Comparing... '80s Avion...to...Early '90s Airstream..??

[route66]

...........In doing my ongoing research for a "trailer" with rivits , I'm drawn to both Avion and AS . There would seem to be a rather strong consensus that Avion(s) were , and still Are , a very well made trailer . Some feel that the Avion has a stronger frame and better quality in woodwork , etc. One poster awhile back postulated that the only reason he owned an AS , currently , was because parts were always available for his AS and not necessarily So for avion . The early 90's AS's are very hard to beat in quality just from the few I've been able to see. The other facet of appeal for me is that a late 80's Avion will be priced at about Half of what an AS of the same year . Of course , there is always a subjective portion of the value of any given trailer for sale . So I'm interested in any and all comments on this subject , Especially those from you'll who have owned...Both . thanks , r66

[davidz71]

Do a search on Avion on the forum if you haven't already. I remember on thread having a link to an Avion webpage. It was rather interesting. I've only been in two Avions. The larger of the two was rather luxurious.

[maxandgeorgia]

When we were first looking, at both 80's Avions and Airstreams, we found that many of the Avions were heavier than the Airstreams-probably because of stronger frame work and more beautiful (quality) wood work and finish of the Avions. This made a towing difference, but I agree, the Avions were beautiful trailers. Search for the Avion forum for talk with Avion owners, similar to this AS forum. I am sorry I no longer have that spedific link to share with you. ~G

[Lee Pace]

Having never been in an Avion, I can't really say. We were in a campground in Florida and there was a 5th wheel Avion. It was just gorgeous! If the owners had come back while we were there, we were going to ask if we could look inside. Sure did look well-built. I think we will check out the Avion when we buy our next trailer.

Lee Pace
WBCCI 7287
69 Overlander
72 Tradewind

[volvophile]

I was researching both classic Avions and Airstreams for about 6 months before picking up a '63 Avion T-20. It was in my price range, and more importantly it was at a dealership 5 miles away from my driveway. So that beat driving 3 states away.
The frame, running gear, construction and the fit & finish remind me of my 69 Volvo, but perhaps lighter.

The Avions dont have the name recognition that the Airstreams do.
The upside of this is that you can get into a unit for 1/3 to 1/2 the price.
The downside is that there are not as many resourced catering to classic Avion restoration. Unless Inland Andy has an evil twin that I dont know about

Anyhoo, the 2 best sites Ive found out there for the Avions are as follows:
http://www.silveravion.com/
Has historical information, manuals, brocures and tech tips going back to the beginning.

http://my.execpc.com/%7Edrg/avion.html
Is the Unoficial Fleetwood Calvacade club of Indiana and provides a wealth of information for classic and newer avions, as well as classified, repairs and tech talk.

Both sites have the business address for Cayo Repair service who still manufacture parts for all years of units.


Aside from the running gear windows, and body, most of the parts where, and still are off the shelf so are generaly as available for one as for the other.

Note I did say MOST. So if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a mushroom cap for the bathroom vent for a '60s Avion, you'll be my new best friend

[madrone]

Ventline makes a vent called "vanair", my '89 Excella has one installed in the bathroon and you also see them often in van conversions. It has a smoked plastic cap that is a
size match (but not shape) for the mushroom cap on the old Avions.

Steve
'61 Avion Tourist
'89 Airstream Excella

http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/vent...12v--vent.html

[safari57]

We looked for 22 plus years for "just the right" Airstream. In the process Avion trailers were another that we checked out but there were not nearly as many of them around. I quite liked them and they have beautiful interiors. I did find though that many of the owners we spoke to had concerns about parts availability and were getting pretty good at adapting parts made for Airstreams. The general comment I got was it gave them something a bit different from an Airstream but was still along the same lines. Many folks said that most people thought they were an Airstream model and one couple had bought theres and the title said Airstream as make and Avion as model and they thought they had an airstream until someone corrected them. I did find they were heavier and several people who owned them had suggested I check the door before buying but I cannot remember what that was all about. I still pass one most Saturdays that if it came up for sale I would be forced to add to my collection it's so nice and been so well kept. Sadly for me, that's what the owners think to. But I'm a lot younger than them so.......
Good luck with your search.
Barry