Fulltime Airstreamers?

[HighwayRanger]

Hello,

The wife envisions us going fulltime in a motorhome or large fifth wheel. I suppose she's right, but I still have a fantasy of having a custom Airstream trailer. I think about getting the largest AS (34'?) and totally reconfiguring the interior to make it more like a fiver (big LCD TV, and recliners, freestanding dinette, etc, and a large tow vehicle to regain some storage space and to haul water to and from the AS with it's small tanks. What do you folks think about my idea? Is the insulation and climate control nearly as good as a high-end fiver? Is this a silly and expensive exercise? A high-end fiver would run right around 100K plus a truck, and would have nearly 400 square feet of living space and good sized storage and tanks. A current diesel pusher would run about $250-300K. Could an AS even come close?

Roy

[BryanL]

The issue is the amount of stuff you can live without. It is a lifestyle choice.

A class A runs up towards 25 tons and has lots of room for stuff (basement storage) and the ability to handle the weight.

A 5th wheel can run towards 10 tons which is normally allocated to living space over storage and such things as fresh water.

A TT like the 34' AS is more in the 5 ton category. That is a constraint on what you can take with you.

Do take note, though, that people even full time in B-Vans which get down to the 1 ton of stuff class.

As far as insulation, climate control, and amenities, the basics are pretty much the same - rather awful when compared to modern houses. Class A's will tend towards more amenities as they can handle the weight, especially when compared to stick built homes. The lighter weight RV's can have good alternatives.

The key is, I think, if you are not sure of what will keep your wife happy, don't jump into the deep end. No matter which way you go you will need to make adjustments and to learn how best to use what you have to do what you find you want to do.

There are many who full time in Airstream TT's. That is one reason the 30' class is so popular as it is a good size for lightweight full timing with enough for full living. The 34' 3 axle AS is well regarded as an upgrade but really doesn't offer all that much more. But the TT full timer has different lifestyle expectations than the class A or fiver's do. You have to figure out for yourself what suits.