2018 Airstream Colarado dilema

Personally I wouldn't give up on the airstream dream. I would however consider a different model. That particular model is more suited to a seasonal pitch based on size. It's a similar length to the big tabberts and hobbys that are popular on seasonal pitches and I'd consider it too much of a challenge for touring. 

We looked at a couple of smaller vans when the previous dealer was showing them and they were lovely. Still pretty big but far easier to tour with. 

This chapess has airstream permanently on her eBay watchlist. Ideally I'd like a 1960s globetrotter which I'd gut and refit to my own requirements. 

Andrew D does however have a much smaller single axle van, so does not have the same towcar  problems.  

A smaller model would be much easier in many respects, but of course does not provide the same amount of space.

The Colorado does appear to be a non-starter on all fronts in UK.

A big hefty Chevy, or as already mentioned, a Dodge Ram. Live the complete dream if you want to, you only get one life!

We saw our first ever Airstream being towed a couple of weeks ago. They are lovely, smaller than the Colorado though.

Yes there are always ways round something if you're keen to do it, Andrew Ds videos and the information he puts out are always interesting. His trips to the Hebrides are an example of enjoying life with a different sort of outfit and just doing it.

I couldn't agree more. His van is about 850kg lighter, 1.5m shorter and 21cm slimmer at 2.29m.

I've watched all of Andrew's vids (quite an inspirational guy TBH) and if he had owned an Airstream Colarado, instead of his 532, then his entire blog time would probably need to be replaced by constant trips to the body repair shop. I could not see a Colarado in the Highlands & Islands!

I'm sitting here with the new UK Airstream brochure on my lap, viewing the amazing shots of Airstreams in isolated locations next to American lakes and romantic-looking mountain ranges. It looks truly amazing.

This is a far cry from the pot-holed landscape of the NC500 or the traffic jams of the UK roads.

This is definitely not a van for UK usage.

I think the best thing for us to do is grab a visa; jump on a plane to the US and then hire an Airstream for a few months and see those actual sights as depicted in the UK Airstream brochure.

I've looked at the Dodge Ram range and they are gigantic. I've also read a few US Airstream forums and have found it interesting on how much thought goes into a pulling vehicle - lots! 

The Airstream Colarado (UK edition) is still a 6,000lb van and the Americans do seem to reject quite a number of Dodge, Ford and GMC vehicles as being unsuitable for the task.

The smaller Airstream is fine for UK roads but it's just the bigger ones that seem to have a few challenges.

Also, one of the points to us having a caravan-car combo is to see the local sights and a Ford F350 or Dodge Ram would be a right PITA to park.

Lots of compromises I think.

If I was a single fellow then I would probably copy Andrew, buy a small Airstream and stick a bike on the back of my Nissan Nivaro.

........but the missus insists on coming with me so I need that extra space.

Not to be rude but she takes a heck of a lot more space than Dougal and his dog ball thrower

Are you actually interested in this or do you feel that none of them are going to sell because you feel there is nothing that will tow them and you just want to point this out? If the latter there will be suitable tow vehicles and these type of vans will also appeal to people wanting to site a van for long term use, either as a holiday let or their own use.

Jay, the Caravan Club has done juat that and has cashed-in by purchasing a few large Airstreams and then placed them on 3 or 4 UK sites. They'll make a fortune I'm sure but the vans will never move in their lifetime. They are nothing but party pieces to make money.

I do like the 1960's Globetrotter - a very nice van indeed

All the best,

Andrew

I was honestly hoping for a bit of inspiration in terms of how to select a new MY18 vehicle but it seems much harder than first thought. I've checked out a secondhand RR Sport today (34,000 miles and circa £40K) but I'm not sure I want to buy something like that just to get my Airstream.

A shiney new Airstream deserved a shiney new car but.........?