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utee94 · 02-21-2013, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtTim

As for people knowing more about airstreams, not so much in this area. I've been sharing my
Obsession with friends family and my partner and none of them understand why I would want some "trashy old camper." I'm hoping the owners of hat trailer don't know what they have.

Heh, I think you're lucky. In my part of the world, vintage travel trailers are being scooped up and converted into food trailers that are seen all over town. So everyone seems to know about them-- which is cool-- but the flipside is that everyone thinks their rotted out hunt camp is worth $15,000!

I had to buy a trailer from a family in Georgia and drive to Mobile, Alabama to pick it up in order to get a reasonable price.

Anyway, happy hunting and good luck! I you get a chance, take some pictures and post them up here. We can probbly tell you the make, model, and factory of origin within a few minutes.

-Marcus

bimpy · 02-21-2013, 09:42 AM

Here's another idea which I used when I purchased my 74 Ambassador. I was driving along about 100 miles from home when I saw an AS in a driveway. It had no for sale sign in it. I stopped and knocked on the door and no one was home. I left a note in this fellow's mail box with my name, address and phone number and the time of day which I had stopped at his house. The next day he called me saying the trailer was indeed for sale. One day later I bought my first AS!

Foiled Again · 02-21-2013, 10:19 AM

Yes you should always leave a note or a card if no one is home. HOWEVER, don't leave it in a mailbox unless you put a postage stamp on it, and then manually cancel it by drawing through it in ink. Believe it or not, it's a Federal offense to put anything in a mailBOX that isn't proper U.S. Mail. On a weird technicality, you can put it THROUGH a mail slot and onto the floor of the entryway. (It's the government, don't ask me to explain ANY of the rules!)

A perhaps better ploy is to carry a fairly large format post-it pad and put your information on the door of the house.

Definitely be low key - and if you do meet someone who's not ready to sell, just ask them to keep your information IN the trailer in case anything changes. (It can change in 2 weeks once they have a "no sweat" buyer.)

Happy hunting. Paula

aircooled4 · 02-27-2013, 04:41 AM

Ive always been one to go to the door and ask... for me its kinda fun! I like talking to people...anyone actually.. AND always leave your name and number even if they say 'no' now... they still may call you next week!

Sheldon · 02-27-2013, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtTim

What's the protocol for spotting trailers parked in fields? I saw an old airstream in a field about 3 miles from my home. It clearly has been there a while. I was tempted to stop and knock on the door of the house nearby.

I also saw a gorgeous old silver streak in someone's driveway. Obviously a trailer they use but nice eye candy.

Don't hesitate to stop and ask. Even if not "for sale" airstream owners love to talk about them.
REMEMBER: THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS "NO", UNTIL YOU ASK THE QUESTION.

aireseneca · 04-22-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJtoNC

well? did you knock!? did ya buy?

Me too! The suspense is killer!

Sprouty · 04-25-2013, 09:37 AM

I just picked up a 1973 Argosy 24 ft that was sitting on a proprety with a major road going right by it. The land was for sale and no one lived there so I contacted the realtor that told me it was not for sale but pased my info on anyway. I week or so later I get a call form the owners son telling me they thought it was time to let it go and now it sitting at my house. Just never know untill you ask.

VtTim · 04-25-2013, 10:09 AM

I have not knocked. I don't think it's in the cards for me to own an airstream right now. I do have a lead on a nice little '64 Shasta that is in good shape and within my price range. I'm giving up on shiny aluminum for now, but I'm still looking for Vintage. But I'm not leaving entirely. I still enjoy lurking around the forums and drooling over the classifieds.

blickcd · 04-25-2013, 10:24 AM

Back in the day when my wife was my girlfriend and we hadn't yet found our Airstream, we used to often drive by a house with an old Midas class A motorhome parked in the front yard with a For Sale sign on it.

After a while the sign was gone yet the motorhome was still there. At that point we were ready to buy an RV of some kind so we figured we'd have nothing to lose by knocking on the owner's door.

They were nice enough and let us look through the motorhome, which they had given up on selling. We did not make an offer. It was being used for storage so was full of junk, the motor had not been started in years, and the plumbing was winterized. Considering all that they still wanted over 10k for it. Had it been ready to inspect and test drive, who knows what would have happened.

My point being, go ahead and knock on the door.

hollybeth · 05-03-2013, 11:19 AM

I'm a Realtor & when I first started in my current office almost 5 years ago my broker had 1.5 acres with an Airstream on it listed for $25,000. I can't remember what year it was, but I remember it was ALL original & in fantastic condition! When I began my own search a few weeks ago I had my broker call him to ask if it was still for sale. He had sold it...I'm still kicking myself!

hollybeth · 05-03-2013, 01:08 PM

Turns out, he has another Airstream for sale! I'm gonna go look at it this afternoon. I think it will help in figuring out what I want/don't want when it comes time to actually purchase my own!

VtTim · 02-02-2014, 07:35 AM

I was killing some time today and looking at stock photos of Airstreams and I found a picture of the trailer I see rotting in the field not far from my house. She's probably no good for anything but parts. From what I gather, she's been in that field for 20+ years. Here's a link to the photo
Vintage Airstream Travel Trailer Stock Image - Image: 31963641

SARGE/AF · 02-09-2014, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtTim

I have not knocked. I don't think it's in the cards for me to own an airstream right now. I do have a lead on a nice little '64 Shasta that is in good shape and within my price range. I'm giving up on shiny aluminum for now, but I'm still looking for Vintage. But I'm not leaving entirely. I still enjoy lurking around the forums and drooling over the classifieds.

I would not be too quick to give up, after all how do you know the price is out of your range if you have not ask, it could be free. I don't know about your area but around here with so many out of work most of the old cars, trucks, campers, and scrap of any kind is being hauled off to the scrap yards in droves. So I would take the chance and knock on the door you may just find that rare find and have a diamond in the rough. I recently found an AS and 2 Avions sitting in fields near me and as soon as I can I am going to go ask about them. Also seen a couple of cars that I may try to get ahold of too. As far as the mail box, leave a note in an envelope no stamp required, that law only applies to US Post Office boxes not private boxes.

Sarge