[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Personally, I have never considered traveling in RV's or motorhomes. Big upfront investment, lots of gasoline and hookup fees must approach the cost of AirBnB or moderate hotel, which are (IMO) more comfortable. So if it were me, I'd be all for road trips to see different places, but would prefer to do it in a car or SUV and stay in hotel or AirBnB, but really just a personal preference thing.

If you do decide it might be something for you, I suggest renting one for a week or two and going on a trip to try it out before buying.

Funny, my wife got the RV/Airstream bugs during the pandemic shutdown in California. She would stop talking about getting one. As soon as things started to open up again, we went to Autocamp in Russian River, CA (then again a few month later in Yosemite. They have very nice Camps but my wife said "No, I don't think RV/Airstream is for me"

[DETRoadster]

100% do it! I like the tow-behind idea as you can always unhitch and head into town in the truck for supplies or to head to a trail head for a hike. So much more flexibility with the trailer as opposed to an RV.

If you can afford the "Airstream Tax" and spend that extra $$$ just for the name and the cool factor, then go for it. My only recommendation would be to shop some other brands if cost is at all a factor. I'll bet you could find a similarly appointed 28' trailer for $35k, fully 1/2 the $70K CAD you are looking to spend. of course, consider lightly used as well. I'd bet the used market is pretty saturated right now due to folks snatching them up at the height of COVID, then maybe realizing the lifestyle ain't for them, they got called back to the office, etc.

[Murf the Surf]

Originally Posted by Josh-PA

I'd check the used market, as a lot of people jump into the rv lifestyle with both feet only to realize it isn't for them. Ont he other hand, airstream are so "cult classic' compared to othe rrvs thay they may not see the same depreciation. If you decide mercedes sprinter, Def go used.

No way I'd buy new.

[antgenn]

TL;DR - I'm looking for a well-used Mercedes Sprinter high-roof cargo van, to do my own conversion into a stealth RV. I don't need a big screen TV or whirlpool tub in a camper, and being able to "Wally-Dock" overnight at a Wal-Mart or truck stop without drawing attention is a plus to me. As a bonus, they are easy to stand up in and walk around to stretch the aching bones while on the road, and seem like they would be a more comfortable road trip vehicle than the Mighty Dodge.

I just did that! Still need some finishing touches ( I guess it never stops), and we used it for 2 camping seasons. Going for a 5 day trip in a week to Catskills, Ithaca and Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Have diesel heat, 12 VDC air conditioner, 400 Amp Hours Lithium batteries, solar, 30 amp/3500W converter, 20 Gal fresh water tank.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by antgenn

I just did that! Still need some finishing touches ( I guess it never stops), and we used it for 2 camping seasons.

Great minds think alike! I just wish that the Mercedes Sprinter used market wasn't so crazy in price right now, between the millennials and their "#vanlife" dreams and the new vehicle backlog from the chip shortage.

I'm trying to find a place locally to rent one for a few days, just to see what it's like to drive something with a super-high roof, how it handles on the highway, and if it is a bigger bear than the Mighty Dodge in town or at the store/mall. I'm also torn about whether I want the 144" wheelbase or need to go with the longer 170", and driving one or the other for a day or two should give me a better feel about that decision.....

[iminhell1]

Far as purchasing,

It may be more financially appealing to look into a RV auction type place. This is localish to me, I only found it randomly on google maps. https://amiauction.com/inventory/

Not sure how they get them, repos mostly would be my guess. Be a good way to get something livable and affordable.

[Chick Webb]

Don't buy a damn thing until you've watched The Long, Long Trailer. Lucy & Desi at their best. $3 on on Amazon.

[boyerizm]

Here's my parents retirement set up. Not as big as what you're considering but the Airstream is a quality product.