Excella - 25'

[RevBec]

Hi to all-
I first posted a message in May...
We knew we wanted an airstream, and thought a vintage Bambi would be perfect for our unhandy family of 5!
After reading around this site (quite helpful for the novice) and taking generously offered advice, we could soon be new owners of a 25' 1992 Excella!
Quite a journey from where we started, but profiting from those who have been there.
Any one out there who has one and can give any advice? Do you love it? Not love it? What do you think of the floor plan? Anything to watch out for in this year, any nugget of wisdom at all would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Becca
One concern is that it appears to be molting...and front curtains are missing...

[GStephens]

I don't have any experience with the 1992 25' so someone else will have to address that issue, but I did think I might advise you that the two things you mention are both pretty expensive items to correct. I suppose that the "molt" to which you refer is the plasticoat pealing from the outside. To repair, one must strip the old coat off along with the inherent oxidation that has usually set in where aluminum is exposed to the elements in the absence of the protective coating then a new plasticoat reapplied. You are talking a cost in the neighborhood of $125 per linear foot of trailer to have someone make this repair or over $3000. If you do it yourself, you will need some specialized tools and an awful lot of time. The drapes are another fairly expensive item to have recreated and custom made. Unless the trailer has been discounted for these problems and any others that it might have, I would consider trying to find a unit that has been better taken care of with as few problems as possible. Of course you might be one of those types who like to make all of these repairs yourself as sort of a hobby. If so, then that is another matter. This forum has all sorts of information of removal of the plasticoat, polishing, and sources for the replacement of the drapes.

We were fortunate in finding our unit. It has been stored inside its entire life and has been meticulously maintained. Still, I've probably added another $3,000 in repairs to bring it up to "as new" condition. It was more expensive for me in that I didn't have the time, expertise nor desire to do a lot of this work and therefore had various repair facilities do much of it for me. In my case, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this trailer all over again and put in the money I've expended, but I just wanted to point these facts out to you. It might be wise to have someone look at any potential purchase you are considering to give you advice as to its condition and what needed repairs might cost before you buy. There is an ongoing thread on this forum called "so you are considering buying a trailer three states away" where-in various members volunteer to assist potential new owners in evaluating units they are considering. There is probably someone near you who would be willing to help you evaluate this trailer.
GStephens

[Ken J]

Having said that.........1992 is a great year, very stable design next to the last of the narrow bodies. I really like that partucular unit - almost bought one myself (then decided to go the crazy route and restore one). Unfortunately, that was one of the transition years for clear coat and they had a lot of problems with it. As G said about it can be an expensive fix - if its just the top though, you should be able to just have the top sprayed. I'm a little surprised that curtains are gone - with the front shaded rock guard the curtains stay pretty good.

The late 80's early 90's 25 footers are pretty hard to find, so if its a unit you want and its been taken care of - again as G says above, negociate a good price for it and enjoy!

Ken

[StreamNTyme]

We have a '93 29' Excella and love it. It is peeling on the crown, so I do not look at it. We may repair the coating later, but the inside is perfect. A good cleaning, waxed the cabinets, a new wood floor, recovered the sofa and it is (I will say it again) perfect.

[Ken J]

If you just have relatively small spots that are peeling, you can touch those up with clearcoat spray avaliable at Airstream dealers

Ken

[uwe]

I think a 25ft Airstream is a great size to own and tow. caadoptees towed a 25ft excella to our mini forum rally to Mexico in March, theirs had a center bath and rear bedroom. I thought that this was a great trailer, seeing it being towed and used, etc.
Both my trailers are in teh 25/26ft range. Nice thing is, they can be towed with decent 1/2 ton trucks, vans and suv's.

[hookedonclassic]

We just purchased a nice 29' 1992 about 1 month ago and it was it top shape. Clearcoat is very good with only minor peaking on the roof. We cleaning, shampoed carpet and couch, and ordered new curtains ($930) but it will be a gem for many years to come. I'm impressed with the quality of the unit. I'd do again even though it wasn't a bargain for me. Rich

[RevBec]

My husband made it home last night with our new addition- and she is GREAT!
We bought her from a nice widow lady in PA and she was even better than described- a 25' 1992 Excella in great and pampered shape!

She has a small tear in the couch fabric that I can patch,
and a small bend in one of the awning poles (straighten maybe?), and a double square light in the center of the ceiling that I can't seem to turn on (may need a bulb). She was immaculately clean until my husband spilled coffee! And better than represented. Pulled like a dream across country!

But she may have acne- the clear coat at the top makes it look like she is molting- and we would pay to have this fixed- anyone able to recommend someone?

Thank you- and
YIPPEEEEE!

[john hd]

try the switch by the door, your living room ceiling light is controlled by it, and the switch on the light itself.

congrats on your new addition!

john

[Ken J]

If the peeling is relatively minor, you can get some spray clearcoat from any Airstream dealer

Ken

[myboyburt]

We love our 93 25' Excella! It's the perfect size (ok, maybe the bathroom is a bit tight). The Tube, as we call it is peeling clearcoat big time and is in need of a complete strip, polish and recoat but we believe it is well worth the expense.