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11-11-2013, 07:14 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
Eureka springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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Buying an airstream?
I am going to look at an airstream, that I think I may buy. Owner says everything is in excellent condition except the gutted bathroom.
Looks good, will have family members who have lived in many trailers and do lots of auto/trailer work inspecting it. They are selling it for $5500
Is this a good deal? Any advice about bathroom remodel? Want to live in it & later move/travel with it too.
It is a 1973 31 foot (possibly an Excel?)
Rear bathroom
Ad says: Everything works amazing and all original.
new tires
electric fire place (not in pic) a lot more has been done
flat screens
No leaks
New Vinyl floor
New Shag carpet
Air blows freezing cold heat is hot.
all that's left is the bathroom shower pan I have all parts but I don't know plumbing, I don't have awning.
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11-11-2013, 07:47 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
Menlo Park
, California
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,269
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If the axles are original, they will need to be replaced on a trailer that old. If they have been replaced, ask for documentation.
The gutted bathroom may be a blessing in disguise since that era of trailer was prone to what is called "rear end separation. " This is where corrosion leads to the separation of the body from the frame. The fix involves opening up the back end from the inside and often replacing rotted sections of plywood subfloor. You can test for rear end separation by standing on the bumper. If the body doesn't move with the bumper when you bounce up and down, the frame and body have likely separated. Search the forums for "rear end separation" to see what sort of repairs it involves. We did our own repairs and ended up with a bathroom that I like better than the original.
Don't take the owner's word for what works. Who knows what might have happened since the last time they checked it.
Other than those slightly gloomy bits of advice, you're in for a wonderful adventure. And, if everything does actually work, that price seems reasonable to me.
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11-11-2013, 07:51 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
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Keep looking. Look at lots of them so you get a feel for the value.
Gutted bathroom= $, No awning = $. Electric fireplace in an Airstream? Question owner values. Shag carpet? What is new vinyl floor covering up? 3k max. Need some photos.
Dan
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11-11-2013, 09:41 PM
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#4
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1 Rivet Member
Eureka springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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Pics
1973 31 ft airstream
Should get you to the pics... First time posting here so hope it works
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11-11-2013, 09:46 PM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member
Eureka springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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Also thank you for all the help & advice.
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11-11-2013, 09:58 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,367
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Hi, in the pictures this trailer looks pretty good. He says make offer, so he is willing to deal/take lower price. For sure do the rear bumper test for rear end separation. [could be a costly repair]
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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11-11-2013, 10:09 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
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Skin does not look very good. Looks like numerous dents. Nice wheels. Dorm style (not rv) fridge. Interior style is not my type (smyrf blue?) but that is personal. I would keep looking.
Dan
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11-11-2013, 10:20 PM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member
Eureka springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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This all very helpful, thanks again.
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11-11-2013, 10:25 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
Eureka springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
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argosy by airstream
This another one I was considering near me... Argosy 30 ft. 1975... I welcome all help & ideas.
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