I kept an Airstream in San Jose for years. Trailer park tip I learned was electric blanket. If you’ve got a power hookup, way less expensive that keeping the whole trailer warm overnight. Furnace when you get up. Easy on the propane and no heat pump noise.

@kathycrocker9420

2 жыл бұрын

Just a learning curve. You’ll make it fine

@kathleenbueter1272

2 жыл бұрын

Yours is a beautiful airstream. God bless you girl you are one gutsy girl to do this on your own. I envy you

@lbl9066

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea..

@veevee111

2 жыл бұрын

Mike Spray, I agree with you. I'm in a basement studio rental with a concrete floor for which I pay to heat, and yes, it really is cheaper to keep warm with an electric blanket than to warm the entire space. And I make a cocoon with a blanket underneath the electric blanket.

@therealsandraweise

Жыл бұрын

Such a great tip!

Sarah, Couple of suggestions from a full timer. 1) For when you have fhu or just electric, consider an electric blanket. Then you can just kick on your propane first thing in the morning. Plus you’re not hearing the heat go on and off all night. 2) for navy showers, put your shower head into a bucket until hot. Then you can use that water for your toilet. Most of us use the Oxygenics shower head. You do have to be quick with that truma. Consider switching to a combined shampoo/conditioner to speed things up! 3) when its cold and you’re disconnecting from water, on the assumption you have some water in your fresh tank, shut off your water pump when you go to bed, and depressurize the water lines…just open the kitchen/bathroom tap and once water stops, you’re good…it’s another safeguard against freezing temps. Sadly, Airstreams are definitely only 3 season campers. Keep it up, you are doong GREAT! So glad to see a surge protector and water pressure regulator! 👍💪

@NomadicSarah

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the awesome advice!!

Hey Sarah, fellow fulltime Airstreamer again...monitoring and managing electric power will always be necessary especially when boondocking. I have 400w of solar and had the same issues with charging until I learned how to allow the trailer to do what it can and cannot do and simply lived inside those parameters. I would seriously consider a good, lightweight generator as a a boondocking tool - Honda has the perfect one for an Airstream. Hang in there! You have a great attitude and I'm enjoying watching you blossom in to this new and exciting lifestyle.

@kingben7962

2 жыл бұрын

Blossom.

Sounds like you are learning alot, the learning never stops! Want to learn all you need to know? KZread is your Friend. Search, Search, Search. Welcome to the club. :)

You can do it Girl! Just the fact you are learning it all on you own is amazing. I'm older now and don't go camping anymore but when I was 18 my Father insisted I learn how to pull trailers. It WILL get easier with time. My last trailer was 32 ft. long. It intimidated me at first but I quickly over came my reservations. Tips: If you trailer starts to sway behind you be sure you use your hand brake to slow it down. Don't just slam on the brakes. I would get a different sewer hose. I would find one that has 2 smaller hoses that can be connected or broke apart so you have a single shorter hose if you are close to your sewer dump. Water hose, I would find one with heat tape already wrapped around it. I carried 2 water hoses. 1 short and 1 long. I also carried a little electric heater so I didn't use up my propane for heating my RV. I know storage is small so find out what you really need. I hope these little tips help you. I do envy you and I am enjoying your posts. You go Girl!

One nice thing about airstreams is the community. I had an uncle and aunt back in the ‘70s who lived in Greenville, SC or at least she did. He was an engineer who spent a lot of time out of country building dams and installing generators. When he retired he came home with a 24’ Airstream, listed his house and they set out. Just like that. They tagged along with an airstream group that travelled in convoy all over North America. He told me he could go to anyone in the group and they could point him to a solution or someone who knew what to do. They were on the road for about ten years before he passed away. They never stopped traveling until then. They stopped by my Mom and Dad’s house in Houston every now and then.

@scottcole568

Жыл бұрын

uncle sunshine?

You don’t need a pressure regulator on an airstream. It’s built into the trailer. I have a small electric space heater in my trailer for cold nights and it turns on no matter what the temp. I’m in Southern California most of the time and it does get below freezing a couple of times each winter. If all else fails, have a warm sleeping bag available and wear warm clothes to bed. If your battery went dead then there’s a problem with the charging system. If you have a lithium battery it will not charge below freezing. If you have a lead acid battery the battery life has been shortened by being completely discharged. If there’s room in your battery box and the charging system is okay then a second battery will give you more battery life when boondocking. The solar panel works best in direct sunlight. Without it there may not be enough electricity to keep up with the demand on the battery. The refrigerator is 12 volt and is drawing on the battery when in transit. You need to check if the wiring from your tow vehicle has a charge line (it should) to charge the battery off of the alternator while driving. Most trucks have this from the factory. SUVs that have been wired aftermarket may not. There’s quite a learning curve to RV living but once you’re approaching the top of the curve it’s really a good life! That’s a very nice trailer!

@electric69

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think all model have a built-in pressure regulator. When we picked up our 2021 Airstream 22fb last year, one of the accessories that the dealer gave us was a pressure regulator that attaches to the spigot before connecting the water hose.

To clarify on flushing black tank completely. Wait until black tank is 75% full or more. Close gray tank valve if open. Hook up black tank flush hose. Open black tank dump valve. Turn on flush hose. Let it empty completely until clear water flows out. Close black tank valve and let tank refill at least 50%. DO NOT EVER WALK AWAY FROM TASK AT HAND DURING THIS PROCEDURE. Open black tank flush valve open empty until water is clear. Close dump valve and IMMEDIATELY turn off flush hose. Disconnect flush hose. Your done and have a flushed out black tank. Open gray tank valve if you wish. If you have a tank full of gray water you can now drain that tank and flush out sewer hose. Never ever have the gray and black tank valves open at the same time. You do not want black water entering your gray tank. Now, go open that cold Beer.

@BuzzyStreet

Жыл бұрын

this is the single most important comment on this thread.

When in rainy wet times, you might consider a small dehumidifier to keep your TT safe from molding.... And you may want to put a coat or two of mold primer to to the wood to protect under the mattress.

One solar panel is about enough to keep your refrigerator running, not much more. If you want to boondock, you should think about lithium. To research power management, I highly recommend The Fit RV, the guy is a literal rocket scientist and has broken power management in RVs down in a number of his videos. Also, she is a fitness trainer and brings a completely different angle to RV life and keeps James’ technical brain in check. Also, my biggest concern was how fast you blew through propane. I am a full timer and propane lasts me months, even wintering in the north. Maybe the dealer was a jerk and didn’t sell it with the tank full, but please make sure you don’t have a leak. All the best.

@NomadicSarah

2 жыл бұрын

Hey there! My neighbor had the same reservations about the propane and very generously checked for leaks for me. He did not find any, so all is well there! Definitely considering a lithium upgrade for boondocking purposes. Thanks so much for your advice!

I agree with what Mike said... Electric blanket and I also use a space heater. I'll only use the furnace in the morning to quickly heat up the camper then let the space heater maintain it throughout the day if needed!

I don't know exactly how/from where you bought your Airstream, but typically if you buy from any kind of dealer, you get a long "walkthrough" of all systems. My advice (66 female person, owned a Winnebago mhome for 16 years some full time, some long travel, some short travel ... solo) ... is to "buy" a walkthrough from a dealer or another Airstream owner, i.e. pay for a person of experience to walk you through everything. I am guessing that your work days are stressful and you want to enjoy your new home and have fun with the deco without so much angst over operations. Anyway, my 2 cents :) Your videos are fun and I look forward to seeing you gain knowledge and have fun.

@theroadhome_Liz_Summers

2 жыл бұрын

@@largemarge1603 ??? I was NOT being critical of any seller. I am very surprised that after 2 days with an exceptional dealer, she had the issues that she had. I don't fault the dealer at all. And I do know that it has been some time since I was a newbie RVr, AND I am the daughter of a mechanical engineer, as well as although no RV experience we did have cruising sailboats. AND, as a mostly single person/homeowner I had a lot of experience with "house systems" before becoming an RVr at 50.

I had a big 36 ft Monaco Motorhome, it was a learning curve for me when my husband passed away, I drove it so that wasn’t an issue but learning about batteries, the hookups and everything else. Airstream is a great company and there should be help books online or a nearby dealership that you could talk to. I love your trailer and it makes me want to buy one

@markdemelo7221

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about your husband I hope you do end up getting something if that's what you love especially now that you've learned all that it's alot but rewarding to. God Bless & good luck

Sarah - honey you can so do this. Try to look at each new challenge as another step to becoming an ‘experienced’ RVer! There are TONS of ppl who will help you, answer your questions and help soothe your wounded spirit when it becomes overwhelming! Reach out to your neighbor or shoot out on social media and you will get help. I would think Airstream has a’ hotline’ too. Hang in there!

It will be rainbows and all good, Sarah. Be patient with yourself. Once you , get it, life will be so grand! I have been in my Airstream for ten years now and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sagittarians love to be nomadic and boy have I been around. I am a itinerant Sped teacher with a masters degree and became eligible for a US endorsement. Having summers off I have been to Lake Tahoe, the Redwoods, and so many memorable places. I collect postcards , met some of the most wonderful people, and have never looked back! Happy Travels

Love your videos keep em coming !

Your doing great 👍 keep us posted!

Can't wait to see all the awesome videos!!

You are conquering nomad life one day at a time. Have fun, a glass of wine, and celebrate something every day. That's what it's all about.

So excited for you!

You go girl I’m proud of you.

Awesome videos. Keep up your amazing attitude!

Congratulations! You made it!

Great channel! Very excited to follow along.

You got this! So looking forward to more videos. 💙

I’m so jealous! I’ve been watching Tails of Wanderlust when I came across your video. Caz, Jasper and napoleon and her travels in a Basecamp. I’m following your adventures.

@NomadicSarah

2 жыл бұрын

She's been a total inspiration to me!! Thanks for following!

... Nice job Ms Sarah .. Fun watchin' YA struggle .. TY .. Love Kelly .. !!!

Love that you are sharing with us, and taking in stride your downs, after all, they are learning curves.

I do it too. Excellent vid. 💚

I really enjoy your videos!

Hello, nice airstream! Be safe on your travels!!

You are so refreshing. Keep moving forward and you will get the hang of it all. Good luck to you and safe travels.

Love all the windows

Truly admire what you’re doing with this journey. I want to travel around in an RV when I retire

Your doing great! Keep your spirits up! Like you said it’s empowering to get thru the sticky stuff! Happy travels 😊

Sarah you are doing great ☺️👍

I’m glad I found you channel. It has inspired me not to give up when I experience these snags.

Every day a new adventure, stay strong and continue on your journey.

You've got this!

Thanks for your videos. Your so smart and independent. Love the videos.

I admire your willingness to live in the journey.

Congrats - makes sense to have a "home" - you are going to love it!

Stumbled across your channel. I have been considering taking this plunge. Lots of things to ponder! I can't wait to follow your journey in the mean time!

As per the shower situation: only turn the hot water on a quarter turn, not full blast. Then adjust cold to desired level. Turning the hot on full blast is why you run out in two seconds as it allows too much hot water through the line. Since it’s a small hot water heater you have to run a smaller amount through. This will give you a longer shower. Maybe 20 minutes or so. I used to live in an rv. Had the same problem. That’s the solution to it. Good luck!

I just started full-time rvng a month ago and you are right, it is a learning experience. Best of luck.

That is my DREAM RV! I am so proud of you! You go girl! ❤️

You'll get it all pretty soon. It gets pretty easy after you learn all the functions. Good luck to you.

From one Airstreamer to another well done. Our first rv 5 years ago it was definitely an adventure but it gets easier. Well done and enjoy your content

So proud of you 👍

Great vid. Thanks for keeping it real. Glad you're learning the ropes. You will be ready for boondocking in no time.

Yay, Sarah! It just gets easier from here, fingers crossed. Your doggo is super cute btw 😁

Welcome to the "Airstream Family" 1st Water pressure - should not be more than 55 psi 2nd Battery -you may want to switch in the future to Lithium. But you have 'phantom draw that can not be turned off. 3rd Solar- One panel is not enough to "live on". If you want to Boondock you will need more solar that you roof will not carry or have room for. It takes a lot of adjustments to "live" with just solar. You need to find out what your needs are. May want to look at suit case panels. 4th Dump - purchase a clear sewage hose adapter. That way you can "SEE" what's going down. A shorter hose may be better for your needs too. 5th keep only one propane take open at a time. At night check to see if you have enough fuel. If not. switch over to the other tank and fill the tank the next day. When running on propane and heat, you can average about 3-4 days on a tank. HINT-when opening a new tank, turn the knob sloooowly. There is a check-value inside. 5th Heat pump- Not sure what size your heat pump is but it will only make a 10-20 degrees different. (example 52 outside + heat pump = 62 degree inside) It does not work below freezing. 6th condensation is not your friend. If their is a great different between outside and inside you will need to keep a towel handy and remove it. Especially around windows and door. You can find a great resources on "Air forums" web site - please join and Welcome to the big world of Airstreaming. I have a 1982 Airstream- Traveled for 10 years from Alaska- Canada -East cost to West cost and now I live in Texas at a Airstream Park. I travel about 12,000 a year. Ginger

Well done Sarah, hi from New Zealand 😎

Hi, it's inspiring to see someone living their dream, dream close to our dreams. Good luck and lots of joy. thanks for sharing

Wow you go girl!! You got this love learning from you and congratulations on your new adventures to come.

I’m really enjoying your journey and can so relate as we first started a year ago next week. The initial learning curve on any RV is a bit steep but I feel like after about 15 nights it calms down. RV’ing improves your trouble shooting skills not to mention your patience. Can’t wait to see where you go next!

Hi Sarah, in no time at all you will be a pro! There are so many little things to learn about RV life but you got this! We don’t own an Airstream but we recently bout or 5th travel trailer and I am still learning new things all the time. The RV community can be so helpful and a great resource, looking forward to following your journey🙂

Wow Sarah, love your videos. I have been thinking of doing something like this. Great information for I haven't begun to think of the things u have experienced already. Cute dog also. Thanks for sharing and hope to see more of your trials in this new way to live for u.

I just saw your video and am so happy for you. Safe travels. Your videos are interesting, keep us informed on your adventure

Keep going girl! The more trials you have now, and the more you learn now, the easier it's going to be in the future. It will get to the point where you get it done without even realizing it. You got this!

Closing on a 22 globetrotter tomorrow, your videos are very encouraging. Nice job!

You are amazing and brave. I am so proud of you! You are resourceful and calm...I would be freaking out which is not helpful, but you remained calm, diagnosed the problem and successfully got your power back on! Kudos to your sweet neighbor for the heads up on the water...that would have been a huge headache...glad you avoided that one. You got this! Love and prayers, Jane from SC❤️🙏🏻

Hey great job, best of luck and I hope you have Many great travels and adventures. Can’t wait to see you in NJ.

You're a brave young lady. Stay safe.

Your Airstream also has a water pressure regulator installed into it.

I watched your video on February 26 and enjoyed it so much! Then I read your bio! Love it ! I am a Rad Tech also. Can’t wait to watch more adventures! Have fun be safe!

Good to hear about all these details! it is not as simple as it looks. Glad you have a positive attitude about it :)

You are such a sweetheart…enjoy your new rig…love your smile ;)

As a young truck driver. I feel you! It's a new lesson everyday out here on the road. Un spoken do's and don't. It scary at first but with the hard lesson and fun times. You look back an realize. It all was worthwhile. It takes alot of courage to head out on your own! You have my respect and support. Stay on it!! Doint give up!!😁

Being a new be is great,each day is an adventure. You will soon learn all that you'll need to know. Love your new Airstream and your Beautiful Dog. Good luck on your new adventure.

I have been thinking of buying the same model, so watching you struggle through this is interesting. Thanks for sharing.

You go girl!!!!

You are a trooper, thats for sure. Your vids will definitely help out anyone else doing it for the first time.

I started watching you when you went and picked up your airstream, you're doing a great job and learning about everything, it's only been a week so hang in there

I was smiling at your great attitude because that is the number 1 thing you need as an RVer. My husband and I have been there done that with the troubles you had. It is an adventure.

You’re my hero!

I am learning 100% from you. I have yet to do it alone , but I’m preparing to do RV quilting retreats . Quilting is my passion and i just want to have my own home on wheels , so thank you for sharing your journey , you certainly are an inspiration . Thank you & be safe .

Girl, you are the “bomb!” I’m so very proud of you! Yes, you are empowered and you will do very well in your Airstream and rv life. I’ve been with the rv community for 9 months. I recently traded my Winnebago in for a 2022 Thor Compass 23TW. Boy, am I starting over. And, yes, it is a learning experience no matter how long you’ve own an rv. The very best to you. I’m so excited for you and will continue to follow your journey. We can learn together!!🤗

I’m about to be a solo nomad too!! I pick up my toy hauler travel trailer next week!! I, so glad I found your channel. I’ll be starting mine soon!

Can't wait for the next video!!!!!! It's been 2 weeks!

you doing a great job!

Sarah, you're a brave soul. Much admiration! Thank you for your channel and videos; it helps future RVers, too! Regarding not having your batteries charged after a day of driving, I wonder if the main power switch was left on, in which case I would turn it off until you can get to "shore" power. Someone else mentioned making sure your car's alternator charges your trailer batteries while you drive. Good luck!

Your owners manual is a great source of information in print. Where you are posting to has tons of video info you can watch also. GL and have fun!

Sounds like ya got yer head wrapped around the crux of the biscuit. Ya seem to be in a great energy for your situation. Good luck, little lady!

Yeah I saw that they had put those tankless water heaters in the airstream, unfortunately they waste so much water just trying to get the hot water to start because it doesn’t come out hot right away so you waste so much water waiting for that heated water. until you have figured out a different way such as getting rid of that tankless water heater I would suggest you have a showerhead that has an on/off switch so that you’re not actually turning off the water you’re just stopping it from coming out and that way the water should remain hot. I’m not absolutely sure about that but I think that is how that would work. Anyway congratulations and it’s all gonna be great and proud of you so hang in there.

What a brave young woman you are. I used to move and travel a lot in my youth; restless spirit, I guess. I don't regret a minute of it! Youth is not to be wasted, it will be difficult when you age. Good for you, happy trails, my dear!

First of all you are so beautiful and honest. Thank you so much, I'm from Chile, planning to go to the states for a long time and live in some sort of travel trailer, so your videos are really helpful.

I bought a small round dehumidifier, no water to empty and for 19 years in my sewing barn. No mold no smelly anything. I also have a very small heater on 1 and they run when needed. I can’t believe how well that little machine works. Bought at an RV store.

we have a husky in our vintage RV Holiday Rambler based in the smoky mountains, Angel the husky loves her nature walks / learning the RV and having issues is normal, even in a brand new RV

We got a switch for our shower that turns the water off for just the shower head, so it keeps the warm water ready to go. I can look up the Amazon link if you are interested. Some shower heads have a partial off button, but it stays cold until you turn it back on all the way.

@NomadicSarah

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Kathy! That would be great if you could share the link. It seems that even when I use the on/off on the shower head it still turns the water heater off, so I'm not too sure if it will help my situation. But it's definitely worth a shot! Is your water heater tankless?

@kimhorton6109

2 жыл бұрын

What Kathy said. I even got one for my house shower and I think people on community water systems should do the same. Think what it could mean for city water use if everyone in the shower shut the water off while they soak up. It saves

you have an amazing attitude towards all this. super impressed, thanks for sharing. looking to buy an airstream right now and travel around usa to national parks for a good 6 months. super inspired by your journey

Thank you for sharing Sharing! I hope that any advice or experience I could share is not needed anymore 😀, and you got all the kinks ironed out. I’ll probably learn when watching the next videos.

Wow Sarah! You're doing a great job! I have always wanted the Airstream/Base Camp to travel with and camp and still may get one so this is encouraging to see you on your journey! I love your beautiful dog who is with you but wasn't there a guy with you at one point? So nice to see self sufficient woman doing it their own way! Travel safely and have fun!

You are doing great. I am just catching up on your channel, so pardon me lateness in watching and commenting. Your intro adventures remind me of my first pop-up camper some 26 years ago. Then our first travel trailer 11 years ago. Big learning curve for each, but it gets done and you are doing it. Now I am considering downsizing to a single axle Airstream. More adventures await! Thanks for sharing.

Just found your channel. Yeah it is a learning experience for sure. My wife and I bought a small travel trailer 2 years ago. We aren't full timers but all these things happen to everyone eventually. We did run our of propane one night and woke up super cold. We have had our outside hose freeze on an unexpected cold night luckily not the same night we ran out of propane so the inside plumbing was fine. Now we traded that and bought an RV and are kinda starting all over. This one has solar so we are learning that as well. Enjoy it and keep making great videos.

We are all excited for you. Great attitude! It will get easier. I am sure you will get lots of suggestions to make things easier. We use a little 15 dollar electric heater and it works great when we have hookups. We also have a water saver in the shower which recirculates the hot water so you don't lose it down the drain while you are shampooing etc. It will definitely get easier. You will be a pro and giving out advice yourself before you know it! Happy travels!

Finished watching & I've subscribed. I was in nursing service for nearly 40 yrs so I admire your zeal to live! Be safe, have fun & do your homework. Read your owners manual 😊

You should be so proud of yourself!!

You are fearless! This is why I am on my way to an RV Owner's Class. No RV purchased yet, but just want to being the process of learning what could happen.

You'll get the hang of things as u go along. Ive been in my trailer about a year now and blew fuses my first week and ran out of propane the first night lol. You'll become a pro in no time! Till then have fun and safe travels!!