New to Airstreams need help from experienced Airstream renovators/collectors

[megank]

Hello I am a 19 year old singer-songwriter and I am getting ready to purchase an old Airstream and turn it into a tour bus with help from my father. He is very good with this kind of stuff and I trust that the things I can't figure out how to do, he will be able to. I love to travel and I adore Airstreams, but don't have much knowledge on them. If anyone would be so kind as to give me information on what might be the best year and type to go for, what not to look for and what to look for that would be SO appreciated smile emoticon I am going for 1950s/1960s because from what I've read those ones will polish up to a mirror shine better? I love reading all the posts and can't wait to share my own pictures and trips with you guys.

[AWCHIEF]

First question, what is your budget?

[Janet H]

Welcome to the forum - lots of choices and lots to think about.

The oldest Airstreams have pipe frames that generally need a lot of rebuilding and so you might want to stay with the 1958 - 1968 age range to avoid some of these issues.

Next: really old comes with a higher price tag. Also typically smaller = more dough.

How will you use the trailer? I am a musician as well and take mine to summer festivals. It's often tough to park a longer trailer on festival grounds. How many folks will be staying in the trailer? 19 feet is great for one or two but if you have a band - it's not enough space.

Airstreams prior to 1974 have no gray water storage tanks. Give this some serious consideration as many venues have NO services for trailers. You'll need to be able to store used water. You can retrofit a gray tank in during a restoration but you have to plan for this....

Start reading - you have a great adventure ahead

[megank]

Thank you guys, I am wanting to spend around 5 for the trailer initially and prob 20 to renovate. I found a 67 sovereign do you guys know anything about those?

[BIGED52]

Megan, You have found a GREAT year for Airstream Trailers! (I may be a bit prejudiced on this!) My opinion may vary with others but the frameless curved glass windows really make the '66, '67, '68 trailers very special to own. It also means parts are harder to find. That being said I think that the middle range lengths might be better to travel with than the longer trailers. Ease of parking/towing but also if parks and RV parks will allow the longer trailers like the SOR (Sovereign Of the Road) you are looking at. The other side of the coin is a lot of interior room for the longer trailers. Main concerns for longer trailers are frame fractures and rear end separation due to length of trailer frame stressing behind the axles and floor rot due to leaks causing the body to separate from floor/frame assembly. But should you and your dad have the skill and ability to make it a solid and usable trailer for your needs then Go For It! Other than that ask as many questions here and show us lots of pictures of your concerns. You can also check the right hand column here to see if there is a Trailer Inspector in your area that can help you before you purchase to see what may be issues with the one you are looking at. This may save you some expense repairs after you buy your "NEW" trailer. Let us hear from you often and keep us up to date on your decision and any questions that come up as you restore/refurbish a new purchase to what you want it to be to serve your future needs. Also yes indeed a 1967 trailer has the right aluminum to be shined up very well. Hope this help you and good luck in your quest for a Airstream of your own! Happy Trails, Ed

[mandolindave]

Your budget mirrors how much money I put into my 20 footer.

But from what you said about " tour bus " I thought you were interested in a motorhome, not a trailer. For a few reasons, I think a small motorhome would be better for you.

#1 They are easier to drive, back up

#2 Easier to park at gigs. ( a tow vehicle and a trailer would end up needing at least a 35 foot parking spot.)

#3 Motor homes are safer as far as security at night. ( easier get away )

BTW.. I have recorded in my trailer. It makes a good vocal booth when you want privacy