2 Year Full-Time Airstream Anniversary Lessons Learned: What We Did Right & Wrong

[@blackhillspeeps6798]

We went smaller for our 2nd RV and i love it

[@Paul-ul3iu]

We have something in common. I just picked up my new Oliver II 23 1/2" travel trailer in Tennessee last week and drove it back to Arizona. I had never even been in an RV in my life before, but decided I was ready for a new life experience in retirement. "Just do it" applies to more than running shoes! Can't wait to experience the life.

[@AStreaminLife]

Awesome! Congratulations!

[@gregprince2523]

Live your honesty folks, stick with it. Life's a tragedy...... everyday. It's how we deal with said tragedy that sets us apart from the debbie downers of the world! You've got it figured out keep on truckin!

[@fv7947]

I enjoy seeing a couple that works together like this.

[@timbarry5080]

Living in an airstream, myself. If I were to get another vintage one I would get an argosy. Though not as cool, they are cooler (temperature wise). buy or restore one that is gloss white. It keeps the interior temp so much cooler. If you get stuck parking it in the sun the silver ones are pizza ovens.

[@marinebetta]

We've been watching sooo many airstream videos and this channel is by far the best! We feel like we hit the jackpot when we stumbled across your channel. There is just so much useful, in-depth information and the videos are made by real people with real personality that set real expectations when it comes to air streaming full time.

[@AStreaminLife]

So glad you enjoy our channel! Thanks for letting us know!

[@plasticAudio]

I'm hoping to try Airstream living in the near future and I'm learning a ton from your channel. Thank you SO much.

[@Cuttlebone1]

Thank you to both of you so very much. Have a wonderful day! I am purchasing a used trailer tomorrow and will tell you all about it in a few weeks. Will be going off the grid talk soon.

[@AStreaminLife]

Very cool! Congrats on the trailer!

[@Chefm4477]

Your Standard vs Automatic Transmission discussion was interesting. I've been in the Diesel Truck/Construction Industry for over 50 years as both a Diesel Mechanic/Service Manager and Sales Engineer. I was the first guy in our Truck Shop to rebuild Allison A/T in the early 1970 when they got popular in School Buses and Garbage Trucks and other specialized applications. Around 1980-1990 A/T became even more popular because experienced Drivers were hard to find and maintenance cost were high with Standard Trans/Clutches etc..As Diesel Engines became more available in Medium Duty Trucks, so did the popularity of Automatic Transmissions. Today, I would estimate that A/T are in 80-90 % of Medium Duty Trucks and making Head Way in Heavy Duty Trucks.On the other hand, Light Duty trucks are probably 90+% A/t. There is no question that I would recommend A/t to anyone!

[@Barchenhund]

I agree. However, I think on class eight highway tractors the now and future will be Automated Manual Transmissions ATM’s. Automatics are great but a tad heavy. I did work for a metropolitan transit system and concrete ready-mix company and Allison’s provided exemplary performance. They do well in Abrams tank too.

[@VaultTec30000]

I have never owned an Airstream but looking at AS trailer layouts, it seems like 23~25 feet is the ideal length for two people. 30 feet do feel like its a bit too long unless you are planning to stay in one location for long term.

[@roypaddock8273]

I like this couple. They have a great attitude. Other that the new truck, they picked an Airstream which is one of the best RV's out there.

[@belleisleguy]

I echo what @plasticAudio said. Now that I can work remotely 100% we are seriously looking to become Airstreamers. Great video! Learning a lot from you. Keep posting!

[@TheLongLife]

Lovely video. We've been rv'ing for 10+ years and just recently switched to Airstream and so far are in love 💕 !

[@geoffreywalker7308]

I’ve been watching some of your videos, and suddenly realized that you were the one that did a walk-through of the airstream that we just purchased. It was out in Arizona when you did your video… And it has a nautical theme. You may remember it. We live in Alabama and bought it from the couple that bought it in Arizona. I just thought it was a small world when I saw your face and recognized you from that walk-through video.

[@johnnymula2305]

Always check the date codes on your tires. They list the date where it says “DOT”. 5 years is max life you’ll want. Possibly less for one pulling a trailer full time.

[@terencebolden5150]

Congrats on 2 years! ...thanks for sharing and keep the videos coming.

[@AStreaminLife]

Thank you! We appreciate the comment!

[@louismpatrick]

Looking forward to the day when we do this! Thanks for posting... very informative and inspirational!

[@AStreaminLife]

We're glad! Let us know if you have any questions :)

[@annek1226]

The best trailer to tow on the road! Loved it!

[@AStreaminLife]

We think so! Thanks so much!

[@ArbitraryExploration]

Awesome video to celebrate 2 years in your Airstream!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks! :)

[@shirleylake7738]

Hope you both have a wonderful 💕time traveling in the future.

[@buildfixflip]

Lot's of good info. Thanks for sharing. I will be watching some of your linked videos next so I can keep learning all these stuff. We are getting ready to hit the road soon. Thanks!

[@AStreaminLife]

You are welcome! Good luck with hitting the road! Let us know if you have any questions!

[@cogalh.1131]

Happy 2 years anniversary! Bonus of things you did right......Started this youtube channel. A big bonus for us. : )

[@AStreaminLife]

Awww true! Thanks!

[@MrShasteen]

You two are such a cute couple. Really enjoyed this!

[@ChasingForever]

Thanks for the video! Thanks for being transparent, as we newbies can learn from some of the things you've done. Again, thanks for great videos.

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks for watching! We're all about sharing so you can learn from us, instead of making the same mistakes ;)

[@TouringTastebuds]

Woah! Congrats you guys, that is awesome!! Loved being able to listen to your rights and wrongs, safe travels!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks! The 2 years have flown by. Safe travels to you as well!

[@susanpratt3290]

Congratulations on the 2 years. I love Airstreams of all the travel trailers, and like you, I would get a used one (25 - 26 feet), and modify it for my needs. I would rather have a desk than a dinette, since I have a computer and equipment, (Canon Printer/Copier & Scanner - which includes a slide/film strip adapter). I also found on line the Timeless Travel Trailer company which can repair, renovate and / or customize your Airstream. (They also polish it to look brand new).

[@AStreaminLife]

Very cool! It's awesome that there are companies who can make Airstreams fit our particular needs.

[@kymberliethefreespiritedone]

I hope this is in our future

[@ΒαγγεληςΧαλκιας-μ3μ]

2 year full.camplife.this is souper that.so doit for all your lifes.its so freedom .like me i stay 3 years in my treiler near the sea in nea makri 37kil from athens.its my paradise.love from Greece.

[@AStreaminLife]

Sounds like paradise to me!

[@selectshelley]

11 minutes is not long; 25+ minutes is long, but won't seem long if the information is interesting/or important to the viewer. You are doing a great job!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks! It can be hard to keep the videos relatively short but informative enough. We appreciate it!

[@4blake]

Happy Airstream Anniversary! We have been enjoying your journey.

[@AStreaminLife]

Awesome! Thanks for following along!

[@saranakai4912]

Way to go, you guys! Looking forward to seeing your new adventures soon!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks so much! We're looking forward to adventuring soon too!

[@laurelp2338]

You guys are so positive. I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@AStreaminLife]

We try to be! Might as well have a positive outlook!

[@MrJesse1479]

You guys are great

[@chandaharkins4418]

Happy anniversary! I've kept your advice about size in my mind, so know that your advice does not fall on deaf ears. Thanks!!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thank you! So glad our experience can help!

[@patrickeh696]

I have heard FAR more of , "We should have gone smaller." rather than the opposite.

[@AStreaminLife]

Us too but we know people who have gone the other way as well. Personal preference and camping style play a lot into it.

[@bstrandlof]

Thank you, for your video, you are both likable people. Steve I think you have nice guns!buddy you must have used to be a fireman or police officer I don’t know which. The five things you don’t want out of life I have never heard anyone say it was too big and that’s true. I myself am a firefighter paramedic retired. I love the fact that safety is important to y’all! Now, with that being said, for two people what size Air stream would you recommend?

[@PudPop1980]

Why did you choose an Airstream? Where did you buy i/how did you find it?

[@lionheart177]

wish u the best guys stay safe

[@rxonmymind8362]

Bought new 23fb wife didn't like the idea of others DNA in there. I replied "We stay at the Embassy all the time"..."She said "That's different". Lol. I get it, so new it was. Now shopping for a truck and that's a lot harder than I thought. Trailer was easy due to it's build quality and history. Wife is a little more flexible on the new/used when it comes to trucks. Yaay! Save a little $$$. Now I KNOW we will eventually move up to a 26U or she mentioned a Tommy Bahama is in our future. So perhaps a 3/4 would be prudent even though these 1/2 tons are pushing BIG numbers. Tempting. I'm not sure I want to deal with all the diesel maintenance of def seriously expensive oil changes and such. So looking at either a Ford FX4 with the proven 5.0 V8 with a 10 speed tranny or Ram 5.7 Hemi V8. Both are pretty solid. Although I'm taking a HARD look at Ford 3.5 V6 Ecoboost. My buddy pulled my 23FB as a test and had NO problems doing so. Easy. Tough engine. However, since the trailer is aluminum might as well go with an aluminum truck.😄 Great video!

[@slalomking]

On the Ford v-6, those turbos cost $2500 to replace !!!!!!!!!!!!! each !!!!!!!!!! I'd stick with the proven gas V8. Def has made the diesels undependable. Something on the Def systems are always breaking.

[@rxonmymind8362]

@@slalomking Hey thanks for replying. I bought a Ford F250 6.7 V8 gasser. Pulled the trailer like a champ. Smooth, strong and didn't even breath hard with my wife even taking a turn at the wheel for our maiden voyage. She was surprised at how smooth it drove. Will be taking it out once all the Covid passes again. Cheers.

[@tommartin1767]

Thanks for the informative video. We are close to the same decision you all made over 2 years ago and this video of your pluses and minuses really helped. Pleases elaborate a little on why to go smaller than 30’ for full time living. You mentioned restrictions......please advise. Thanks so much!

[@AStreaminLife]

Awesome! We are still in our 30' Airstream now after 3+ years. If we were to to dit again we would still go a bit smaller. Maybe 25' -28' (if we could find the space/setup inside that we like). We have been to a few campgrounds where 30' was the max length (and us towing at 48' total length) was very very tight. Some national park campgrounds and national forest campgrounds we are too big at 30'. Lastly even boondocking is easier the smaller you are. You fit better in parking lots and don't have to worry about bottoming out as much when out in the wilderness. It all depends on the camping you plan to do and how important space is to you. If space is important to daily happiness than get a bigger rig and stay in more traditional campgrounds. If you want to get out into nature either in smaller campgrounds in parks or by boondocking then consider how much space you need :) Here is a video we did talking about some of the limitations we found with our 30': kzbin.info/www/bejne/amTZqn2Fa9aGi7s

[@RaineyNite]

Congrats on 2 years! Great video to celebrate!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks, Rainey!

[@gerardhoward3084]

Thank you for taking the time to post....We really enjoy your videos

[@AStreaminLife]

We're so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@KJRitch]

With a 2005 Airstream you may want to think out changing out the axles. They have probably settled and a new set of axles should lift your Airsrtream plus 16" rims and tires. I've seen others put the 3" lift kit on theirs but it seems to be not a solution to the root cause. Keeping up on maintenance should be performed immediately. Our failures have been not doing the safety check. A couple of times several miles down the road I remembered it didn't plug in the electrical umbilical. Other than that it's been pretty smooth the last 6 months. Planning is a big part. We ave sites booked and planned out to mid September. Everywhere nice books up fast. Mid March to early April is busy due to Spring breaks and Easter. Moab is very busy. All first come first serve and BLM sites are full. We are glad we booked six months ago. Difficult to be spontaneous now.

[@AStreaminLife]

Good points about the axles settling. We haven't decided to lift yet but we'll keep new axles in mind. Glad the last 6 months have gone smoothly!

[@lanaliong3712]

@@AStreaminLife don't change axles until the ones you have are checked for sag torflex lasts 20 yrs easy

[@weschilton]

Congrats on 2 years!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thank you!

[@johnhutchins809]

Great info-especially the check list. We are leaving Tucson also and heading west, then north back to Alaska in May. Looking forward to a great experience-taking it slow, slow along the way.

[@AStreaminLife]

Sounds lovely! Safe travels!

[@wandascott3678]

Hi was just going thru some of your old videos. Do you have that 'check list' available to print off? We are going for our first long trip at the end of May. And we are NEWBIES!! Would be really helpful. Thanks...Wanda

[@AStreaminLife]

Absolutely! We can email it to you here: astreaminlife.com/checklist

[@BillSprague]

I could tell stories of on-road repairs. BTW, campground picnic tables make adequate ladders, when stood on end. Need you ask..... LOL!

[@AStreaminLife]

Wow! That's a story for sure!

[@pamelagood8077]

Grateful for your post ❤ happy air-versary

[@capemaxi]

What kind of service people can lift a trailer? Dealers? Dedicated service people who work independently? How much should one expect to pay?

[@AStreaminLife]

We've not looked into it and the only people we know who have done it, did it themselves.

[@anneholz8228]

Happy two year anniversary! I will most l definitely be following along! I love your videos - both the informative ones and the travelogues!

[@AStreaminLife]

Awesome Anne! Thanks for joining us :)

[@davidtitley6822]

Congratulations guys!!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks :)

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

You guys are always enjoyable to watch, and very informative. We (my wife and I) are certainly leaning toward an Airstream once we are able to move on from this point in our lives (care providers for her ailing 91 year old wheelchair bound mom). Used is great for sure for us but I’m wondering how you found yours? Was it thru a private seller or a dealer?

[@AStreaminLife]

We found ours through a dealer who had a few used Airstreams..unfortunately they don't stock them anymore. It can be tough to find what you are looking for but used AIrstream are out there. Keep looking!

[@moraarcher]

Just watched your video. We just looked at a 2004 like yours. Did it have a cloth on the walls in some areas? Did you remove it and what was under it? Thanks

[@AStreaminLife]

It does, and it's a pain to remove so we left it. It actually helps with insulation and noise dampening, and it's sorta cool to place velcro things directly to the wall. Convenient! :)

[@blendedwhiskeytx7178]

Great video, super tips

[@_Chris_KG]

What precautions are taken with break-ins? Hope this isnt a stupid question. I don't want apartment life anymore. But if we are taking everything we own into this one airstream space. What safetly protocals do you all take? Is there a blog or website I can be directed to?

[@AStreaminLife]

Firearms and cell signal is what we do. Of course, we lock the doors and never stay in an area that doesn't feel right. But, there's only so much you can do with this lifestyle.

[@cloud381]

New subscriber! I coula/shoulda went Small’s I could have been a van dweller. I am an older newbie with two small animals. I have a 2005 Zeppelin II. My first one.

[@AStreaminLife]

Welcome! Everyone says your first rig is never your last because you learn so much about yourself in it. We agree!

[@marianargazevedo]

What a nice couple !!!!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thank you!

[@JerryTLai]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! Thinking about this lifestyle and videos like this are slooowly pushing me towards it :-)

[@coffenut]

You recommend buying used for the first one....but what if one is hopeless with self repairing? (I always end up having to hire someone to fix what I attempt to fix)

[@projet2907]

How do you lift your airstream ?,, Whats a Valtera suit off valve and why ? I went for 19' me and My cat,, always have to put stuff away but happy to fit anywhere :-)) Thanks for this vide, i am in my first year in the airstream and 6th living in a trailer.

[@AStreaminLife]

We have not lifted it but some people have with lift kits. We also got bigger wheels which helped a bit. The Valeterra valve lets us combine our two tanks into one big gray tank (since we use a composting toilet and don't need a black tank anymore). You can find out more about that here: kzbin.info/aero/PLP5B8MEl2oaX8Ir0FvtWyGGkf_NAM58SN

[@projet2907]

Thank you :-))

[@kaitlyngrimm8079]

If myself and my boyfriend want to live in an airstream with our doggo, which model would you suggest? We will be traveling a few months at a time because I will be doing traveling therapy. We may need one that is good in the winter if that is possible.

[@fitnesscoach4u]

I like the good attitude!

[@CanonNovice]

Well spoken. So interesting.

[@AStreaminLife]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrAlphacallsign]

question me being a metal finisher working with different metals like metal stainless steel , aluminum , copper , steel ect ect how will that alluminum airstream will hold heils being a alluminum vs fiber glass alluminum is easy to dents

[@bge1234]

This is probably a dumb question, but what do you do with the computer equipment when you're moving? Do you have to store it somewhere each time you leave and pull it back out each time you stop?

[@AStreaminLife]

We move the laptops off the desk into the dog bed underneath. We put a blanket under the monitor, lay it down on the desk and bungee it there. It takes about 1-2 minutes to take down or setup and we have had no issues with it.

[@nervusbreakdown]

I see you have that nice workstation setup. Do you ever order online and try to get it delivered?

[@AStreaminLife]

We get packages delivered whenever we can to campgrounds we are staying at. Or we will do an Amazon locker if it's available!

[@nervusbreakdown]

AStreaminLife oh wow I didn't even know there was a locker.

[@mandomtn1962]

Good vid, ya'll are on it.

[@scoobydog411]

A travel trailer type camper is always better than a Motorhome type camper for many reasons. I lived in a travel trailer almost 10 years. A nice travel trailer is for living. A big fancy Motorhome is for showing OFF. Thanks for your video.

[@calidominski1162]

Hi I was wondering if you could share with me where you bought your Airstream from or what resources are the best to shop for a used Airstream like you have advised on your video.

[@AStreaminLife]

We bought ours from a used Airstream dealer in Mesa AZ which is no longer selling Airstreams. One of the best resources we have found is the Airstream classifieds page. Most people will list there when selling www.airstreamclassifieds.com/

[@jzy7614]

This guy looks like he had enough of his wife, and probably this life style, but he knows happy wife happy life... good job Steve! You have a lucky wife!

[@JamesBlazen]

Yeah, he looks miserable. That's why he's drinking beer all day.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks!

[@splendaglenda1632]

Great advice 😎

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks!

[@Artynos_YT]

New sub. Love you guys. Keep going!

[@AStreaminLife]

Awesome :) Glad you found us!

[@judya8044]

thank you

[@0517mshumer]

You mentioned your safety checklist. Can you post a link?

[@AStreaminLife]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send them to you :)

[@landgin3781]

5 things we did wrong: We were lazy My wife can’t drive

[@bertnl530]

What went wrong is that she did not take some driving lessons with a car with manual transmission. Although in some countries it is illegal driving a manual if you took your licence on an automatic transmission.

[@henrirobinson2179]

Awesomeness

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks!

[@catherineandoliver8151]

I always have several comments during your videos so I’ve decided to bullet point them from now on. I know. I’m a computer nerd. 🐶• I followed your suggestions and I got my traveling dog. I got a dachshund, heheh, a mini wiener dog!!! I love him so much. Name’s Oliver and I’m slowly getting him used to riding in a car first. Don’t have a rig yet. 🚒• I miss Clifford the big red truck! • I had to giggle when Steve was showing the inside of the truck and the driver seat was pulled forward so far that there was no question who had driven the truck last. Hehehe

[@AStreaminLife]

Yay! Hello Oliver! Welcome to the family! Yes, you can definitely tell who was last driving the truck....I'm a bit short hehe

[@ads]

Thanks and congrats on two years! Are you comfortable releasing the numbers (average/approx is OK) or financing options? Don't get me wrong, I don't wanna raise this question, but I'm on my way to fulltime RV in the next year or so. So I highly appreciate any info, if you guys comfortable sharing it of course. Thanks!

[@AStreaminLife]

We paid about $45k for the Airstream and then we put about $10k of solar into it plus our other smaller renovations. We saved up and bought it with cash. We're hoping when we sell it we won't lose very much, but since we don't plan to anytime soon it's not an issue. Hope this helps! If you have other financial questions we may have answered them in our RV Financial Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLP5B8MEl2oaXgKhuQRVui9f9QkhupkiG-

[@Lotuslaful]

Such a great video Thanks!

[@AStreaminLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dobermanpac1064]

Gen X couple...enough said. 😎

[@roydavis2242]

In our 45 years of RVing, we have only owned one new trailer, but it wasn't our first and we had it for 15 yrs. I love haggling over price and we buy quality with long-term in mind. In our first 40 years, we only had 3 trailers. We have since gone to a motorhome and tow a vehicle that gets far better gas millage. This works well if you stay in an area more than a few days.

[@AStreaminLife]

Lots of experience! Sounds like you did it right!

[@irenehumphries1910]

It is good it was stock, you didn’t have to correct any mistakes in renovation.

[@AStreaminLife]

True!

[@slalomking]

yes, I would prefer buying used in the original condition.

[@irenehumphries1910]

I drove vehicles with manual transmissions including a 4wd truck until my 40s. I bought an vehicle with an automatic transmission in 1989. And I have not gone back.

[@AStreaminLife]

It is a LOT easier!

[@intensepisgahbiker]

My first F250 (used 2004) was a manual gasser. I traded it for an auto diesel 6 months later and never had a manual since. My current TV is my profile photo.

[@stevemurray2737]

Great Vid. Drive through any Hailstorms yet? Any Damage?

[@AStreaminLife]

Not yet and hopefully never! But you never know!

[@stevemurray2737]

See ya out there next year!

[@makut4154]

He does all the work, she does all the yapping.

[@rinacook764]

that's ok. those are the dynamics of a couple.

[@LaserFocused]

If not the 30 then what size less than 20?

[@AStreaminLife]

Not less than 20. Probably 25 or so.

[@brianmombourquette5381]

Happy nomadiversary :-)

[@AStreaminLife]

Thank you!

[@EvenaGirlCanDoIt]

Was wondering what y’all do about health insurance. This is my main concern with full timing.

[@AStreaminLife]

We use Liberty Health Share and we talk about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmkp2N-jNiNr8k . It won't work for everyone but it is working well for us.

[@lisas5979]

Wouldn't checking tires fall under the safety check?

[@AStreaminLife]

We always check them before we leave but things can happen while driving such as getting a nail or screw or a blow out (which is what happened to us). If you are not monitoring all tires while driving then if something does happen to one on the trailer it can destroy a lot before you realize it. We've seen hole chunks of fifth wheels spewing onto the highway because one of the tires ruptured and they drove for a while not realizing it.

[@judithwilliamshudson1744]

First time to comment, but have you ever got stuck in a sand or dirt, mud? I think iam missing out with my 23 due to being low and heavy. Thanks

[@judithwilliamshudson1744]

And wanna try more boondocking

[@AStreaminLife]

We've gotten close to being stuck in sand a couple of times and mud once but our 4wd truck got us out no problem. We would camp very differently if we didn't have 4wd!

[@VJD-15]

Remind me again, is it a 28’ or 30’? And lift the Airstream by how much?

[@AStreaminLife]

We have a 30'. We'd probably only lift it by 2-3" but anything would help when boondocking.

[@edwardyudkoff7137]

If Airstreams retain their value how did you save approximately $100 grand?

[@ATLJonathanH]

How do you manage without a robust Generator? Air conditioning?

[@AStreaminLife]

We can run our A/C on our Honda 2000 but try to never have to. We book hookups if we think it will get too hot or move to find cooler temps if possible.

[@bokehbabe]

I may have missed this, but what size would you have gotten?

[@AStreaminLife]

Probably a 25' if we did it over again but we love out 30'.

[@tao4409]

Diesel for sure, pre-2009; anything newer has that emissions garbage.

[@catemuegge8251]

How is it when it is below freezing? How do you keep pipes from freezing?

[@AStreaminLife]

We don't stay places very long if they are below freezing. The Airstream can handle nights. We just make sure the hose is unplugged. If it's cold enough we run the furnace which heats the underbelly and keeps the pipes from freezing.

[@martyemerick4687]

Great info!

[@AStreaminLife]

Thanks!

[@markhutzler4043]

How does the wifi work when you're boondocking somewhere?

[@AStreaminLife]

We use an unlimited verizon cell plan for our wifi when traveling. We talk more about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqYfayZeap4js0

[@pamelagood8077]

You two are adorable