In a message dated 12/13/98 10:37:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, jerry.mullikin@mci2000.com writes:

We don't want a real large unit since we will not be full timers. However, one thing is a must. An island bed. Tired of having to struggle to make a bed. A queen bed is not really necessary. A regular would do. I have looked at the Airstream home page and they don't have much in the way of floor plans showing right now. Maybe later. What is the smallest unit available with an island bed?

Jerry,

The smallest Excella with an island bed is the 28 footer. The smallest Safari with an Island bed is the 25 footer. I have a 27 Safari with an island bed.

The 27 has more amenities than the 25 -- but it is also substantially heavier. If price matters, the Safari is substantially less expensive (and lighter) than the Excella. You can pull a Safari with a 1/2 ton truck if it has the proper engine and axle. You probably could pull a 22 foot Safari with a short wheel base SUV, but you cannot get an island bed in a 22 footer.

My search led me to conclude that there are a LOT of "Streams" out there with twin beds -- perhaps the problem you describe is in part the reason for this.

Like yourselves, we did not want that bed arrangement. I ruled out getting the 22 foot Safari as soon as I saw the bedroom.

An Airstream dealer would provide you with a sales brochure with all the floor plans and specs (weight, fridge size, tank capacities). If a dealer does not have this info -- well find another dealer.

Once you look at the price of new rigs -- you may want to renovate the '63 -- if not, there are a lot of folks on this list that would buy it from you.

Good luck in your search,

Hartwell (and Polly)