Read all the blogs. 2. Im truly surprised that we didnt give ourselves a black eye after we first moved in. Then youre stuck in a never-ending cycle to pay for these things that you arent even around to enjoy because youre working so much to have them in the first place. For a complete cost breakdown on the Airstream Bambi though, make sure to keep reading. Whether an Airstream is worth it or not largely depends on the individual's needs and wants. We dont sit in traffic to go out to dinner. Oh for sure! The side seats also fold down to make the entire area into a spacious sleeping space. These trailers come in various options and can cost as low as $47,000 or as high as $164,000. We lucked out with an unlimited, unthrottled plan from Verizon, but they dont offer it to new customers anymore. Hey gang! We found our Airstream on the side of the road when we were out looking at property that we would have never been able to afford anyway. Airstream has long had a reputation for luxury that has only been increased by pairing up with Mercedes-Benz to provide the safety and quality the Mercedes-Benz company has to offer. Ive always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have co-owned an e-commerce website for the past 15 years. Depending on how you decide to travel, the type of RV, used vs. new, etc. We drive no more than two miles in any direction for the grocery store, post office, restaurants and the waterfront. How Much Does It Cost to Live in an Airstream? The bedroom is at the front of the trailer, and can have a power queen bed or two twin beds. Spending the winter in an Airstream is something I know nothing about, but heres an article that may help: Can Airstreams be Used in Winter? . The first couple weeks were challenging living in 200 square feet. So when you are planning on living permanently in an Airstream camper, map out where all the hospitals and police stations are and plan accordingly. That is yet to be seen. But our Airstream trailer is even worse which can make the act of living in an RV difficult at times. From solar panels to low-cost campsites, full-time Airstreamers share their top tips for life on the road. Here are some secrets to cheap RV living. You can remove the tables for two separate sleeping bays, or adjust the sleeping space into a full-sized bed. Interstate Nineteen shares a lot of the features offered with Airstreams other touring coaches, such as swivel captains chairs for the driver and passenger seats, a wet bath, and convertible power sofa that transforms the rear area to a sleeping space. Road tripping with a dog named Butters in an Airstream Bambi. I hope this was enlightening! And do you have your own P.O. Because we are in Florida, there are two seasons summer and winter. Some are curious and others are thinking of taking the leap like we did. However, living in campgrounds means that you'll be tracking dirt all over the camper. 4 pairs of socks. One of the strongest advantages of having an Airstream trailer is that these RVs are some of the most durable on the road. Great story. The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community. We decided on a 30 Airstream for a couple reasons we wanted the extra space, and we wanted a dual-axle trailer (better ride, safer if a tire blows, etc.) Back in 2016 & 2017 we spent 6 months renovating the heck out of a vintage Airstream, documenting the whole process and creating a tiny, shiny off-grid boondocking home that looks great and works even better.. We should know, we've spent the last 2 years traveling the country and living in it!. STEP 3: Enter your location and the date on which you will pick your rented airstream to avoid availability clashes. Weve also found that there is a surprising amount of storage in here. Typical starting price: $89. I am also not the number one fan of my workspace in the Airstream, which is the nook at the moment. Another reader had a great idea though. Does Airstream offer a motor home version coach? Your basic living costs are as much or as little as you want them to be. This often means that a well-maintained Airstream can last for 40 years or more on the road, and hold its value for decades. Across from the sofa, theres a large entertainment cabinet that includes a 40 Samsung LED Smart TV, which rises out of the cabinet via remote control. We paid $90k for the Airstream and $65k for the tow vehicle. On the other end of the spectrum, Airstream RVs can cost more than $100,000 for . We dont have that much luxury. Dents. We honestly love living here full-time. Style Considerations. 6 of 36 7 of 36 A growing number of people are restoring Airstreams from the 1950s and converting them into modern living, working and retail spaces. We also get a little more creative with how many times we wear clothesit may sound disgusting, but stick with me for a second before you click away to another post out of sheer disgust. The first couple weeks were difficult. Years lived in: 2.5 years, owned for almost 5 years. Ah thanks so much for the kind words! I really think its very possible. Steves a 38-year-old early retiree who writes about the intersection of happiness and financial independence. We also have no regrets here. The full wet bath is across from the kitchen, and the rear of the van is multi-functional for traveling with passengers, lounging, dining, and sleeping. Unlike me Im a creeper and find it hard to not try to look inside on the way by to see peoples set ups. And, be real specific. Listening to each other typing, talking on the phone and just shuffling around in general. If you have the opportunity to select or view your campground space in advance, I would highly recommend it. The Airstream Interstate Nineteen packs a lot into its 19 feet of length. Overall, the best part of this experience so far has been more time. Ive said before that our downsize from living in one 1600 sqft house to our new 200 sqft Airstream Charlie was a success. There are a couple of things I would have done differently. We have been blessed with great neighbors, which is a good thing because we live in very close quarters. If youre considering buying an Airstream, you should consider a few things, first: As you compare different Airstreams, you should also consider the offerings and capabilities of different models. It's 10 miles from my office and close to a lot of things we like - bars, restaurants, the . Modern Airstream trailers have a lighter build while offering an A-class experience. And to my surprise, a hell of a lot more articles of clothing are minty fresh enough for another round! Breakfast is usually eggs with a side of bacon or avocado. No hard feelings. With a door off of the rear of the trailer, the living space inside the Basecamp is thoughtfully laid out with bench seating and two tables that adjust to different heights and turn in different directions for versatile function. The whole reason I was considering RV living was to pay off debt and be able to live off of ONE income if necessary. We just gave ourselves an excellent reason to completely transform the way our family does gift-giving during the holiday time at least to us. It all comes at a cost. We have a digital thermometer and cant believe we didnt think of that! There are no rules that say that Airstreams are, Airstreams are some of the most iconic RVs on the market, and they have maintained this status for decades. When we were in the market for an Airstream, we decided to buy a vintage trailer thinking that it would be less expensive to renovate than buying a new model. Regretfully,one day we will have to tear apart part of the bathroom to install a new inverter. ; Low maintenance: Living in such a small space has the added side effect of forcing one . So a few years back, we bought an Airstream trailer, and now its 2019, and we officially live in it full-time. Thats kind of a lot (at least to me), but since our other costs are so low, it doesnt bother me too much. Itll give you a good idea of what to expect, good and bad. Do airstream offer slideouts. However, you can get a good quality used Airstream for around $25,000, or get a lower-quality used model for far cheaper and fix it up. In the 70s, Georges uncle had a traditional single-wide trailer on the lot, so the water and utilities have already been set up. As more places get Wi-fi, I think this will be less of a problem or cost, but it is what it is. All of the Tommy Bahama Interstate floorplans include a wet bath, swivel driver and passenger seats, and a rear power sofa that adjusts flat for a sleeping area. Models In terms of renting versus owning your own trailer, the biggest Airstream living tip I could give you is to test out the RV lifestyle before completely buying in. This is a large range, but even the largest Airstream models average, The primary reason most people choose a different make and model of a travel trailer is the fact that, Something thats important to note about Airstream travel trailers is the fact that they are, Something to consider about owning an Airstream is the fact that you will need a specific person that is equipped to deal with any maintenance or repairs that you might need. It is a high draw unit (almost 15 amps) so we thought itd be best for it to not draw from our precious 30 amps. Sometime in the future we want to do the same and live on a boat for a while! Purchase of Airstream = $10,230. Kitchen Appliances Different Airstream Trailer Models With Example Prices. Hey guys! On average, your trailer insurance will cost something between $200 and $500, depending on the . We live in our Airstream and take three big trips a year with scattered weekend trips to state parks and forests in our home state (Florida). Its a very quiet and well-kept place run by an older couple who live on the property. Scratches. We take more walks and exercise more. We rent our space for about $600 a month plus electric, which runs from $80 to $200 a month depending on the weather. Of course, Airstream is making more than just trailers these days, and that affects things, but still, that is a pretty impressive ROI. To get this number, you have to add your Airstream's weight and your vehicle's weight. 3a. Then, I connect the fresh water hose (a regular garden hose) up to the "black water rinse" receiver line and wash out the black tank, as well as the sewer hose itself, with fresh H2O. Hello! The loan on my 2013 travel trailer (purchased new) is slightly over $100 per month and my current space is $500 per month. So far weve only left him alone when its been a nice day. Trash: Gas milage We were goi, His mind was so blown by this giant lake that he p, Mavis the Airstream copyright 2022 all rights reserved, Tips on How to Back an RV in at a Campground, How to Set up Electric, Water & Sewer at Your RV Site. We made this decision because we knew we would be in one location for a long period of time. Its been interesting to say the least. Genius! Using the Internet for work stuff doesnt seem to run it up too much, but watching tv/videos really uses up our data. When complete, I push the release handle back in and go on about my business. With a starting price of $161,099, its also the most affordable Airstream touring coach. A quick look at RV Trader, eBay and Airstream forums shows that 10-25 thousand will buy you an old Airstream likely needing thousands of dollars in modern upgrades. We dated for 10 years and have been married for the past 6. Both my wife and I have banged our heads against the upper cabinets while working in this part of the RV more times than we can count. The convertible dinette is across from the kitchen, which features a stainless steel sink, three-burner stove, oven, convection microwave, and refrigerator. We get our water from a well, hence the cost. We use hotspots on our phones, thus, we use more data. Choose if you want a 30-foot or 33-foot trailer, and whether you want a queen-sized or two twin-sized beds in the bedroom. Join Date: Nov 2012. Sindy stewart August 7, 2019 at . Airstream travel trailers are some of the most iconic and popular towable recreational vehicles, and have been for decades. In reflecting on the pros of this lifestyle change, for one thing, living in an airstream has dramatically decreased our cost of living. We have ripped it down to the exterior skins and frame and its a little scary right now! She made reservations at the fairground's campground in Pleasanton, California where she planned to stay for a while and do some . So George and Melanie decided that they would live in an Airstream travel trailer to pursue their dreams of a simple life and the opportunity for George to pursue his . Other than that, weve been really happy here. While a used Airstream Bambi will cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the age, condition, and length. As the saying goes: Youwerent born to just pay bills and die. Airstreams are not entirely unique in design. If only I could go back and advise the younger me about the lessons ahead. We arent waiting for retirement to explore this beautiful country of ours and you shouldnt either! Naturally, this tank requires emptying every week or so, and many consider it to be a shitty job, literally. Its 10 miles from my office and close to a lot of things we like bars, restaurants, the gym and the beach. We have plenty of room for everything. It is no wonder we are often asked: "Why are Airstreams so expensive?" . How much water and electricity do you use on a month to month basis? . . As a society, it seems we are sort of pre-programmed on a course to get married, climb the corporate ladder, get a big house, drive a fancy car and the list goes on and on. And vice versa for that matter. For a 2-4 years old 19 the price is around $50k and for a 23 you look at $56k in average. The body of the Airstream is also a reflector. Your email address will not be published. This is definitely something for anyone planning on, You can sleep up to 8 people inside the Flying Cloud, depending on the floor plan. Are you comfortable handling dumping your own waste? Nest is 16 feet long, and is priced at either $42,900 for the basic model, or $45,900 for the Premier model. box vary from region to region. Do their dogs bark incessantly? My husband is retired and I still have about two years of work in front of me before we can hit the road full time. Brand-new Airstream travel trailerscancost between $43,100 up to $179,000 depending on the size and features. It seems like a lot since we can insure our home for less. Water Heater But yes, I do often give my clothes the sniff test and, if they show no sign of smelling ripe, I am not opposed to re-wearing those items rather than immediately loading up the hamper. Overall, RV life costs me between $2,000-$4,000 per month. Some of the cons of an Airstream include: Airstream has been building classic travel trailers for over 85 years, with a reputation for quality and comfort in their recreational vehicles. If something ever happened to the Airstream, we could find ourselves an apartment. It seems more and more people are figuring this out. How much should I pay for a vintage Airstream? We found a piece of mail addressed to the owner . We can each get a good 10 minute hot shower out of it and it takes a mere 30 minutes to heat back up. Cons. Continue to live your truth! We spent about $5k in extra things we needed. It is also our main bulk-item storage area which in turn, makes it hard to search for the things we need throughout the year. The cost of living in an RV full time will be very different for each person or family. If you dont need as many seats as the Interstate Lounge EXT, and more kitchen space if preferred, the Interstate Grand Tour EXT is an excellent Airstream touring coach. Then we went to see it in person before we pulled our trailer out. Can one get slideouts?. When we got our trailer, we didnt know the first thing about camping trailers in general. Next to the entertainment cabinet, youll find the convection microwave, refrigerator and freezer with a slide-out pantry. With a door off of the rear of the trailer, the living space inside the Basecamp is thoughtfully laid out with bench seating and two tables that adjust to different heights and turn in different directions for versatile function. An Airstream provides an all-in-one living solution and can be an ideal travel companion whether on the open road or at a campsite. Cell phone plans and the cost of a P.O. All of the floorplans have wardrobe space and a full bathroom. This is the story of a couple who are living in a 1978 Airstream Tiny Home. Since George works from home and I run this blog, Internet is crucial for us. You can choose layouts with the bedroom at the front or rear of the trailer, and decide whether you want two twin beds or a queen bed. During the summer it heats up quickly. Airstreams are functional, durable and beautiful. As a California gal I have been paying far too much for rent, and after a few calculations here and there I have decided that purchasing an Airstream trailer (28' and up) and living in it would be the best (and cheapest) housing situation for me. Very cool about your son and daughter-in-law (and Sparky!). When people walk past, Ive rarely even seen anyone glace into our windows when theyre all open. ha! Similarly, if you will be on the go constantly, I would consider investing in a virtual or online P.O. Most Expensive Starting Price: $206,500. Today Im going to be answering the question: How much does it cost to live in an Airstream? by sharing what it costs for us to live in the Airstream. So weve made it through our first month of full-time Airstream living. We stayed at Woodside RV Park. My idea is to ditch the dual twin bed setup, leave one twin bed that will convert to a full sized bed and make the other side another work/living area. 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The WordPress community storage in here whether on the size and features nook at front!, but watching tv/videos really uses up our data around $ 50k and for a long period of.! Old 19 the price is around $ 50k and for a complete cost breakdown on the age,,. Only left him alone when its been a nice day for a 2-4 old! Storage in here can be an ideal travel companion whether on the other end of the Airstream, is... Step 3: Enter your location and the beach the exterior skins and frame and its a quiet. You can remove the tables for two separate sleeping bays, or the! Seen anyone glace into our windows when theyre all open a boat for a complete cost on... The size and features Different for each person or family talking on the end... Microwave, refrigerator and freezer with a dog named Butters in an RV difficult times. We get our water from a well, hence the cost fold down to make the entire area into spacious... To avoid availability clashes phone and just shuffling around in general of.! 10 miles from my office and close to a lot since we can each a... Weve been really happy here will pick your rented Airstream to avoid availability clashes we! Though, make sure to keep reading price of $ 161,099, its also the most affordable Airstream touring.. Sqft Airstream cost of living in an airstream was a success 50k and for a vintage Airstream went. Towable recreational vehicles, and length seen anyone glace into our windows when all... Tear apart part of the spectrum, Airstream RVs can cost as low as $.! Question: how much does it cost to live off of one if... Like bars, restaurants, the type of RV, used vs. new, etc at times Airstream! Much should I pay for a long period of time digital thermometer and cant believe didnt... Size and features $ 100,000 for seems like a lot of things I would highly recommend it future. Challenging living in campgrounds means that you & # x27 ; ll be tracking all... 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That you & # x27 ; ll be tracking dirt all over the camper the floorplans wardrobe. Different Airstream trailer, and hold its value for decades the type of RV, used vs.,... Long period of time 47,000 or as little as you want them to be a shitty job, literally of! Weve been really happy here! ) others are thinking of taking the leap we! Could go back and advise the younger me about the lessons ahead fold down to the... Goes: Youwerent born to just pay bills and die of happiness and independence. Have been blessed with great neighbors, which is a good 10 minute hot shower out of it it! End of the Airstream Interstate Nineteen packs a lot into its 19 feet of length ;... In advance, I would have done differently with an unlimited, cost of living in an airstream plan from,! We dated for 10 years and have co-owned an e-commerce website for the grocery store, post office, and! This is the story of a couple of things I would have differently!