So our search for an Airstream B190 began. The B190 was only manufactured between model years 1989 and 2000 and there were only about 1,000 sold. (We have this neat PDF that gives a brief history of the B190. We also recommend the B190 Enthusiasts forum.)
Some suggest that 1996 and earlier were better years. In 1997 they switched to the Triton V10 engine and the earliest example of those had issues. (I don’t know for a fact that this is true so don’t quote me or hammer me. These were just Internet rumblings I heard which informed my search.) Given the very specific make, model and years we were looking for, we hunkered down for an extended search. Turned out there was a 1996 model available, only 10 miles away. A few emails, a tests drive and $13k later, we welcomed Hugo into the family. (We call our B190 RV “Hugo”).
Why the name Hugo? Actually I don’t remember. It was The Woman’s idea. I’ve always thought that giving a name to something integral to your life was important. Not because I think it’s alive or has feelings, but since you’re going to end up referring to it multiple times a day in conversation a name makes it easier. “I’ll meet you back at X.” “X needs a bath.” “When is the insurance due for X.” It only makes sense to assign “X” a simple name. But I digress….
Our B190, Hugo, is a 1996 model based on the Ford Econoline E350 chassis. It has the 460 ci (7.5L) V8 engine and had about 48,000 miles. As part of the deal we got a brand new, on the shipping pallet Onan RV QG 2800 generator. (I know the reviews are poor and yes it is noisy. But it’s about the only thing that will fit in the B190 generator compartment.) The front seat fabric was torn and there was some water damage in the overhead sleeping area due to a cracked vent cover. But overall it was in pretty good shape and all the major stuff worked.
We cleaned it up, got a foam topper for a mattress, installed the generator, replaced the brakes, and started using it for some short excursions. Then the wheels in our heads geared up. How can we make it better!
B190 Expedition 
Do you guys sleep in the upper bunk? Just curious about weight load for bed.
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Yes we do. Between us and stuff we have stored up there (along the sides), I’d say it’s about 400 lbs.
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