Off the side of the road...

[nesvt]

Spotted this off the road, in a backyard, behind a shed, along a fence. Not sure of it's being used for storage or sleeping or what. It seemed to be a bit buried. Some things were for sale. Took a few pictures with my cell phone.

Was wondering what you experts do when you see something like this?
From the poor pics, any idea of the year/length? Was tempted to see if it's for sale. Would love to restore one if it's not beyond hope. Looked like the rear end cap was rusted? But I also saw curtains in the front window. Not sure it's just parked or being used.

[TG Twinkie]

Looks like an Argosy. With the wrap around windows on the front. They were built by AS and have steel end caps which could explain the rust.

[TG Twinkie]

If I had to guess I would say it's a 26'. If it has tandem axles it's in the neighborhood of 26'. The first one came out in1972.

[Orlop]

The 24 has tandem axles as well and the wide stripe may make it a 78. Could be a find.

[Mike Leary]

We've seen a lot of them in the same situation. They all scream, "get me out of here and back on the road where I belong."

[mutcth]

While towing my Minuet to a state park in Vermont, I saw another Minuet parked on the side of a field, less than a mile from our campsite. It looked intact and seemed to be in use, at least as a guest/play house.

For some reason, it was so tempting to stop...good thing it wasn't a 24' rear door....

Tom

[saburkha]

no wrap windows on the rear would suggest its a rear bath layout. my guess would be a 28 footer.

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by nesvt

Spotted this off the road, in a backyard, behind a shed, along a fence. Not sure of it's being used for storage or sleeping or what. It seemed to be a bit buried. Some things were for sale. Took a few pictures with my cell phone.

Was wondering what you experts do when you see something like this?
From the poor pics, any idea of the year/length? Was tempted to see if it's for sale. Would love to restore one if it's not beyond hope. Looked like the rear end cap was rusted? But I also saw curtains in the front window. Not sure it's just parked or being used.

I think you need to see if the owner is willing to part with it and if they have the title. It may be a little work to get it out of there but it might be that you have stumbled onto a great find (if) it is a 1978. I would definately go back and check it out further. Good luck and keep us advised as to what you find out. Ed

[TG Twinkie]

Another Clue is the Argosy emblem on the front of the trailer is above the clearance lights. I can not locate a photo of anything that has this. All I've seen is trailers with the Argosy emblem between the front window and the clearance lights. The trailer in the photo has a narrow band (rub rail).

[nesvt]

With the debris and growth around it, I think it's been sitting there for a quite some time. It's several hours from my home. If the weather is nice this coming weekend, I'll take a ride and bring a camera (instead of the cell phone). There were several things for sale on the property (truck, snow plow, etc). Maybe they'd want to sell the trailer.

What makes a 1978 special? I tried Google. All I found was a recall from Beatrice Foods due to a vent problem for LP gas on the fridge.

How difficult is the process if there is no title? I assume I would need proof of ownership, like an old registration?

[oh2bcarefree]

I think Vermont is one of the states that's EASY to get a title with just a bill of sale, if your trailer is over a certain age. I think a 1978 may qualify. We needed to get a title, used a service company out west and ended up with a Vermont plate and title. You could do that easy.

Good Luck!! We can't wait to see the photos.

Tina

[nesvt]

Stopped by today. Took a closer look. It's a 1975 26 foot.
Knocked on the house door and yelled "hellooooo" a few times. Neighbor came out. Told me who the owner was, said she didn't think it was for sale, but I got the owner's name and number anyway.

VIN 26D5V0113
26 - 26 foot
D - rear bath, double bed
5 - 1975
V - Versailles, OH
0113
Is that right?

What do you think? Looks a bit "rough".

[CMSmith]

Originally Posted by mutcth

For some reason, it was so tempting to stop...good thing it wasn't a 24' rear door....

Tom

There is a rear door for sale just 20 miles from me. It is as Don-Mar airstream if you are interested. my family and I looked at it about a year ago, but it isn't right for us, I am wanting one with twins/bunks and replace the front dinette or couch with a hid-a-bed if it fits and has room to open.