1986 290 Limited??

[Curtis-79MH]

There is a 290 for sale and I don't know much about them. I have a '79 28 footer, but the 290 has a rear queen (or double). I can't find much information on a 290 at all. This 290 has a 454, and oak overhead cabinets (unlike my '79). I really like the rear bed, though. Does anyone know anything about a 290? What does "Limited" mean? The asking price is 16k, which doesn't sound too bad. Thanks.

[Condoluminum]

The 290 Limited refers to Trim level, with Limited having high end interior, better wood, etc... At that price it could be a great deal or big problem, depending on accessories, engine and transmission, running gear, floor and chassis, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical etc etc etc...

If all were in good working order, with no leaks, squeals, belching smoke or dead switches, it might be worth more like $25K and up, depending on condition of interior and exterior. From there, get some good inspections and start deducting for unknowns or known problems...

Hopefully one of the MH owners will weigh in with more detailed checklist of things to review...

John McG

[swebster]

Did you already check out the 290 page on Fred's Airstream Motorhome site?

http://www.airstreammotorhomes.com/M_290.html

Rear bedrooms are terrific. Big plus. Same basic MH as what you have now...P30, 454, etc.

[Curtis-79MH]

I have looked at Fred's website, but I didn't see any '86 290's. The biggest difference is that the one I have been looking at does not have the wrap around windows in the rear, but instead has one center window in the rear (more like my 1979). Also, none of Fred's examples are "Limited" as far as I can tell. I believe the wrap around windows are much nicer looking by the way; so I am wondering what separates the "Limited" from the others. It really isn't a big issue because I like the rear bedroom so much. I am just trying to find out about the 1986 290 model (maybe it was before the wrap around windows were available??). Thanks to you both for the replies.

[thenewkid64]

Originally Posted by Curtis-79MH

It really isn't a big issue because I like the rear bedroom so much. I am just trying to find out about the 1986 290 model (maybe it was before the wrap around windows were available??).

I have the rear wrap windows on my 78 Argosy

It could have been ordered that way. The wrap windows do allow a fair amount of cold or heat in since they are single pane glass.

Limited means that you got all the factory goodies.

[swebster]

Those wrap arounds where a big reason we ended up in an AS MH..lots and lots of light coming into what is typically a "cave with a mattress" on most SOB units...also very cool when you're backed up to a lake or ocean.

[MrGoate]

As usual, everyone's on target. We've seen a 250, a 290 and a 325 with the closed rear window treatment; am told special order, with Limited also being the top level upgrade. We feel our rear twin '88 290 with wrap around rear window not only epitomizes the Airstream design theory, but also offers a panoramic visual experience unlike none other; this, however, is just our preference. Either way, the separate bedroom is fantastic, paired with the split bath, even better!

If mechanically sound, we'd certainly suggest you give the coach further consideration as there aren't that many 290s of any year around, let alone at such a good price!

[wascobob]

We also have a 1988 290 Classic MH with wrap around rear bedroom windows. Great coach with the perfect floor plan.

I have never heard of an 86 rear bedroom without wrap around rear windows!
If it is a 290 MH I would take a hard look. They are few and far between for that kind of money. Got pics?

Bob of Bob and Molly

[ALANSD]

I have seen the rear windows in both configurations. The price for the 290 sounds very good if all is well with it. Even a few thousand in repairs and maintenance would be ok at that price.
The 290 is definitely rarer than some of our models, which are all pretty scarce, as you know if you want to find a nice one. The limited should have the wood cabinets instead of the plastic, and leather front seats.
It is similiar in most ways to the 310, of course being onoly two feet shorter.
I wondered is it striped or all aluminum?

[Astrodokk]

I for one really like the rear queen, especially if it's an island bed. The double would be way too short, albeit better than the sleeper sofa I have now. I would just let my feet hang off. I actually like the rectangular window in the rear, rather than the wrap, due to security reasons. I feel, just in my opinion, that the wrap allows for too much exposure to me when sleeping in those places that are unplanned. In other words, not in RV parks, which I've done many times. Still, the wrap is a very nice look. I think that the 290 for 16K is a good buy if everything works OK. It may cost you 20 -25 after you've fixed it up the way you want...headers, exhaust, tires, repairs, et cetera.