Greetings Jgriffith!
Welcome to the Forums!
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Also, what is the smallest argosy model? I have heard about an allusive 18' model. Does it exist? If so, when was it made?
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The smallest regular production model for the Argosy was the Minuet 6.0 Metre produced from 1977 through 1979 - - it is normally titled/sold as a 20', but is actually 19' 3". Not only is it a short trailer it is also 8" narrower than the standard trailer line.
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I have been told that the "round argosy" was built from 1972-1980.
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The starting year is correct (would most likely have been titled as 1973s). I am less certain about when the "round argosys" were discountinued - - my impression was later than 1980, but can't find that information in my notes.
I own both a '64 Airstream Overlander International, and a '78 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre. Each coach has its own unique character - - in great part due to the difference in ages; but both are quality units that are still quite comfortable. The only real quirk that I have encountered with my Minuet has been its composite aluminum floor - - the rivets prevent utilizing sheet vinyl or tile products for the floor covering - - the options boiled down to either carpeting or laminate floor coverings.
Purchasing an Argosy doesn't entail any inspection techniques drastically different from those for an Airstream. Since the coaches are painted, exterior dents and blemishes will be much easier to remedy; but a quality repaint can approach the cost of polishing a similar-sized Airstream when professionally done. Just be aware that the side windows on Minuets may be acrylic rather than glass (thought to have been an experiment in weight savings); the "wing windows" are tempered glass as are the front and rear windows (at least in my 6.0 Metre); and on the 6.0 Metre Minuet the floor will likely be an aluminum composite rather than wood. Other than the experimental features, most appliances and engineering basics were shared with the Airstream line - - there was typically a slightly lower level of standard equipment - - such as the air conditioner prep-package was an option on my Minuet according to documentation with my coach.
Minuets were available in three sizes - - 6.0 Metre (19' 3" Titled as 20') - - 6.7 Metre (22') - - 7.4 Metre (24'). The 20' and 22' Minuets are single axle coaches while the 24' is a tandem axle coach. Outside of the 1977-1979 time frame, there were standard coaches of similar lengths that would be of standard width rather than the narrower Minuet width. I believe that the longest of the "round" Argosys was the 30' model, but it is possible that it might have been a 32'
Good luck with your search!
Kevin