Just bought 25' 87 Sovereign

[bbrackman]

Well, we just bought an 87 Sovereign, a 25 footer.

This is our first Airstream. We're moving up from a Coleman tent trailer. Plan to retire within a year or so and take some extended road trips.

The Sovereign has twin rear beds, no dinette, center bath, awning on entry side only, and it's just IMMACULATE. These folks were really anal. Everything is original and most of it looks like it was very rarely used. We bought it from a guy who only owned it for a year and he (says he) bought it from the original owner. Compared to others of this age we've looked at we were really impressed with this trailer.

We probably paid too much, but sometimes you gotta go with your gut. Between the time we called him and the time we got to his place he'd taken another 6 or 8 calls on the trailer so we knew we had to make up our minds quick.

We'll take out the carpet and put in bamboo flooring or maybe Pergo, but otherwise probably just use it as is. The wife wants to re-upholster the sofa but I kinda like it's "datedness".

We pick it up tomorrow afternoon. I'll post some pictures soon afterward.

Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

[j54mark]

Welcome to the forum.

As the owner of a 25' Sovereign myself, I can say there is a lot to like about them. There are threads on these forums about both Pergo - style floors and bamboo, as well as sheet vinyl, cork.... We put in a laminate (Pergo type) floor and were once again noticing this weekend just how much stuff gets tracked into our coach. It used to just hide in the carpet.

A reupholster is not necessarily a dead loss. First, the foam in your '87 has lost much of its bounce. Replacement with good quality foam will make the couch a much more relaxing, inviting place. Secondly, even with the best of care, 17 year old fabric will start to come apart at the seams.

Mark

[dhender]

I also just bought a 1987 Sovereign. It sound a lot like the one bbrackman bought. I think the twin mattresses are a little thin and I can feel the coils so I plan to look for some new ones. Any ideas anyone.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by dhender

I also just bought a 1987 Sovereign. It sound a lot like the one bbrackman bought. I think the twin mattresses are a little thin and I can feel the coils so I plan to look for some new ones. Any ideas anyone.

I'm very lucky to reside in Virginia Beach, VA. We have "The Original Mattress Factory" where they literally make each mattress for the customer. They make two sided mattresses (with padding on both sides so they can ACTUALLY be turned). With twins you just flip left mattress to right bed and vice versa. You can't buy as good a mattress off the shelf, and even with a slight up charge for curved ends it's still a stone bargain.
The manager told me to flip mine end to end as well as flipping it over (22 CCD - front bed)... I'll tell you in that confined space, it's easier to flip ME on the bed, so this month I'll be sleeping with my head facing curbside.

Look in your area for someone who makes mattresses. Whether you choose innerspring or foam, you won't be sorry you upgraded. Of course if weight is your primary concern you could look choose an inflatable.

Tin Lizzie

[Chaplain Kent]

Welcome to the forums. I don't think you ever over pay for the trailer you want. I wish you many years of happy and safe camping.

[ckeysor]

I have a 1986 Sovereign and absolutely love it. My prior owners were also very good to the trailer, but there has still been a lot of work. Doesn't matter it is worth every minute. By far this is the best airstream I have owned (1978, 1979 and 2004).

[ckeysor]

I also re-upholstered the front couch. On the floor, we put in carpet tiles. They are reasonably light, easy to install (a lot of cutting, but your will have to do that with any type of flooring), replaceable and most important with the rubber backing instead of foam they are very easy to keep clean.

You can buy them inexpensively on-line through some of the remanent shops in Dalton, GA.