosion has occurred at the front of the trailer beneath the wraparound window. Ours is a fairly minor case. If it were in a more prominent position I might be more upset about it. I figure that someday (in the distant future!) we will give our Airstream “LIV” a thorough exterior refresh. At the moment she is six years old and to my eyes looks quite good, especially considering the ridiculous amount of travel she’s seen.
With regard to the motorhome vs. towable issue, here’s the way I thought of it. In MOST cases, whether you get a Class A or a towable, you’re gonna end up towing. Why? Because the large motorhomes are so big you need to bring along a dinghy. If you are towing a dinghy, you now have reversed the original equation, and added a 2nd motor to the mix. More motors means more maintenance.
Who knows… maybe someday we will also go the Class A and dinghy route. But for me, the Airstream ownership experience was the real lure.
Now, you can get along without a dinghy if you are in a Westfalia style camping van — but that comes at a major sacrifice in interior space. We did the camper van experience in Argentina earlier this year. It was fun, but it was very different from our 25-foot Airstream. Our trailer seemed like a mansion on wheels after that time in the camper van.
Anyway, in the final equation it all depends on your uses of the RV — is it your summer home or just a weekend getaway? Different models and sizes are appropriate for different applications.
If I can put my 2 cents in….for us we looked for several years. We went on RV.NET and as much info to arm us. This is what it boiled down too for us.
What we needed was space for 4 plus 3 dogs.
Can my current vehicle tow what we want
We wanted bunks for the kids
We wanted a slide for the living room and a master bed in the front.
A ton of trailers we saw did not have enough counter space for what we wanted.
A good rule of thumb don’t brand shop till you figure out what floor plan works for you.
Now we were armed with what we had to have so we started looking. This took out a ton of choices out of mix that would confuse us. We then looked at every manufacturer and the floor plan we were looking for. Please don’t get hung up on brands they all are the best and they all suck! Some people love Fleetwood and some hate Fleetwood. I use them they are the big boys on the block.
With this info in hand what manufacturer’s model we could breeze through a show and not get confused. This was huge!!!!! You start out with an endless amount to a manageable number. You go to a show or two and look just at those models that fit your wants and needs and write down what you like and not like . You will come to find out they all use the same AC unit fridge,hot water heater and furnance. Yes some will have the more deluxe version.
Look at how much carpet is in the camper if ya got kids less is better! Once you have gone to several shows and have weeded out the ones you don’t like you will find you are down to a small hand full. At this point just work on what you like about each one don’t worry about price!
Widdle it down to the 2 or 3 ones you love and could buy either one then and only then talk price! RV salesmen are retired used car salesmen. I don’t care how long they have been in business or who happy their last customer was with him. You are not buying the salesman or the dealership but the service guy. He’s the guy you want to get to know! Salesmen just want to you to buy today and from him. Look through the service dept. is it clean neat and are the techs happy. Nothing’s worst than a 50k RV and 6.00 service tech working on it who has an ax to grind for working on a Saturday. Look at the service awards on the walls to see when they got their last one and, to see if they have any customer letters explaining the care of service they received.
look at the parts dept to see if they have a ton of stuff you don’t yet know what their for like door hinges (I don’t know) stuff like that. Go to several dealers and don’t get hung up on show prices! Believe you me dealers will drop their pants an price times are hard and they want to sell those units. A good rule of thumb is about 10K off the retail price.
Be informed and don’t take the first price they give you, learn to do the 4 thousand walk out. they will come after you or sick another salesman on you and call you back. Look at RV wholesalers and RV Direct (internet dealers) We got ours for RV Direct they delivered it right to us without having to step one foot into a dealer. I can’t say enough on how great we were treated AWESOME! I hope this helped. Oh, what did we get a Forest River Cherokee 31z+ and have not regretted one moment of it! You can go on to Facebook and look up The RV Gypsy to see ours! Happy shopping!
Matt
Thanks Matt! Great comments.
I like what you said about starting with YOUR criteria. You knew you needed to satisfy four people & three dogs…. with a front bedroom and slide in the living area. Like you say, you start with what YOU want and start narrowing down your selection.
We started at a local RV dealership. We went one sunny day and just browsed RVs. We looked at EVERYTHING, from pop-up campers to travel trailers to 5th wheels to massive Class A motorhomes.
As an alternative to this approach, I recommend visiting the big RV shows. There’s usually one in every large city, and they’ll have every type of RV under the sun. It helps to see a lot of different models and floor plans to get an idea of your options.
But it can all be overwhelming if you don’t have a firm idea of what you want.
For us, pretty early on we decided we wanted to go the Airstream route, so that narrowed it down a lot. I knew I would need to buy a truck (but I was excited about getting one, anyway). We actually debated whether to get a vintage model or newer Airstream. We decided we were too impatient to restore a vintage one for our first RV, so we ended up finding an ’03 that was perfect for the two of us. We have no regrets!
I agree also with the advice on haggling. It’s a buyer’s market in the RV world — ALL prices are flexible and the buyer wields the leverage.