Approach to Obtaining an Airstream

[RUSSELL5000]

I have had an RV for three years. I am giving serious thought to being able to full-time when I retire (most likely in ten years). I want to readily fit into state park, national park, national forest, etc., campgrounds. I really like the looks of the triple axle trailers that are roughly 34 feet long.
What do you think is the most realistic approach: (1) search to find a trailer that has been extensively updated, or (2) search to find a trailer and then have it extensively updated? I think the second approach would be better as then I could have personal specifics built in. But, is one approach significantly better than another financially?
Thanks!

[kb0zke]

Welcome Russel! Boy, you sure know how to start a discussion, don't you. <grin>

The advantage of buying a coach that is already done is that you can start enjoying it right away, but it may not be exactly what you want. The advantage of buying one and then updating it is that you can make it exactly what you want, but it will take a while.

You handy are you? If you can do at least some of the work yourself you will save money AND learn more about your coach. Since it sounds like you have some time, you might want to consider buying a coach that is somewhere close to what you think you will want, use it as is for a year or two, and then start your renovation/update. If you can't do all of the work yourself you can maybe work in stages with the factory or someone near you, so that you do your part between them doing their part.

If you can afford to keep the RV you currently have you will have the best of all possible worlds. You can go whenever you want in the current rig, you can take the Airstream out when it is ready for a trip, and you can get to know your new coach before you start making expensive mistakes.