Argosy compared to Airstream

[lahrfarm]

I was looking at an Argosy for sale local. I am wondering what is the value compared to an equal AS? The one I saw seems like a good deal but I have'nt looked at Argosy before.

[nick6930]

Generally speaking 70's Agosy Trailers go for slightly less than a comparable AS. However, they are built just as well and offer similar options. The main difference is an Argosy was painted (which can be stripped off) and the end caps are made of galvanized steel. Like all AS products check for floor damage near the door, the front corners and the rear.

Good luck

[overlander64]

To nick6930's information, I would add that Minuets have developed something of a following, and they often come closer to matching the value of similar age and size Airstreams. Many of the 6.0 Metre Minuets have one feature that is unique to the line and that is an aluminum composite floor so floor rot isn't a major concern.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[jjustice]

lahrfarm

We have a '78 27ft Argosy (see jjustice in registry) which we rehabbed inside out. The cost was a bit less expensive than a similar size AS but it is not silver and to many that makes the difference. The official WBCCI club would not recognize Argosy as an official AS product but this has changed (as it has with many things). We got everything we wanted plus some because Argosy were the experimental side of AS and one will see innovations in the Argosy before they were available in the AS side. We overpaid for our Argosy due to new and stupid to the AS game but it has all come out in the wash and we are happy with it. It was shown in the Blue Beret in the November, 2010 edition under the Vintage section and we are proud about that. jjustice

[Ganaraska]

Around here Argosys are about 1/3 less than Airstreams. $4000 to $4500 vs $6000 and up.

The Argosy is a well made trailer but lighter and cheaper than the Airstream. Personally I like the Argosy and wouldn't feel a bit underprivileged to own one.

Another Argosy advantage is they are almost all small models around 22 or 24 feet, small Airstreams are hard to find and sell for a premium price. So if you want a small Airstream an Argosy may be easier to find, and lower in price to boot.

[loudruff]

Originally Posted by overlander64

To nick6930's information, I would add that Minuets have developed something of a following, and they often come closer to matching the value of similar age and size Airstreams. Many of the 6.0 Metre Minuets have one feature that is unique to the line and that is an aluminum composite floor so floor rot isn't a major concern.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

Our 6.7 m. Argosy Minuet ('78) also has the aluminum floors. Happy hunting!

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by Ganaraska

Around here Argosys are about 1/3 less than Airstreams. $4000 to $4500 vs $6000 and up.

The Argosy is a well made trailer but lighter and cheaper than the Airstream. Personally I like the Argosy and wouldn't feel a bit underprivileged to own one.

Another Argosy advantage is they are almost all small models around 22 or 24 feet, small Airstreams are hard to find and sell for a premium price. So if you want a small Airstream an Argosy may be easier to find, and lower in price to boot.

Really the only thing that's lighter about a non-Minuet Argosy over an equivalent-length contemporary Airstream is due to the level of equipment that was standard in the Airstream. Now the Minuets, with a bit narrower floor and aluminum cabinetry, should be significantly lighter at the same length.

And no, I don't feel the least bit underprivileged... I get to spend just as much as everybody else to keep mine ready for travel!