Deciding to trade in our beloved Airstream was not easy. We fell hard for that iconic, gleaming trailer — the timeless design, the classic shape, and yes, the admiring “ooohs and aaahs” it drew everywhere we went. It was more than just a trailer; it was part of our identity, especially since my children’s books were centered around Airstream travels.
We loved our Airstream. But after lots of thought and debate, we realized it was time for a change — to prioritize comfort, practicality, and versatility for the way we RV now that we’re retired and wintering in Florida each year.
Here’s what tipped the scales for us:
More Room with a Slide-Out: Our new rig has the extra space a slide-out provides, opening up the living room and offering conversation seating for visitors.
Walkable Roof with Ladder: This makes maintenance easier and gives us peace of mind, especially with solar panels.
Less Worry About Hail Storms: The Brinkley’s build offers better protection, so hail anxiety doesn’t stress us quite as much.
Eye-Level Storage: No more awkward bending or climbing a step stool to reach things — convenience matters.
Separate Bathroom with a Real Door: More privacy and comfort — plus a much roomier shower. We never cared for the Airstream’s split-shower layout.
Upgraded Solar & Boondocking Capabilities: We’re excited to visit more Harvest Host locations and explore off-grid camping.
Better Insulation & Double-Pane Windows: Essential for Florida stays. The added insulation also reduces campground noise.
More Comfortable Seating: Dual recliners and a sofa bed mean we can relax and entertain guests more comfortably.
Sleek & Modern Design: We didn’t want to lose the modern aesthetic we love — and Brinkley delivers.
Same Footprint: Our new Brinkley is exactly the same length as our International 30, so it fits in the RV garage we had custom-built for the Airstream. This clinched the deal!
But it’s not all sunshine and roses…
We’ll miss the iconic look of the Airstream — that head-turning, jaw-dropping trailer that always drew compliments. And let’s face it… we’ll miss the cool factor.
And, we don’t yet know how the towability and gas mileage will compare. The Airstream was light and aerodynamic; our new home on wheels is more than a foot taller and noticeably heavier. We expect it to be a bit thirstier on fuel.
At the end of the day, this switch is about embracing the next phase of our adventures — where comfort, function, and a little extra room make both the journey and the time spent living in an RV even better.
We’re gearing up for our first adventure, which begins today! Take a sneak peek at our (still-unnamed) Brinkley in the photos below.
We’re excited to share this new chapter with you — and, as always, we’ll be honest about what works (and what doesn’t) along the way.
Here’s to new wheels and new memories! 🚐 ✨
Here we tow!
—Major Airhead and Libby
Recent Comments