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12-12-2007, 10:27 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Wellington
, Nevada
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 66
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Whats the most desirable Airstream models and why?
OK, as a new guy looking for an Airstream, I would like to know which ones are the most desirable and who. Also, is there such thing as a modle thats alemon or ones to stay away from?
I am doing some reading and I have read that the center bath models are more desirable? Also I have seen posts on older ones like Flying clouds,. ect.
I am on thye hunt for a trailer but dont want to buy one if its on the list to be carefull of or check certain items on certain ones. I also dont want to buy one, only to stumble across a more desirable one in a month after learning more info.
Thanks for any healp with some informaiton. I am looking for a longer one in the 28 ft to 32 ft range.
I have my eye on a gutter 69 28 ft Ambassador that is for sale. Any pitfalls to these?
Thanks
Dave
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12-12-2007, 10:34 PM
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#2
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Site Team
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,936
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Hi and welcome.
Desireable is in the eye of the owner. In general, the shorter and older the trailer, the more collectable it is. However, older trailers, especially really old ones need restoration or rehab work.
Some of the longer trailers made during the early to mid 70's (28 feet and above) were somewhat under engineered and may be prone to rear end seperations, sometimes called tail droop.
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12-12-2007, 10:38 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of
, Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
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we have a 25' 69 and love it, wouldn't trade it for the world (ok so maybe, but unlikely). Its our favorite year for interior of the 60's and 70's. I guess it depends on each person's tastes!
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12-12-2007, 10:45 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1973 23' Safari
1977 23' Safari
2018 25' Flying Cloud
Palmer Lake
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,092
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You pick the length based on your intended Airstream lifestyle, with one exception. You have to worry about shell separation (frame sag) in the longer models--just be careful to inspect carefully this aspect of anything over 25'.
I thought the shorter the better and I love my Caravel, but after 7 years of experience in a Caravel (18') and Overlander (27'), I finally opted for the shortest thing I could find with two axles (a 23' Safari). Two axles definitely tow better and 18', although fine for one person, gets real cramped after a week or two with two people.
Zep
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12-12-2007, 11:10 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
1994 34' Excella
1978 31' Sovereign
Mansfield
, Georgia
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 275
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Every Airstream owner has their own opinion, but after a bit of compairson of value, the sifting of functional features, you are left with the only one really true correct design choice. The 1968 24' Airstream Tradewind.
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12-12-2007, 11:33 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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"Best"?
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
(Cosmo Fishhawk)
How you intend to use it will determine which is the best model for you. Also your personal handiness and record of following through will determine whether you should buy OLD vintage, a newer unit, or brand new/fully restored.
2Air gave you some very good threads to study. Hang around, attend some rallies, visit some dealers... SIT in some bathrooms and lie down on the beds.
BUT also know that sooner or later you'll find one that speaks to you. That will be your best one.
Welcome. Paula Ford
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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12-12-2007, 11:56 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Venice
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,067
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The most desirable one, without a doubt, is the one that's just out of reach.
__________________
"Not all who are laundering are washed" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
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12-13-2007, 12:06 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1958 30' Sovereign of the Road
Plymouth
, New York
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,776
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Before you buy?
Go here and listen to all 59 shows... Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast
To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel
But I am in love with our 58 30 footer.
Of all the Airstreams I've owned (15 I think), one of the best floor plans I've seen was in the 75 22 footer double axle Argosy with the Center L layout.
69 was a transition year for Airstream - I like that year - the year I was born.
Rob
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12-13-2007, 04:39 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1971 27' Overlander
Central
, Ohio
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,365
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Welcome to The Forum.
The very best Airstream is the one you own without owing the bank any money on it...
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12-13-2007, 06:11 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Escondido
, California
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 196
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The grass is always greener on the other side. There will always be one just a little better,cheaper and brighter than the one you just bought.
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12-13-2007, 08:41 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
1977 31' Excella 500
Berkeley Springs
, West Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,638
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Liners rock!
I like the old Liners. Really sweet looking, long, and light. Wish I had one
__________________
- Jim
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12-13-2007, 08:45 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Most desireable Airstream trailer
Tough question.
Easy asnswer.
A 2008 34 foot trailer, with a slideout........................thats paid for.
Andy
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12-13-2007, 08:47 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Venice
, California
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 672
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robandzoe
To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel
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huh, that's funny rob, i was thinking the same thing
__________________
david
*by asking the above question,
i verify that i have already used
the search feature to the best of my ability...
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12-13-2007, 08:51 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
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mid-50's 22-footer....
Ding ding ding!!!! Right answer by me too! Although I like our GT too...and it's campable! Hope both will be by summer ~
Shari
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12-13-2007, 09:03 AM
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#16
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WBCCI 11067 WDCU
1986 25' Sovereign
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 198
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Look at the details
I agree with every thing said to this point. Particulary that everyone has an ideal size/weight/style/layout and time period. One thing a potential Airstream buyer has is information and I would encourage you to look at the details.
For instance, the general thought is trailers in the 1980s had significant weight gain. Absolutely true, I charted it! But within that period you might find the ideal trailer for your needs. I have owned a 1978, 79 and a 2004. The 2004 was too heavy and I didn't necessarily like the wide body or particle board framing of cabinets and walls. To me that adds unnecessary weight. But my 1986 has advantages to my 1978 that are important to me including center bath, large LP tanks, 2 batteries, rock guards, full closets and much more storage! Oh and did I mention no rear sag
My point is on this forum you can find the details behind most of the models and years. What a great resource. I would also recommend some of the Airstream books out there. Airstream Living and History of the Land Yacht.
But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck
__________________
Chris Keysor
WBCCI 11067
1986 Sovereign 25' CB
2007 Chevy Silverado 1500
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
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12-13-2007, 09:12 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ckeysor
But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck
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I agree. And don't worry, your "first" is the most difficult to find. Once you have one, you will learn what you like & dislike and shopping for your second will be much easier! The most expensive one is your first...it's all a trade after that!
Well, unless you become a collector like some of us!
Shari
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12-13-2007, 10:42 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1960 22' Safari
in the wilderness
, The great Mojave Desert
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,077
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Best one? Easy to answer.
Its the one where you have all the room you need in the bathroom. It'll also have the right sized bed and the bed is easy to get in and out of and make in the morning.
It'll also have the floorplan that fits how you camp.
Floorplans are more important than length. Go to rallies and look around. You'll know it when you see it.
Currently I think the most popular new Airstreams are the 25 & 27 FB models.
__________________
I'd rather be boon docking in the desert.
WBCCI 3344 FCU
AIR# 13896
CA 4
Yes, we have courtesy parking for you. About an hour North of Los Angeles.
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12-13-2007, 10:54 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robandzoe
Go here and listen to all 59 shows... Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast
To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel
But I am in love with our 58 30 footer.
Of all the Airstreams I've owned (15 I think), one of the best floor plans I've seen was in the 75 22 footer double axle Argosy with the Center L layout.
69 was a transition year for Airstream - I like that year - the year I was born.
Rob
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Ditto on your comments Rob excepting I'd be extending it to include all the 13 panel years, particularly those that have been upgraded to include a bathroom and water and waste systems. NOT that I'm biased in any way
Barry
__________________
Barry & Donna
Life is short - so is the door on a '51 Flying Cloud (ouch)
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12-13-2007, 03:11 PM
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#20
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
.
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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When at the factory I seem to recall them saying that 19 and 25 footers were the most popular, but that was before the 20, 23 and 27 footers showed up.
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