Argosy owners unite !!

[Happycampers]

Only would another Argosy owner understand.. Annie

[Van]

Originally Posted by lhenk

I'm a wanna be Argosy owner. I love the look of the old travel trailers but there is not much interest around my area. I really never thought I would have the oportunity to buy one. However, on my way to work this morning I saw a 1972 or 1973 Argosy 20 for sale. It looked in good condition but I don't know what it is worth. The "horse trader" that has it (along with tractors and used farm impliments) is asking $2000.

Is that a good deal? Too high? I have absolutely no clue.

We paid 3k for ours and it was a filthy mess in fair/good condition. I would guess that if your willing to do the repair/cleaning work yourself or pay someone to do it, unless there is a major issue with it, it is probably worth that.

If it is the kind of trailer you really want it is most likely worth it to you.

[Pick]

Though not an Argosy owner, I am an admirer of them. Seen a few nice ones stay at the campground here in Florida. A really nice "Squarestream" styled Argosy was in here this week. It was a really nice clean unit. We have had several Argosy motorhomes pull in and one travel trailer. They are every bit as cool as an Airstream. Bring 'em back I say!

[Janet H]

Ihenk - the smaller ones are more desirable and fetch higher prices - I say go for it! Be aware that even a trailer in pretty good condition is full of 30 year old stuff - count on fixing and replacing many items over time. Be sure to read the axle forum to find out about worn out axles - you may have to rplace - but still worth the investment and hassle.

[gotair]

Just a note about a trailer that could be yours... Airstream has been in business for @ 60 years and 60% of thier trailers are still in use... ( and think how often you see one going down the road) Now... Argosy minuet was around @6 years what a thought... sorta like having a 65 mustang (gave it away)or 69 camaro .or maybe that 72 chev pickup I sold for fifteen hundred .. this is not cheap but sometimes what you want is more than what you need... life is short take your kid camping Dan....

[overlander64]

Greetings lhenk!

Welcome to the Forums!

I'm a wanna be Argosy owner. I love the look of the old travel trailers but there is not much interest around my area. I really never thought I would have the oportunity to buy one. However, on my way to work this morning I saw a 1972 or 1973 Argosy 20 for sale.

Since Airstream and Argosy trailers are often accidentally mis-identified through various quirks of time and history, it is valuable to be aware that there is a difference betwee the Argosy 20 (1973-1977) and the Minuet 6.0 Metre (1977-1979). The trailers are very similar down to virtually identical floorplans, and unless sitting side-by-side the differences aren't readily apparent. The biggest difference is that the Argosy 20 is a standard width coach - - (outside floor width 7' 8") - - while the Minuet 6.0 Metre is a narrow coach - - (outside floor width 7' 0"). When observing the interior, the Argosy 20 has a streetside arm on the sofa while the Minuet 6.0 Metre does not have an arm on the sofa. I haven't had the opportunity to see dinette model Argosy 20 and Minuet 6.0 Metres side-by-side to know what difference might be apparent to visual inspection. Another unique characteristic of the Minuet 6.0 Metre that it doesn't appear was shared by the Argosy 20 is the use of the aluminum composite flooring material in the Minuet.

My '78 Minuet was in good one-owner condition, but upholstery, drapes, carpet were all in need of replacement. The furnace, Dometic refrigerator, bathroom vent fan, roof vent fan, range/oven, and all electrical was serviceable. The coach needed a battery, and univolt replacement. After the my first two trips, the water heater failed requiring replacement as did the water pump. The coach did not have an air conditioner. I went into the purchase willing to pay up to $3,500 for a serviceable Minuet, and ended up with an initial purchase price just a few hundred less than the asking price on the coach that your are considering. You can see several before restoration photos of my coach at: Overlander64 Photo Album. I have owned my Minuet just short of two years and it has been a truly enjoyable yet pleasingly quirky coach!

Kevin

[Les@Catawba]

we have a 1979 Argosy 31', we really enjoy getting out, would like to meet other couples with a Argosy and trade stories, we are looking for a shop to paint our trailer, need help in locating one on the east coast, we are in NC near Hickory and just north of Charlotte, would like to hear from ya'll, we will be going to Oregon sometimes this summer, so ya'll call or as my wife says "you guys" call. (ssnapp11@cs.com)

[COArgosy78]

Hey Les, don't know about places to paint there, but you might want to read many of the posts here re: original paint brand,type and colors. I have heard of people going to their local auto paint shops to have it done. Do you have a reliable AS dealer close by? They might be able to recommend a shop. Or you could always try it yourself. Have seen posts by several who have. Just some thoughts.

[overlander64]

Greetings Les!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by Les@Catawba

we have a 1979 Argosy 31', we really enjoy getting out, would like to meet other couples with a Argosy and trade stories, . . . we will be going to Oregon sometimes this summer, so ya'll call or as my wife says "you guys" call. (ssnapp11@cs.com)

Depending upon your travel itinerary and route, you might want to consider one of several rallys that have been mentioned on this list:

June 11 - 13, 2004

Midwest Forums Rally, Moraine View State Park, LeRoy, IL (about 2hours North of I-70 just off of I-74)

Midwest Forums Rally, Moraine View State Park

July 11 - 17, 2004

Midwest Forums Mackinaw City Rally, Mackinaw Mill Creek campground, Mackinaw, MI

Midwest Forums Mackinaw City Rally, Mackinaw Mill Creek campground, Mackinaw, MI

July 30 - August 4, 2004

Vintage Airstream Club - 2004 Rocky Mountain Rally, Garden of the Gods Campground, Colorado Springs, CO

Vintage Airstream Club - 2004 Rocky Mountain Rally - Garden of the Gods Campground, Colorado, Springs, CO

The Forums Rally in Michigan is new this year, so it's hard to tell how many Argosy owners may attend. I have attended each of the other two Rallies in the past and will be again this year - - in both cases, I will be towing my Argosy Minuet - - I had plenty of Argosy owners for company at both Rallies. In fact, most of the Argosys at both the Midwest Forums Rally and the VAC Rocky Mountain Rally last year were either Minuets (6.0 Metre/6.7 Metre/7.3 Metre) or Argosy 20s - - there were only one or two of the regular line Argosys at either Rally last year.

Enjoy your travels with your Argosy!

Kevin